http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/b14f752ceeb83b5d3ec32d8897941aeb.pdf 22959839d2695c5bd789cb6116fbfab5 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 11 November 2002 ... TRANSCOM's Gen. Handy States Powerful Case for Maritime Security Progra Gen. John W. Handy (USAF), Commander, TRANSCOM, last month told Congress that America needs immediate reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program. Page 3. Hands-On Training for Apprentices Practical training is an integral part of the unlicensed apprentice program offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Above, student Edward Willis prepares to close a hatch on the training vessel Osprey. Page 8. SIU Member Honored For Rescue at Sea CIVMAR News Page1 ITF Spotlights Treatment Of Cruise-Ship Mariners ~~~~~~~~~~-Page2 JB Joi s SIU Fleet The union last month welcomed Intrepid Ship Management's newest SIU-crewed tug and accompanying double-hulled barge at a ceremony in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Seafarers are sailing aboard the tug Ocean Reliance and the barge 550-3 (pictured at left). Pictured in the wheelhouse following the christening are (from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Capt. George Sadler and SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Page 3. SIU Helps Deliver The (Baseball) Goods When volunteers in Pennsylvania began collecting baseball equipment for donation to kids in Puerto Rico , they quickly were overwhelmed by the strong response . SIU-contracted CSX Lines, working with the Baseball Hall of Fame, stepped up to the plate and voluntarily delivered the gear. Helping sort out the details of the transport are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) and former Cincinnati Reds great Tony Perez, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Page 4. �President's Report Answering the Call In and around the nation's capital, October 's headlines have been dominated by sniper shootings which alarmed the entire ::---ir.......,,..,, region. In fact, the story has received worldwide attention. As of this writing our region finally is breathing a sigh of relief. It appears the killers have been caught. Still, it's rare to get through a conversation around here without the subject coming up. That's understandable, considering both the frequency of the attacks and the fact that everyone Michael Sacco who works at the union's headquarters lives in an area that was at risk. Yet, as consuming as the sniper case has been, the SIU also hasn't taken its eyes off an even bigger story: our nation's potential conflict with Iraq. For some time now, the conventional wisdom across the nation mostly has been, it's not a case of "if' we'll go to war with Iraq, but rather ''when." Whenever the balloon goes up, I know that the SIU and the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine will deliver. It is our duty as the nation's "fourth arm of defense." It is also our legacy, from the very beginnings of our country. While the Persian Gulf War presented its own unique challenges 11 years ago, the next conflict with Iraq-whenever it might take place-figures to offer a different set of difficulties. For now, it's unclear how our allies from the last war will react. Also, as in any other industry, shipboard technologies have changed dramatically. Presumably, so have the capabilities of our enemies. Despite the uncertainties, recently it has been heartwarming and inspirational to hear the confidence expressed in the U.S. Merchant Marine by the heads of the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Transportation Command, respectively. As mentioned in my previous column, MSC Commander Rear Admiral David Brewer truly provided a highlight of the SIUNA convention in September when he enthusiastically spoke about his belief in our merchant marine's readiness. He has seen firsthand that we deliver the goods. A few weeks after the convention, TRANSCOM Commander General John Handy went before Congress and, in the course of promoting the Maritime Security Program, noted the U.S. Merchant Marine's reliability and value. His message was crystal clear: America's national security is best served by maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet. There are many other examples of prominent, highly respected people declaring their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, none of which is taken for granted. It's always reassuring to know that others understand our industry's history and its importance. Soon, it seems, we'll have another chance to prove our worth and capabilities as the fourth arm of defense. You know the old saying: What have you done for me lately? That's the only thing that'll matter whenever we get the call. That's why it's so absolutely critical that Seafarers live up to our patriotic history. We must be willing to make sacrifices- just as we did during World War II. We must be willing to support our troops wherever they need us- just as we did in the Korean War. We must be willing to sustain the war effort for a prolonged period- just as we did in Vietnam. And we must be willing to face new and unprecedented threats in order to protect freedom-just as we did during Operation Desert Storm. Naturally, it would be great if war became a thing of the past. Just as it would be welcome news to hear that Saddam Hussein has learned to behave and cooperate. I'm not counting on either of those things happening. But I'm very much counting on every SIU member as well as all of our brothers and sisters from throughout maritime labor to answer the call and deliver the goods. We may not know when the call will arrive, but we are ready. We know our duty, we love our country, and we absolutely will get the job done. Volume 64, Number 11 November 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/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, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A . Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOB ITF Steps Up Campaign Ta Spotlight Mistreatment Of Cruise-Ship Employees Excessively long hours, very low pay, and management as abusive as anything one might find in sweatshop factories are common on many cruise ships, says a new report jointly published by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the British campaigning organization War on Want. Together with ITF-affiliated maritime trade unions in the United Kingdom (RMT and NUMAST), the two organizations launched the "Sweatships" campaign for the rights of cruise ship employees. The SIU is an ITF affiliate and is active in the federation's worldwide campaign on behalf of cruise-ship workers. In recently announcing the report, the ITF said that cruise lines "offer a dream way of taking a holiday, and 12 million passengers do so every year. But for those working on board, particularly those below decks from the developing countries, the reality can be a dream gone sour." The federation further reported that nearly onethird of the 114,500 maritime and hotel/catering staff members working on cruise ships worldwide are covered by union agreements. But some cruise employers remain hostile to union organization on board. "On these vessels, the ITF Cruise Ship Campaign has found serious abuse of human rights below decks in total contrast to the luxury enjoyed by the passengers above," the federation stated. The ITF is particularly concerned that some crewing agents in poor countries charge new recruits $1,500 or more for airfares, medical costs and so-called administrative fees just to get the job. This violates international labor standards. Cruise companies also take an indemnity from the first month's wages against the worker going AWOL. Such practices tum cruise ship workers into virtual bonded labor, the federation declared. The report's author, Celia Mather, says, "It was a shock to interview people such as an Indian crew member who works in the galley, peeling vegetables for 11 hours a day, six or seven days a week, and some receptionists and cabin stewards from Peru and Lithuania put under sexual pressure by their managers just to keep their jobs. Their anger is palpable, particularly because they were sold a dream ---0f working in a luxury industry. But they soon learned that if they complain they will be sent home at the next port." The ITF has taken up numerous cases of individual cruise ship employees who are mistreated by their employers. It has also assisted in the repatriation of several thousands of crew members left abandoned across the globe as the Premier, Renaissance and Commodore lines went bankrupt in recent years. The Sweatships campaign marks a new phase in ITF activity on the cruise industry, now enlisting the support of the general public and consumers. Cruise-goers in particular are urged to take up cruise workers ' rights with their tour operators when planning a vacation, favoring the cruise companies which have union agreements on board. Stephen Cotton, secretary of the ITF Special Seafarers' Department, said, "This is a highly profitable part of the maritime industry, and many cruise companies are maximizing their profits through putting an unfair squeeze on their workforce, particularly those from poor countries who are desperate for an income. Some cruise lines are getting away with abusive labor practices partly because they register ships in 'flag-of-convenience' countries such as Panama and the Bahamas. We hope that raising public awareness will help us to put more pressure on the international regulatory authorities to take stronger action against bad practices." 'Sweatships': Faots.Abaut ~Cruise Industry 1. About 114,500 :seafarers, both marine and hoteVcaterfng staff, are.wor.king on board cruise ships at any one time, with a total workforce of nearly 150,000 worldwide. 2. About 12 million passengers tat<e a cruise ~very year. The figures have been increasing every year since the cruise Industry took off in the 1970s. 3. Cruise passengers by nationality in 2000 were North American 61 percent; Europeap 22 percent; 'Other' approx- · ''imately 17 percent. The number of European passengers has been growing at r,pughly 15 percent a year since the mid-1990s. 4. With.tn tourism, the cruise industry is one of the two fastest growfng seetors•.WithlnJhe maritime industry, cruise shipping has ~ipped the growth of any other sector since the mki-19a0s. 5. At the turn of the millennium, there ~e ~boµt 4l cruise lines operating around th& wortd;'with near1y.200 veS: sels of 4,500 total gross tonnage and above. 6. W~.re ~ qrt.rise passengers sail: America and the ·Caribbean 58 percent; Eorope'21 percent; Asta 1Tpereent; Other 4 percent 7. Miami fsthe top cruise pert, wfth. needy 3 mtlUon:•"' sengers In 1999. 8. Four giant comparnes dominate the cruise industry: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, P&O Prln_cess, and Star Crui~~- They account for more than hal(the total number of farg~· cruise vessels. merger discussions which would tum the cornbinecf ve?ture into the wortd's largest cruise corporation, QirniVal~ :their main rival, has h;;su~ hosttle takeover bids far ,; P-&O Princess, The merger is l}fldef C<)rlsiqerationby U.S. a~ European trade commlssfons. ·.: · ·· .,.. .., · 10. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, currently being built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St.•Nazaire. F.rance. and due in service from January 2004, Will be the largest vessel in terms of gross tonnage: 150,000. ·.,,,11,. ·. Royat Caribbean·s AdVenture of the Seas, which started sailing Jn late Z001, is the largest by berths: a total of 5,020 passengers and crew. 12~.Ma.gy c.i;µf$f) vessels are flying lhe so-calle9 flag of convenien~ 9{t~,8ahamas or Panama. This,pta~ these. ships tin~ the' ~f :framework of countries. Wttlch.1'are. notonoos.fot nQJ ~ intemationaf. m(titimtii s@." $'~· .-- ' . ,,,., ":;_f '· ,·~·- Federation's New Web Site Shows Candidates' Records The AFL-CIO in mid-October launched a new web site (www.socialsecuritypledge.org) to document candidates' positions on Social Security privatization and adding a genuine prescription drug benefit to seniors under Medicare. "The next Congress will make key decisions that determine the future of Social Security and Medicare. Many candidates are trying to confuse voters about what privatization means and what plans they support. Whether a candidate signs the pledge or refuses to will clearly define his or her position on saving the program as a monthly guarantee or gutting it and letting Wall Street take over," explained AFL-CIO ''"'· a Royat Caribbean and P&O Prince$$ a~ enga~d in President John Sweeney. The new site will be updated daily so those interested in the issue can easily check to see if candidates in their state have signed the pledge in support of Social Security and Medicare. The site only documents where at least one candidate in a race for elected office has signed the .'.>~:,-~ '"'~:~'' ·--~%t pledge. Pledges were mailed to all incumbents and challengers for federal office. As of Oct. 8, 172 Republicans and Democrats have signed the pledge. Their names, as well as the names of their challengers, are documented on the site. "The pledge asks a straightforward question that the public deserves to hear answered," said Sweeney. "Changing Social Security would affect more than 46 million people today and millions more in the future." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Wednesday, December 25 for the observance of Christmas Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2002 �Chief Backs MSP TRA Gen. Handy Delivers Airtight Case for Reauthorization The head of the United States Transportation C~m­ mand (TRANSCOM) last month urged Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). In the strongest possible terms, U.S. Gen. John W. Handy declared his support for the MSP and explained in detail how the program benefits America. Gen. Handy appeared before the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee on Oct. 8. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.) chairs the panel. TRANSCOM is responsible for all of the U.S. military's sealift assets. The MSP program, set to expire in 2005, helps maintain a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels crewed by American citizens. Participating ship operators agree to make their vessels and other transport-related resources available to the Department of Defense in times of war or national - tr o l and global response capability. As .we look at operations on multiple fron in upport of the war on terrori m it is clear that our limited defense resources will increasingly rely on partnerships with industry to maintain the needed capability and capacity· to meet our most ~eali Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.) while still maintaining a noted that some foreign . commercial presence). A crews refused to deliver lot of the discussions about U.S. materiel during the MSP reauthorization ultimately have an impact on Persian Gulf War. "A viable U.S. mariner mariner availability- the capacity precludes those lack of viable U.S. shipping sorts of things from becom- determines the success or ing a reality," the general availability of the mariner answered. "Every endeavor pool." of Gen. Segments that we can take as a nation to secure and sustain a Handy's testimony follow: "MSP is a cost-effective viable U.S .-flag shipping and mariner capability, program that assures guarfrom a [Defense Depart- anteed access to required ment] perspective we ab- commercial U.S.