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12/17/2010

3:54 PM

Page 1

Volume 73, Number 1

January 2011

Tanker Evergreen State
Christened

SIU members are sailing aboard the new double-hulled tanker Evergreen State, which was christened and delivered in early
December at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The vessel, operated by Crowley for American Petroleum Tankers LLC, initially will carry Defense Department cargo. The photo of the ship was taken in September during float-out. Pictured in the group
shot before the christening are (from left) Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus, Bosun Dennis Spriggs,
Pumpman Rodolfo Opinaldo, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Crowley Director of Labor Relations Jack Craft. Page 3.

Thanksgiving Tradition Thrives in Oakland

The SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., hosted its traditional pre-Thanksgiving gathering on
Nov. 23, marking the popular event’s 20th anniversary. Guests (some of whom are pictured below) included Seafarers, retirees and their families, members of Congress,
local and state politicians, representatives from ship-operating companies, and personnel from more than a dozen unions and other labor organizations as well as the
U.S. Coast Guard and the California Army National Guard. Page 7.

Paul Hall Center Announces Course Dates

The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has
announced various upgrading course dates for the first few months of 2011.
Those dates are included in the school’s annual course guide, which is published
on pages 9-16. The guide includes several new courses and updated descriptions
of many others. Pictured above are students and an instructor training at the
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall
Center.

Bisso Crews Ratify Contract SHBP Announces Upgrades
Page 4
Page 6

SIU’s Year in Review
Page 24

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P re s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t
More Gains in 2010

Even though the national economy remained lousy during the past
year, our union continued riding out the storm with full employment
and the addition of new tonnage. We also negotiated good contracts that
maintain benefits and improve wages.
For those reasons and others, I believe 2010 definitely was another
year of progress for the SIU. Our first measure of success is always
jobs and job security for the rank-and-file membership, and we absolutely continued doing well in that
category. As I’ve said throughout the recession, an
individual Seafarer may not be able to pick and
choose the exact job or exact run he or she wants at a
particular time, but at least you can go to work. The
jobs are there.
Of course, there cannot be an adequate number of
Michael Sacco jobs without sufficient tonnage entering the
American-flag fleet. Last year, our union welcomed
no fewer than five new tankers, four car carriers,
four ATBs, two heavy-lift ships and three T-AKE vessels. Some were
replacements for older ships while others were outright additions, but in
every case, they signify a solid future for Seafarers.
One of the first big stories from last year was the U.S. Merchant
Marine’s timely, efficient response to the devastation in Haiti. As we
take one last look back on 2010, I again salute the women and men of
the SIU who sailed on those critical early relief missions after the earthquake. You deserve the recognition and appreciation you’ve received.
No review of 2010 would be complete without mentioning the
Deepwater Horizon tragedy and the ridiculous attacks on the Jones Act
that soon followed. Our industry and our supporters stood up and successfully fought back against the misinformation spread by enemies of
the U.S.-flag fleet, but by no means should we assume the fight is over.
In fact, I expect that efforts to maintain and strengthen the Jones Act
will be one of our industry’s biggest tasks in 2011. Our critics may be
grossly inaccurate – some might even describe them as shameless – but
they’re also persistent.
We know how to put up a good fight, too, and we’re more than
ready to promote and protect the U.S. Merchant Marine.
But it won’t be easy, especially after losing so many advocates on
Election Day. There’s a big void to fill, and a big educational job ahead.
We have always had friends on both sides of the aisle, but we will need
help from you and your family members to tell our side of the story to
elected officials.
As we move forward, I thank our members for their grassroots
efforts throughout the country and I urge you to continue participating.
That includes supporting SPAD, our union’s voluntary political action
fund. SPAD is nothing short of essential to our survival and our prosperity.
Also central to our success is the outstanding work you perform
every day aboard the vessels throughout our SIU-crewed fleet. We have
survived because we are trusted partners in the commercial and military
maritime industry. Much of that trust is built upon providing qualified
manpower. Here again, we deliver and we’re reliable, thanks to you.
Credit also goes to our affiliated school in Piney Point: the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school is a great thing
for Seafarers.
As we gear up for all that lies ahead, I’m proud to represent you and
I’m looking forward to another good year.

Volume 73, Number 1

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) (left) and U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) (right) speak with
Adm. Bob Papp, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, at the Capitol. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty
Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley)

Agency Salutes Maritime Backers
Sen. Lautenberg, Rep. Cummings
U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (D-Md.)
and U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), two
longtime friends of SIU members and working families, were honored with the Commodore Ellsworth P.
Bertholf Award by the U.S. Coast Guard on Dec. 1.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and
Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel were on hand to
offer their congratulations at the ceremony in the
Capitol.
The Bertholf Award is given every year to a member of Congress who has shown unwavering support
for the men and women serving in the Coast Guard,
according to the agency. Citing their proven devotion
to the Coast Guard and their years of fighting for their
interests, the Coast Guard’s choice recommending
both Rep. Cummings and Sen. Lautenberg for this

Schoeneman Becomes Legislative Director
Brian W. Schoeneman has been brought aboard as
the SIU’s legislative director.
Schoeneman is a veteran maritime lobbyist and
political professional, with experience in both the
public and private sectors. He most recently served
as managing partner of Acacia Strategies LLC, a
maritime-focused lobbying firm he founded in 2009.
He has previously served as special assistant and
senior speechwriter to Bush Administration

January 2011

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, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675.
Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs,
MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing
Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Paddy
Lehane; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Administrative Support,
Misty Dobry.
Copyright © 2010 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International Union
engaged an environmentally friendly
printer for the production of this
newspaper.

Brian Schoeneman

2

Seafarers LOG

year’s honors was clear, the agency reported.
Rep. Cummings, former chairman of the House
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Subcommittee, expressed his gratitude for the honor.
“I’m proud to join Sen. Lautenberg and all the previous recipients of this award,” Cummings said. “I
hope that, during my time as chairman, we have been
able to create a more efficient and effective service
that is fully prepared to protect the American people
and ensure the safety of our maritime transportation
system.”
Sen. Lautenberg is the only member of Congress
serving on both the Coast Guard authorizing and
appropriation subcommittees. He was chairman of
the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine
Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee.
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. At the Labor
Department, he served as the secretary’s lead liaison
to organized labor and as a member of her senior
staff.
Prior to his appointment, he served as executive
director of the American Maritime Congress from
2006 to 2008. From 2003 to 2006, he served first as
assistant political director and later as government
affairs director for the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial
Association (AFL-CIO). While at MEBA, he was
responsible for both the legislative and political
departments, and worked on a number of major
pieces of legislation that benefited the maritime
industry.
Speaking about the most recent Election Day,
Schoeneman stated, “The 2010 elections were as
jolting to Washington and to the maritime industry as
any we have seen in decades. It is going to be critical that we educate this new generation of political
leaders about our industry, particularly given the
amount of noise made about the Jones Act. I’m looking forward to working with the entire SIU team in
ensuring we keep the focus on jobs and growing the
United State Merchant Marine.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also
chairs the Seafarers Political Activity Donation
(SPAD), said, “Brian brings a wealth of knowledge
and experience to our Washington team. His enthusiasm and expertise will be vital in the upcoming
Congress and I am confident that Brian will be a
huge asset for our organization as he leads the efforts
of the SIU legislative team. His contribution will be
essential in defending our members’ interests – and
in so doing, the interests of the U.S.-flag maritime
industry.”
Schoeneman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree
in political science from the George Washington
University in Washington, D.C., where he also
earned a Master of Arts in political management. He
will be wrapping up his law degree this May at the
Catholic University of America Columbus School of
Law, where he served on the Law Review during
2009-2010.

January 2011

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Page 3

The stack of the SIU-contracted tanker Evergreen State (photo at left) is installed at NASSCO, a union-contracted shipyard. In the photo above, the new tanker completes sea trials off the West Coast.

NASSCO Delivers Tanker Evergreen State

Carol Kurz (photo above) christens the ship in
front of 200 or so onlookers, while MSC Deputy
Commander Rear Adm. Brian LaRoche (photo
directly below) addresses the crowd.

The SIU-contracted tanker Evergreen
State was delivered Dec. 7 in San Diego.
SIU Vice President West Coast Nick
Marrone and Port Agent Jeff Turkus
were among the estimated 200 guests at
the christening ceremony, conducted at
the union-contracted NASSCO shipyard.
The double-hulled ship is the fifth in a
series of five Seafarers-crewed tankers
being operated by Crowley for American
Petroleum Tankers LLC. It is named in
honor of the state of Washington.
“This is a great addition for the SIU,
and I’m fully confident that the Seafarers
sailing aboard the Evergreen State will
do a magnificent job,” Marrone said. “As
the Military Sealift Command (MSC)

reconfigures its tanker fleet, ships like
the Evergreen State are vitally important
to our national and economic security.”
At a length of 600 feet and with a
cargo capacity of approximately 331,000
barrels, the Evergreen State is expected
to carry petroleum products for the
Department of Defense under the operational control of MSC. The other most
recent vessel in this class, the Empire
State, in early October came under charter to MSC for up to five years.
NASSCO began constructing the
Evergreen State in May 2009. The other
vessels in the class are the Golden State,
Pelican State, Sunshine State and
Empire State. According to the shipyard,

all were delivered “on time and under
budget.”
The Evergreen State’s sponsor was
Carol Kurz, wife of American Petroleum
Tankers Chief Executive Officer Robert
Kurz. Carol Kurz broke the traditional
bottle of champagne across the ship’s
side in front of an enthusiastic audience.
“Completed more than nine months
ahead of our original schedule, under
budget, and in substantially fewer manhours than the lead ship of the class, the
Evergreen State reflects NASSCO’s
high performance in product carrier construction,” said Fred Harris, president of
General Dynamics NASSCO and himself a former union mariner.

SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Port Agent Jeff Turkus (right) are pictured with vessel sponsor Carol Kurz.

OSG Tanker
Overseas Chinook
Completes Sea Trials

The Seafarers-contracted tanker Overseas Chinook (right)
recently completed sea trials and then sailed to
Charleston, S.C., where it was slated to undergo modifications for shuttle operations. The double-hulled, 600-foot
ship was constructed at union-contracted Aker
Philadelphia Shipyard, where this photo was taken. It is
part of the Veteran Class series being built for OSG
America. The other vessels in this new-build program
include the Overseas Anacortes, Overseas Houston,
Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas
New York, Overseas Texas City Overseas Boston,
Overseas Nikiski, Overseas Martinez and Overseas
Cascade. Each of those vessels is 46,000 DWT, can carry
332,000 barrels of product and can sail at speeds greater
than 14 knots. Aker Philadelphia has another vessel under
construction that is scheduled for delivery later this year.
(Photo by John Curdy)

January 2011

Seafarers LOG

3

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Page 4

Bisso Boatmen Approve New 3-Year Contract
SIU members at E.N. Bisso in New
Orleans are ringing in the New Year with
a brand new contract. The three-year
agreement, overwhelmingly supported
by Seafarers, includes some major gains
for the approximately 60 engineers,
deckhands, and wheelmen employed by
the company.
Ratified late last year, the contract features second- and third-year pay increases as well as a first-year bonus for SIU
boatmen, a daily pay increase for wheelmen, and the addition of grandparents to
the bereavement clause. Another major
component of the contract is the continuation of Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan Core Plus medical benefits (the top
level available through the SHBP) without any concessions.
The union’s bargaining team, led by
Engineer Delegate Robert Jordan,
Deckhand/Wheelman Delegate Brandon
Chauvin and Port Agent Chris
Westbrook, was satisfied with the negotiations and the resulting contract.
“I think the negotiations went very
well,” said Jordan. “Between the company, the union, and the employees all
being able to sit down and negotiate
without hostility shows we’ve really
come a long way.”
Westbrook agreed, pointing out the
significance of a fair contract in tough

economic times.
“I’m pleased with the work the delegates did under the conditions they were
in,” Westbrook said. “We were able to
negotiate a fair package that everyone
can live with. I also want to acknowledge
the valuable support and communication
we received from many of the longtime
members at Bisso. They really stepped up
and helped everyone understand the economic realities of these times and in particular the importance of maintaining
their level of medical benefits.”
Westbrook commended SIU Vice
President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey for
his valuable input throughout the
process.
The union negotiating team also
noted that stable relations with management were reflected at the bargaining table.
“I’ve got to give the company credit,” Jordan said. “They did a great job
listening to what we had to say.”
The mutually respectful relationship with the company had an impact
on Chauvin, as well.
“I loved the experience,” said
Chauvin. “A lot of people told me it
was going to be tough and I figured it
would be intimidating, but it really
wasn’t. I went in with a clear mind
and spoke how I needed to.”

Pictured from left to right are Robert Jordan, Jacob Toler, Eric Burlette, Port Agent Chris
Westbrook, Carl Crawford, Matt Marchand, William Hohensee and Charlie Deskins.

Both Chauvin and Jordan said
maintaining the Core Plus benefits is
a highlight of the new contract.
Chauvin added that the value of such
benefits particularly isn’t lost on him.
“Last year I had cancer, which is
thousands of dollars (for treatment)
easily,” said Chauvin. But, because of
the benefits stipulated in his SIU contract, “it didn’t have to come out of

Recent Incidents Constitute Reminders

my pocket.”
He added that maintaining medical
benefits has the potential to help all the
workers at E.N. Bisso.
“From a cold to a broken leg, health
care has been there to benefit them and
their families and will continue to be,”
said Chauvin. “This is a positive contract and a positive experience. It means
a better future.”

Piracy Remains A Serious Threat
In the maritime industry, piracy
remains in the news virtually every
day, even though the overall issue no
longer regularly makes headlines in
the traditional media in the United
States. Two recent incidents involving SIU-crewed vessels, the conviction of five captured perpetrators and
the trial of another all are blatant
reminders that violence on the high
seas remains a serious threat to the
maritime community.

The current SPAD T-shirt displays artwork on the back
(above) and the union logo on the front pocket.

SPAD T-Shirts Available
Starting this month, SIU members who contribute
at least 50 cents per day to the voluntary Seafarers
Political Activity Donation (SPAD) fund will receive a
SPAD T-shirt by completing a very brief form available at the union halls.
Any member who donates to SPAD when they file
for a vacation check (and who wants one of the shirts)
will be given a form asking for basic information
including the applicant’s name, shipping address and
shirt size. The port agent then will submit that form
along with the vacation application. Shirts will be
mailed from the union’s headquarters building, located
in Camp Springs, Md. If a member sends an annual
SPAD contribution by mail, the member is asked to
indicate his or her shirt size.
Shirts will be mailed until the supply runs out.
Seafarers are advised to check with their port agents
for additional information.
In his December 2010 report to the membership,
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (who chairs
SPAD) said, “I would like to thank the membership for
their continued contributions to SPAD. I would also
like to encourage everyone to sign a SPAD authorization. Your participation helps give the SIU a fighting
chance to preserve, promote and expand the U.S. fleet
and the good jobs that go with it. As you know, SPAD
is an indispensable tool in the ongoing effort to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. Please continue to
support this valuable program.”

4

Seafarers LOG

Maersk Alabama
The SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama
on Sept. 29 was targeted in the
Indian Ocean by five pirates in a
skiff who were armed with AK 47s.
According to the London-based
International Maritime Organization,
a private security team aboard the
Alabama activated a long-range
acoustic device (LRAD), fired warning shots as the skiff approached and
kept the intruders at bay. First
acquired by the U.S. Navy, the
LRAD emits constant, extremely
loud noises to drive off attackers and
has been described as a “sonic cannon.”
As reported earlier in the LOG,
the Alabama in April 2009 was
boarded by Somali pirates in the
same shipping lanes. In that drama
that drew headlines around the
world, U.S. Navy SEALS eventually
rescued ship Capt. Richard Phillips
who was being held hostage in a

lifeboat.
The most recent incident marks
the third time the Maersk Alabama
has been approached by pirates off
the Somali coast. In addition to the
April 2009 attack, the vessel was
approached some seven months later
on Nov. 19, 2009. According to several sources at the time, the LRAD
also was used to thwart the attack.

USNS Lewis and Clark
The USNS Lewis and Clark,
crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU
Government Services Division, on
Nov. 20 assisted the USS Winston
Churchill during its response to a
suspected attack on the Chineseflagged M/V Tai An Kou in the North
Arabian Sea.
A cargo ship, the Tai An Kou
reported to the Dubai-based UK
Maritime Trade Organization that
she was under attack and located
some 100 nautical miles off the
Omani Coast. According to the
Military Sealift Command, the Lewis
and Clark (a dry cargo/ammunition
ship in the T-AKE class) received the
distress call and as the nearest vessel, proceeded to the area to investigate.
Once on the scene, members of
the Lewis and Clark’s crew reported
seeing pirates in a dhow and individuals from two skiffs firing on the Tai
An Kou. The pirates then shot at the
Lewis and Clark which fired back in

The USNS Lewis and Clark is pictured Sept. 18 in the Arabian Sea during a
replenishment of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations.
Members of the SIU Government Services Division fill the unlicensed slots
aboard the Lewis and Clark. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell)

self defense. No casualties were
reported.
Meanwhile, the Navy destroyer
USS Winston Churchill which at the
time was assigned to the Turkish-led
Combined Task Force 151, was
directed to deploy to the location,
examine the situation and provide
further assistance if necessary. The
Churchill arrived on the scene and
established communication with the
crew of the Tai An Kou, who had
locked themselves in a safe room out
of immediate danger. The destroyer
also launched her helicopter to
maintain oversight of the cargo ship.
Shortly thereafter, the Chinese
Navy frigate Xuzhou also arrived at
the scene. After being briefed by the
crew from the Churchill, officers and
crew from the Xuzhou launched a
team which boarded the Tai An Kou
and discovered that the pirates were
no longer aboard.
Pirates Have Day in Court
Five Somali men accused of
attacking the U.S. warship USS
Nicholas on April 1 off the Horn of
Africa were convicted on federal
piracy charges Nov. 24 in a U.S.
District Court in Norfolk, Va.
The Nicholas, whose home base is
Norfolk, was part of an international
flotilla fighting piracy in the seas off
Somalia when she came under
attack. According to several sources,
the Somali men opened fire on the
Nicholas with assault rifles, only to
flee when it returned fire with
machine guns. The five confessed to
attacking the Nicholas after mistaking it for a merchant ship. Each faces
mandatory life terms.
In related matter, Abduwali
Abdukhadir Muse, another Somali
pirate captured by the U.S. military,
in May pleaded guilty in a federal
court in Manhattan, N.Y., to charges
pressed against him in connection
with the attempted hijacking of the
Maersk Alabama. He now faces a
minimum sentence of 27 years in
prison on charges of two counts of
hijacking maritime vessels, two
felony counts of kidnapping and
two felony counts of hostage-taking.

January 2011

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Page 5

AFL-CIO President Calls for Solidarity, Economic Rebound
The head of the AFL-CIO recently
reached out to the federation’s 57 affiliates, including the SIU, with a call for
solidarity.
In a communication headlined “It’s Up
to Us – Together,” AFL-CIO President
Richard Trumka said that while
America’s working families face very
serious challenges, the adversity can be
overcome through grassroots action and
other concerted efforts.
“Before signing the Declaration of
Independence, Ben Franklin immortalized one of my favorite quotes: ‘We must,
indeed, all hang together, or most
assuredly we shall all hang separately,’ ”
Trumka wrote. “I don’t think that’s too
melodramatic a statement for union members to consider today. We know we’re in
a political bulls-eye and that the goal of
our opponents is to tie us up with defensive battles – in Washington, D.C., and in
the states – because they think that will
weaken our offensive for jobs, good living standards and an economy that works
for all.”
Circulated in late November, the editorial by Trumka said it is up to organized
labor to spur economic turnaround.
“It’s a perilous time – but one that is
also ripe with opportunity,” Trumka
wrote. “Right now, the American people,
who repeatedly have voiced their desire
for change, are hungry for leadership.

Someone has to turn this economy around
– fast, before working families lose more
jobs, more homes, more opportunity for a
decent future for their children. And it’s
not going to be the political lap dogs for
Wall Street and the rich – they’re not
going to fix this economy. It’s not going
to be the conservative ideologues or the
haters. This job falls to us – a united
American labor movement.”
He continued, “The corporate agenda
we’ve lived under for the past three
decades and the recent economic collapse
have left our unions bruised, smaller than
we should be. So we have to be stronger
than we’ve ever been to meet this responsibility. That means hanging together. It
means solidarity. It means fighting
together united by our common beliefs. It
means giving one another the courage to
take on those offensive fights. It means
growing. And it means refusing to be
divided.”
Trumka recalled the steady erosion of
the nation’s manufacturing sector and
said that the outsourcing of those “good,
middle-class jobs” hurt not only the
workers from that area but also others. “It
destroyed whole communities, fractured
families, gutted the middle class and hollowed out our economy,” he said.
Similarly, the federation president
declared that current attacks on publicsector workers threaten those in the pri-

Venerable Maritime Official
Capt. Gregorio Oca Dies at 83
The international maritime communi- working with him for nearly three
ty recently mourned the death of Capt. decades and can unhesitatingly say that
Gregorio “Greg” Oca, chairman of the he was a warm and vibrant personality as
Associated Marine Officers’ and well as a great campaigner and leader. He
Seamen’s Union of the Philippines will be hugely missed by all of us.”
He added, “Seafarer training, health
(AMOSUP). Oca, an iconic figure in the
industry, passed away Nov. 21 at age 83. and welfare were particularly close to his
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David heart and if there is some comfort in this
Heindel, who also serves as chairman of sad loss it’s that the work that he did in
the Seafarers’ Section of the International those areas – including the building of
Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), hospitals and training academies – will
offered a eulogy during a Nov. 27 memo- live on and serve as a monument to his
rial in the Philippines, the night before career.”
ITF Maritime Coordinator Steve
the funeral. After pointing out that he’d
worked closely with Oca, Heindel stated Cotton stated, “Greg believed in and
fostered much of the
that thousands of
best of what he, his
mariners and the indusunion and the ITF stand
try as a whole are better
for. He was a true
off because of Oca’s
believer in social diaefforts.
logue, a champion of
“He was the kind of
what can be achieved
person who only comes
through international
along once in a lifecollective bargaining
time,” Heindel said.
and a powerful sup“He was a tremendousporter
of
social
ly effective leader. He
progress.”
built a thriving organiOca founded the
zation that supplies the
Associated
Marine
greatest number of
Officers’ Union 50
qualified mariners in
years ago and merged it
the world. His keen
with the Associated
vision and his tireless
Seamen’s Union of the
efforts provided not
Philippines in 1972 to
only employment but
Capt. Gregorio Oca
create AMOSUP. He
an opportunity for a
ensured that the ITF
career to thousands of
and AMOSUP worked
Filipino people and a
better way of life for them and their fam- closely together on every area of concern for mariners, from training to marilies.”
The SIU official further described Oca itime law to piracy. His work was recas “compassionate, warm and caring – ognized within the ITF and far beyond,
someone who respected his fellow man, including numerous salutes from the
and who treated people with dignity and Filipino government.
Oca laid in state for several days in
respect. In that same vein, he was trustworthy and forthright; Greg’s handshake Quezon City, and then was moved to a
was every bit as good as a written con- seamen’s center in Manila. Heindel
tract, thanks to his integrity…. Greg was described the scenes, including the
an accomplished seafarer, a magnificent weekend memorial service and funeral,
as elaborate, tasteful and exceptionally
leader, a loyal friend.”
ITF General Secretary David well-attended.
Various maritime publications
Cockroft said, “Greg was a tireless leader
of AMOSUP and a lot of what that union described Oca as “a pivotal figure” in
has built and achieved can be laid at his the industry, with one headline calling
door. I had the pleasure of knowing and his death the “end of an era.”

January 2011

vate sector, too. “When public employees
are attacked because they have pensions
and health care benefits, those pensions
and benefits – which should be a basic
right – are pushed further out of everyone’s reach,” he said.
He described solidarity as more essential than ever for the labor movement.
Trumka reminded union members that in
the months and years ahead, “Sisters and
brothers in one state will be fighting
right-to-work for less proposals; in the
next state over, they’ll be fighting for a
Made in America law. Building trades
workers may face attacks on prevailing
wages, while public employees are threatened with layoffs and transportation and
manufacturing workers demand green
energy jobs in this country. And everywhere, unions will be helping workers
organize and grow our movement.
“If we only fight our own battles,
we’re in danger of winning none,” he
continued. “And we certainly won’t
demonstrate the leadership America is
counting on us for. And when I say leadership, I’m not talking about me, or even
your union president. I’m talking about
you. As our political program demonstrates year after year, nothing is more
powerful in turning co-workers into
activists than your face-to-face, heart-toheart conversations. That’s leadership.”
He concluded, “We have so much to

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

do in the coming months and years. And
it’s a core of our history, of all we stand
for, that the way we win is by winning
together. So hang together. Stand together. Fight together. Lead together. And no
one – no one – can tear us down.”

Full Book Presented in Piney Point

Seafarer Twanna Moody (second from right) received her full union book during the
December membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. On hand to congratulate the steward-department member were (from left) SIU VP Government Services Kermett
Mangram, VP Contracts George Tricker (who administered the union oath), President
Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.

AMO, MEBA Announce Election Results
The American Maritime Officers (AMO)
and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial
Association (MEBA) early last month
announced the results of their respective
elections.
The AMO, an affiliate of the Seafarers
International Union of North America,
reported that members re-elected Tom
Bethel as national president. Also re-elected
were Secretary-Treasurer Jose Leonard,
Executive Vice President Robert Kiefer,
Vice President Deep Sea Joseph
Gremelsbacker, Vice President Inland
Waters Charles Murdock and Vice President
Government Relations J. Michael Murphy.
John Clemons was elected vice president
Great Lakes.
In a message to the AMO membership,
Bethel wrote, “This was a long, difficult
campaign, driven on both sides by one compelling and critical economic issue and by

emotions – factors reflected in the slim margins recorded in all but two cases. But this
election was also a testament to the democratic process in our union. The system
worked fairly for all candidates and for all
AMO members who chose to speak out
through their ballots.”
For the MEBA, Mike Jewell was elected
president, Dave Nolan was elected executive vice president and Bill Van Loo was reelected as secretary-treasurer. Elected as
regional vice presidents were Chris Guerra
(New York) and Jonathan Lincoln (New
Orleans). The union also announced results
for the elections of four branch agents, six
patrolmen and 11 delegates to the MEBA
convention.
In a campaign post, Jewell wrote, “I am
ready to assume the office of president in
January 2011 and will be running at full
throttle.”