-flag shipsolutely, categorically sup- ping and U.S . Merchant Mariners, when needed. port-no questions." In other discussions The alternative to MSP is, with the panel, Gen. Handy ultimately, reliance on forstated that America must eign-flag vessels manned maintain a shipbuilding by foreign crews during crisis. MSP provides the security of resources we "MSP reauthorization is, without must have in a very uncertain world fraught with question, the linchpin in our asymmetric threats. MSP ' ensures the development wartime U.S. commercial sealift and sustainment of critical strategic partnerships favcapability .... MSP reauthorization orable to the United States. And, MSP helps ensure the now is a national security imperative viability of America's merchant mariner pool needed of the highest magnitude" to activate the Reserve Fleet. MSP makes sense. -Gen. John W. Handy,'TRANSCOM Commander We can't afford not to invest in MSP. I strongly advocate for swift reauthorization. At the same time, if the capability. H "MSP is a critical comcribed ealift a P weren' t renewed the rnment would face the greate t ontri utor to our ponent of our strategy untm , multi-billion dol- force projection capability which recognizes and relies lar prospect of replacing over the long term." upon significant augmentathe assets currently availThe general was asked if tion from the U.S. commerable through the program. America has the mariner cial sealift industry to supThe latter ceaario, though pool needed for an activa- port the warfighter's needs. it seems very unlikely, tion. He answered, "As a We limit our organic fleet would require planning that nation, we ought to be con- to those assets Jhat the already would be late if it cerned about our mariner commercial sector cannot began today. pool. Today, we probably provide. Only 33 percent of After submitting his tes- have the mariners we need the vessels we may require timony, Handy answered to operate the ships that we reside in our organic fleets. questions from the panel. would activate (in war The remainder of the sealift demanding wartime scenarios. That makes MSP reauthorization even more important as we look toward the future." SIU This summer, President Michael Sacco led a group of maritime union officials in urging Congress to extend the program by an additional 20 years and expand the MSP fleet to at least 60 vessels. The maritime labor delegation pointed out that the nation can't afford to wait for MSP reauthorization, in part because operators need time to plan for replacement tonnage and other considerations to sustain the program beyond 2005. Seafarers Crew Up Newest ATB Foul weather didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the more than 100 people who celebrated the christening of Intrepid Ship Management's newest SIU-crewed tug and accompanying double-hulled barge Oct. 18 in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Seafarers are sailing aboard the 9,280-hp tug Ocean Reliance and 155,000-barrel barge 550-3, which together form a state-of-the-art articulated tug-barge (ATB). The ATB was built by The Manitowoc (Wis.) Company, Inc . . SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Representative Todd Brdak represented the union at the christening, which took place in a steady downpour of rain and sleet. An ATB has a hinged connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. The new ATB tank vessel incorporates the latest advances in environmental protection and safety while addressing increased efficiencies in hose handling, anchoring, mooring, discharge and The barge 550-3 is designed for safety and loading of product. · efficiency. The 550-3 is double hulled and the tug is double sided. The barge ria, and has a foam-capable fire monhas an inert gas system as well as an itor; twin fuel-efficient reduced emisenhanced cargo system and a fully sion electronic diesel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades redundant ballast system. The Ocean Reliance meets all to increase crew comfort. The comSOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and munication and navigation equipment American Bureau of Shipping crite- is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today. Left: SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (right) and Chief Engineers Bob Carroll (left) and Marc Grantham were on hand to welcome the new ATS . Right: SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (center) and Seafarers Marc Grantham (left) and Bob Carroll examine the Ocean Reliance after its christening. Naflember 2002 Gen. John W. Handy (USAF), Commander, TRANSCOM capacity needed to transport military equipment and supplies comes from the commercial sector. Looking ahead, the War on Terrorism could eventually push our baseline requirement for commercial sealift even higher. "MSP reauthorization is, without question, the linchpin in our wartime U.S. commercial sealift capability, through its integral support of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). VISA is a threeprogram that pha ed enables time-phased access to militarily useful U.S.flag commercial dry cargo sealift capacity. VISA is cost-efficient because it contractually provides assured access to commercial U.S. sealift assets, mariners, and intermodal capacity when required, releasing the American taxpayer from otherwise bearing the procurement, overhead, and maintenance costs of a profoundly larger organic military capability. Our current organic military fleet is much improved over just 10 years ago and is structured to support our surge requirements in time of conflict. However, the bulk of large-scale sustainment sealift in times of major conflict resides with the commercial sector ·that we also depend on for day-today support of peacetime requirements. That is what makes the VISA-MSP link such a perfect fit. MSP and VISA are truly complementary force multipliers. We need both MSP and VISA. MSP's guaranteed access to vessels, combined with VISA's capacity and supporting global intermodal infrastructures fulfills the sealift requirements to meet war fighter needs.... · "We need MSP now. MSP in it~ current construct Continued on page 10 NY Waterway Adds 2 Ferries SIU-contracted NY Waterway recently added two more boats to its rapidly expanding fleet of passenger ferries. The company, based in Weehawken, N.J., christened the Fred V. Morrone on Aug. 13 and the Enduring Freedom on Sept. 3. NY Waterway owns 35 ferries and charters about a dozen more. Five more ferries are on order. The Enduring Freedom and the Fred V. Morrone each can carry 97 passengers at more than 30 knots. They will transport customers from Queens to lower Manhattan and back. NY Waterway noted that the Enduring Freedom was named in honor of the heroes of September 11 and the war against terrorism, while the Morrone was named for the 37 port authority police officers who died during the attack at the World Trade Center. Fred Morrone was the superintendent of police for the Po·r t Authority of New York and New Jersey. The SIU represents captains and deckhands aboard NY Waterway ferries . Those Seafarers evacuated more than 160,000 people from Manhattan on September 11. NY Waterway is the largest privately owned commuter ferry operator in the United States. This past summer, the company became the first private ferry operator in the nation to require its captains and deckhands to complete a formal course in crowd management. Two years ago, NY Waterway became the first to estab.lish STCW Basic Safety Training as a requirement for captains and deckhands. Seafams LOG 3 �Quickly But Cautiously, Sealarers Help Rescue 5 Cuban Refugees Editors note: AB Tom Komenda recently submitted the following article about a rescue at sea that involved special security considerations. On Friday, August 9 at 1135 the Maritrans/Interocean Ugland Management tanker Perseverance (bound for Beaumont, Texas) was two days west of her last port of call, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. She was on a course of 290 degrees, her position was 22-47N, 078-34.5W and 11 nautical miles north of Cayo Coco, Cuba when the 1200-1600 AMO 3n1 Mate (on bridge watch) Bill McNiel noticed a small craft in the distance. After a closer look, the persons on board appeared to be waving their arms and oars. At 1136 the mate on watch notified the captain of a possible refugee craft. Once confirmed, he contacted the Coast Guard in Miami. At 1145 the Coast Guard advised our vessel to "slow, maneuver and pick up migrants." The mate on watch then sounded the general alarm and all hands to emergency stations. The wind and seas were calm that morning so Captain Jim Todd decided to lower the accommodation ladder instead of launching a lifeboat. By the time the ladder was rigged into position the tanker was stop-dead, making no headway, and the refugee vessel bore 500 yards off her starboard bow. The refugees paddled desperately but with smiling faces toward the ship. As the rickety craft, rigged with inner tubes, a sheet for a sail and five sunburned Cubans inched closer, Capt. Todd wondered out load if he were doing the right thing. In light of the aftermath of 9/11, shipboard security is para- Lakes Pact Inked The new Great Lakes Standard Freight Ships Agreement was signed Sept. 10 during the 35th annual meeting of the Paul Hall Center Advisory Board in Piney Point, Md. Bargaining committee members present during the signing were (from left) Chris Kamm and Joe Sullivan of Kinsman/Great Lakes Associates; Kevin McMonagle of American Steamship Company (ASC); SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski; Roy Walker of Kinsman/Great Lakes Associates; Kathy Elinski of ASC; and SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton. Also serving on the negotiations committee (but not pictured here) were John Young of U.S. Great Lakes Fleet; Gerry Grammenos of Cleveland Tankers; Jeff Covinsky and Ed Hogan of Hannah Marine; and SIU Representative Todd Brdak. SIU members on the Lakes unanimously approved the contract. Seafarers-Crewed CSX Hawaii Carries Baseball Gear to Kids It began with a charitable but seemingly small-scale idea. A man in Newtown, Pa. wanted to donate some old youth baseball equipment that still was in great shape. Soon, volunteers from throughout the community joined the effort- leading to a packed garage full of quality baseball gear. Enter SIU-contracted CSX Lines, the Baseball Hall of Fame Meeting last month in Washington, D.C. to help cement plans for voluntarily transporting youth baseball equipment to kids in Puerto Rico are (from left) Mark Ruge of the law firm Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds; SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez; Baseball Hall of Fame member Tony Perez; CSX Lines CEO Chuck Raymond; and Baseball Hall of Fame President Dale Petroskey. 4 Seafarers LOG mount and even more so on board tankers. Various security alerts and bulletins, including updated terrorist threats learned by the U.S. government, have become routine. "Isn't the terrorist prison camp for the al Qaeda and Taliban at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba?" quipped one crew member. The migrant vessel was now alongside and the crew was in place for a humanitarian rescue. First aid equipment, stretchers, automatic external defibrillators and fresh water were laid out and available next to the top of the ladder for emergency assistance. In case there was to be any unruliness on the part of the migrants, the first man to greet them was 215 lb., former Puerto Rican police officer, AB Hector Cumba. Next up was a 6-foot-4, 250-lb. AB named Dave Harvey, equipped with baton and plastic cable ties for handcuffs if needed. They boarded one at a time and were searched thoroughly for contraband. Their confiscated baggage was searched; it contained old clothing and identification. They were five males, ages 25-45 and spoke no English (AB Cumba translated). They appeared sun-weary and seasick. The men had said they had been out at sea for five days and had not eaten since, although they did have a small amount of fresh water on board. The men were then led to the decontamination showers on the main deck. Capt. Todd instructed the emergency party to sink the small craft. Bosun Jim Bishop had the honors. Equipped with PFD (personal flotation device) and lifeline, he made his way down the ladder, slashed the tubing, flooded the small compart- Key Transportation Forum Tackles Treatment of Crews, Shipboard Security Issues The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) tackled a wide range of security-related issues at its recent forum in Greensboro, N.C., and the maritime industry got its share of attention. SIU President Michael Sacco served on the maritime panel, headed by the chief of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Rear Adm. David Brewer. Also appearing on the panel were Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; Bethann Rooney, manager of port security for the Port of New York & New Jersey; Raymond Ebeling, president and chairman, American Roll-on Roll-off Carriers; and John Reinhart, CEO of Maersk Line, Ltd. The 56th annual forum-with the theme "Transportation Security-Global Changes, Challenges and Solutions"-took place Sept. and the Roberto Clemente Sports City, which coordinated efforts to transport the equipment to kids in Puerto Rico. CSX Lines voluntarily carried the cargo from Elizabeth, NJ. to Carolina, P.R. aboard the SIU-crewed CSX Hawaii. The parent company also arranged for ground transportation in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. "Youths are the future of baseball. By providing baseball equipment to those less fortunate, we are ensuring that baseball continues to develop for a new generation of aspiring athletes," said Brad Hom, a spokesman for the Baseball Hall of Fame. "The generosities of CSX Lines, the Roberto Clemente Sports City and the volunteers that provided this equipment are symbols of the enduring spirit found in this great game." The Clemente Sports City is a popular, multi-purpose athletics and education center named in memory of the Pittsburgh Pirates' late right fielder who died in a plane crash while on a humanitarian mission in December 1972. Clemente posthumously entered the Hall of Fame the following year. 29-0ct. 2. It featured high-ranking officials from throughout all sectors of the nation's transportation industries. The forum's sponsor is a nonprofit educational association organized in 1944 and dedicated to Defense Transportation preparedness. Sacco told the audience about some of the security concerns shared by maritime labor; steps n o that h un·on h , improve security; and some additional possible solutions. He emphasized the need for a reliable means of verifying identities of foreign mariners arriving at U.S. ports. He also noted the recent lack of consistency from port to port, both within the U.S. and internationally, in enforcing security measures-and specifically in the treatment of crews. For example, Sacco pointed out that by some estimates, 20 syste ' In a retat ment with a firehose and sank the craft. The migrants were given showers and the 2nd mate's clean clothing, then quarantined on board in the crew lounge where they were fed a hot, hearty meal. The Coast Guard was made aware of the situation. A time and position was set up for a rendezvous with the Coast Guard vessel Block Island out of Key West for transfer. All the Cuban men departed safely. So congratulations to the crew of the tanker Perseverance in their professionalism to duty and concern for the safety of fellow man. They handled the situation in the true tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine, by hearing the call and answering without delay. I would have liked to have been on the main deck to see the uien and their boat but I was summoned by Capt. Todd to be the helmsman. - AB Tom Komenda percent of the private oil terminals in Houston have denied leave to crews, including those from U.S.-flag ships. Some ports also at least occasionally have barred crew changes. "Obviously, no one is arguing against being cautious," Sacco told the forum. "The problem is consistency." He described the anti-terrorism training received by every student at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (based in Piney Point, Md.) as well as other security-related courses offered at the school, such as damage control and CBRD (chemical, biological, radiolo ical defense . In summary, he stated, "The SIU and the other unions are extremely committed to working with the NDTA, MSC, the Maritime Administration, the Coast Guard, the Office of Homeland Security, the numerous international organizations including the IMO and ILO, the ports and the shipping companies to improve and ensure maritime security. We will do whatever it takes." ment. members from the ~U now may fufly uti· lize the u ortunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Tff!fQJttj''attd Education in Piney Point, Md. Previously. they could on!Y -·· io certain courses as diptated by NMU funding. tne MSC Commander Promoted Rear Admiral David Brewer, USN, a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, became the U.S. Navy's newest three-star admiral when he was promoted Oct. 23, 2002, by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Vern Clark at ceremonies on the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Rear Adm. Brewer is the commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, the command responsible for the Navy's 120 noncombatant ships operating worldwide. Many of those vessels are crewed by Seafarers. Rear Adm. Brewer becomes one of only 32 officers that hold the Navy's second-highest rank. As commander, Rear Adm. Brewer has led the MSC support of the war against terrorism. MSC has been at the forefront of the U.S. response, delivering a variety of services and supplies to U.S. and allied forces around the world. November 2002 �.... ............................_ _..~-----------~----------------------------~~~-- - Maersk Missouri Joins U.S. Fleet Seafarers Begin Crewing 'G-Class' Vessel SIU members last month began reporting to the newly reflagged (and renamed) Maersk Missouri, one of the modem Panamax "G-class" vessels which Norfolk, · Va.-based Maersk Line, Ltd. will operate in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The Maersk Missouri reflagged under the Stars and Stripes on Oct. 18. It was scheduled to sail from Crete on Nov. 3. As previously reported, Maersk Line, Ltd. on Sept. 25 announced plans to purchase four G-class vessels for operation in the MSP. The vessels replace four older and slower ships enrolled in the program. For Seafarers, the announcement car·ried good news on several fronts. Not only are the G-class vessels-the Maersk Missouri, Maersk Carolina, Maersk Georgia and Maersk Virginia-newer than those they replace, they also carry more unlicensed personnel. Also, the contract covering the new ships calls for increased · wages for Seafarers. The G-class ships were built between 1997 and 2002. Each has 4,300 TEU capacity, nearly three times as much as the vessels they're replacing. Additionally, each of the G-class vessels is 958 feet long, with a 106-foofbeam and a 44-foot draft. Each ship can travel at greater than 24 knots. Maersk plans to operate the four ships between the U.S. East Coast and ports in Cruise Ship Conman Still At Large, ITF Cautions Maritime unions worldwide have received a new warning to be on the lookout for a conman who has cheated more than 120,000 desperate job seekers out of millions of dollars. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) early last month issued a warning to its affiliates about the shady "businessman" who has di appeared after embezzling million in o- ailed health · check fees from ap licants for work on cruise ships that do not exist. The ITF believes that the perpetrator may already be setting up a new racket under a different name. Job seekers in nine countries have been cheated, an investigation by the maritime magazine Fairplay revealed. The man is unlikely to stop trying his scheme unless prosecuted, the ITF warned. "There are two ways to stop this scam," said ITF General Secretary, David Cockroft. "One is to ·arrest and prosecute those involved. The other is to In May, the ITF was make the fraud so well known that no one can be first to publicly label the Al cheated by it." Najat scheme as a fraud. "One of the features of The ITF has called on this racket was the speed governrnents that harbored with which the victims lost . or cooperated with the their money," he added. company to prosecute "We are asking affiliated Pasha and to act to recover unions worldwide to in- the millions he has stolen. form us as soon as they At least in Kenya and become aware of any sight- Morocco, the key to the ing of Ali Pasha or a new success of the fraud was the active participation of scam." Muhammad Ali Pasha, those countries' employwho may also use the ment ministries in promotname SA Mohammed Ii ing the scheme, the ITF Pasha and Sajjad Akbar, stated. The ITF has passed a has cheated thousands across Kenya, Syria, Indo- file on Al Najat to the internesia, India, Pakistan and national police organizaMorocco. The operation in tion Interpol, as well as the Kenya was halted in May, British Serious Fraud only after the ITF revealed Office. Pasha has boasted it as a fraud. of frequently doing busiVictims of the con part- ness in London, though his ed with up to $1,600 in claim to British and Pakmedical examination fees, istani passports has not illegal charges made by been confirmed. local agents of Pasha's "We call on all those company, Al Najat Marine governments to do now Shipping, and passport what they should have charges levied by govern- done long ago, and begin ments. Many sold all they real investigations into had to pay the fees, after Mohammed Ali Pasha and being promised high wages how they came to support him," said Cockroft. on board a cruise ship. SIU VP, Calif. Governor Discuss U.S. Fleet SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (left) took advantage of the chance to discuss the U.S. Merchant Marine with Calif. Governor Gray Davis during a recent forum in San Francisco. "It was a great opportunity to talk about a number of maritime-related issues, including port security and the importance of the U.S.-flag fleet," noted Marrone. November 2002 the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. Maersk Line, Ltd. supports each of the branches of the U.S. military by providing ocean transportation services under con- tract with the Military Traffic Management Command and vessel operations services for the Military Sealift Command. The company is a participant in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. ITF Affiliate Unions Promote Safety ·on World Maritime Day Maritime trade unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), including the SIU, celebrated World Maritime Day's focus on safety Sept. 26 by organizing events under the theme "Give Seafarers the Freedom to be Safe." ITF-affiliated unions in an estimated 50 countries marked the day with events expressing the safety and employment concerns of their members. The activities included seminars, demonstrations, and meetings with governrnent officials and shipowners to explore the best .ways to achieve safer shipping. World Maritime Day is promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to highlight the importance of the maritime industry and areas of concern such as safety and environmental protection. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft noted, "The ITF and it affiliates worldwide are glad to participate in an event designed to unite governments, seafarers and employers in a mission to improve the lives of- and recognize the importance of -all those who work at sea." He added, "Safety must be the primary concern of everyone involved in shipping. Human and trade union rights are an essential part of this. Giving seafarers the freedom to be safe means developing a fair and sustainable industry, where seafarers' expertise and training is respected. We have no doubt that respect for th_e human and trade union rights of seafarers is inextricably linked to the safety of the ship on which they serve." ITF affiliates participated in activities in the United States, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Georgia, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu and Ukraine. World Maritime Day Letter Signals New Support in Energy Sector For Offshore Mariners United Efforts to promote the rights of Gulf of Mexico mariners to choose for themselves whether to be represented by a union have been boosted significantly by strong support from a coalition of labor unions in the nation's oil capital of Houston. The expanded support was demonstrated on World Maritime Day (Sept. 26) when leaders of the Harris County (Texas) AFL-CIO Central Labor Council (CLC) delivered a letter to Houston-based Trico Marine Services Inc. demanding that Trico end its longstanding anti-worker campaign and agree to fully respect the freedom of association and freedom of speech rights of its employees. The letter was signed by Harris County AFLCIO CLC President E. Dale Wortham and Sec- retary-Treasurer Richard Shaw, and delivered in person to Trico's Houston headquarters. A copy of the letter was also mailed to Trico's Houston headquarters. In delivering the letter, the two union officials were accompanied to the Trico offices by a delegation of more than 20 mariners and representatives of unions from throughout the Houston area. A day earlier, repre· sentatives of OMU had addressed a gathering of officials and members of some of the 74 labor organizations affiliated to the Harris County CLC. At that gathering, numerous council-affiliated unions, including a number of organizations deeply involved in the energy sector, pledged support for OMU's campaign against Trico's anti-worker policies. The OMU's campaign seeks an end to the Trico · policies and practices that have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among workers. The World Maritime Day letter specifically calls on Trico to stay neutral on the question of union representation for Trico mariners, to allow freedom of speech between mariners and union representatives and to engage in the Constructive Resolution Agreement put forward by the U.S. maritime unions. The four U.S. maritime unions that jointly form the OMU are the American Maritime Officers (AMO); International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA); and Seafarers International Union (SIU). Seafarers LOB 5 -- - - - �Highly Regarded CEO Mt:Millen Dies at 67 named a building after. He set the standard for labor relations in our company and he took a lot of pride in good relationships." Garvey described McMillen as someone who treated everyone respectfully-from the doorman to the fellow CEO. "That was part of his character that I really liked," Garvey said. "Also, he always was a really charitable guy. He didn't talk about a lot of those types of activities, but I know for a fact he was quick to help-financially and with his time." Saltchuk President Mark Tabbutt called McMillen "an amazing person. At TOTE, he was so popular with the customers and all the employees -every employee. The labor leaders and the competitors respected him. In a job like he has, to win over all those audiences is pretty remarkable." Tabbutt added that McMillen "was probably the best listener I've ever met. When he talked to you, he was so focused on what you were saying. But it went beyond just the words- he read people so well." At the simulator dedication, Robert Magee, president and CEO of TOTE, said McMillen's lasting legacy to the transportation industry will be the reinvestment that he has helped promote. He also said McMillen "always demonstrated respect for the men and women who work in our company and respect for the people who represent them in labor. He always attempted to understand their point of view because he recognized that we are all in this together." McMillen previously served as president and CEO of TOTE, from 1977 to 1993. A native of suburban Pittsburgh, he graduated from Denison University of Granville, Ohio and served in the U.S. Air Force. His list of civic activities is overwhelming. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of the Alaska Committee; a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Washington Foundation, chairman of the Tyee Board of the University of Washington (which advises the athletic department) and a vicechairman and a member of the Board of the Swedish Medical Center Foundation; a member and director of the Washington Roundtable; member of the Seattle Rotary Club; member of the Board of Directors of the Sports and Events Council of Seattle/King County; member of the Board of Directors of Northwest Racing Associates of Auburn, Wash.; member of the Board of Directors for Key Bank of Washington; member of the Board of Trustees of the Washington State Chapter of Leukemia Society of America; member and director of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce; member of the Board of Trustees of the Transportation Institute in Washington, D.C.; member of the Propeller Club of the United States; and a member on the Board of Trustees of Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska, and Life Center Northwest. He also was a member and past chairman of the Board and past president of the Management Council of the American Trucking Association. Services were scheduled for Oct. 24 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue. Remembrances may be made to the Northwest Kidney Center Foundation, P.O. Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114, or Harborview Medical Center, McMillen Memorial Fund, N.W. Lipid Research Clinic, Box 359950, Seattle, WA 98104. Seafarer Barrett Mitchell· Recognized for Rescue zation. Mitchell was a crew member aboard the USNS Charlton while the vessel was at anchor in Diego Garcia on the night of March 30, 2002. He was on a launch returning to the ship when a stop was made to discharge two passengers to the Gus Darnell at anchorage. Gusting winds and rough waters hampered the operation, and the two individuals fell overboard as they tried to reach their vessel's accommodation ladder. According to a letter of com- mendation to Mitchell from Maersk Line, Ltd. (which operates the Charlton), the launch operator moved away from the ship because he feared that the people in the water might be caught in the propellers or crushed between the hulls of the two vessels. At the same time, his deckhand tossed two life rings. "The wind and current quickly swept both rings out of the struggling victims' reach," notes the letter. "You quickly realized that rescue efforts had stalled and the tiring swimmers were in danger of drowning before the ship or launch could rescue them. You dove into the water, retrieved one of the drifting life rings and swam to the aid of the victims. Your actions gained precious minutes, which allowed the ship time to lower its gangway into the water and retrieve the crew members. Your lifesaving aid to fellow seafarers upheld the oldest tradition of the sea and gained the respect of all those who know and serve with you.': Robert "Bob" McMillen, a widely appreciated maritime company official and philanthropist, passed away Oct. 12 after battling both kidney and heart disease. McMillen, 67, died at his home in Bellevue, Wash. "He was an exceptional guy and a genuine man of his word," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob was honest and kind-a real partner and friend. He was very charitable in the community and a very valuable ally in the effort to strengthen the U.S. fleet." McMillen served as co-chairman and chief executive officer of Saltchuk Resources, Inc. (the parent company of TOTE). In June 2001, the new simulator building at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. was named in his honor. ''He was extremely proud of having that annex named after him," noted Michael Garvey, cochairman/CEO of Saltchuk. "What made him particularly proud is, he's only the second businessman that the school has Brown, Crowley Tapped for AOTOS Awards GUDE Barrett Mitchell is scheduled to receive an award this month for his heroic actions earlier this year when he helped save two mariners from another ship who had fallen into the water in Diego Garcia. Mitchell will receive a "Mariner's Rosette Award" during the 33rd annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) ceremony, hosted by the United Seamen's Service. This year 's event is slated for Nov. 8 in New York. The primary AOTOS awards will be presented to Thomas Crowley Jr., president of Crowley Maritime Corp.; and Capt. Tim Brown, president of the Masters, Mates & Pilots. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will present Crowley's award, while International Longshoremen 's Association President John Bowers will present Brown's 'Something Drastic Was About lo Happen' GUDE Barrett Mitchell award. Additionally, a special AOTOS award will be given to Tal Simpkins, president of the United Seamen's Service, for two decades of service to the organi- Discussing Maritime in Seattle SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (left) recently participated in a breakfast reception for U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) (second from left) in Seattle. Approximately 70 people attended, many from the maritime industry. Among the topics discussed by Rep. Baird and the attendees were U.S. Maritime Security Program reauthorization and expansion; port security and homeland security; and pro-maritime legislation cosponsored by U.S. Reps. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and Don Young (R-Alaska). Pictured with Powell and Baird are (from left) MEBA Representative John Mccurdy, MEBA Patrolman Mike Jewell, SUP Branch Agent Mike O'Halloran and Puget Sound Pilots President Capt. Bill Bock. 6 Seafarers LOG Bob McMillan addresses the crowd at the simulator building dedication in June 2001. As Barrett Mitchell watched the pair of mariners struggUng in the water, he quickly realized two things. One, "something drastic was about to happen." Two, "I never would have forgiven myself if I hadn't tried to hetp. I knew I at least was capable of retrieving the fife ring and bringing It to them." With those thoughts. Mitchell dove into the water, retrieved a drifting life ring and gave it to the other mariners (a man and a woman). "They took it and that kept them afloat until the gangway was lowered to -them," Mitchell noted. The Seafarer said he was confident throughout the ordeat "I'm a pretty strong swimmer, and the only time I thought about the sharks was when I was swimming back to the launch,• he added with ~ chuckle. MitcheU, one of about 10 people aboard the launch, said he didn't g~t the names of the people he assisted. Their vessel departed early the fotlowing morning. "The current was rough, and you could tell they were getting exhausted;' he said. "The situatiof) was becoming dire." Evidence Suggests Terrorists Attacked French Oil Tanker, Killing One Mariner Investigators recently uncovered compelling evidence that the Oct. 6 explosion which heavily damaged a French oil tanker off the coast ofYemen and killed one mariner was the result of terrorists using a small boat. The Limburg, chartered by Malaysia International Shipping Corp., a subsidiary of Malaysia's state-owned oil company Petronas, was loaded with 400,000 barrels of crude oil from Saudi Arabia. A newly built double-hulled super tanker, the French-flagged ship was on its way to Yemen's Ash-Shihr oil terminal to load another 1.5 million barrels of crude when the attack occurred. An explosion left a gaping hole in the vessel's hold near the waterline, causing the discharge of more than 50,000 barrels of heavy crude into the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Aden. One crew member, a Bulgarian mariner, lost his life during the incident. As many as 17 others from the 25-man crew were injured. Despite early claims by Yemeni officials that the explosion was an accident, French investigatorsworking with U.S. and Yemeni counterparts aboard the Limburg-have found pieces of wood, metal and other materials believed to be debris from another boat. Officials close to the investigation say this physical evidence reinforces the account of a mariner aboard the Limburg that he saw a small vessel about to ram the tanker just prior to the explosion that caused a massive fire. "The preliminary results of the inquiry conducted by French, Yemeni and American investigators lead us to believe that the explosion suffered by the French oil tanker Limburg was due to an attack," the French Foreign Minister said in an Oct. 10 statement. "The course of the inquiry will enable the verification of these first results and determine the exact causes of this explosion." The former evidence was discovered as investigators scoured the tanker's hold in the vicinity of a huge hole near the waterline. Authorities said that experts from France's premier anti-terrorism agency, the DST, determined that the materials were consistent with a small boat and suggested a seagoing attack with explosives. Published reports quote a French law enforcement official as saying, "They found pieces of wood and other materials that apparently come from a small boat. This looks more an more like a terrorist attack." Investigators also found metallic debris at the blast site that they suspect came from such a craft, another French official said. Yemeni officials are investigating the possibility that the explosion may have been set off by remote control. November 2002 �Lakes Cargoes Increase in September A much-welcomed increase in the U.S.