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SHPB NOTICE

Plan Administrator Announces Health Benefits Upgrades
Editor’s note: The following letter was
mailed in early December to participants in
the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.
SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS
PLAN
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, Maryland 20746-4275
(301) 899-0675
December 10, 2010

Dear Plan Participant:

The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
would like to notify you of a number of positive changes to your health benefits, which
will go into effect on January 1, 2011. The
Plan is making these changes to improve your
benefits, in compliance with the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act
(“Affordable Care Act” or “ACA”).
As the Plan has already informed you,
beginning next year, if you are eligible for
benefits the Plan will offer dependent
health coverage to your children between
ages 19 and 25, provided that the child is
not offered health coverage through his or
her employer.
■ You are no longer required to verify your
child’s student status as of January 1, 2011.
■ Your child does not have to be supported by you to be eligible for coverage.
You must enroll your child between ages
19 and 25, even if they are already a participant in the Plan, so that he or she may

receive coverage. To enroll a child complete
and return an “Enrollment Form and
Affidavit for Dependent Child” to the Plan,
which confirms that your child is not
offered health coverage through his or her
employer. The form is available at
www.seafarers.org, under the Member
Benefits and Resources section or you can
contact us at 1-800-252-4674. In subsequent
years, the Plan may periodically verify
whether the child is offered other coverage
through his or her employer.
The Plan will no longer apply any preexisting condition exclusions to children
under age 19. Therefore, if your child
received treatment for a medical condition
before enrolling in this Plan, the Plan will still
provide coverage for the treatment of that
condition, provided that it is a type of service
that the Plan covers for other dependents.
The Plan currently has lifetime dollar limits on certain benefits. The following lifetime
limits will be eliminated in 2011:
■ $50,000 lifetime limit on treatment of
congenital anomalies (birth defects);
■ $10,000 lifetime limit on home health
and hospice services;
■ $150,000 lifetime limit on organ and tissue transplants at Core-Plus level of benefits;
■ $50,000 lifetime limit on bone marrow
transplants at Core level of benefits.
This means that there will be no dollar
limit on the amounts that the Plan will pay
for these benefits beginning in 2011. Please
note however, that at the Core level of benefits, bone marrow transplants are the only

Seafarers Volunteer for School Beautification

transplant benefits that the Plan covers. This
will not change; however, the dollar limit will
be removed from that benefit.
The Plan will also increase its annual limits on certain benefits. The annual limits on
the following benefits will be increased to
$750,000 a year, in calendar year 2011:
■ Cardiac Rehabilitation. This benefit is
currently limited to $2000 per year.
■
Home
Nursing.
This benefit is currently limited to $2000 per
year.
■ Pediatric preventive dental care.
Currently dental services for children are limited to $750 at the Core-Plus level, and $350
at the Core level. Pediatric preventive dental
care includes all preventive dental services
provided to participants under age 19, but
does not include orthodontia. Current limits
on orthodontia will remain in place.
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
believes that it is a “grandfathered health
plan” under the Affordable Care Act. A
grandfathered health plan is a plan that was in
existence at the time the ACA was passed.
This law allows a plan to preserve the basic
coverage that was in effect when the law was
enacted, as long as it makes certain required
changes, such as elimination of lifetime benefit limits, and other changes described
above. However, some of the consumer protections included in the ACA do not apply to
grandfathered plans. If you have questions
about which provisions of the ACA apply to
grandfathered plans, you can direct them to
the Plan Administrator at the address listed

above. If you wish, you may also contact the
Employee Benefits Security Administration,
U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-444-3272
for more information, or view the information about grandfathered plans on their website, www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform.
The Plan would also like you to know that
it will be participating in the Early Retiree
Reinsurance Program (ERRP). This new program was created by the ACA. It allows
health plans that provide health benefits to
retirees between 55 and 64 who are not eligible for Medicare to receive reimbursement
from the government for certain Plan costs
for some of these early retirees. The Plan
expects that it will use any reimbursements
that it receives to reduce or offset increases
in its own costs for maintaining your health
coverage; which will help ensure that the
Plan will be able to continue to offer health
benefits coverage to retirees, employees and
their families for many years in the future.
Please keep this letter along with your
Summary Plan Description (SPD) booklet so
that you have current information about your
benefits. The Plan will send you a revised
booklet next year which will include these
changes. If you have any questions, please
contact the Plan’s Claims Department at 1800-252-4674.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we
would like to wish you and your families a
happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
Sincerely,
Margaret R. Bowen

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PARTIES

SIU Pacific District Pension Plan
Notice To: All employees who are covered by written agreements which require pension contributions on
their behalf to the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan.
An application is to be made to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an advance determination on the
qualification of the following collectively bargained plan:

Plan Name: SIU Pacific District Pension Plan
Plan Number: 001
Name and Address of Applicant: Board of Trustees, SIU Pacific District Pension Fund, 730 Harrison
Street, Suite 400, San Francisco CA, 94107-1260
Applicant’s E.I.N.: 94-6061923
Name and Address of Plan Administrator: Board of Trustees, SIU Pacific District Pension Fund, 730
Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107-1260
The application will be filed on January 31, 2011 for an advance determination as to whether the Plan
meets the qualification requirements of section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with
respect to the amendment and restatement of the Plan.
The application will be filed with: EP Determinations, Internal Revenue Service, 201 West Rivercenter
Blvd., Attn: Extracting Stop 312, Covington, KY 41011
All employees who are covered by written agreements accepted by the Trustees that require contributions
on their behalf to the Plan are eligible to participate in the Plan.
The Internal Revenue Service has previously issued a determination letter with respect to the qualification
of this Plan.
RIGHTS OF INTERESTED PARTIES
You have the right to submit to EP Determinations, at the above address, either individually or jointly with
other interested parties, your comments as to whether this Plan meets the qualification requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code. You may instead, individually or jointly with other interested parties, request the
Department of Labor to submit, on your behalf, comments to EP Determinations regarding qualification of
the Plan. If the Department declines to comment on all or some of the matters you raise, you may, individually, or jointly if your request was made to the Department jointly, submit your comments on these matters
directly to EP Determinations.
REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The Department of Labor may not comment on behalf of interested parties unless requested to do so by
the lesser of 10 employees or 10 percent of the employees who qualify as interested parties. The number of
persons needed for the Department to comment with respect to this Plan is 10. If you request the Department
to comment, your request must be in writing and must specify the matters upon which comments are requested, and must also include:
(1) The Plan Name, Plan Number, Name, Address and EIN of the Board of Trustees as the Applicant (all
of which are listed above); and
(2) The number of persons needed for the Department to comment.

A request to the Department to comment should be addressed as follows: Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20210, Attention: 3001 Comment Request

COMMENTS TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Comments submitted by you to EP Determinations must be in writing and received by them by March 17,
2011. However, if there are matters that you request the Department of Labor to comment upon on your
behalf, and the Department declines, you may submit comments on these matters to EP Determinations to be
received by them within fifteen days from the time the Department notifies you that it will not comment on a
particular matter, or by March 17, 2011, whichever is later, but not after April 1, 2011. A request to the
Department to comment on your behalf must be received by it by February 15, 2011 if you wish to preserve
your right to comment on a matter upon which the Department declines to comment, or by February 25, 2011
if you wish to waive that right.

In early November, three Seafarers from the AMSEA-operated USNS 1st Lt. Jack
Lummus joined other individuals in volunteering to paint the local high school in
Palau during their off time. SeaBees donated the materials. SIU members pitching
in included QMED Dennis Riley (left), Electrician Ursel (Buddy) Barber (right) and
Storekeeper Lynne Mathison (not pictured).

6

Seafarers LOG

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Detailed instructions regarding the requirements for notification of interested parties may be found in
Sections 17 and 18 of IRS Revenue Procedure 2010-6. Additional information concerning this application
(including, where applicable, an updated copy of the Plan and related trust; the application for determination;
any additional documents dealing with the application that have been submitted to the IRS; and copies of
Section 17 of Revenue Procedure 2010-6) are available at SIU Pacific District Pension Fund, 730 Harrison
Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107-1260, during regular business hours for inspection and copying.
(There may be a nominal charge for copying and/or mailing.)

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U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee presents a certificate recognizing the union. Gratefully accepting the document
are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Asst.
VP Nick Celona.

U.S. Rep.
John Garamendi
(D-Calif.)

U.S. Rep.
George Miller
(D-Calif.)

SF Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, U.S. Rep. Jackie
Speier (D-Calif.), Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Sec.Treasurer Joe Maraccini

SIU Hall Hosts 20th Annual Holiday Banquet

Oakland Gathering Represents Milestone
The 2010 edition of the traditional
pre-Thanksgiving gathering at the SIU
hall in Oakland, Calif, proved as popular as ever, with upwards of 300 people in attendance.
The Nov. 23 get-together marked
the 20th anniversary of the event, and
the food and fellowship did not disappoint, said SIU Assistant Vice
President Nick Celona.
Guests included five members of
Congress, local and state politicians,
representatives from numerous shipoperating companies, and officials,
members and retirees from more than
a dozen unions and other labor organizations. Special recognition went to
the U.S. Coast Guard District 11
Color Guard and to several members
from the California Army National
Guard who recently had returned from
Afghanistan.
As in years past, Celona worked
closely with the committee that organized the feast, which featured a delicious
array
of
traditional
Thanksgiving fare. He thanked rankand-file Seafarers who volunteered to
help put it all together, and he also
credited Alioto’s Restaurant on
Fishermen’s Wharf and union caterer

Bernadette Lawrence, field representative for Calif. State
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma,
reads a certificate honoring the
SIU as VP Marrone looks on.

Beli Deli for their support.
“In this area, our event has become
the kickoff to the holiday season,”
Celona said. “I’m overwhelmed by the
turnout each and every year as well as
by the generous efforts of everyone
who pitches in to help make it a reality.
It seems to get better and better every
year and I’m already looking forward to
2011.”
While the union normally calls
attention to various guests, this time the
SIU briefly found itself in the spotlight.
The union received a Certificate of
Special Congressional Recognition
from U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.),
noting the 20th anniversary and the
SIU’s “outstanding and invaluable service to the community.” Also, state
Assemblywoman Speaker pro Tempore
Fiona Ma sent a California Legislature
Assembly Certificate of Recognition
“honoring (the union’s) outstanding
commitment to community service during this holiday season” and pointing
out that the annual luncheon “helps
strengthen community ties providing a
joyous opportunity for friends to gather….”
Special thanks to Charles Faruggio
for providing the photos on this page

VP Marrone, Calif. State Sen. Leland
Yee, Asst. VP Celona

SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, AMO Nat’l Exec. Board Member
Dan Shea, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), SIU Asst. VP Nick
Celona

California
Attorney General
Kamala Harris

Attendees applaud members of the California Army National Guard who recently returned from
Afghanistan. Pictured from left are CSM Burdette Shields, SPC Will Orregonovoa, SGT William
Orecchia and SGT Mark Palabrica.

Recertified Bosun Roger Reinke (right) joins members of the U.S. Coast
Guard 11th District Color Guard in kicking off the event.

January 2011

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S e a f a r e r s I n t er n a t i o n a l
Un i o n D i r e ct o r y

Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kermett Mangram,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675

ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988

ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900

GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545

Editor’s note: This month’s
question was answered in
Piney Point, Md., where these
Seafarers were completing the
bosun recertification course.
It seems that the maritime industry is somewhat
of an unintentionally wellkept secret. For those unfamiliar with it, what would
you like the general public
to know about the U.S.
Merchant Marine?

Frank Sena
The work we do for our
country and how we work
with the
military
to help
keep
them supplied and
safe.
People
should
also
know that the Jones Act helps
protect this country.
David Brown
In the macro-labor market,
we are a speck. However, our
travel and adventures attract
the sort of younger (or older)
person who might otherwise

Inq uiring Seaf are r
pursue military service.
Because of better pay, greater
living
space and
generous
benefits,
many of
us make
this a
career. It
is also
possible
for a resourceful seaman to
improve his position from
trainee status to unlimited sea
captain.

Wilfredo Velez
The U.S. Merchant Marine
is the best-trained in the
world.
We are
an
important part
of the
economy. We
move
different
types of
cargo and we do it in a quick
and safe manner.
William Dowzicky
The one thing most people
don’t know is how much the

P i c - F r o m - T h e -P a s t

merchant marine is involved
in different wars and operations
around
the world
for the
U.S., and
how
important
our part is
– keeping
the supplies coming.

Donald Clotter
Being a merchant mariner
is a great career. You can see
the world while you make a
great living. I’ve
been
doing this
for 20
years and
it’s the
best.
Being an
SIU member gives me the
opportunity to advance in the
trade, upgrading at the Piney
Point school, and also having
some time off to enjoy with
family and friends.
Paul Gohs
I would like the public to
know that most of the maritime accidents and oil spills

reported in the media are not
the fault of the U.S.-flag fleet,
but the
result of
inadequate
training
and regulations found
on foreignflag vessels whose
crews are treated more like
slaves than employees.

Ray Nowak
We are civilians and not in
the military. Also, our work is
hot, dirty, cold and dangerous.
We work 12-hour days, seven
days a
week.
When
you see
us
ashore
chasing
skirts
and
drinking
beer, we’re letting off steam
and catching up on lost time.
What we do is not for everybody; it’s often lonely and the
bond that seamen share is a
special one. Also, know that
the Jones Act keeps jobs
intact for U.S. labor.

NEW YORK
635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 499-6600
Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360

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
SANTURCE
1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16
Santurce, PR 00907
(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000

In this photo from April 1955, Marine Cooks and Stewards Dispatcher Phil Boucher updates members in San Francisco concerning a resounding vote in favor of Seafarers International Union of North America-affiliated unions. It marked the first time all
three shipboard departments on West Coast ships were represented by SIUNA affiliates, including the MC&amp;S, which later
merged into the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers,
please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned,
if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org

8

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Paul Hall Center School Supplement
This handy version of the Paul Hall Center’s catalog is printed in the
Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for
reference. NOTE: Prerequisites for all upgrading courses in the SHLSS
catalog include being at least 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant
Marine Credential/Document and TWIC, passing a physical exam, and
English language proficiency.

Introduction
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, which opened in 1967, is the
largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United
States. The school has developed a pioneering
approach to education that has successfully integrated
vocational training, academic enrichment and trade
union responsibility.
Named after Paul Hall (1915-1980), an outstanding
past president of the SIU, the center is the product of
a unique cooperative effort by the Seafarers
International Union and the management of privately
owned American-flag deep sea ships and inland tugs
and towboats. The campus is located on 60 acres in
picturesque Piney Point, Md., at the confluence of the
Potomac River and St. George’s Creek. It features
state-of-the-art equipment, knowledgeable instructors
and helpful staff members.
Tens of thousands of rated and licensed seamen

have completed upgrading classes at the training center. Additionally, more than 22,500 men and women
from every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and several
U.S. territories have graduated from the trainee program for those just beginning their maritime careers.
The school is committed to providing the nation’s
maritime industry with skilled, physically fit and
responsible deep sea seafarers and inland waterways
boatmen. The school believes that the men and women
who choose careers as professional seafarers or boatmen must be provided with the knowledge and skills
to keep pace with technological advances within their
industries. As a result, the school has developed a total
program for professional advancement as a boatman
or deep sea mariner.
The Paul Hall Center offers more than 70 U.S.
Coast Guard-approved classes, many of which emphasize hands-on training. Starting in 2008, the school
began offering online “distance learning” classes that
are taken via the internet. An overview of many of the
courses available at Piney Point is contained in this
eight-page section and also appears on the web site
www.seafarers. org, in the Paul Hall Center section.
Students should note that courses and class dates

may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check
the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most upto-date class listings. Schedules also are available on
the web site, and additional course descriptions may
be posted, too.
The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to
upgrade at Piney Point includes a valid clinic card, a
TWIC, 125 days’ sea time in the previous year, one
day of sea time in the last six months prior to the date
the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and
back), or a merchant mariner credential, a copy of the
identification page of their union book, plus any other
course-specific requirements. If the course mandates
a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement,
then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have
other specific requirements which are printed in italic.
For more information about the Paul Hall Center or
any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office,
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 206740075, or call (301) 994-0010.