-flag carriage of dry-bulk cargos in September was realized on the Great Lakes. According to a Lakes Carriers' Association (LCA) release, cargos totaled 11.5 million net tons during the month-a nine percent hike over the mark registered during the same period a year ago. Officials said that with the foregoing increase to its credit, the Great Lakes fleet now has narrowed the margin with last season to 4.3 percent. And while they say that the remaining fall-off still is significant, they remain optimistic because the gap was 19 percent at the end of April of this year. In the iron ore cargo sector, carriage totaled 5.2 million net tons in September-an increase of 13.6 percent compared to a year ago. For the season, the U.S.-flag ore float is still 6 percent behind last year's total. In other developments, stronger demand for western coal pushed the fleet's September coal total to 2,546,951 net tons. This mark represented a 14 percent increase compared to a year ago. For the season, the coal total through September remains virtually unchanged compared to last year. OS Jeff Hester, left, poses with SIU Patrolman Joe Basilice and Engineer John Macari in Chicago during a servicing of the tug Hannah D. Hannah. early 1,000 people are dead in Senegal, the result of one of the deadliest ferry accidents ever in Africa. The MS Joo/a, a Senegalese state-owned ferry, operated by the army, on Sept. 26 capsized off the West Coast of Africa in high winds. At least 1,034 people were on board at the time of the catastrophe. Not included in the figure were a number of children, who were allowed to board the vessel as unticketed passengers. The Latest reports say there are only 64 known survivors, but no official count has been released. The boat quickly overturned in stormy seas, and those who escaped did so by hanging onto the doomed vessel's exposed hull for hours. Many victims were trapped beneath the overturned platform, according to accounts from rescue divers. About 150 military personnel, fishermen and rescue divers from Senegal, neighboring Gambia and France initially were deployed to participate in the recovery. Gambian and Senegalese authorities retrieved more than 360 bodies from inside the ferry before decomposition made recovery of intact victims impossible. Refrigerated ship containers holding bodies now are lined up at Dakar's port. Five crisis centers were set up in Dakar to display photos of those retrieved, for identification purposes. Approximately 1,000 military, rescue, medical and security personnel have been deployed to assist family members. Bad weather initially was November 2002 Elsewhere, a slight increase in stone cargo in September helped narrow the gap in that commodity. For the season, however, lethargic demand from the construction industry has produced a 2.1 percent decrease in limestone moved in U.S. bottoms. Also during September, the SIU-crewed Kinsman Independent ended its summer-long Layup and resumed moving grain between Duluth/Superior and Buffalo. The vessel is the only U.S.-flag "straight-decker" to see service in recent years. The LCA is the trade association representing U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes, many with SIU contracts. The association is made up of 12 American companies that operate 57 U.S.-flag self-propelled vessels and integrated tug/barge units ranging in length from 383 to 1,013.5 feet. In recent years, cargo movement by LCA fleets has soared to more than 125 million tons during the 10-month Great Lakes shipping season. Iron ore, coal and limestone are the primary commodities carried by LCA members. Other cargoes include cement, salt, sand, grain and liquid-bulk products. SIU Patrolman Basilice looks over the engine of the Great Lakes Towing tug Colorado in Chicago. blamed for the disaster, but that assessment soon changed. According to published reports, a German shipyard built the Joo/a some 12 years ago specifically for voyages on the placid Rhine River-between the southern Senegalese province of Casamance and the capital, Dakar. The vessel was designed to accommodate no more than 536 passengers and 64 crewmembers -nearly half the number Senegal says was aboard at the time of the disaster. Senegalese television footage showed a video of the ferry tilting heavily to one side as it left southern Senegal, bound for Dakar. Passengers were massed at the ship's rails as it moved out, the skies darkening under heavy clouds. Then the film showed the ship disappearing into a driving rainstorm. Some hours later, around 11 p.m., the large redhulled vessel capsized. Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade, in the days that followed, acknowledged the ferry was overcrowded when it capsized and tumbled under the waves during a heavy gale. He blamed "an accumulation of errors" for the tragedy and promised criminal prosecution for those responsible. Ferries are the main mode of transportation between north and south Senegal, in part because travel by road is slowed by border checks passing through Gambia. Merchants carrying dried fish, mangos and other goods from Casamance make up many of the usual travelers. AB Grant Hult conducts a tour for SIU officials aboard the tug Colorado in Chicago. OS Jeff Hester, left, and Engineer John Macari, aboard the Hannah Marine tug Hannah D. Hannah in Chicago, display a bumper knot that Macari made by hand. Union, MSC Continue CMPI Negotiations The union and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) have been negotiating changes to the Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction provisions (CMPI) over the past several months, as reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG. Most recently the union and MSC have been working on Instruction 553, Allotments of Pay and Instruction 750, Discipline. Instruction 750 is one of the largest and most significant sections of the CMPI and includes processes and procedures for employees who may face minimum disciplinary action such as a logging, up through discharge proceedings. This section involves such topics as oral reply rights, employee representation during disciplinary matters and who will have the authority to determine a penalty to address misconduct. The Command has proposed many changes to the CMPI involving disciplinary matters. The union believes that many of these changes will have a detrimental impact on CIVMARS who may face disciplinary action during the course of their careers. The SIU expects that these negotiations will be prolonged. To continue with negotiations, union representatives will submit a complete set of counter proposals to the agency. These counter proposals will include more comprehensive language that protects the rights of mariners who may face disciplinary measures. Once proposals have been exchanged, the parties will meet in Virginia Beach, Va. to complete negotiations on this subject. 'Open Seasan 1 far Federal Warkers 1 Health Benefits Plan Starts Nov. 11 Beginning Nov. 11, mariners working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Army Corp of Engineers and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) will have a chance to review their health benefit coverage and change to a new provider. The "open season" runs through Dec. 9, 2002. Choosing a health plan to meet your needs and the needs of your family is one of the most important decisions you can make. Premiums for HMO's and Fee for Service Plans offered through the program are expected to increase an average of 11 percent in 2003. Mariners who only have coverage for themselves will pay approximately $4.45 additional per pay period. Mariners who select family coverage will pay approximately $10.21 more per pay period. In 2003, employees will have 188 plan choices so it is important to get as much information as you can about your current plan coverage and how it compares to other plans in the program. The Office of Personnel Management web site contains a great deal of information to help make this very important decision. It includes a complete description of plan offerings, the 2003 premiums, plan changes for 2003, a guide to choosing quality health care, health plan report cards and satisfaction surveys. The site can be found at www.opm.gov/insure/health. You can also receive health plan comparison information and prices in book form by contacting Washington Consumer Checkbook, 733 15th Street NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC or at 800-213-7283, or at http://www.checkbook.org/. Seafarers LOG 7 �Apprentice Program: Springboard for Maritime Careers The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is committed to providing the U.S. maritime industry with skilled, physically fit and responsible deep sea and Great Lakes mariners and inland waterways boatmen. The school, based in Piney Point, Md., believes that the men and women who choose careers as professional seafarers or boatmen must be provided with the know ledge and skills to keep pace with technological advances within their industries. A key component of that commitment is the highly regarded unlicensed apprentice program, a staple of the school since its founding in 1967. The apprentice program begins with 12 weeks of introductory train- their careers at the school, those ing at the Piney Point campus, latter curriculums- included in then shifts to the invaluable Phase III--<lon't mark the cul"Phase II," during which the stu- mination of their training. The dents spend at least 90 days. Paul Hall Center facilitates proaboard Seafarers-contracted fessional advancement through ships. Phase II includes assign- career upgrading programs that ments in all three shipboard students may utilize over the departments. Finally, appren- course of many years. Additionally, the school oftices return to Piney Point for more advanced and department- fers the academic education which is an essential complespecific training. For most mariners who start ment to the modem technical Jimmy Orr (above left) and Brian Goeson (below left) keep close eyes on their paint jobs. Left: Students in the unlicensed apprentice program practice routine maintenance aboard the training vessel Osprey. skills needed in today's maritime industry. This includes everything from a GED program to Adult Basic Education to a college degree program and more. Still, the unlicensed apprentice program probably is the school's hallmark. More than 21,000 individuals have completed the entry-level curriculum. The Paul Hall Center also offers a program for veterans who have qualifying sea time in a deck or engine rating. Separated and retired personnel who Adam Revels does his part to have the neces- spruce up the vessel. sary deck or engine ratings required by the U.S. Coast Guard to sit for the Naval/Coast Guard rating. For more information about able bodied seaman's endorsement or the fireman/oiler en- the apprentice or veterans' prodorsement may take advantage grams or the school in general, of this program. Those individu- call the admissions office at als must have at least two years · (3 01) 994-0010 or visit of sea service in an accepted www.seafarers.org. Edward Willis prepares to close a hatch. Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Pauf Halt Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation. particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school's apprentice program. To qualify for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requirement is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations. There is no upper age limit for individuals wishing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry-level positions and inctudes practical work on a vessel. The program is physically rigorous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. If you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342, or visit www. seafarers.org. B Seafarers LOG November 2002 �QMED Douglas Speer gets a chance to check his e-mail on the PFC Dwayne T. Williams. The Petersburg's cargo line gets a coat of paint from AB Alexander Burmudez. Leopoldo Viernes, an AB aboard the Petersburg, wears the proper safety glasses and ear protection while performing his job. Bosun Christopher informs AB Jimmie Casey about safety issues aboard the PFC Dewayne T. Williams. AB Armondo Alvarez tightens lashing gear aboard the PFC Dwayne T Williams. SIU Guam Port Agent Matthew Holley (standing, center) serves as treasurer for the Labor Council of the Western Pacific, seen here following one of their meetings. Bosun Terry Armas shows the essential guide needed for conducting a shipboard union meeting. Armas is the bosun on the USNS Dahl. The Matson ship Mahimahi brings everything to the island of Guam-from paper towels tot-bone steaks. Protecting the Environment Swift and immediate response to an oil spill can make all the difference when it comes to both personal safety and environme!}tal protection. To this en4 the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. offers a number of safety and environmentaJ classes. One example is the one-week oil spill prevention and containment course, which consists oflaboratory and on-the-job training. Students learn about different types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, spill prevention and small boat operations. As seen in these photos> students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Additionally covered in the course are the selection of adsorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. November 2002 Sealamrs LOG 9 �about sailing is, you can always go to another ship. "I've met a lot of good people and I wouldn't trade it for anything," he c'ontinu~s. "Plus, the travel is great. The thought of being a professional 'tourist' is appealing." Before joining the SIU, James was a bartender and unemployed Seafarer, who first sailed during ironworker. In the late 1990s, he the Persian Gulf War following wound up working part-time at a his graduation from the old restaurant whose manager largetrainee program at the Paul Hall 1y was unfamiliar with wines . Center in Piney Point, Md. "They gave me the green light to "Writing the column has been a redo the wine list, and it was a lot of fun since I started last trial by fire," James recalls. "I May, and the restaurant is enjoy. had worked at other restaurants able, too. We have wine-tasting and already was good, not great, events, and I also consult for in terms of knowing my way other restaurants in the area." around.wines. Each place you He is equally enthusiastic · worked at, you had to know about shipboard life--so much what was selling." so that he encouraged his brothJames made the most of the er, David, to join the union four chance, completing numerous years ago. David currently sails classes and seminars along the as ail AB. way, and now enjoys balancing "It's a good life," states Rick his time at sea and ashore. James. "I've been sailing for 11 Similarly, he and the weekly years and I'll say one thing: It's paper have proven a good fit. "I never boring. You hear comwas reading a wine column in plaints that people have about another newspaper and thought I their jobs, but the great thing could do better, so I found [a publication] that didn't have a wine column," he notes. "I went to them with two columns and they said, 'Sure, we'll run your articles.' I set up an email account, and all of a sudden 45 people sent questions." (A common one: What wine goes good with crabs?) The Seafarer adds that people read his column "because they're trying to find a (suggestion for) . good bottle of wine and keep it under $20 per bottle. You can go Bosun Rick James enjoys his anywhere and find a $65 bottle work as an SIU member (left) and know it's going to be good.'