P a u l H a l l Ce n t e r C o u r s e Gu i d e f o r 20 1 1
Deck Department
This course meets the mandatory minimum
requirements for knowledge, understanding,
and proficiency in Table A-II/2 of STCW 1995
for the function, “Navigation at the
Management Level.” It is intended for
mariners sailing or wishing to sail aboard
U.S.A.-flagged ships under contract to
Seafarers International Union and who meet all
of the requirements to enroll in the course. This
functional element provides detailed knowledge to support the training outcomes related
to the Navigation at the Management Level.
This course supports training in the following
Management Level control sheets: M-1-1A,
Create a Navigation Plan; M-1-1B, Position
Reporting Systems; M-1-2G, Great Circle
Sailing; M-1-2H, Mercator Sailing – Course &amp;
Distance; M-1-2I, Mercator Sailing – Final
Position; M-1-3A, Position Fix by Terrestrial
Bearings; M-1-4A, GPS Waypoint Entry; M-21A, Determine Magnetic compass Deviation;
M-2-1B, Construct a Deviation Table; M-2-1C,
Amplitude of the Sun; M-2-1D, Apply
Compass Error to Magnetic Course; M-1-2E,
Apply Compass Error to Magnetic Bearings;
and M-2-1F, Apply Compass Error to
Gyrocompass Course.
Prerequisite: Meet eligibility requirements
for Management level license

Advanced Navigation (SHLSOS-19)

This course meets the requirements from
IMO model course 7.01 and the STCW Code
Table A-II/2 for the training of Masters and
Chief Officers in reference to maintaining safety and security of the crew and passengers and
the operational condition of safety equipment.
The objective is for students to have a practical
understanding of shiphandling. Students will
apply lecture material to practical simulator
exercises designed to meet the assessment
standard of this course. This functional element provides detailed knowledge to support
the training outcomes related to the Navigation
at the Management Level.
This course specifically addresses the following Advanced Shiphandling (Management
Level) assessments: M-7-1A Actions after
Grounding, M-7-2A Re-floating a Grounded
Ship, M-7-3A Prepare for Collision, M-7-3B
Actions After a Collision, M-7-4A Emergency
Steering, M-7-5A Emergency Towing, M-8-1A
Maneuver to Embark/Disembark a Pilot, M-82A Transit Restricted Waters, M-8-3A
Constant Rate of Turn Techniques, M-8-4A
Shallow Water Effects—Squat, M-8-5A
Shallow Water Effects—Passing Vessels, M-86A Vessel Docking—Starboard Side To, M-8-

Advanced Shiphandling (SHLSOS-22)

January 2011

6B Vessel Docking—Port Side To, M-8-7A
Turn vessel with Tug Assistance, M-8-8A
Anchoring, M-8-9A Dragging anchor.
Prerequisite: Meet eligibility requirements
for Management level license

tion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near
Coastal course.
Prerequisites: Radar Observer Unlimited
certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any)

Apprentice Mate (Steersman)
(SHLSOS-31) (NST 249)

Applicants completing our 32-hour
Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA)
course, including successful demonstration of
all practical assessments, satisfy the ARPA
training requirements for certification as
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) and
of 46 CFR10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course are equivalent
to the following assessments from the National
Assessment Guidelines for TableA-II/1 of the
STCW Code: OICNW-3-2A; OICNW-3-2B;
OICNW-3-2C;OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-3-2E;
OICNW-3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW-32H;OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW-32K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-3- 2M.
(Navigation exercises assume background in
chart work and coastal navigation.)
This course of instruction incorporates the
use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate,
observe, and use the radar plotting aids.
Students gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance
factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and
gain knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, operational warnings, and target
acquisition.
Prerequisite: Radar Observer

The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour
Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal
course is a self-certifying course for mariners
who are employed, or may be employed, on
uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S.
flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training
meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR
10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR10.
209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as
Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing
Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes;—
OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46
CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR
10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as
Master of Towing Vessels(Near Coastal and
Great Lakes) provided that they also provide
evidence of service in the towing industry
before May 21,2001, AND that the requirements of 46CFR 10.464(h) are also met.
After obtaining the requisite sea service and
fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard
regulations concerning safety and protection of
passengers, crew, and the marine environment;
and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful
students will be issued a certificate of comple-

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA)
(SHLSOS-37)

Basic Meteorology
(SHLSOS-62) (NST 239)

Any applicant who has successfully com-

pleted our 40-hour Meteorology (Operational
Level) course will satisfy the Meteorology
training requirements for certification as
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC).
The practical assessments conducted in this
course will be accepted as the equivalent of
OICNW-1-7A; OICNW-1-7B; and OICNW-17C from the National Assessment Guidelines
for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants
who have successfully completed the course
need not present completed “Control Sheets”
for these assessments in application for STCW
certification.
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service

Bridge Resource Management
(SHLSOS-75)

Applicants completing our 30-hour Bridge
Resource Management course satisfy the
requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the
requirements of Section B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 of
the STCW Code. Bridge Resource
Management-Unlimited is designed for persons with significant shipping experience who
hold or are seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license.
This course fulfills the training requirements of
effective bridge teamwork as set forth in
STCW 95, A-II/1, A-II/2, and BVIII/ 2 and 46
CFR 10.25 and 10.209.
Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA,
License of 200 Gross Tons or greater OR seeking an original third mate or limited license

Bridge Resource Management
(1600 Tons or less) (SHLSOS-76)

Students who successfully complete this
course will have the knowledge and experience
needed to continually reassess the allocation
and use of bridge resources using bridge management principles. Applicants completing our
26-hour Bridge Resource Management (1600
Tons) course satisfy the requirements of 46
CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of
Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code.
THIS APPROVAL IS LIMITED TO SERVICE
UPON VESSELS OF NOT MORE THAN
1600 GROSS TONS (DOMESTIC).
Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA,
License of 200 gross tons or greater OR in the
process of getting license
Applicants completing our 126-hour
Celestial Navigation course with a passing
grade of at least 80 percent satisfy the Celestial
Navigation training requirements for certifica-

Celestial Navigation (SHLSOS-103)

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gross tonnage(ITC). The practical assessments
in this course will be accepted as the equivalent
of assessments OICNW-1-5A; OICNW-1-5B;
OICNW-1-5C; OICNW-1-5D; andOICNW-15E from the National Assessment Guidelines
for Table A-II/1of the STCW Code. Applicants
who have successfully completed the course
need not present completed “Control Sheets”
for these assessments in application for STCW
certification.
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service

C o u r s e G u i de
Continued from Page 9

tion as Officer in Charge of a Navigational
Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage
(ITC). In conjunction with this course, any
approved instructor is authorized to sign off for
a successful demonstration on the students’
“Control Sheets” for the following assessments
from the National Assessment Guidelines for
Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-11A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-1-1C; OICNW-11D; OICNW-1-1E and OICNW-1-1F.
The course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or
third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun,
stars, and planets, compass error by amplitude
and azimuth, star identification, and care and
use of the sextant.
Prerequisites: ARPA, Radar Observer

Crisis Management &amp; Human Behavior
(SHLSOS-138)

Applicants completing our 7-hour Crisis
Management &amp; Human Behavior course satisfy: (1) the Crisis Management &amp; Human
Behavior training requirements of Table AV/2and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the
STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than
Ro-Ro Passenger Ships;—AND—(2) the
Passenger Safety training requirements of
Paragraph 4 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW
Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro
Passenger Ships.
This course is designed for any person
responsible for the safety of passengers in an
emergency on passenger ships. The training
includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking,
organizing shipboard emergency procedures,
optimizing the use of resources, controlling
responses to emergencies, controlling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and establishing and maintaining
effective communications.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites
Applicants completing our 4-hour Crowd
Management course satisfy: (1)the Crowd
Management training requirements of
Paragraph 1 of SectionA-V/3 of the STCW
Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro
Passenger Vessels;—AND—(2) the Safety
Training requirements of Paragraph 3 of
Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for
Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger
Vessels. This course profiles the required
knowledge and applicable skills for crowd
management including controlling a crowd in
an emergency, locating safety and emergency
equipment on board a vessel, complying with
ships’ emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency, and demonstrating the use of personal lifesaving devices.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Crowd Management (SHLSOS-142)

This course prepares the student for the
USCG examination for Designated Duty
Engineer (DDE). The object of the course is to
familiarize the student with the subjects and
topics required for successful preparation for
the USCG examination and to prepare the student to act in these capacities as outlined in the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Instruction includes the CFR, environmental
protection and oil pollution, general safety pre-

Designated Deck Engineer (Non-STCW)

Master 100 Tons (SHLSOS-281)

cautions for engine room personnel, piping,
air, hydraulics, power and control systems,
refrigeration, heating, air conditioning and
ventilation systems, electrical theory and shipboard lighting and auxiliary deck machinery.
Prerequisites: General admission requirements, prior Coast Guard approval letter valid
through test dates of the class

Electronic Chart Display Information
Systems (ECDIS) (SHLSOS-179)

Applicants completing our 35-hour
Electronic Chart Display Information Systems
(ECDIS) course are considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies “Plan
and Conduct a Passage and Determine
Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability
to Use ECDIS” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW
Code AND “Determine Position and the
Accuracy of Resultant Position Fix: Position
Determination Using ECDIS With Specific
Knowledge of its Operating Principles,
Limitations, Sources of Error, Detection of
Misrepresentation of information and Methods
of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position
Fixing” of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code.
The course provides training in the basic
theory and use of electronic chart display and
information systems (ECDIS) for those who
will be in charge of a navigational watch on
vessels equipped with ECDIS. Students learn
to use, update, and verify electronic chart
information. The training comprises all safetyrelevant aspects and aims beyond the use of
operational controls. All theoretical aspects
and major characteristics of ECDIS data, such
as data contents, system integration, information layers, and data updating, are covered in
depth.
Prerequisites: General admission requirements; ARPA certificate; Radar certificate;
Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation training for
license preparation; USCG-approved STCW
Basic Safety Training course

Electronic Navigation
(SHLSOS-181) (NST 246)

Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Electronic Navigation
course will satisfy the Electronic Navigation
training requirements for certification as
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC).
The practical assessments in this course will be
accepted as the equivalent of the following

assessments from the National Assessment
Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW
Code: OICNW-1-4A; OICNW-1-4B;OICNW1-4C; and OICNW-1-4D. Applicants who have
successfully completed the course need not
present completed “Control Sheets” for these
assessments in application for STCW certification.
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service, radar and ARPA
Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast
Rescue Boats course satisfy the requirements
of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code,
Specification of the Minimum Standard of
Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. The Pau
Hall Center’s Fast Rescue Boats course trains
students to handle and take charge of fast rescue boats during of after launch in adverse
weather and sea conditions. Students learn how
to operate a fast rescue boat engine, use all
locating devices, including communication
and signaling equipment between the rescue
boat and a helicopter and the ship, and how to
carry out search patterns.
Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft
and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats.

Fast Rescue Boats (SHLSOS-193)

Global Maritime Distress &amp; Safety
System (GMDSS) (SHLSOS-210)

Applicants completing our 70-hour Global
Maritime Distress &amp; Safety System (GMDSS)
course with a passing grade of at least 75 percent satisfy the GMDSS training requirements
of 46 CFR 10.205(n) and Table A-IV/2 of the
STCW Code. Applicants for this 70-hour
course must hold a 200-ton or greater license,
or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval
letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a
license greater than 200 tons. The class is
designed to meet the requirements set forth in
Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of the global
marine distress and safety system communications, distress alerting and operational procedures for VHF DSC, INMARST-C, MF/HF,
NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and VHF (SCT).
The course blends classroom instruction and
practical exercises.
Prerequisites: One year experience as a
member of navigational watch on the bridge of
an ocean going vessel OR licensed radio officer or engineer
This three-week class is open to mariners
sailing in any department. The course is structured as three on-week, stand-alone modules.
The modules may be taken in any order.
Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and
military vessels, damage control, CBRD
(chemical, biological, radiological defense),
anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials
training. The second week features forklift
operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane
operations are included in the third week. (This
course is required of students attending AB or
FOWT courses.)
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Government Vessels

Magnetic and Gyro Compasses
(SHLSOS-262) (NST 240)

Any applicant who has successfully completed our 20-hour Magnetic and Gyro
Compasses course will satisfy the Compass—
Magnetic and Gyro training requirements for
certification as Officer in Charge of a
Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more

10

Seafarers LOG

The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100
Tons, Near Coastal course is a self certifying
course for mariners who are employed, or may
be employed, on passenger vessels sailing
under U.S. flag or registered/documented
under any political subdivision in the United
States. Training meets or exceeds requirements
of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46
CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46CFR
209(f) for reissue. Students who present our
certificate of training at a regional exam center
within one year of the completion of training
will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR
10.205(i) for reissuance of a license.
After obtaining the requisite sea service and
fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements
pertaining to this license, successful students
will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons
and its passengers; be aware of obligations
under Coast Guard regulations concerning
safety and protection of passengers, crew, and
the marine environment; and, be able to take
the practical measures necessary to meet those
obligations. Students successfully completing
the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near
Coastal license.
Prior to the scheduled class convening
date, each candidate must meet the following
entrance requirements: Successfully completed
a USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety
Training course; possess current TWIC, U.S.
Merchant Mariner Credential/Document or
USCG license; speak, read and understand the
English language in accordance with 46 CFR
13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling
the physical examination requirements in
accordance
with
46CFR
12.15-5;
Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar
Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman
endorsement (any)
Applicants completing our 21-hour
Medical Care Provider course satisfy the
Medical First Aid training requirements of
Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the
STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1. This course
is designed for mariners who are employed or
may be employed on U.S.-flag ships. It meets
STCW requirements. Students successfully
completing this course must take a refresher
course within five years or provide information
to the U.S. Coast Guard documenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary
(CPR) certification must be renewed annually.
Training as a Medical First Aid Provider is
the second level of medical training required
by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac
and airway management, rescuer safety, body
structure, examining trauma victims and medical patients, treating head and spinal injuries,
burns, musculoskeletal injuries, and rescued
persons. Also included are obtaining radio
medical advice, administering medication, and
sterilization techniques.
Prerequisites: Candidates for the course
must possess current certification from the
American Red Cross for CPR for the
Professional Rescuer or equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing
agency. Candidates also need First Aid.

Medical Care Provider (SHLSOS-310)

This one-week course consists of classroom
and practical training exercises. Topics include
oil types and petroleum products’ behavior on
water; pollution prevention regulations; hazardous materials training; spill prevention;
absorbents, suction equipment, skimmers, and
their proper use; and small boat operations.
Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms, boom towing configurations,
and anchoring operations.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Oil Spill Prevention and Containment

Personal Safety &amp; Social Responsibilities
(SHLSOS-359)

Applicants completing our four-hour
Personal Safety &amp; Social Responsibilities
course and presenting our Certificate of

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Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the
Personal Safety &amp; Social Responsibilities
training requirements of46 CFR 10.205(l)(4)
and Section A-VI/1and Table A-VI/1-4 of the
Seafarers’ Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. This course provides the unlicensed apprentice candidate with
a general understanding and basic knowledge
of human relationships, social skills necessary
for living and working aboard operational merchant ships, and a working knowledge of
issues impacting preparedness for international travel.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Personal Survival Techniques
(SHLSOS-363)

Applicants completing our 12-hour
Personal Survival Techniques course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a
Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal
Survival training requirements of Section AVI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
(STCW) Code and 46 CFR10.205(l)(1).
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal
Survival Techniques (Lifeboatman)

Applicants completing our 37-hour
Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal
Survival Techniques course satisfy: (1) the
Survival Craft training requirements of Section
A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW
Code;—AND—(2) the training requirements
of 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement
as Lifeboatman, PROVIDED that sea service
requirements are also met;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of
training, the written and practical examination
requirements of 46 CFR12.10-5 for a
Lifeboatman endorsement(exam module
481xx) and the written “Survival Craft” examination requirements for service on vessels not
equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx
or 706xx),—AND—(3) the Personal Survival
Techniques training requirements of Section
A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-1 of the STCW Code
and 46 CFR10.205(l)(1). This course helps
mariners develop the required knowledge and
application skills for water survival including
launch, use and recovery of survival craft, and
the proper use of survival equipment.
Additionally, students learn the procedures
necessary to take charge and maintain a survival craft and protect embarked personnel
while on board.
Prerequisites: 180 days of deck sea time

Radar Observer (Unlimited)
(SHLSOS-399)

Applicants completing our five-day Radar
Observer (Unlimited) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the requirements of 46CFR
10.480 for an endorsement as Radar Observer
(Unlimited) and the radar training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of
a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or

January 2011

more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with
this course, any approved instructor is authorized to sign off for a successful demonstration
on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National
Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the
STCW Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW-1-2C;
OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B;OICNW-3-1C;
OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-3-1E; OICNW-3-1F;
OICNW-3-1G;OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I;
OICNW-3-1J; and OICNW-3-1K. This course
features hands-on training and classroom
work, including radar theory, observation,
operation and use, interpretation and plotting,
advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance
and navigational exercise. Students operate
modern audio-visual and radar simulation gear,
as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as
they practice controlling and maneuvering a
vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a
ship without jeopardizing the safety of other
vessels. Also included are practical exercises
and lectures covering inland waterway and
river navigation and piloting.
Prerequisites: General admission requirements

Radar Observer Recertification
(SHLSOS-402)

Applicants completing our one-day Radar
Observer Recertification course satisfy the
requirements of 46 CFR10.480(d) for renewal
of any Radar Observer endorsement. This
course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention
and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises
assume background in chart work and coastal
navigation.)
Prerequisites: Radar Observer Unlimited

Radar Observer Refresher
(SHLSOS-406)

Applicants completing our three-day Radar
Observer Refresher course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any
Radar Observer endorsement. This course does
not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW
Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.)
Prerequisite: Radar Observer Unlimited

Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational
Watch/Able Seaman (SHLSOS-416)

Applicants completing our four-week
Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational
Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the
training, seagoing service, and assessment
requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-3(c) and
Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory
Minimum Requirements for Certification of
Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational
Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1
YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR
12.05-9 for the “Deck General &amp; Navigation
General” and “Deck Safety &amp; Rules of the
Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman
endorsement and the practical (knot tying)
examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9
for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR
Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also
met. The course consists of hands-on training

and classroom work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety,
fire fighting, emergency procedures, first aid,
anchoring, and mooring, and aids to navigation.
Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival
(Lifeboatman), STOS
Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2
months’ sea service under the supervision of
the Master, the OIC of the navigational watch,
or qualified ratings (STCW)
Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2
months’ sea service under the supervision of
the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings
Unlimited: 3 years’ deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master or
OIC

Search and Rescue (Operational Level)
(SHLSOS-447) (NST 245)

Any applicant who has successfully completed our 16-hour Search &amp; Rescue
(Operational Level) course will satisfy the
Search &amp; Rescue training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a
Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more
gross tonnage (ITC).
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service

Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS)
(SHLSOS-465)

Applicants completing our 70-hour
Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman course and
presenting our Certificate of Training at a
Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training
requirements for service as a Specially Trained
Ordinary Seaman AND the training and assessment requirements of Table A-II/4 of the
STCW Code, “Specification of Minimum
Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming
Part of a Navigational Watch,” and 46 CFR
12.05- 3(c) PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least six months’ sea-going service
performing navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of the Master or
officer in charge of the navigational watch. If
the applicant does not present evidence of six
months of this service, he or she satisfies the
training and assessment requirements for certification as Rating Forming Part of a
Navigational Watch RESTRICTED to lookout
duties only. This certification is valid for one
year and may not be renewed. This course is
designed for deck trainees who need a fast
track to Ratings Forming Part of the
Navigational Watch. It meets the requirements
of 46 CFR12.05.3(c) and STCW Table A-II/4.
Topics covered in the course include: anchoring, mooring, knot-tying, gyro and magnetic
compass, wheel watch, error chain analysis
and pilot interactions, helm control, rules of
the road, IALA buoy systems, shipboard communication, helm watch relief and lookout
watch.

Prerequisites: UA Program Phases 1and 2,
or 180 days as an OS

Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids
(SHLSOS-491)

Applicants completing our 38-hour Tank
Barge Dangerous Liquids Course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional
Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements
of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as
Tankerman-PIC (Barge).
Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting

Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids
(SHLSOS-501)

Applicants completing our 5-day Tank Ship
Dangerous Liquids course satisfy the training
requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d) (1) (ii) (A),
13.115 (b) (1),13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or
13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman
endorsement. This course provides training for
masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling
of cargo. It comprises a specialized training
program appropriate to their duties, including
oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and
regulations.
Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service
on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship
Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) covering
STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire
fighting course in accordance with 47
CFR13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall
Center Basic Fire Fighting, USCG-approved
STCW Basic Safety Training course

Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids
(Simulator) (SHLSOS-503)

Applicants completing our 53-hour Tank
Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) course
satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR
13.113(d)(1)(ii)(A), 13.115(b)(1), 13.209,
13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous
liquids tankerman endorsement;—AND—
receive credit for: (1) two loadings and two
discharges which may be applied toward satisfying
the
requirements
of
46
CFR13.203(b)(1);—AND—(2) one commencement of loading and one completion of
loading which may be applied toward satisfying
the
requirements
in
46CFR
13.203(b)(2);—AND—(3) one commencement of discharge and one completion of discharge which may be applied toward satisfying
the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(3). This
course provides training for masters, chief
engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It
comprises as specialized training program
appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker

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safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations.
Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service
on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship
Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul
Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to
cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8.
Fire fighting course in accordance with 47
CFR13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall
Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved
STCW Basic Safety Training course

Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous
Liquids) (SHLSOS-505)

Applicants completing our 63-hour Tank
Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids)
course satisfy the training requirements of 46
CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as
Tankerman-Assistant DL. This course meets
the Code of Federal Regulation requirements
for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide
students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics
include the 16-hour worker health and safety
(HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations
Level, Ship Design and Operation, Cargo
Characteristics, Enclosed Space Entry, Cargo
Transfer and Shipment, and Pollution
Prevention, and Emergency Operations and
Response.
Prerequisite: Fire Fighting

Tank Ship Familiarization
(Liquefied Gases) (SHLSOS-507)

Applicants completing our 30-hour Tank
Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) course
and presenting our Certificate of Training at a
Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the training
requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original
endorsement as Tankerman-Assistant (LG); —
AND— (2) the tanker familiarization training
requirements of paragraphs 1-7 of Section AV/1 of the STCW Code. This course consists of
a safety program designed to meet STCW
requirements for those who have not served on
LNG ships. The course of instruction includes
LNG fire fighting, confined space awareness,
LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material,
LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general
flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor
compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off
heater.
Prerequisite: Advanced Fire Fighting

Vessel Security Officer
(SHLSOS-573)

This 12-hour course provides knowledge to
those wishing to perform the duties and
responsibilities of a Vessel Security Officer
(VSO) as defined in section A/2.1.6 (and section A/12.1) of the ISPS Code with respect to
the security of a ship, for implementing and
maintaining a Ship Security Plan, and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO)
and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs).
Successful students will be able to undertake
the duties and responsibilities as Vessel
Security Officer as defined in section A/12.2 of
the ISPS Code.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

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Visual Communications
(Flashing Light) (SHLSOS-542)

Applicants completing our one-day Visual
Communications course with a minimum score
of 80 percent will: (1) Satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing
light) of 46 CFR10.401(h) IF presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training;—
AND—(2) Be considered to have successfully
demonstrated the competence “Transmit and
Receive In formation by Visual Signaling” of
Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Water Survival
(SHLSOS-549)

The Water Survival course delivers 60
hours of training to those who are seeking a
MMD endorsement for Lifeboatman as
required by 46 CFR. The course also incorporates the personal survival training requirements as outlined in STCW 1995 VI/1. The
course provides the student with the required
knowledge and application skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of
survival craft, and the proper use of survival
equipment. Additionally, the student will
understand the procedures necessary to take
charge of and maintain survival craft and protect embarked personnel.

Terrestrial &amp; Coastal Navigation
(SHLSOS-512) (NST 241)

Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Terrestrial &amp;Coastal
Navigation course will satisfy the Terrestrial
Navigation and Coastal Navigation training
requirements for certification as Officer in
Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of
500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical
assessments conducted in this course will be
accepted as the equivalent of the following
assessments from the National Assessment
Guidelines for Table AII/1 of the STCW Code:
OICNW-1-2A; OICNW-1-2B; OICNW-1-2C;
OICNW-1-2D; OICNW-1-3A;OICNW-1-3B;
and OICNW-1-3C.Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these
assessments in application for STCW certification.
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service

Emergency Procedures (Operational Level)
(SHLSOS-185) (NST 244)

The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency
Procedures at the Operational Level course is

designed for mariners who are employed, or
may be employed, on U.S.-flagged vessels.
This stand-alone course is a component of the
Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a
Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The
functional elements of this course specifically
meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational
Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to
Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding,
and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for
Protection and Safety of Passengers of the
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)
OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the
requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No
OICNW assessments will be conducted in this
course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul
Hall Center certificate of training for
Emergency Procedures at the Operational
Level.
Prior to the scheduled class convening
date, each candidate must meet the following
entrance requirements:
Successfully completed a USCG-approved
STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess
current TWIC, U.S. Merchant Mariner
Credential/Document or USCG license; speak,
read and understand the English language in
accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with
46CFR 12.15-5

Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage
(Operational Level)
(SHLSOS-101) (NST 242)

The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo
Handling and Stowage course is a 40-hour
course for students who are employed, or may
be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels as required
by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed
or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will
be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the
ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any
given description of cargo and other weights.
They will also be able to determine whether
stresses on the ship are within permitted limits
by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They will understand safety
precaution used prior to entering enclosed or
potentially contaminated spaces.
Students should be able to supervise the
preparation and dunnaging of holds and the
operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be
aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or
cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods
and know that they are stowed and separated
according to requirements of the IMDG Code.
They will also know the hazards related to
some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take
during their loading, carriage, and discharge.
Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of
the piping and pumping arrangements of oil
tankers.
This course specifically addresses
“Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the
operational level” and “Competence: Monitor
the loading, stowage, securing, care during the
voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and
“Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency:
Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found
in Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, amended
1995. This is accomplished through classroom
lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and
Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate.
Prior to the scheduled class convening
date, each candidate must meet the following
entrance requirements: Possess a current
TWIC,
U.S.
Merchant
Mariner
Credential/Document; provide documented
proof of fulfilling the physical examination

requirements in accordance with 46 CFR
13.125; speak, read and understand the
English language in accordance with 46 CFR
13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling
USCG-approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course

Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control
Systems (SHLSOS-72) (NST 247)

Any applicant who has successfully completed the 40-hour Basic Shiphandling and
Steering Control Systems (Operational Level)
course will satisfy the Basic Shiphandling and
Steering Control Systems training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of
a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or
more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical
assessments in this class will be accepted as the
equivalent of the following assessments from
the National Assessment Guidelines for Table
A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-6A;
OICNW-1-6B; OICNW-5-1A; OICNW-5-1B;
andOICNW-5-1C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these
assessments in application for STCW certification.
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service

Ship Construction and Basic Stability
(SHLSOS-449) (NST 243)

The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship
Construction at the Operational Level course is
intended to provide training at the basic level
for mariners who are employed, or may be
employed, on U.S.-flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into account STCW
Code Table A-II/1: Function: controlling the
operation of the ship and care for persons on
board at the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the
course, students will have general knowledge
of the principal structural members of a ship
and the proper names for the various parts. At
course completion, successful students will
receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational
Level.
This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become
watchkeeping officers, and those who are
responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will
be expected to use simple graphs and basic
arithmetical skills and must meet the following
requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic
Safety Training course; a current TWIC, U.S.
Merchant Mariner Credential/Document/or
USCG license; read, speak and understand the
English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of
fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7

Watchkeeping (Operational Level)
(NST 248)

Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Watchkeeping (Operational
Level) course will satisfy the Watchkeeping
training requirements for certification as
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on
vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC);
AND the Bridge Resource Management training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the
requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of
the STCW Code. The practical assessments
conducted in this course will be accepted as the
equivalent of assessments OICNW-2-1A;
OICNW-2-1B, OICNW-2-1C, OICNW-2-1D,
OICNW-2-1E, OICNW-2-1F, OICNW-2-2A,
OICNW-2-2B, OICNW-2-2C, OICNW-2-2D,
OICNW-2-2E, OICNW-2-2F, OICNW-2-3A,
OICNW-2-3B, OICNW-2-3C, OICNW-2-3D,

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OICNW-2-3E, OICNW-2-3F,OICNW-2-3G,
AND OICNW-2-3H from the National
Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the
STCW Code.
Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed
“Control Sheets” for these assessments in
application for STCW certification.
Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service

Engine Department

Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for
Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, students
must have successfully completed Basic
Marine Electrician and Refrigeration System
Maintenance and Operations.
This six-week course of instruction in the
pumpman career track includes classroom and
simulator training in all facets of liquid cargo
loading and discharge. The curriculum consists
of cargo properties and emergency procedures,
operation and maintenance of valves and
pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning,
inert gas systems and more.
Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating Class 3
or QMED Junior Engineer/Pumpman Class 3.
Recommended: Basic and Intermediate Math
and Computer Basic Advanced plant maintenance must be completed for advancement to
QMED Class 2

Automated Cargo Operations

Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations
(SHLSOS-51)

Applicants completing our 140-hour Basic

The Academic Department has a long
history of providing support and services to students at the Paul Hall Center.
Since the founding of the school in
Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English
language skills or wish to continue their
education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific
questions about the programs can be
answered or explained by contacting the
Academic Department at (301) 9940010, ext. 5411.
General Education Program
– High School Diploma
The GED program is open to all
mariners who do not have a high school
diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in
Maryland or in their home state.
Emphasis is placed on writing skills,
social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED
students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The
school for many years has successfully

January 2011

Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who
present our Certificate of Training at a
Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of
the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the
General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our
63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course
and/or our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant
Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets”
for the assessments in application for STCW
certification.
The objective of this course is to provide
students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity
of FOWT. This objective is accomplished
through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises.
Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program

stand-alone course within the Qualified
Member of the Engine Department (QMED)
program and is designed for those seeking
qualification as a QMED and Junior Engineer
endorsement.
The course provides the mariner the cognitive and practical mechanical skills required of
rated engine department personnel in the area
of Basic Refrigeration and HVAC as they sail
in the capacity of Junior Engineer during voyages on U.S.-flagged vessels. This objective is
accomplished through classroom lectures and
practical exercises. Proficiency and competency assessments are conducted through knowledge-based written tests and practical demonstrations of skills. Areas covered are electrical
and refrigeration safety, refrigeration theory, an
introduction to the refrigeration cycle and systems, troubleshooting, and an introduction to
HVAC systems. Detailed learning objectives
are identified in Section II.

Basic Electricity
(SHLSOS-52)

This course is designed for entry level
engine department personnel desiring to
upgrade to rated Firemen/Watertenders and
Oilers (FOWT). It exceeds requirements prescribed in table A-III/4 of the STCW Code.
The objective of this course is to provide the
mariner skills required of rated engine department watchstanders in the area of steam plant
watchstanding. This objective is accomplished
through classroom lectures as well as shoreside
steam plant simulator practical exercises.
Areas covered are the steam and water cycle
and steam thermodynamics, boiler types and
classification, boiler waterside construction
and arrangements, boiler fireside construction
and arrangements, air registers and fuel atomizers, forced draft systems, fuel oil service systems, flame/smoke and stack gas analysis,
automatic combustion controls, boiler protective devices, and boiler water chemistry and
treatment. Also included are turbine types and
classification, turbine construction, turbine
protective devices and operating controls,

This is a 10-day course designed for students who have completed the Ratings
Forming Part of an Engineering Watch program or rated engine department personnel
desiring to upgrade their skills. The course is
designed for those seeking qualification as a
QMED and Junior Engineer endorsement. The
course provides the mariner electrical skills
required of a rated member of the engine
department. Topics covered include the fundamentals of electricity, electrical safety, batteries, direct current circuits, alternating current
theory, D.C. machines, A.C. machines, motor
controllers, distribution systems, propulsion
systems and communication systems. Detailed
learning objectives are identified in Section II.
Prerequisites: Tankerman Familiarization
Dangerous Liquids (DL) course, Basic
Auxiliary Plant Operations course, Fireman
Oiler Watertender (FOWT) program or hold
FOWT endorsement, 6 months’ equivalent sea
service in the engine room

Basic Steam Plant Operations
(SHLSOS-73)

steam condensers, condensate systems and air
removal equipment, direct contact heaters, feed
systems, steam systems, condensate drains systems, steam plant propulsion machinery, lubricating oil systems, and sea water systems.
Additionally, steam plant simulator operations,
casualty control procedures, burner atomizer
maintenance, manual light-off of non-automated boilers, and watchkeeping and conducting
machinery space rounds are covered.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the
Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice
Training Program, the Auxiliary Plant
Operations course, basic safety training, 6
months’ or equivalent sea service in the engine
room.
This four-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of
classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-,
medium-and high-speed diesel engines. Also
covered are associated auxiliaries including
intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and
cooling systems, and fuel injection and starting
systems. Students receive practical training in
the operation and repair of diesel engines on
board school training vessels.
Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience

Diesel Engine Technology

Engineering Plant Maintenance
(SHLSOS-191)

The
140-hour
Engineering
Plant
Maintenance course is designed for mariners
who have completed the Ratings Forming Part
of an Engineering Watch program or who are
rated engine department personnel desiring to
upgrade their skills. The course is a stand-alone
course within the Qualified Member of the
Engine Department (QMED) Program and is

Continued on Next Page

Basic Motor Plant Operations
(SHLSOS-63)

This is an upgrade course for rated Oilers as
prescribed in table A-III/4 of the STCW Code,
and 46 CFR 12.15-7, and 12.15-9. The course
provides skills required of rated engine department watchstanders. Steam and water cycle
and steam thermodynamics and components
are covered as well as steam plant simulator
operations, casualty control procedures, maintenance, watchkeeping, and conducting
machinery space rounds.

Basic Refrigeration &amp; Heating, Ventilation,
and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
(SHLSOS-64)

The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Refrigeration
&amp; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) course is a 10-day (70 hour) course
for students who have completed the Ratings
Forming Part of an Engineering Watch program or rated engine department personnel
desiring to upgrade their skills. The course is a

Academic Department

prepared mariners to pass the test. For
many students, this is a milestone in
their lives.
(A 12-week residency is required
prior to taking the test in Maryland .)

Basic Vocational Support Program
The vocational support system assists
students in improving course-specific
vocational language and mathematical
skills. It is designed to augment the
skills introduced in their vocational
training classes. This program may be
taken prior to attending the vocational
class or concurrently with the vocational class. It is ideal for those students
who have been away from the classroom, need to improve basic academic
skills or who are not native English
speakers.
The Adult Basic Education assistance
program (ABE) helps students improve
their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These
skills help students experience greater
success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low
scores on the Test of Adult Basic
Education (TABE) benchmark examina-

tions, given at the Paul Hall Center, are
encouraged to avail themselves of support from the Academic Department
through this program. Students may use
this service while attending the Trainee
program or attending upgrader classes.
The English as a Second Language
assistance program helps students in
Basic English and technical vocabulary
skills. The purpose of this program is to
give seafarers who have not learned
English as their native language and
who have difficulty speaking, hearing,
understanding and/or writing the
English language, the opportunity to
gain more proficiency in that language.
As much as possible, instruction will be
provided to give the seafarer the English
language skills necessary to perform the
essential tasks within the department
under which he or she sails. Tutoring is
offered throughout the year for those
students requiring additional instruction
while attending vocational classes.
College Program
The Paul Hall Center is a degree
granting institution approved by the
Maryland
Higher
Education

Commission. Vocational courses also
are approved for credit by the American
Council on Education (ACE). Students
may apply for college credit for many of
the vocational courses that they take
while upgrading at the school. In addition, the center offers general education
courses required for an associate’s
degree. The school currently offers
Associate of Applied Science degree
programs
in
Nautical
Science
Technology (deck department students)
or Marine Engineering Technology
(engine department students). There
also is a certificate program in maritime
technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All
programs are designed to provide the
opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education
subjects. Students are required to have a
total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a
degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is
recommended that students meet with a
counselor to plan a college program.

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for those seeking qualification as a QMED and
USCG certification as a Junior Engineer/Deck
Engineer rating, or for those already holding a
rating to earn the Junior Engineer/Deck
Engineer rating or acquire the requisite metalworking and mechanical maintenance skills.
The course provides mariners the cognitive
and practical mechanical skills required of a
rated member of the engine department. This is
accomplished through classroom lectures and
practical exercises. Proficiency and competency assessments are conducted through knowledge-based written tests and practical demonstrations of skills. Topics covered include the
mechanics of pumps, drive couplings, heat
exchangers, valves, distilling plants, oil/water
separators, air compressors, marine sewage
treatment plants, auxiliary boilers, and
hydraulic systems, the fundamentals of diesel
engines, bearings and gears, lubrication theory,
lubrication systems and maintenance, fuel systems, and purifiers.
Prerequisites: STCW certification in all
areas of basic safety training, successful completion of the SHLSS Fireman Oiler Water
Tender (FOWT) program or hold FOWT or
Oiler rating endorsements.

Fireman, Oiler &amp; Watertender (FOWT)
(SHLSOS-382)

Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary
Plant Operations and both Basic Motor Plant
Operations and Basic Steam Plant Operations
will meet the requirements for endorsement as
FOWT. (These classes are described elsewhere
as stand-alone courses.) Applicants completing
Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and either
Basic Motor Plant Operations or Basic Steam
Plant Operations will be eligible for an FOWT
(Restricted) endorsement.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the
Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice
Training Program; successful completion of
the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and
required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice
sea voyage performance evaluations within the
engine department as completed by the First
Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or
better; recommendation by the unlicensed
apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s
Chief Engineer OR 6 months’ sea time as wiper
AND STCW certification in all areas of basic
safety training; successful completion of the
entry-level sea voyage and auxiliary plant
familiarization sea project; total USCGapproved sea service or equivalent sea service
in the engine room of vessels of at least 6
months; meet all USCG physical standards for
qualified members of the engine department.
Military veterans meeting the prior military

Online Learning

Seafarers now have educational opportunities through the
Internet.
Eligible members of the SIU may now take courses online
by registering with the Paul Hall Center Admissions
Department as they would for classes on the Paul Hall Center
campus. Once Seafarers have been accepted by Admissions,
they will be directed to Dale Rausch in the Academic
Department. Dale is the Computer Assisted Learning (CAL)
administrator, the distance learning component for the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.
Online Courses Available
The following formal online courses are available:
■ DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training
■ MSC Environmental Awareness
■ First Aid Preparation
■ Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
■ Hazardous Material Control and Management
■ Hearing Conservation
■ Heat Stress Management
■ Bloodborne Pathogens
■ Shipboard Pest Management
■ Respiratory Protection
■ Back Safety
■ Fixed Fire Fighting Systems

sea service requirement in the engine room of
vessels must meet the following entrance
requirements: Prior approval to the military
veterans program for ratings forming part of
an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical
standards for qualified members of the engine
department

The curriculum in the four-week hydraulics
course blends practical training with classroom
work. Fluids, actuators, control devices,
pumps, reservoirs, symbols, and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are
principles of electrical control of hydraulic
systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor
windlasses, ships’ steering systems, ramps, fire
doors, and a variety of other shipboard systems.
Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating

Hydraulics

The Junior Engineer Program consists of
stand-alone courses 70-hour Basic Propulsion
Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic
Refrigeration &amp; HVAC, 70-hour Basic
Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant
Maintenance courses.

Junior Engineer

Applicants completing our 102-hour
Machinist course, and presenting our

Machinist (SHLSOS-261)

■ Shipboard Fire Fighting
■ Portable Fire Extinguishers
■ Fire Fighting Equipment
■ Shipboard Water Sanitation
■ Crew Endurance Management
Eligible SIU members also have the opportunity to enroll in
preparatory and refresher training online prior to coming to the
Paul Hall Center. These programs allow students to brush up
on their math skills and vocational vocabulary before enrolling
in the more challenging resident upgrading classes. Two of
these programs, Basic Culinary Skills and Chief Cook
Preparation, will be very useful to Galley Ops and Chief Cook
students as they study for final exams in their respective resident courses.
The following prep training is available:
■ Basic Math Refresher
■ Intermediate Math Refresher
■ Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation
■ Introduction to Navigational Math
■ Basic Culinary Skills
■ Chief Cook Preparation Course
Students who are currently enrolled in resident classes at the
Paul Hall Center are encouraged to enroll in CAL courses.
Residential students should notify the Admissions Department
of their interest in CAL and confirm their eligibility.

Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam
Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR
12.15- 9, if presented WITHIN 1YEAR of the
completion of training, for the Machinist
examination module, provided they also present evidence of completing the requirements
to be endorsed with a Junior Engineer rating
endorsement prior to commencing the above
training. This course provides mariners cognitive and practical mechanical skills in the area
of general metalworking and machine tool
operations.
Prerequisites: SHLSS Junior Engineer or
QMED-Any Rating

Applicants completing our 280-hour
Marine Electrician course, and presenting our
Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam
Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR
12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the
completion of training, for the Electrician
examination module, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’
engine room service while endorsed as a
QMED–Junior Engineer prior to commencing
the above training. This course provides engine
department personnel with the theoretical and
practical knowledge and skills necessary to
perform maintenance and repair operations on
motors, generators, and controllers on board
ship.
Prerequisite: 6 months QMED, SHLSS
Junior Engineer, or QMED-Any Rating

Marine Electrician (SHLSOS-269)

Marine Refrigeration Technician
(SHLSOS-274)

The Paul Hall Center’s Marine
Refrigeration Technician course is a six-week
(210-hour) course designed for mariners who
are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds
requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b)
for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of
the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is
to provide engine department personnel with
the theoretical and practical knowledge and the
skills necessary to perform maintenance and
repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air
conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well
as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice
machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful
candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training.
Each candidate must have six months’ sea
time after Junior Engineer, QMED-Any
Rating, or SHLSS Junior Engineer
The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is
a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners
who are employed, or may be employed, on
U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds
requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for
Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman
course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with
the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course
are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing
(COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two
days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On
successful completion of this course, students

Pumpman (SHLSOS-380)

14

Seafarers LOG

will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate.
Each student must have SHLSS Junior
Engineer or QMED-Any Rating, tanker familiarization, U.S. Coast Guard requirements and
machinist

Refrigerated Containers Advanced
Maintenance

This four-week course leads to certification
in refrigerated containers maintenance and
consists of classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students
to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases
of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. This
includes the various types of engines, refrigeration, and electrical systems.
The course is designed to help students
develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting and maintenance procedures.
Prerequisites: SHLSS Junior Engineer or
QMED-Any Rating, Marine Electrician and
Marine Refrigeration Technician
Classroom instruction and hands-on training compose this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding
and cutting and oxyacetylene brazing, welding,
and cutting.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Welding (IMET 210)

Steward Department
This four-week course provides the student
with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department.
Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center UA
Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’
sea time as an SA

Galley Operations

This course consists of six two-week,
stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This
structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at
the start of any module. The objective of the
Certified Chief Cook Course (FSM 203) is to
provide steward department personnel with an
understanding and knowledge of sanitation,
nutrition, and the preparation and service of
soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood.
Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180
days’ sea time

Certified Chief Cook

This course consists of four one-week modules (totaling four weeks). The course provides
students with a thorough grasp of the advanced
baking knowledge and skills required of a
member of the steward department.
Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center Certified
Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time

Advanced Galley Operations

The Certified Chief Steward course is a 12week course for members of the steward
department. The course is presented in eight
modules. Each module is assessed independently of the others. Modules may be taken in
one-week increments with breaks between.
This course trains stewards to take charge of a

Certified Chief Steward

Continued on Next Page

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overview of Occupational Safety and Health
Act (OSHA) requirements, reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory
protection, and monitoring equipment and new
technology.
Prerequisite: 24- or 40-hour Hazardous
Materials (HAZMAT) courses

C o ur s e G u i d e
Continued from Page 14

production galley, plan and prepare meals, and
supervise employees in galley operations for a
period of not less than 28 days. On meeting the
minimum requirements for Certified Chief
Steward, culinary students will be competent to
take charge of a production galley. The
Certified Chief Steward course stresses the
competencies related to the supervision of the
galley, menu planning, requisitioning of supplies, inventory control, and sanitation.
Prerequisites: Advanced Galley Operations
and 180 days’ sea time

MSC Courses
Marine Environment is a one-day, eighthour course designed for mariners who are
employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flagged MSC vessels in accordance with MSC
requirements. This course is designed as a
module of the SHLSS Government Vessels
Training Program; however, the course can
also be used independently. The purpose of the
Marine Environment course is to provide the
student with an understanding of environmental protection, to include MSC policies regarding compliance with regulations, pollution prevention and spill conservation response readiness.

Marine Environment

Safety Classes
Applicants completing our 35-hour
Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the
Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements
of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/3 of the
STCW Code and 46 CFR10.205(l)(2);—
AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training
requirements of 46 CFR10.205(g) and
10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course,
students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The
class covers effective communication between
crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad
training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing
equipment before going through shipboard
simulations and actual firefighting drills.
Prerequisite: Basic Fire Fighting

Advanced Fire Fighting (SHLSOS-15)

Applicants completing our 16-hour Basic
Fire Fighting course and presenting our
Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam
Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire
Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and TableA-VI/1-2 of
the Seafarers Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR
10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2)the Basic Fire
Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR
10.205(g) and10.401(g)(1) for a license;—
AND—(3)the Fire Fighting training requirements
of46
CFR
13.113(d)(2)(i)(A),13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B),
13.201(e),13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e)
for any tankerman endorsement.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour)

Applicants completing our 35-hour Basic
Fire Fighting course and presenting our

Basic Fire Fighting (35-Hour)

Level I: Anti-Terrorism/ Personal
Protection Brief is a one-hour course designed
for seafarers who are employed, or may be
employed on government vessels. In addition,
seafarers who are employed, or may be
employed on other U.S.- flagged vessels may
also attend this course. Level I: Anti-Terrorism/
Personal Protection Brief” is designed to familiarize the students with the fundamental
knowledge and skills necessary to protect
themselves when traveling abroad, and meets
the requirements issued by the Department of
Defense in April 1997. This is accomplished
exclusively through classroom lecture.

Anti-Terrorism

Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam
Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire
Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1and Table A-VI/1-2 of
the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—
AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training
requirements of 46 CFR10.205(g) and
10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the
Fire Fighting training requirements of 46CFR
or
13.113(d)(2)(i)(A),13.113(e)(1)(i)(A)
(B),13.201(e),
13.301(e),
13.401(d)
or13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement.
The objective of this course is to familiarize the
student with the chemical process of fire, its
behavior and the various methods and equipment used to combat it.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites
The Basic Safety Training Program consists
of stand-alone courses of components outlined
in Basic Fire Fighting, First Aid/CPR, Personal
Safety &amp; Social Responsibilities, and Personal
Survival Training.

Basic Safety Training

Basic Safety Training Renewal
(SHLSOS-69)

The course was designed for persons sailing
aboard military-contracted vessels and satisfies
the Military Sealift Command (MSC) threeyear BST renewal requirement. It does not
replace the requirement of one year of sea duty

in the previous five nor the obligation to have
completed BST, which is a prerequisite. It does
not replace the SHLSS STCW Basic Safety
Course, Basic Fire Fighting, or Water Survival
training courses required by 46 CFR for USCG
endorsement as Lifeboatman. Modules meet or
exceed the minimum mandatory requirements
of STCW 1995, Section A-VI/1, Mandatory
minimum requirements for familiarization and
basic safety training and instruction for all seafarers.
The course reintroduces students to the fundamental knowledge and skills of basic shipboard safety necessary for employment aboard
military-contracted vessels as set out in the
STCW Code tables A-VI/1-1 through 1-4.
These are personal survival techniques (1-1),
fire prevention and fire fighting (1-2), elementary first aid (1-3), and personal safety and
social responsibilities (1-4). Students successfully completing this course will be capable of
recognizing and responding to an emergency at
sea. Course objectives are accomplished
through classroom lectures and practical exercises.
Prerequisite: BST

Combined Basic &amp; Advanced Fire Fighting
(SHLSOS-125)

Applicants completing our 41-hour
Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy: (1) the
Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements
of Section AVI/3 and Table AVI/ 3 of the
STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—
AND—(2) the Advanced Fire Fighting training
requirements of 46CFR 10.205(g) and
10.401(g)(1) for a license. The objective of this
course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of shipboard and tank barge fire
fighting.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites
Applicants completing our 21-hour First
Aid &amp; CPR course satisfy: (1) the Basic
Safety-Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/ 1-3 of
the STCW Code and 46CFR 10.205(l)(3);—
AND— (2)—IF—presented WITHIN 1 YEAR
of the date of training, the First Aid &amp; CPR
training
requirements
of
46
CFR
10.205(h)(1)(ii)and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. Students in this class
learn the principles and techniques of safety
and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful
students are awarded a certificate from the
American Red Cross.
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

First Aid &amp; CPR (21-Hour) (SHLSOS-199)

Applicants completing our 8-hour
Elementary First Aid course and presenting our
Certificate of Training at the Regional Exam
Center (REC) satisfy: (1) the First Aid training
requirements of 46 CFR10.205(h)(1)(ii) for
original issuance of a license;—AND—(2) the
Basic Safety-Elementary First Aid training
requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1- 3 of the Seafarers Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46
CFR10.205(l)(3).
Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites

First Aid (8-Hour)

This one-day class includes a regulatory

Damage Control is a three-day (21-hour)
course designed for mariners who are
employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flagged MSC vessels in accordance with MSC
requirements. This course is designed as a
module of the SHLSS Government Vessels
Training Program; however, the course can
also be utilized independently. The purpose of
the Damage Control course is to provide the
student with an understanding of the specific
objectives of damage control and the knowledge and practical experience required for
effective damage control operations. This is
accomplished through classroom lecture and
practical exercises.

Damage Control

MSC Individual Small Arms Training and
Qualification and MSC Individual Small
Arms Sustainment Training and
Qualification

This course meets the standards and content
of OPNAVINST 3591.1E Small Arms Training
and Qualification and MSC’s Individual Small
Arms Training and Qualification and MSC’s
Individual Small Arms Sustainment Training
and Qualification Course.
This course provides tailored team training
for mariners who may serve as a member of a
ship’s flight deck organization. This course will
introduce the mariner to some of the dangers
associated with flight deck operations, the
equipment and the procedures they will
employ when serving as a member of the ship’s
flight deck organization. This course will discuss helicopter nomenclature and hazards associated with helicopter operations, classes of
fire, personal protective equipment, flight deck
fire fighting equipment, helicopter pilot, crew
and passenger rescue procedures, helicopter
fire suppression and extinguishment procedures and techniques. The mariner will be
drilled in the procedures and techniques of
pilot rescue and helicopter fire suppression and
extinguishment. The mariner will be required
to demonstrate proficiency in those procedures
and techniques during live fire field exercises.

Helicopter Fire Fighting

This is a refresher course that focuses on the
assessment of a mariner’s abilities and competence in Marine Environmental Programs,
Basic CBR Defense, Damage Control,
Helicopter Fire Fighting, and USCG BST. The
course is intended for Civil Service Mariners
(CIVMARS) and Contract Mariners (CONMARS) who work aboard MSC-contracted
ships.
Prerequisite: Basic Safety Training and
Helicopter Fire Fighting

MSC Readiness Refresher

HAZMAT Recertification

January 2011

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P a u l H a ll C e nt e r U p g ra d ing C o u rs e Sc he d u le

The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared to improving the
job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry.
Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime
industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security.
Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start
date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes
ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall
Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course

Start
Date

Date of
Completion

January 24
May 16

February 4
May 27

January 10
March 21
May 16

January 21
April 1
May 27

Deck Department

Water Survival
AB

February 7
April 4
May 30

STOS
Fast Rescue Boats

March 4
April 28
June 24

May 2

Radar Observer Unlimited

May 6

April 11

ARPA

April 22

April 25

Radar Recertification (1 day)

April 29

May 10

GMDSS

May 10

February 28
April 18
June 13

ECDIS

March 11
April 29
June 24

February 14
May 2
May 23

Tank Ship Familiarization DL

February 18
May 6
May 27

April 4

Tank PIC Barge DL

April 15

May 16

May 20

Engine Department

Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops

February 7
April 4
May 30

FOWT

Advanced Container Maintenance
Junior Engineer

Marine Electrician

March 4
April 29
June 24

January 10
March 7
May 2
June 27

February 4
April 1
May 27
July 22

April 11

May 5

January 10

March 4

May 9

July 1

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ____________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________

Date of Birth ______________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member

Lakes Member

Inland Waters Member

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be
processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book # ____________________________
Seniority_____________________________

Department______________________

Home Port_____________________________________________________________
E-mail________________________________________________________________

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?

Yes

No

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?

Yes

No

If yes, class # ______________________________________________________________
If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

16

Seafarers LOG

Title of
Course

Start
Date

Date of
Completion

Machinist

January 31

February 18

Welding

January 10
February 7
March 7
April 4
May 9
June 6

January 28
February 25
March 25
April 22
May 27
June 24

Marine Refrigeration
Technician

February 28

Pumpman

Basic and Advanced
Fire Fighting

February 21

Safety Upgrading Courses

Medical Care Provider

Vessel Security Officer

January 31
March 28
May 9

February 4
April 1
May 13

February 28
April 4
April 25
June 20

MSC Readiness Refresher

February 14
March 14
April 11
May 16
June 13

MSC Small Arms

Chief Steward

February 18
May 13

February 22
May 9

Government Vessels

February 21
March 21
April 18
May 23
June 20

Steward Department
April 18

Recertified Steward

March 4

February 7
May 2

January 31
February 21
May 16

BST/Basic Fire Fighting

April 8

March 14

February 4
February 25
May 20

February 23
May 10
March 4
April 8
April 29
June 24

February 18
March 18
April 15
May 20
June 17
February 25
March 25
April 22
May 27
June 24
May 26
April 4

Chief Cook
These modules start every other week. The next class is scheduled to begin January 10.
Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations
These modules start every Monday.

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the
date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant
mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate,
valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC.
COURSE

____________________________

START
DATE
_______________

DATE OF
COMPLETION
_______________

____________________________

_______________

_______________

____________________________
____________________________
____________________________

_______________
_______________
_______________

_______________
_______________
_______________

LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________
Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________

SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to
(301) 994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and
admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school
complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in
its programs or activities.
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Wel com e
As hor e

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.

DEEP SEA

KENNETH ANDERL
Brother Kenneth Anderl, 68,
became an SIU member in 1977
while in the
port of
Seattle. His
first ship
was the
Westward
Venture; his
last, the
Midnight
Sun. Brother
Anderl
sailed in the
deck department. He lives in
Mount Lake Terrace, Wash.
TOM ARRIOLA II
Brother Tom Arriola II, 55, began
sailing with the union in 1974
while in New York. His first voyage was aboard a Dixie Carriers
vessel.
Brother
Arriola was
born in
Houston.
The steward
department
member last
worked on
the
Westward
Venture.
Brother Arriola upgraded in 2001
and 2004 at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and
Education in Piney Point, Md. He
continues to reside in his native
state.

ROBERT CANNON
Brother Robert Cannon, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1967.
He originally
worked
aboard the
Del Valle.
Brother
Cannon was
a member of
the engine
department.
On two
occasions he
took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point.
Brother Cannon most recently
shipped on the Delta Queen. He
calls Knoxville, Tenn., home.
EUGENE DELMARTY
Brother Eugene Delmarty, 65,
started shipping with the SIU in
2003. He
initially
worked
aboard the
Chelsea.
Brother
Delmarty, a
member of
the deck
department,
was born in
Dallas. His
final trip
was on the Cape Trinity. Brother
Delmarty is a resident of Katy,
Texas.