.' and, when on the beach, as a James' email address is beverage manager in Baltimore. info ine@yahoo.com. BosunJames Blends Shipboard Life With Shore-Side Avocation Equipped with a keyboard · and wine list, Bosun Rick James is taking the cliched image of the drunken sailor and .turning it on its ear. James, a member of the SIU since 1991, is a state-certified wine specialist and a wine consultant. He writes a column for the popular weekly newspaper The Baltimore Guide, which began publishing 76 years ago and currently enjoys an estimated circulation of 45,000. When he's not sailing, James works as the beverage manager at a pair of restaurants in Baltimore's Little Italy (Luigi Petti Italian Restaurant, and Soprano's Italian Ristorante). "You try to separate the two lives," notes the 36-year-old Gen. Handy Backs MSP Continued from page 3 ships sail under the U.S. flag, are crewed by U.S. mariners, are offers great return on investment, operated by U.S. companies, and are subject to U.S. laws. As a supporting a sizeable and capable warfighter and as a concerned fleet of 47 U.S.-flagged vessels American this is what I must for relatively little annual cost. If have, and I have it in MSP. we fail to reauthorize or make Currently, MSP comprises both program participation unattrac- · Section 2 and Documentation tive, the potential erosion and Citizens. Both Section 2 and eventual disappearance of a Documentation Citizens must viable U.S.-flagged fleet and, execute the same contingency ultimately, the U.S. Mercliant contracts with DOD committing Mariner pool, would force vessels to VISA Stage III and increased and potentially total thereby assuring us we will have reliance on ships of foreign reg- access to their 'vessels. This is istry, entrusting precious military important because VISA Stage III cargo to non-U.S. crews in times is our highest sealift mobilization level and provides government of great crisis .... "While MSP offers guaranteed access to all 47 ships enrolled in capability, it also provides the MSP. As a warfighter, my resecurity we, as a nation, must quirements are met by both have to 'go it alone.' While for- Section 2 and Documentation eign companies dominate the Citizens. "We simply cannot, as a world maritime market, MSP Hard Work Pays Off During the October membership meeting at Piney Point, Vernon S. Thibodeaux (right) is presented the high school diploma she earned through the academic program at the Paul Hall Center by SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Thibodeaux sails in the steward department. 10 Seafarers LOG nation, fight the fight without the partnership of the commercial maritime industry. We rely on the commercial maritime industry to provide the primary source of manpower to crew our organic vessels. Our nation's organic sealift capability, in the form of highly capable prepositioned, fast sealift ships , large medium speed roll on and roll off ships (LMSR), and Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships which provide emergency and surge response capabilities to globally deploy our combat and support forces, would literally be useless without the support of the commercial maritime industry. As such, MSP supports not only our commercial wartime sealift, but is absolutely essential to providing the labor pool of U.S. Merchant Mariners for our organic fleet. This is a huge aspect of MSP. Given that the events of 9/11 have forever changed how we view the world, the absolute, unequivocal necessity for U.S. mariners, ready and able to .crew a guaranteed fleet ofU.S.-flagged vessels in times of crisis, mandates MSP reauthorization .... "We need MSP reauthorization soonest. Guaranteed access to U.S.-flag shipping, the viability of the U.S. Merchant Marinet pool, and the associated security requirements mandate MSP reauthorization. An improved, longterm program, adequately funded, which provides stability for the government and industry is the right approach from the warfighting perspective. MSP reauthorization now is a national security imperative of the highest magnitude." Capt. Rice Retires After a 36-year career in the inland division of the SIU, Henry Rice Jr. (center) is given a retirement party at Express Marine, Inc. in Camden, N.J. Rice most recently sailed as a captain aboard the EMI tug Russel B. Murray. Helping him celebrate are (from left) Chief Engineer Roy Gritz, Mate Dennis Gaskill, Rice, AB/Cook Steve Jones and Second Engineer Roland Mason. John Zalusky (left} and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan agree that the ship model Young America has found an appropriate home at the Paul Hall Library in Piney Point. Sbip Model a Good Fit At Paul HaD Library When John Zalusky began considering a new home for the valuable ship model he'd safeguarded for the AFL-CIO, he quickly realized the answer. "I really wanted the Seafarers' school to have it, to show others. It is a marvelous model, and it will be best appreciated at the Seafarers," stated Zalusky, a retired senior economist for the AFL-CIO who also headed the federation's office of wages and labor standards for more than 20 years. The la,test addition to the Paul Hall Library and M~ritime Museum's collection .o f approximately 40 ship models has a history longer than that of its new home in Piney Point, Md. It has indirect SIU connections, too-Zalusky's sons Timothy and John sailed with the union years ago, while the elder John has worked with several SIU officials on various labor campaigns and events. Built during the mid-1950s, the model is a three-foot wooden replica of the clipper ship Young America, a vessel that Zalusky said is fairly well known in sailing circles. It was built by trade unionist Hank MacKennel and given to George Meany, the first president of the AFL-CIO. MacKennel "said it was a gift for all the good things the AFLCIO had done for him and other working people," Zalusky recalled. "For a time it was displayed in the lobby of the AFL-CIO (based in Washington, D.C.). ·It was then moved to the (AFL-CIO) library." Zalusky was asked to take possession of the model when the library was moved from Washington to the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, located in Silver Spring, Md. "When the library moved, the librarian did not want to take it to the new location," he noted. "Because the model had no cover, it collected dust and resulted in breakage. I repaired it a number of times and built a plastic cover for it." "We're grateful that John wanted the model displayed at the Paul Hall Library," stated Don Nolan, vice president of the school. "It's a fitting adqition, and it will be seen by many people." November 2002 �Birth announcements, anniversaries, retirement . . . These are some of the events we all look forward to and like to share with our fellow Seafarers. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. November 2002 Seafarers LOS 11 �Whether sailing aboard U.S.-flag ships. upgrading at t for Maritime Training and Education, participating in activities or supporting brothers and sisters from othe remain extremely active across the United States. SIU members work aboard a wide variety of vessels, in containerships and tankers, military support ships, tugbm senger vessels and others. Seafarers have been part of the I· of defense" since the union's founding in 1938. The SIU prides itself on providing the best-trained, mo At the union hall in Norfolk, Va. , SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (left) congratulates Recertified Bosun Bobby Riddick on his retirement. At the hall in San Francisco, Port Agent Vince Coss displays an oil painting on canvas that was done by retired Recertified Steward Joe Williams. The painting depicts the late SIU Patrolman Kwong Jin Hom-much better ~~~~~~~ known as "Tom Tom." Brother Williams' painting is on display at the hall. 12 Seafarers LOB •om·'···~<··'·e ..··J.·"..,,........ QM ED/Electrician Gibbons (left) demonstrates with striking IBEW Local 50 members in Norfolk, Va. The workers in early September approved a five-year contract with Dominion Virginia Power, ending their first strike in 38 years. Roughly 3,700 IBEW members are covered by the agreement. P141iCC;.;~ November 2002 �1e Paul Hall Center grassroots political unions, Seafarers luding commercial ts and barges, pasation 's "fourth arm t efficient crews in the world. The key to sustaining that mission.is the Paul Hall Center, a worldclass vocational training facility based in Piney Point, Md. (The school also offers academic support, including programs for GEDs and college degrees.) Additionally, Seafarers recognize that the maritime industry is heavily regulated-a fact that makes political action a matter of survival. With that in mind, the union's officials and rank-and-file members actively support candidates who back the U.S. Merchant Marine. Their activities on this front include participating in maritime port councils, volunteering for campaign work, and donating to the union's voluntary political action fund. Similarly, Seafarers are active in AFL-CIO central labor councils and state labor federations throughout the nation. Those organizations help union members advance the working families' agenda at every level of government. They also facilitate solidarity among unions-a principle the SIU has promoted since its earliest days. The union's activities don't stop at America's coastlines. The SIU is active in the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). For more information about the SIU, visit www.seafarers.org. Crew members on the former NMU ship Cape Alexander, docked in Baltimore when these recent photos were taken, include (left) Chief Steward Romeo Arquines and {above, from left) Electrician Mohamed Hafid and Bosun Peter Frigolett. �... • Above: It's the last trip to the Overseas Juneau mess hall for these crew members. Enjoying their meal aboard the vessel before it arrived in Alang, India for scrapping are, from left, Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, DEU Earl Shakes and Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhoffer. Bosun Kissinfor Taylor Overseas Juneau .-------------------~~­ Lee, OveneasJ11neau Finish Final Voyages The Overseas Juneau is pictured in Alang, India. Recertified Bosun Eugene Grantham, left, and AB Tom Stephens on the Robert E. Lee A pair of SIU-crewed vessels recently made their final voyages when they charted course for a ship graveyard in Alang, India. The vessels-the Robert E. Lee and the Overseas Juneau- were scrapped June 11 and June 12, respectively, at the direction of ownership. Both had been operating on the high seas for nearly 30 years. A LASH ship, the Robert E. Lee was built in 1974 and was operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. OSG Ship Management owned the Overseas Juneau. A crude oil tanker, it came off the assembly line in 1973. Both vessels were built by the Bethlehem Steel Company in Sparrow's Point, Md. Seafarers aboard the Robert E. Lee during its final voyage were: Bosun Eugene Grantham, AB Bernard Blunt, AB Gregory Hickman, AB John Holmes, AB Burlin Left: Chief Cook Anthony Bach, Recertified Steward Miguel Pabon and Steward Utility Janet De La Oliva on the Robert E. Lee Pinion, GUDE Justice Agha-Kuofie, GUDE Romel Holland, QMED Alton Hickman, Chief Electrician David King, Chief Cook Anthony Bach, Steward Baker Miguel Pabon, Steward Utility Janet De La Oliva and Steward Utility Christopher Love. Donning the SIU colors aboard the Overseas Juneau during its last run were: Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, AB Joseph Archer, AB Nathaniel Rivera, AB Michael Earhart, AB Adel Shaibi, AB Ray Hebert, Oiler Michael Drost, Oiler Lionel Taylor, Oiler Joseph Egan, DEU Earl Shakes, Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhoffer, Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya, Chief Cook Mohamad Shibly and SA Ronald Dewitt. Right: AB Burlin Pinion Robert E. Lee Recertified Steward Miguel Pabon (left) and Steward Utility Janet De La Oliva on the Robert E. Lee Members of the Overseas Juneau crew gather after bidding farewell to their vessel. Pictured in photo above are, from left, OL Joseph Egan, DEU Earl Shakes, SA Ronald Dewitt (bending), Chief Cook Mohamad Shibly, AB Adel Shaibi, Chief Pumpman Christopher Kirchhoffer, and OL Michael Drost. In photo below are, (kneeling, from left) AB Nathaniel Rivera, AB Adel Shaibi, and GUDE Earl Shakes. Standing are AB Michael Earhart, OL Michael Drost, DEU Earl Shakes, OL Lionel Taylor, SA Ronald Dewitt, and Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya. Recertified Bosun Eugene Grantham Robert E. Lee The crew of the Robert E. Lee gathers one last time for a photo before their vessel is beached in India. 14 Seafarers LOS Going about their duties aboard the Overseas Juneau as the vessel makes its way to India are AB Nathaniel Rivera, left, and AB Joseph Archer. Novem,_. 2002 �I Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 - I I· *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York ·Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis · Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma ·Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville .Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 4 8 0 9 27 30 16 17. 28 10 7 7 8 17 1 22 18 229 0 4 DECK DEPARTMENT l l 2 3 4 4 2 2 3 3 0 9 10 2 7 2 8 24 4 21 2 11 2 2 16 1 6 3 0 1 0 2 4 0 9 24 8 20 13 10 59 3 42 27 36 2 17 7 0 11 15 111 1 6 4 24 5 6 18 4 3 7 8 4 5 4 10 -6 2 1 2 0 7 3 11 7 _J 25 18 160 0 0 2 3 0 4 15 11 6 15 IO 7 2 1 11 3 l 10 15 10 2 12 5 8 6 146 123 60 91 11 23 2 8 13 10 4 5 1 18 0 0 2 5 4 11 5 1 0 3 4 4 4 0 4 10 1 6 } 0 4 0 21 21 14 151 67 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francis·co St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 I 4 1 3 9 0 0 0 3 2 0 7 5 39 Totals All Departments 565 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 2 18 22 15 5 1 42 4 3 6 .31 23 4 3 7 7 2 2 2 10 5 81 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 20 l Q 7 8 13 4 6 0 2 2 2 5 0 0 1 8 30 11 0 6 15 .1 6 6 14 0 7 3 28 14 12 11 205 193 105 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 2 0 0 5 46 0 1 11 6 46 31 12 2 3 8 0 1 3 1 4 178 180 23 108 63 0 0 538 380 393 337 158 135 0 0 0 2 2 8 5 0 7 1 1· 7 0 1 1 0 2 39 0 0 2 4 3 36 36 22 3 6 6 0 1 3 2 3 0 5 17 6 . 11 8 11 57 Norfolk: ...................Thursday: December 5, January 9 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: December 4, January 8 Port Everglades .......Thursday: December 12, January 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 12, January 16 San Juan..................Thursday: December 5, January 9 St. Louis .................Friday: December 13, January 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: December 1.0, January 24 Wilmington ............... Monday; December-16 Tuesday: January 21 * ~-""' *(change created by Marlin Luther King's birthday) Eat:h ptid's meeting starls at 10:30 a.m. Aboard MSC Ships in Norfolk, Va. ~~~~5::;::~~~-i Crew members aboard the USNS Arctic take a look at the latest LOG. From the left are OS Gary Turner, OS Benjamin Wilson and AB Dwane Bazemore. 38 38 10 19 58 16 0 5 4 0 7 7 JO 26 2 46 12 62 313 24 352 952 883 702 l New Orleans ............Tuesday: December 10. January 14 53 11 0 27 0 January 21 11 109 6 5 1 14 6 17 5 10 2 258 0 4 7 9 9 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 4 6 15 4 2 2 0 32 0 4 7 5 13 11 3 0 14 5 14 22 35 0 5 0 3 9 23 13 17~ 11 6 9 16 New Bedford ... :......Tuesday: December New York. ...............Tuesday: December 3. January 7 3 17 8 4 0 3 17 ] 24 18 0 0 3 4 l 9 10 36 13 0 2 23 2 20 12 22 0 13 0 6 0 8 5 8 21 8 0 13 1 12 0 10 206 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 I 6 0 0 1 3 0 .1 3 1 1 2 268 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 427 0 30 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: December 5, January 9 Mobile ....................Wednesday: December 11, January 15 6 38 1 0 2 6 0 6 3 Houston ..................Monday: December 9, January' 13 17 23 8 7 10 4 0 0 2 Honolulu .................Friday: December 13, January 17 26 25 2 . l 3 Duluth ........................Wednesday: December 11, January 15 Jersey City ............... Wednesday: December 18, January 22 5 2 0 5 10 20 21 6 26 37 12 Boston .....................Friday: December 6, January 10 9 4 4 3 1 119 33 4 6 0 2 8 2 2 2 6 37 6 2 1 1 2 ..J? 2 21 62 32 4 0 2 5 13 54 28 1 5 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 16 24 0 0 1 2 9 8 63 ENGINE DEPARTMENT I 0 0 2 l 0 0 10 2 12 4 0 S 0 9 4 40 8 5 3 6 10 3 1 . 1 2 10 6 11 5 3 4 9 0 4 Baltimore ................Thursday: December 5, January 9 24 lO 16 18 170 0 56 9 22 15 Algop.ac ..................Friday: December 6, January IO 27 14 19 19 7 9 Piney Point .............Monday: December 2, January 6 2 0 6 4 . 3_ 13 10 116 0 • December 2002 & Janua,, 2003 Me~bership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 4 4 3 6 2 -~~ 0 3 13 2 13 0 5 11 11 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 3 4 10 22 5 0 2 6 0 0 13 -Trip Reliefs 19 35 10 32 16 21 7 12 10 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C '1 0 18 26 6 11 OCTOBER 15, 2002 ,,,,, 2 18 Meeting with the crew of the Mt. Baker, when it arrived in Norfolk, is SIU Rep Maurice Cokes (directly behind seated member in front). 8 18 . 0 35 *"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 th~ port. November 2002 Seafarers LOS 15 �I"!!"""----------------------------- ----- - --- -.. Seafarers lntemalional Union Ditectory :Nm11 monthly Shipping A Registration Report OCTOBER 2002 Michael Sacco, President John Fay, Executive Vi~ TOTAL REGISTERED President All Groups Group I Group II David Heindel, Secretary-Treas.urer TOTAL SIDPPED Group ID Group I All Groups Group II REGISTERED ON BEACH Group m Trip Reliefs All Groups Group I Group Il Group III Augustin Tellez, Jlice President Contract$ Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and lniancl Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President GulfCoast Nicholas J. Marrone, Jl'ice President West Coast Joseph T. Sorest, Pice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Jlu:e !'resident Government Services Ren~ Lioeanjle, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice l'residenl at Large II( • HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk DECK DEPARTMENT 1 12 1 0 0 4 4 6 5 1 2 2 0 0 5 5 l 0 0 1 Tacoma 13 6 7 8 Totals 52 3 San Pedro 0 9 Port 325 Market St.. Suite B, Alton. IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #tC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 5614988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269- 7877 DULUFJl 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705. Duluth. MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Batrigada, Guam 9692J 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalih.i St., Honolulu, ill 968 l 9 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 122 l Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 5 4 9 0 0 0 9 0 24 6 20 30 4 25 0 0 58 108 57 48 0 0 0 19 5 0 3 5 22 10 7 5 0 4 3 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma 3 2 I 0 6 1 2 0 0 2 3 2 9 6 2 26 0 0 5 Port _,_.,,.,., .o,,.,_ -·· 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 16 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 10 3 0 0 2 18 1 6 21 58 16 31 1 3 2 0 14 5 5 15 0 0 0 11 3 8 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT l 1 1 6 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 16 0 4 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 4 3 2 0 4 6 Port Totals All Departments 0 0 1 Totals 0 0 0 Tacoma l 16 0 5 Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro 4 6 3 ~------· ~-.,..., 3 Totals 0 10 11 34 9 16 0 0 6 Boston Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma 4 18 12 0 13 Houston Totals 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT (810) 794-4988 ALTON 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 13 3 0 3 7 0 6 2 22 4 17 64 21 27 18 1 26 62 0 38 12 67 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 11 I 2 0 14 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 4 1 3 3 5 0 3 0 0 10 15 28 3 0 8 104 27 52 62 1 15 2 3 0 0 5 3 12 0 8 28 0 0 52 32 2 8 0 18 11 35 101 122 171 127 331 216 277 0 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services. Division: (718) 832-8767 . NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk. VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522- 7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510N. BroadAve., Wilmingto°' CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 t6 Seafarers LOS PI CS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by Charles A. Bortz of Hellertown, Pa. They were taken during a voyage aboard the SS Steel Recorder on an around-the-world trip from May through August 1963. Bortz notes that "it was a great trip and a great ship, and that when the vessel landed in New York, nobody wanted to get off!" The bosun , who is running the chipping gun (seated), was on the Steel Recorder for five years. Harry, the day man (standing at left), sailed about three years. And Bortz, himself (coiling line, inset), stayed on for 18 months. Bortz has been retired 11 years now and says he enjoys every minute of it, thanks to the union's generous pension and health plans. "Never thought I would have it so good," he noted in a letter accompanying these photos. Some of the oldtimers may remember Bortz's story, "The Ship's Cat," which appeared in the July 1984 LOG. He also wrote a followup story in September 1995 as well as an article about Kenya in May 1986. November 2002 �e come As ore ; Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently • retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead wo inland captains and a recertified bosun are among the 20 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Henry R. Rice Jr., and John Toups navigated the inland waterways at the helms of ves els for a combined time of nearly 81 years. Bosun Gerald Westphal completed the highest level of training to members who sail in the deck department when, in 1989, he graduated from the bosun recertification course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Including Westphal, 12 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes and five navigated the inland waterways. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. Brother Edwards is a resident of Neptune Beach, Fla. DEEP SEA JAMES BOVAY, 62, started his SIU career in 1963 in Houston. Brother Bovay, who ~ served in the , U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1959, sailed in the deck department. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. Brother Bovay make hi horn in ~ m_ t n, ALFRED LANG, 55, hails from Mobile, Ala. Brother Lang began his SIU career in 1965 in the port of New York. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the R. Semmes, a CSX Lines vessel. The engine department member upgraded hi kills frequently at the Paul Ia enter in Pin ' P · t. 1 H a t nt t • n the Overseas Boston. Brother JOHNA. Ala. T ALBERTO GARCIA, 66, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He started his career with the Seafarers in 197 6 in Puerto Rico. A member of the engine department, Brother Garcia worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. Brother Garcia enhanced his skills on seven occasions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Garcia lives in his native commonwealth in the city of Carolina. Lang makes his home in BROWN, 70, wa born in Alpine, Texas. He joined the Seafarers in 1988 in Honolulu. Brother Brown is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served from 1951 to 1955 and again from 1962 to 1966. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the Seabulk Trader. The deck department member last shipped on Maersk Line's USNS Victorious. Brother Brown resides in his native city. ROBERT CROOKS, 71, joined the SIU in 1966 in San Francisco. The Illinoisborn mariner is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving honorably from 1947 to 1961. Brother Crooks sailed in the Great Lakes as well as deep sea divisions. The deck department member upgraded his skills in 1978 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Crooks lives in San Francisco. BOBBY EDWARDS, 64, hails from North Carolina. The U.S. Navy veteran joined the Seafarers in 1960.in the port of New York. A member of the engine department, Brother Edwards upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1975. He last sailed aboard the Ultramax, a Westchester Marine Corp. vessel. Nove111ber 2002 obile, SPIRIDON PERDIKIS, 70, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. Born in Greece, he shipped in the engine department and was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Perdikis last went to sea on the Overseas Chicago. Jupiter, Fla. is his home. JOHN J. RODE, 64, started his SIU career in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Rode's first ship was the Fair Port, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Maryland-born mariner worked in the engine department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Panama. Brother Rode lives in his native Baltimore. ALVIN SMITH, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1992 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Smith's initial voyage was on the Cape Florida. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed on the Sea-Land Motivator. Brother Smith resides in Mobile. LARRY THOMPSON, 64, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959. Brother Thompson started his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Iowa, he shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1978 and 2002 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Thompson last sailed on the Sea-Land Endurance. He makes his home in Las Vegas. GERALD WESTPHAL, 54, started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in Chicago, working in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The U.S. Navy veteran was a member of the deck department and shipped as a bosun. Brother Westphal upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center and completed bosun recertification training in 1989. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Performance. Brother Westphal calls Belgium, Wisc. home. DONE. WHITLOW, 53, joined the SIU in 1975 in San Francisco. Born in Vallejo, Calif.. hi initial 'O) age wa ab ard the Santa fagdalena. a D lta t am hip Lines vessel. Brother Whitlow shipped in the steward depart- ment and upgraded hi skill at the Piney Point, Md. training facility in 1988 and 1994. He last worked on the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Whitlow is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. INLAND LARRY GASTON, 55, was born in Texas. The U.S. Army veteran joined the Seafarers in 1977 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Gaston was a member of the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1999 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Gaston calls Ho1,1ston home. HOWARD IRELAND, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Philadelphia. The New Jersey-born mariner is a veteran of the U.S. Navy (1957 to 1961). Boatman Ireland worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transport Co. He resides in Lehighton, Pa. HOMER RABIDEAU, 63, began his SIU career in 1980. The Indiana-born manner shipped in the steward and deck departments and upgraded his skills in 1997 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Rabideau lives in Mooers Forks, N.Y. HENRYR. RICE JR., 63, is a veteran of the U.S. Army ( 1963 to 1965). Born in Pamlico ounty, . ., ~...,..__..;.;...........,............... he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member shipped as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2001. Boatman Rice last worked on an Express Marine Inc. vessel. Bayboro, N.C. is his home. JOHN TOUPS, 62, hails from Sabine Pass, Texas. Boatman Toups began hi~ career with the Seafarers in 1961 in Port Arthur, Texas. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. Boatman Toups worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co. He continues to live in Port Arthur. GREAT LAKES LAWRENCE KACZROWSKI, 58, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in Chicago. He worked in the Great Lakes and inland divisions. Born in Green Bay, Wisc., Brother Kaczrowski worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the Richard J Reiss. Brother Kaczrowski lives in Mishicot, Wisc. MARVIN LARSON, 65, served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. He joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Algonac, Mich. and worked in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. Brother Larson shipped in the steward and deck departments, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. He is a resident of Alpena, Mich. JOSEPH SAYLES, 64, hails from Michigan. He started his SIU career in 1965 in Frankfort, Mich. Brother Sayles' first voyage with the Seafarers was on a Mackinac Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member last worked on the Chief Wawatam, a Straits Car Ferry Corp. vessel. Brother Sayles makes his home in East Lansing, Mich. Editors Note: The following brothers and sisters, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. JOED. HAWTHORNE, 55, started his career with the NMUin 1971. Born in Waynesboro, Miss., he first shipped out of the port of Mobile, Ala. aboard the Norman Lykes. Brother Hawthorne shipped in the steward department and last went to sea aboard the Cape Knox. DONALD KLOPP, 63, was born in Minnesota. He joined theNMUin 1965.and initially shipped aboard the Polaris out of the port of Chicago. A member of the deck department, he last sailed aboard the Green Lake. BOOKERT. OLIVER, 76, joined the NMUin 1973. The Dallas County, Ala. native's first voyage was aboard the USNS Gen. Maurice Rose. Brother Oliver worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the SS Rover. JUAN RIVERA, 66, began his NMU career in 1977. Born in Puerto Rico, his initial NMU voyage was out of the port of New York and was aboard the Export Champion. The deck department member last sailed on the Enterprise. In addition to the members listed above, also going on pension recently were: Antonio Fonseca, 65 William Hall, 60 Lillian Medina, 67 Tyrone Patrick, 62 ± Seafarers LOS 17 �DEEP SEA SALVATORE ALPEDO Pensioner Salvatore Alpedo, 79, passed away Dec.11, 2001. Born in Reading, Mass., he served in the U.S. Marines from 1940 to 1945. Brother Alpedo joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Yaka. A member of the deck department, Brother Alpedo sailed as a bosun. He last worked aboard the Great Land. Brother Alpedo began receiving his pension in 1987. He lived in Arlington, Wash. CHARLES ALSTON Pensioner Charles Alston, 60, died July 28. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Brother , Alston started his SIU career in 1974 in Seattle. He worked in the steward department. The Warren, N.C. native started collecting stipends for his retirement in 2000. Brother Alston lived in Bellington, Wash. JAMES CAMP Pensioner James Camp, 63, passed away Aug. 1. Brother Camp began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of ew York. he U.S. Army veteran was born in Rutherford County, N.C. Brother Camp shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Chemical Explorer. Brother Camp started receiving his pension earlier this year and made his home in Mooresboro, N.C. STEVE COPELAND Brother Steve Copeland, 49, died July 8. He started his SIU career in 1972 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Copeland's initial voyage was on the Mohawk. The California native worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the El Morro. Brother Copeland lived in Vacaville, Calif. GENEROSO CORPUS Brother Generoso Corpus, 68, passed away July 4. He joined the SIU in 1997. A member of the steward department, Brother Corpus worked primarily aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels. Born in the Philippines, he made his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. RAFAEL CUEVAS ~ 'IB Pensioner Rafael Cuevas, 79, died July 26. Brother Cuevas began his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of New York. Seafarers LOG Born in Puerto Rico, the steward department member last went to sea aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management's Arecibo. Brother Cuevas lived in Pembroke Pines, Fla., and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1982. JAMES FORTSON Pensioner James Fortson, 99, died July 4. Brother Fortson began his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Washington state, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Fortson began collecting his retirement in 1969 and lived in Los Angeles. RUFINO GARAY Pensioner Rufino Garay, 75, passed away Aug. 74. Brother Garay started his career with the Seafarers in ~, 1956 in the port of New York. A U.S. Navy veteran, he worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. The deck department member shipped as a bosun and last worked aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. Brother Garay began receiving his pension in 1992. Born in New York, he was a resident of Guayama, P.R. RICHARD GRAVES Pensioner Richard Graves, 61, died May 3. Brother Graves started his career with the MC&S in 1977 in San Francisco. The California-born mariner shipped in the steward department and first sailed on the Santa Magdalena. His last trip to sea was aboard the President Johnson. Brother Graves lived in Richmond, n r i ing i p na i . an sion in 1994. Pensioner Pauli Johnson, 77, passed away July 28. Brother Johnson joined the SIU in 1946 in Galveston, Texas. Born in Seadrift, Texas, he first sailed on the Cedar Rapid. The engine department member last worked aboard the Cove Leader. Brother Johnson started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1989. He lived in Galveston, Texas. SANG LEE Pensioner Sang Lee, 83, passed away Aug. 4. Brother Lee joined the MC&S in 1954 in the port of New York. Born in China and a U.S. Navy veteran, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Lee worked primarily aboard Delta Steamship vessels. He made his home in Oakland, Calif. and started collecting retirement compensation in 198 l. Brother Ploppert started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and lived in St. Bernard, La. EDWARD PUCHALSKI Pensioner Edward Puchalski, 78, died Aug. 4. The Trenton, N.J. native started his SIU career in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Puchalski sailed in the inland and deep sea divisions as a member of the deck department. He most recently shipped as a bosun. Brother Puchalski's last trip to sea was aboard the Santa Barbara. A resident of Spring House, Pa., he began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. Boatman John Baker, 53, passed away July 19. Born in Panama, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1999. A member of the deck department, Boatman Baker worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Westbank Riverboat Services, Inc. He was a resident of Jefferson, La. WILLIE WILLIAMS Pensioner Willie Williams, 85, passed away Aug. 9. Born in Alabama, Brother Williams was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He began his SIU career in 1943 in Tampa, Fla. Brother Williams sailed in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Sea-Land Consumer. The Attalla, Ala. resident started receiving his pension in 1982. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM LOTZ JOHN BAKER GILBERT BROOKS Pensioner Gilbert Brooks, 79, died Aug. 8. Boatman Brooks joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Philadelphia. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. His initial voyage was aboard the Arizpa. Born in Virginia, he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Brooks started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1985. He made his home in Richmond, Va. DAVID TOLER Boatman David Toler, 35, passed away Aug. 5. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 and shipped in the deck department. The Alabama native worked primarily on Orgulf Transport Co. vessels. Boatman Toler lived in Bay Minette, Ala. Pensioner William Lotz, 88, passed away June 19. Boatman Lotz joined the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. He first worked aboard an Ellis Towing & Transport Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, the Texasborn mariner shipped as a captain. He last worked on a vessel operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Lotz started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and lived in Trinity, Texas. ARANTIC FISHERMEN FRANK DOMINGOS Pensioner Frank Domingos, 92, passed away July 24. Brother Domingos started his career with the Gloucester Fishermen's Union in Gloucester, Mass. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1974. A Massachusetts native, he lived in Gloucester. The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. WILLIAM BECKER PABLO PENA >I > passed away Aug. 8. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. he joined the NMU in 1969. Brother Becker worked in the deck and engine departments during his career. He began receiving his pension in 1985. WILLIAM FARRELL Pensioner William Farrell, 77 ,died Aug. 2. He started his career with the NMU in 1962. Brother Farrell first went to sea aboard the City Service Missouri. A member of the steward department, he last worked aboard the Edgar M Queeny. Brother Farrell started collecting his pension in 1986. ,p away July 23. The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico and shipped for the NMU out of Kenosha, Wisc. He first sailed on the Flying Spray and last worked on the American Aquarius. Brother Pena started receiving his pension in 1985. PIERRE LA PLACE Pensioner Pierre La Place, 82, died Aug. 20. Brother La Place joined theNMU in 1947. His initial voyage was aboard the Bear Paw. The engine department member started receiving his pension in 1968. WILFREDO RIVERA PAUL FUECHSLIN SR. Pensioner Paul Fuechslin Sr., 79, passed away Aug. 26. The Pittsburgh native began his NMU career in 1943. A member of the deck department, he first shipped on the William L. Davidson. Brother Fuechslin began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1987. FRANK PLOPPERT Pensioner Frank Ploppert, 78, passed away July 14. Born in Philadelphia, Brother Ploppert was a U.S. Navy veteran. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. The steward department member last worked on the Sam Houston. INLAND Pensioner Wilfredo Rivera, 72, passed away Aug. 23. Born in Puerto Rico, he started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1993. MIKEJAMPAS Pensioner Mike Jampas, 91, died Aug. 8. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Jampas began receiving payments for his retirement in 1978. In addition to the foregoing, the following NMU brothers and sisters passed away on the dates indicated. The NMU Pension and Trost office was notified of their respective demises during August. Robert Chandler, July 29 Joseph Hance, Aug. 8 James Moore, Aug. 20 Rue Phelps, Ju]y 25 Clyde Cummings, July 25 Clarence Conaway, Aug. 20 Alexander Bell, Aug. 17 Paul Sze, Aug. 15 Farish Selig, July 22 Harold Bretz, July 17 John Guillory, June 11 Edward Haskins, July 29 Pedro Da Silva, Aug. 27 Sebastian Torres, July 31 Enrique Casanova, July 30 Michael Buters, Aug. 4 George Taparuskas, June 26 Robert Bently, July 5 Bernard Petro July 27 John Karpovich, July 28 Thomas Hicks, Aug. 8 John Damiens, July 4 Ludwig Ladtkow, Aug. 6 Melvin Ross, July 29 George Topin, July 26 Rudolph Morgan, July 27 Santiago Machahilas, July 29 Luis Miranda, Aug. 2 Pedro Perez, Aug. 2 Pablo Rodriguez, Aug. 26 Roman Arabski, Aug. 5 Robert Angel, Aug. 26 Ernest Ervin, Aug. 17 Richard Williams, Aug. 17 Walter Schultz, Oct. 28, 200 I Fernando Cora, May 4 William Larkin, Feb. 3 Alfonso Remon, July 6 Arthur Farmer, March 5 Jesus Manautou, Oct. IO, 2001 Thomas Meehan, Jan. 27 Walter Bonner, April 13 William Spencer, Feb. 25 Juan Basurto, April 16 Albert Demly, Oct. 1, 200 l Thomas O'Brien, Jan 19 Robert Dalzochio, April 18 Lee Poin, Feb, 12, 2001 James Sanders, April 8 November 2002 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the unions contract depadment. Those issues requiring attention or resolution a1e addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Aug. 12--Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Clive A. Steward, Deck Delegate Efrain Alvarez, Engine Delegate Jose A. Quinones, Steward Delegate Donald L. Huffman. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 15 in Jacksonville, Fla. He reported on pending sale of CSX and that Matson is building two new ships, which means more jobs for steward department members. He said union members need to do all they can to prevent U.S. ships from reflagging. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He said STCW is good for five years provided member has met one-year seatime qualification. Treasurer announced $40 in crew fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to provide transportation from ship to port gate from 1200 to 1300 when seamen are not on duty. Currently no shuttle service exists at that time. Suggestions also made to purchase TV monitor 25-inches or larger for crew lounge, raise daily maintenance and cure rate and lower time needed to qualify for health benefits. Vote of thanks given to Chief Cook Huffman for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla. and an Juan. P.R. """""~~Jr~votfRANCeft-r~\1n-mro~. ~­ Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Darrell E. Peterson, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter. Chairman reported smooth trip with payoff expected Aug. 21 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary thanked everyone for great teamwork. Educational director looking forward to vacation. He advised crew members to stay current with shipping documents and take advantage of upgrading opportunities available in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about new gym equipment. Steward noted all rooms received new curtains. Vote of thanks given to galley gang for great job. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Aug. 11--Chairman Samuel Reed III, Secretary Doyle E. Cornelius, Educational Director Tony Burrell, Deck Delegate James P. McCarthy, Engine Delegate German C. Valerio, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Secretary thanked chief cook and GSU for job well done. Educational director stressed importance of supporting SPAD as well as obtaining required STCW training and upgrading regularly at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for gym equipment. Suggestions also made for new furniture, including sofas for crew lounge, mattresses for crew bunks, new chairs for crew quarters and larger ice machine. INNOVATOR (USSM), Aug. 11Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem; Secretary Benedict N. Opaon, Educational Director Olie E. Webber, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Abdul November 2002 Mohamed. Chairman reported new mattresses received and distributed. He announced payoff Aug. 15 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary advised crew members to check shipping documents and make sure all are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Response from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding previous inquiry received and posted. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan. LIBERATOR (USSM), Aug. 25Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Hans F. Schmuck, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate William Foley, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Amer A. Ghaleb. Chairman thanked all departments for jobs well done. Educational director reminded crew members to keep track of shipping documents and keep them current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck and engine department members thanked for using second washing machine for greasy clothes, thereby leaving one for regular laundry. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Line, Ltd.) Aug. 25-Chairman ott . Heginbotham ecretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Eugene . edar , Delegate Earl Jones, Engine Delegate Chris Graham, Steward Delegate Susano C. Cortez. Chairman announced vessel going into shipyard in Panama Sept. 2. Everyone asked to give valuables to captain for safekeeping since there are no room keys. Also, there will be no watches during shipyard period. Secretary stated that following time in shipyard, vessel will load grain in Gulf port and head for West Africa. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer noted $50 remain in ship's fund following purchase of rowing machine for gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported, although question raised regarding lack of ferry service in Hong Kong. Discussion held about importance of contributing to SPAD. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering age needed to receive pension benefits. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Balboa, Panama. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Aug. 25-Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Pedro V. Ramos, Steward Delegate Albert Sison. Chairman announced vessel to depart for shipyard Sept. 2. Upon arrival, ABs will be released; all other unlicensed personnel will remain on board. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $3,332 in unlicensed fund and $145 in TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for hiring halls to be updated on extra day vacation procedures. Three refrigerators currently on order. Captain and chief engineer looking into lack of hot water in staterooms. Crew reminded to separate paper and plastics and keep trash out of cans for cigarette butts. Next ports: Port Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. MOTIVATOR (USSM), Aug. 11Chairman Allan A. Rogers, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational Director Ernest L. Gibson, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate George H. Bixby, Steward Delegate Andres Caballero. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 12 in Houston. He said be hoped dryers for crew laundry will be brought aboard at that time and thanked everyone for job well done. Secretary reminded mariners to keep all documents current or risk losing their jobs. Educational director stressed importance of paying dues, donating to SPAD and buying MDLs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Due to outbreak of West Nile virus, particularly in southern states, deck department requested bug repellent. Vote of thanks given to trustees of pension plan along with request to increase benefits. announced arrival Aug. 13 in Anacortes, Alaska. He hoped boarding patrolman could clarify apparent change in benefits at that time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Anacortes and Nikolski, Alaska. SPIRIT(CSX Lines), Aug. 12Chairman Daniel Teichman, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard. Chairman explained and posted rules for trip off for rated seamen. Those who completed 22- Educational Director Andrew Hunt, Deck Delegate Timothy L. Smith, Engine Delegate Dennis S. Adjetey, Steward Delegate Patrick L. Durnin Jr. Chairman announced vessel going into drydock at Todd Shipyard in Seattle to replace shroud on propeller. Payoff to take place Aug. 31 at sea. Secretary reminded everyone to turn in room keys when leaving ship or leave in desk drawer. Steward thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised Seafarers to read safety circulars, especially one on accident avoidance. He also recom- Independence Day BBQ on the O/S Joyce PERSEVERANCE (Mari trans), Aug. 11--Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Kenneth A. Roetzer, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate David Harvey, Engine Delegate Daniel Tapley, Steward Delegate Marvin James. Chairman announced clarification received Enjoying the festive barbecue aboard the Overseas Joyce are regarding tours of duty for current Capt. James Salano Ill, Chief Mate Matt Pouliot, 3n1 Mate Bob contract. He thanked entire crew for Meyer, Chief Engineer Robert Smith, 1•1 Engineer Leonard Buck, efficient job rescuing and caring for 2nd Asst. Engineer John O'Brien, 3n1 Asst. Engineer Josh Lemmon, five Cuban refugees picked up on Recertified Chief Steward James Willey (who sent these photos raft in Gulf of Mexico. Educational to the LOG), Chief Cook Julita Crodua, GSU Hernan Sanga, director urged crew members to take Wiper David Johnson, OS Anthony Antonio, AB Bernard Essiful, advantage of opportunities for AB Abdulkarim Mohamed and AB Aubrey Benjamin. Not pictured upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No are 2nd Mate Ted Duke (on watch), Bosun Roger Tupas (taking beefs or disputed OT reported. Some photo) and OS Inocencio Roxas (on watch). Seafarers waiting for medical cards. New scale purchased for weight mended they check expiration dates room. Hoping to buy microwave month tour of duty will get three on STCW and z-cards and look over oon. Vote of bonus vacation days. He thanked o en for crew me course listings for Paul Hall Center, everyone for following safety procethank given to te-. ard department located in monthly LOG. No beefs for great meals and service. Next <lures, especially while loading and irort ca.nm - -,---,- 11-Trrrtnadin·g cargo. . . 1-nrr-r+n,·nn+ed OT repo~- ~ tor talked about Paul Hall Center, mendations sent to headquarters ROVER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), both a an educational facility as regarding pension plan. Bosun to Aug. 11--Chairman John S. Habib, well as for family vacations. Bosun investigate and fix or replace broken Secretary Fernando R. Guity, holds $249 in movie fund. New lock. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent job in galley, Educational Director William Stone, DVD player has been installed and mess halls, lounge and passageways. Deck Delegate Jam es Shepard, crew hopes to buy larger TV for Engine Delegate Walter Bagby, Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; lounge. No beefs or disputed OT Steward Delegate Eduardo R. Anchorage, Alaska; Seattle, Wash. reported. Crew members asked to Elemento. Chairman spoke about add any needed room maintenance BLUE RIDGE (Intrepid Ship good trip to Israel and announced to repair list. New mattresses and payoff Aug. 16 in New York. He pillows are on order. Steward depart- Mgmt.), Sept. I --Chairman Willie urged everyone to upgrade at Piney M. Marsh Jr., Secretary Demont A. ment thanked for good job. Next Point. No beefs or disputed OT Edwards, Educational Director ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, reported. Clarification requested on William M. Hudson, Deck Delegate Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. vacation on board Intrepid vessels Celso Fernandez. Chairman advised and about ship's funds. Crew memcrew members to make sure all docUSNS SISLER (Maersk Line, uments required for shipping are up Ltd.), Aug. 10-Chairman Glenn P. bers were asked to use separate to date. He also talked about faciliBaker Sr., Secretary Susan K. washing machines for street clothes Bowman, Educational Director ties available at Paul Hall Center and and greasy clothes. Thanks given to Timothy Chestnut, Deck Delegate that union is always available to and steward department for excellent meals and keeping very clean ship. Godofredo F. Milabo III, Engine supportive of its members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Delegate Wilfredo Custodio, SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Steward Delegate Adele E. Suggestions made to improve optical Shipholding), Aug. 14--Chairman Williams. Bosun thanked all departand dental benefits for self and Michael R. Hester, Secretary ments for their hard work during the spouse. Big vote of thanks given to Thomas C. Barrett, Educational day in Charleston. He also comsteward department for "best food." Director Henry M. Cacal, Engine mended steward department for Next ports: San Francisco and Los Delegate Juri Novozilov. Chairman good food and reminded everyone Angeles, Calif. reported receipt of letter of clarificathat safety gear and PPE must be utiCHICAGO (ATC), Sept. ! tion from headquarters regarding lized at all times while working. Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, standard contract. Educational direcSecretary added that union literature Secretary Mike Callahan, Educator reminded crew members of and forms are available on the table. tional Director LeBarron West, upgrading opportunities available at Educational director advised crew Deck Delegate Marshall Turner, Paul Hall Center. Treasurer members to upgrade skills at Piney Steward Delegate Arthur Edwards. announced $2,380 in ship's fund. No Point, make sure all training requireChairman announced vessel returnbeefs or disputed OT reported. Crew ments have been met and re-register ing to coastwise trade after successasked to keep noise down in pasat hiring hall with 72 hours. No sageways. Request made for repair ful clean-up and shipyard period in beefs or disputed OT reported. of portside door to crew lounge. Discussion held regarding new Singapore. He is awaiting clarificaAlso, DVD player needs to be agreement signed Aug. 6. Numerous tion on AB status of those who were shipped as reliefs. No beefs or disquestions arose, resulting in letter secured for sea. Next port: Hawaii. sent to headquarters for clarification. puted OT reported. Recommendation made that medical bills be paid in SEABULK PRIDE (Seabulk Crew reminded to use proper washing machine for street clothes and full, deleting term "usual and cusTankers), Aug. 12-Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Ernest greasy clothes. Ship currently in tomary." Everyone reminded of mess deck courtesies: i.e., no hats, tankDiego Garcia. J. Dumont, Educational Director tops or sandals without socks. Moses Mickens Jr., Deck Delegate Thanks given to steward department Bartow H. Bridges, Engine WESTWARD VENTURE (IUM), for great job. Next ports: Valdez, Delegate Andrea Simmons, Steward Aug. 26-Chairman Roger J. Alaska; Cherry Point, Wash. Reinke, Secretary Larry Lightfoot, Delegate Sisto DeAnda. Chairman Seafarers LOG 19 -' �(Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG wel-: comes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) 1996 as an OS and worked his way up to AB/Splicer Joiner. His last ship was the Global Sentinel. Recertified Bosun J. Olsen adds, "He was a great shipmate, and his jokes and tricks will be missed." flags from stem to bow. It turns out we were the first ship since the war to go up the Garonne River. We received a ticker-tape parade with thousands of people and flags waving to honor the ship and the merchant veterans. We stayed four days. We then went to England and took 700 troops aboard bound for Boston, Mass., where there was a big welcome home for the troops. S. Fujiwara, Chief Steward CS Global Sentinel Else Sorensen Acworth, Ga. Remembering a Fallen Shipmate Seafarer Recalls Best Voyage "Lou" and "Cecll" What a teaml We, the unlicensed crew of the Cable Ship Global Sentinel would like to pay a special tribute to a fallen shipmate. AB/SJ Kamal Moore passed away suddenly on Sept. 20, 2002 in Oakland, Calif. Moore first joined the cable ships on board the CS Global Mariner in July I came aboard the Liberty Ship Charles Brantley Aycock in New York as a troop cook in July 1945. The destination was France. We arrived in the port of Bordeaux. When the captain gave the orders to clean up, he also said to r~ise all the navigation A lot ofpeople who sail this ship Started out skinny and lean of hip. We eat gourmet cooking day after day And sooner or later we have to pay. Our pants are tighter and ready to split, Man, I've got to get off this good-feeding ship. Letters to the Editor ... .. ... . ... .. I don ~ know how you do it day after day In all kinds of weather, all kinds of heat. It s always "great " when we get there to eat When your belly s full, theres a smile on y our face. We thank you guys. You 're just great. " Tom Larkin SUP Delegate Aboard tbe Mahimahi (Editors Note: The Mahimahi steward department members referred to in the above poem are Steward/Baker Sivasa Laupati and Chief Cook Cecil Gubisch.) < Buying? ?elling ·Refinancing? ou time & money. We Cail save lal Estate program can help you.navigate The Union Plus Mortgage & e ' b ing selling or refinancmg. the lending process, whether you re uy Special pro~ms for first-time buyers!· ' We work with one of the largest lenders in the country to offer competitive rates and low down payments.* · Cal\-800-848-6466 se habla espanol Union ~Plus® Working For Working Families Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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 . members~ip 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/NMU 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. Member should get to know their shipping right . opies of these contracts are posted and a\ ailable in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the umon and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is : Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 20 Seafarers LOii monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time ·a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights 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. Con sequently, no member may be disc riminated against because of race. creed, color, sex, national or g OJaphic origin. If any member e 1 that he or she is denied the equal rights to which or she is entitled, the mem ber should n tify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY D0>~1UJ~....-~ SPAD. separate segregated fund . Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts . In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of ·m embership in the union or of employment. If ·a ·contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. November 2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE f Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. from November through December 2002. 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 rese"!a.. tions shoul4be made for Saturday. Seafarers:-who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (30 l) 994-0010. Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler Novemberll DecemberlO Welding November18 December6 Engine Utility (EU) November 25 December20 Safety Special"' Courses A~vanced FiJ;efighting Date of Arrival Date Completion December 2 December 13 December2 Decemberl3 Noveniber 18 November 22 December9 December 13 Decemberl6 December20 ':t:• Tanker Fami~irizatfonl Assistant Cargo (DL)* Deck Upgrading Courses Date of Arrival Date Completion November 11 November 15 (BRM) - Inland December9 December 13 GMDSS (Simulator) November4 November 15 December2 December 13 November4 December9 November IS December20 Course ~ .~ B~~ilge Resource Managetiient Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (S',I'OS) (*must have b~ic fire fighting} Basic Fire Figllting/STCW Academic Deparl111ent Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED,FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival Stewattl.Upgradlng COUISl!.S courses. An introductio~ to computers course '!fill be self-study. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. lbe lleaemla edlllOn of tbe Sealarel's I.OS will contain ..,. CGW'S8 listlngs Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every -other week, most recently torti:. ·~year. b~lnning OeL 2s. _;_ ..Js:::___ ,_o_Y_o_C._o_•_•-•-•-•-•-•-·- · -•-Y- •-•-•-·-~ -·-·-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-•---Y-·-·-Y-0With thi application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Address -----~~---------------------- _your class slart USMMD (z-card fmnt and bac_k, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED «JWlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order on{y. payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth Lakes Member D END DATE - - - - - - - -- - Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#______ ____ Book# _ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ __ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ LAST VESSEL: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class#----- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken Noflember 2002 D No CPR: D Yes DNo ---~~~------ SIGNATURE Date Off: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. wo2 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, noq-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOS 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Damage Control - Paul Hall Center instructor Stan Beck conducted on-site damage control, CBR-D and EPA training aboard the USNS Soderman. SIU and AMO members successfully completing that class Sept. 8 are (in no specific order) Mark Zarynoff, J. Michael Murphy, Charles Ducharme, Ronald Von Drachek, Lewis Kitzmiller, John Fleming, Eric Overby, Vance Sisco, Patricia Hausner, Isaac Diaz, Michael Mayo, George Collier, Jonathan Leck, Christppher Hale, Claudia Kammeyer, Linda Rotter-Canon, Shawn Canon, John Herget, Russell English, Dale Harrison, Richard Gathers, Jeffrey Artingstall, Nathan Elliott, Adel Shahter, Robert Brown, Willie GMDSS - Completing the GMDSS course Oct. 18 are (from left) Chris Kalinowski, Leo Bonser Sr., Clifton Noe, Chad McCaulay, Mark Marler, Brad Wheeler (instructor) and Thomas Hulsart. Harrington, Clinton Gillins, Richard Abbott and Keith Mcintosh. Government Vessels.Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the government vessels cours~ Oct. 4 are (from left) Porfirio Amaya, Leon Smith, Edvaldo Graver, Eli Falcon, Clinton Cephas and Domingo Sesante. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, stands in back. Water Survival - Graduates of the Sept. 27 upgraders er survival class are (in alphabetical order) Ritche Acuman, Michael Aikens, Joseph Arnold, Weston Beres, Eric Bourdon, Herbert Daniels, Tonald Garber, Charles Huggins, Miguel Matos, Mohamed Mohamed, Thomas Muncy, Kris Piper, Gerry Querubin, Otis Reynolds, Raymond Ryan, Charles Sadler, Michael Sottak, Mark Vidal and Christopher Waldo. Government Vessels - Upgrading Chief Cook - Working their way up to chief cook are steward department members (from left) Theresa Ballard, Barbara Smith, Juan Boisset, Nannette Yant, Chef/Instructor John Dobson, Velonder Alford, Manes Sainvil, Alex Aguinaldo and Taffi Khaled. Seafarers who graduated from the government vessels course recently are (from left, front row) Justin Bowe, Robert Stevenson, Robert Grable, William Roy, (second row) Christopher Bartholmey, Brent Midgette, Caleb Buckley and Jayson Ray. Their instructor, / Greg Thompson, stands in the back. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In photo at left are (from· left, seated) Vernon S. Thibodeaux and Diane L. Wilkins . "( - In the photo at right are (from left, seated) Bartow Bridges and Michael Hester. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in back in both pictures. 22 Seafarers LOB Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another . student may take that place. November 2002 �J Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course that ended Oct. 11 are (in no specific order) David Burnham, John Stephenson, Angelina Willoughby, Jill McGeorge, Vernon Thibodeaux, Shane Petschow, Jeffrey Hawkins, Ryan Johnston, Joseph Whitmore, Jerry Solangon, Sjarifundin Noor, Shwe Aung, Mark Vidal, Brent Williams, Masteredseed Paletaoga, George Velez-Rivera, Javier Gonzalez, Michael Fernandez, Andrew Peprah, Otis Reynolds, Edward Black, James Martin, Paul Riley, Trevon Mobley, Michael Graham, Martin Cooper, Kevin Steen and their instructor, Jim Sha~~(N~~N~allare~ctured . ) Fast Rescue Boat - Oct. 4 was graduation day for members of the most recent fast rescue boat course. In alphabetical order are Janet Baird, Eric Baliantz, Archi Bodden, Timothy Burke, Bartley Lane, Roy Matteson, Bruce Murphy, Michael Presser and John Stegeman. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ pecia aioed OS - Members of the specially trained OS class, graduating Sept. 27 under the instruction of Tom Gilliland, are Xavier Alfaro, Shwe Aung, Mohamed Fara, Kenneth Holly, Constantin Josan, George Lavender, Hector Pilgrim, Arthur Quinney, Daryl Spicer, Abe ARPA - Welding - The two-week welding course was completed Oct. 11 by (from left) Randolph Patterson, Scott Lucero and Joseph Roderiques. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far right. azquez an Leonard With instructor Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who graduated from the ARPA course Sept. 27. From the left are Smith, Richard Dozier, Ralph Kirby, Robert Minor, Charlie Pierce, James Brady and Bartow Bridges. e come. Oil Spill Containment - Seafarers working at Penn Maritime who completed the oil spill class Oct. 11 are (in no specific order) William Whited, Alvin Moore, Jimmie Ordoyne Jr., Archi Bodden, Albert Bodden, Andrew Packer, Jeffrey Rydza and Joseph Leech. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes Eric Baliantz, Alexander Bendoph, Gilbert Castillo, Alaa Embaby, Brenda Grays, Vance Holly, David Hudgins, Johnny Kemper, Jose Maisonet, Terrance Maxwell, Francis Oglesby Jr., Mark Schultz, Edward Shamburger, Phillip Spoerle, Theordore Wallace, Ricky Williams and Richard Wythe. November 2002 . Najib Camry, Robert Cando, Robert Gates, Elwin LeBouef, Cameron Peterson and William Thomas. Their instructor, Dave Martin, is at far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �November 2002 .. Joins Pleased with their initial voyage on the new USNS Soderman are (from left) Supply Officer Chuck Ducharme, Chief Steward Chris Hale and Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer. The SIU-crewed USNS Soderman-the last of eight new LMSRs (large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off ships) built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) in San Diego-was delivered to the U.S. Navy Sept. 24. Prior to delivery, the Watson-class vessel successfully completed sea trials with SIU crew members aboard. Named for Army Pfc. William A. Soderman (19121980), a World War II recpient of the Medal of Honor Bosun Michael Mayo (left), who sent the LOG the photos appearing on this page, meets with Electrician Russell English to make sure everything's running properly. for his heroic actions in Belgium in 1944, the newest member of the MSC fleet is a non-combatant vessel that will carry U.S. Army equipment, vehicles and supplies and will be prepositioned to quickly deli er the cargo to potential areas of conflict around the world. The ship is 950 feet in length, has a beam of 105.8 feet, displaces approximately 62,000 long tons when fully loaded, and can sustain speeds of up to 24 knots. Its cargo carrying capacity exceeds 394,000 square feet. Wiper Isaac Diaz does his part unreeling the hose to help make the fire drill successful. Right: Posing on deck is AB Richard Gathers. ,, I Gathering on deck for a group shot are (from left, kneeling) Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer, Wiper Isaac Diaz, Bosun Michael Mayo, QMED Keith Mcintosh, (standing) Chief Steward Chris Hale, Electrician Russell English, AB Patrtician Hausner (hidden), QMED Robert Brown, OS Dale Harrison, OS Nate Elliot, Supply Officer Chuck Ducharme, AB Clinton Gillins, AB Willie Harrington, AB Richard Gathers and OS Adel Shahter. (Not pictured are SA Linda Rotter-Canon, Shawn Canon, Electronics Officer George Collier, AB Jeffrey Artingstall and QMED Richard Abbott.) . All hands take part in the shipboard fire and emergency drills. At right, simulating his actions in a "smoke-filled" room is AB Jeffrey Artingstall. Manning the hose on deck are (from left) Electronics Officer George Collier, Wiper Isaac Diaz, OS Nate Elliot, AB Clinton Gillins, AB Jeffrey Artingstall and AB Richard Gathers. '! \ \, \ AB Clinton Gillins (above) and QMED Robert Brown (right) are two of the hard-working crew members aboard the USNS Soderman who helped ready the latest LMSR for delivery to the U.S. Navy's Strategic Sealift Program. 1, ... , ' • I ... � 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 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ITF STEPS UP CAMPAIGN TO SPOTLIGHT MISTREATMENT OF CRUISE-SHIP EMPLOYEES FEDERATION'S NEW WEB SITE SHOWS CANDIDATES' RECORDS TRANSCOM CHIEF BACKS MSP QUICKLY BUT CAUTIOUSLY, SEAFARERS HELP RESCUE 5 CUBAN REFUGEES KEY TRANSPORTATION FORUM TACKLES TREATMENT OF CREWS, SHIPBOARD SECURITY ISSUES SEAFARERS-CREWED CSX HAWAII CARRIES BASEBALL GEAR TO KIDS MSC COMMANDER PROMOTED MAERSK MISSOURI JOINS U.S. FLEET ITF AFFILIATE UNIONS PROMOTE SAFETY ON WORLD MARITIME DAY CRUISE SHIP CONMAN STILL AT LARGE, ITF CAUTIONS WORLD MARITIME DAY LETTER SIGNALS NEW SUPPORT IN ENERGY SECTOR FOR OFFSHORE MARINERS UNITED HIGHLY REGARDED CEO MCMILLEN DIES AT 67 SEAFARER BARRETT MITCHELL ERCOGNIZED FOR RESCUE EVIDENCE SUGGESTS TERRORISTS ATTACKED FRENCH OIL TANKER, KILLING ONE MARINER LAKE CARGOES INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER SENEGAL FERRY DISASTER CLAIMS NEARLY 1,000 UNION, MSC CONTINUE CMPI NEGOTIATIONS 'OPEN SEASON' FOR FEDERAL WORKERS' HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN STARTS NOV. 11 APPRENTICE PROGRAM: SPRINGBOARD FOR MARITIME CAREERS SIU-CREWED SODERMAN JOINS MSC 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 11/1/2002 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. 64, No. 11 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log