January 2011

EKOW DOFFOH
Brother Ekow Doffoh, 71, was
born in Ghana. He joined the
Seafarers in 1987 while in the port
of Philadelphia. Brother Doffoh’s
first trip
was aboard
the USNS
Bartlett. In
1991, he
upgraded at
the Paul
Hall Center
in Piney
Point, Md.
Brother
Doffoh
sailed in the steward department.
His final ship was the Diligence.
He settled in Willingboro, N.J.
MARIO LOPEZ
Brother Mario Lopez, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1966. His first
voyage was aboard the Maiden
Creek. Brother Lopez’s last trip to
sea was on
the HMI
Astrachem.
He was born
in
Guatemala.
Brother
Lopez sailed
in the
engine
department
and makes his home in Houston.

EDWARD MITCHELL
Brother Edward Mitchell, 66,
became a union member in 1987
while in the port of San Francisco.
He was first
employed
aboard the
USNS
Harkness.
Brother
Mitchell
was a member of the
steward
department.
Prior to his
retirement, he sailed on the Kauai.
Brother Mitchell lives in San
Francisco.
DONNA MOORE
Sister Donna Moore, 62, started
her career with the SIU in 1989
while in the port of San Francisco.
She originally sailed
aboard the
USNS
Chauvenet.
Sister
Moore
worked in
the steward
department.
Her most
recent trip
was on the USNS Algol. Sister
Moore frequently attended classes
at the Piney Point school. She
resides in Vallejo, Calif.
MIGUEL NIN-MORALES
Brother Miguel Nin-Morales, 71,
began sailing with the Seafarers in
1999 while in Puerto Rico. His

first voyage
was aboard
the Little
Hales.
Brother NinMorales
enhanced
his skills in
2002 at the
union-affiliated school
in Piney Point, Md. The Cuba
native last sailed on the GFC
Florida. Brother Nin-Morales,
who sailed in the engine department, is a resident of Miami.
RALPH PORTER
Brother Ralph Porter, 65, joined
the SIU ranks in 1988 in the port
of San Francisco. His earliest trip
was on a Bay Tankers ship, were
he worked
in the deck
department.
Brother
Porter often
took advantage of educational
opportunities at the
union-affiliated school
in Piney Point. His final voyage
was aboard the USNS Capella.
Brother Porter calls New Orleans
home.

SAMUEL RAINES
Brother Samuel Raines, 67, signed
on with the union in 1991. He
originally sailed on the Sea Wolf
as a member of the steward

department.
Brother
Raines
attended
classes in
2001 at the
Paul Hall
Center. He
most recently shipped
aboard the Overseas Boston.
Brother Raines makes his home in
Montgomery, Ala.
PEDRO TORRES
Brother Pedro Torres, 65, became
an SIU member in 1973. He was
first employed with Hudson
Waterways Corporation. Brother
Torres
upgraded
his skills in
1975 and
2000 at the
Piney Point
school. His
last ship
was the
Humacao.
Brother
Torres lives in Caguas, P.R.

BOBBY TROSCLAIR
Brother Bobby Trosclair, 75, was
born in
Alabama. He
joined the
union in
1953.
Brother
Trosclair
worked with
Waterman
Steamship

Corporation for the duration of his
career. He sailed in the deck
department. Brother Trosclair settled in Gulfport, Miss.

RENE TURCIOS
Brother Rene Turcios, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in
2001 when the NMU and SIU
merged.
During his
career he
worked in
the steward
department
aboard the
Chilbar and
Coast
Range. In
2002,
Brother
Turcios enhanced his abilities at
the maritime training center in
Piney Point. He resides in
Metairie, La.

INLAND

ROBERT ISENHOWER
Brother Robert Isenhower, 64,
began sailing with the
SIU in
2003. He
primarily
sailed with
Crowley
Towing of
Jacksonville
as a member
of the deck
department.
Brother
Isenhower is a resident of San
Marcos, Texas.

T h is M o nt h I n S I U H i s t o r y

Repreinted from previous editions of the
Seafarers LOG

1944
The SIU-manned George Washington, under
charter to Alcoa, was applauded as a “real work
horse of the sea” in a New York Times article.
The Times noted that the ship was built to carry
300 passengers, but in wartime service was carrying 900 and breaking her own speed records,
often sailing through dangerous waters
unarmed and unescorted.

1952
The first of three projected upgrading
schools for Seafarers is now operating at
Headquarters with the opening of a class for the
deck department. The purpose of the new program is the qualification of men for their AB
certificates and other deck ratings. Plans are
also being made for the starting of both steward
department and engine department classes in
the near future. Instructors are being drawn
from the ranks of experienced Seafarers with a
thorough familiarity of the subject matter of the
courses. The entire training program will be
100 percent union-operated….

1974
The SIU-contracted turbo tanker Brooklyn,
largest merchant vessel ever built in the United
States, left this month on her maiden voyage
with an SIU crew of 19 unlicensed members.

The 225,000 dwt crude carrier was built by
Seatrain Shipbuilding Corp. at the former
Brooklyn Navy Yard. Construction of the vessel
was handled by the nearly 2,800 SIU-affiliated
United Industrial Workers employed at the
yard. The Brooklyn was one of the first tankers
to be allocated government subsidies under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970.
The 1970 Act, the most significant maritime
legislative bill since the Merchant Marine Act
of 1936, was vigorously fought for in Congress
by the SIU.
1994
Crew members aboard the President
Jefferson bravely endured dark and stormy seas
to rescue 12 seamen after their vessel, a
Panamanian-flagged log carrier, foundered and
capsized off the coast of Japan. According to
reports, the 16-man crew of the MV Success
was forced to abandon ship in two life rafts on
the evening of November 19. The Jefferson
responded to an emergency message and was
the sixth vessel to arrive on the scene. The
Jefferson first recovered two men clinging to a
life ring and one riding a life raft. The vessel
continued searching and recovered nine more
men from a second raft. The 12 men recovered
were comforted and given first aid by the crew
members. The captain noted in his report that
each crew member aboard the Jefferson put
forth every effort to bring the survivors safely
aboard.

Seafarers LOG

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Page 18

Fina l
De pa r tu r e s
DEEP SEA

GEORGE ALEXANDER
Brother George Alexander, 65,
passed away July 4. Brother
Alexander started sailing with the
union in 1993. The deck department
member worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Central Gulf Lines.
Brother Alexander lived in San
Rafael, Calif.

THOMAS ARTHUR
Pensioner Thomas Arthur, 56, died
Aug. 22. Brother Arthur joined the
union in 1978. He initially sailed on
the Montpelier
Victory. Brother
Arthur was born
in New Jersey
and shipped in
the engine department. His final
ship was the
USNS Sisler.
Brother Arthur
retired in 2009
and settled in Seaside Heights, N.J.
CHRISTOPHER BENNETT
Brother Christopher Bennett, 51,
died July 14. He began sailing with
the Seafarers in 2005 from the port
of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother
Bennett was born in Honduras. His
first ship was the USNS Waters; his
last was the USNS Bowditch.
Brother Bennett sailed in all three
departments and made his home in
Miami.

IVAN CAPOWSKI
Pensioner Ivan Capowski, 70,
passed away Aug. 17. Brother
Capowski joined the SIU in 1990.
He was born in Newburgh, N.Y.
Brother
Capowski’s earliest trip to sea
was aboard the
USNS Wright. He
last worked on
the Pfc. Dewayne
T. Williams.
Brother
Capowski was a
member of the steward department.
He started collecting his retirement
pay in 2005. Brother Capowski was
a resident of Florence, Vt.
KEY CHOW
Pensioner Key Chow, 85, died July
31. Brother Chow was born in
California. He signed on with the
Marine Cooks &amp; Stewards in the
port of San Francisco before they
merged with the SIU. Brother
Chow, a member of the steward
department, became a pensioner in
1979 and resided in San Francisco.

TOBE DANSLEY
Pensioner Tobe Dansley, 74, passed
away July 27.
Brother Dansley
joined the SIU
ranks in 1959. He
originally shipped
aboard the
Hastings. Brother
Dansley, a member of the steward
department, most

18

Seafarers LOG

recently sailed on the USNS
Petersburg. He went on pension in
1998 and lived in his native state,
Alabama.

EMMANUIL HALKIAS
Pensioner Emmanuil Halkias, 76,
died July 22. Brother Halkias
became a Seafarer in 1964. His first
voyage was aboard the Steel
Fabricator. Brother Halkias sailed
in the deck department. His final
trip was on the Quality. Brother
Halkias began receiving his pension
in 1995. He was born in Greece but
called Jersey City, N.J., home.

GEORGE HARWELL
Pensioner George Harwell, 80,
passed away July 24. Brother
Harwell first donned the SIU colors
in 1951 while in the port of Mobile,
Ala. He initially
sailed aboard a
Waterman
Steamship
Corporation
vessel. Brother
Harwell, who
shipped in the
deck department, was born
in Alabama.
Prior to his retirement in 1973, he
worked on the Cantigny. Brother
Harwell made his home in
Chickasaw, Ala.
JULIAN LEWIS
Pensioner Julian Lewis, 83, died
Sept. 2. Brother Lewis was born in
Atlanta. He started sailing with the
union in 1946.
Brother
Lewis’s earliest
trip was with
Seatrain Lines
Inc. The
engine-department member’s
last ship was
the Del Valle.
Brother Lewis retired in 1982 and
settled in Greenville, S.C.

JIM LIM
Pensioner Jim Lim, 87, passed away
Sept. 18. Brother Lim joined the
Marine Cooks &amp; Stewards in the
port of San Francisco before their
merger with the SIU. He worked in
the steward department. Brother
Lim became a pensioner in 1970.
He was a resident of San Francisco.
THOMAS MAGA
Pensioner Thomas Maga, 91, died
July 22. Brother Maga signed on
with the SIU in
1949 in the port
of New York.
He was a
Pennsylvania
native. Brother
Maga originally
sailed in the
engine department of the
Cape Catawba.
His final trip to
sea was on the LNG Taurus. Brother
Maga started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. He resided in
Darlington, Pa.

JOSEPH MCGILL
Pensioner Joseph McGill, 75,
passed away July 1. Brother McGill
became a Seafarer in 1957 while in
the port of New
York. His first
ship was operated by Ocean
Cargo Ships.
Brother McGill
was a member of
the deck department. Before
retiring in 1994,
he worked aboard the Ambassador.
Brother McGill lived in Beverly
Hills, Fla.

DOUGLAS MCLEOD
Pensioner Douglas McLeod, 75,
died Aug. 12. Brother McLeod started sailing with the union in 1956
from the port of New York. The
engine department member was
born in Mississippi. Brother
McLeod initially worked aboard a
Rockland Steamship Corporation
vessel. His last trip was on the
Courier. Brother McLeod went on
pension in 1993 and called Wilmer,
Ala., home.
FRANCES NAPOLI
Pensioner Frances Napoli, 87,
passed away Aug. 14. Brother
Napoli first donned the SIU colors
in 1947 while in the port of New
York. His earliest
trip was aboard
the Jefferson City
Victory. Brother
Napoli was a
native of New
York. His final
voyage was on
the Ezra Sensib
as a member of
the steward
department. Brother Napoli became
a pensioner in 1978. He made his
home in Florida.

HENRY NOEL
Pensioner Henry Noel, 78, died July
27. Brother Noel, a member of the
steward department, began sailing
with the Marine Cooks &amp; Stewards
in 1973 from the
port of San
Francisco, five
years before that
union merged
into the SIU. His
first trip was
aboard the
President Van
Buren; his last
was on the Maui.
Brother Noel was born in New
York. He started collecting his
retirement compensation in 1996.
Brother Noel resided in Highland,
Calif.
UBIE NOLAN
Pensioner Ubie Nolan, 78, passed
away July 25. Brother Nolan started
his seafaring career in 1952. He
originally sailed in the deck department aboard an Alcoa Steamship
Company vessel. Brother Nolan’s
final voyage took place on the
Pacer. He retired in 1992 and made
his home in Semmes, Ala.

FELIPE ORLANDO
Pensioner Felipe Orlando, 65, died
Aug. 9. Brother Orlando joined the
Seafarers in 1987. He was initially
employed on the
USNS Persistent.
Brother Orlando
was a member of
the steward
department. He
was born in the
Philippines.
Brother
Orlando’s most
recent voyage
was aboard the Virginian. He went
on pension in 2008 and lived in
Chesapeake, Va.

ANTHONY POWERS
Pensioner Anthony Powers, 75,
passed away Aug. 21. Brother
Powers signed on with the SIU in
1961 in the port of Seattle. His earliest trip was on the Seatrain
Savannah. Brother Powers, who
sailed in the engine department, was
a native of Cumberland, Maine. His
final trip to sea was aboard the
TYCO Long Lines. Brother Powers
began receiving his pension in 1999
and settled in Sea Level, N.C.
EFRAIN SANTANA
Pensioner Efrain Santana, 70, died
July 8. He became a union member
in 1967, first shipping on the Penn
Sailor. Brother Santana sailed in the
deck department. His last trip was
aboard an Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Brother Santana retired in 2000
and lived in Bronx, N.Y.
TADEUSZ ZIELINKSI
Pensioner Tadeusz Zielinksi, 84,
passed away Sept. 1. Brother
Zielinksi was
born in Chicago.
He started sailing
with the SIU in
1949. A member
of the engine
department, his
first ship was the
Steel Chemist.
Prior to his
retirement in 1988, Brother
Zielinksi shipped on the Robert E.
Lee. He was a resident of Kenner,
La.

INLAND

ALEXANDER BORAWICK
Pensioner Alexander Borawick, 75,
died Aug. 31. Brother Borawick
began his seafaring career in 1956.
He primarily sailed aboard vessels
operated by Moran Towing of
Maryland. Brother Borawick was
born in Maryland. He went on pension in 1989. Brother Borawick
called White Marsh, Md., home.

WILLIAM LEWIS
Pensioner William
Lewis, 69, passed
away Aug. 12.
Brother Lewis
joined the union in
1996 while in the
port of
Philadelphia. He
mostly shipped

aboard vessels operated by OSG
Ship Management. Brother Lewis, a
native of Milwaukee, started collecting his retirement compensation
in 2003. He resided in King of
Prussia, Pa.
Editor’s note: The following
brothers, all former members of the
National Maritime Union (NMU),
have passed away.

NATIONAL MARITIME UNION

SAMUEL COWIE
Pensioner Samuel Cowie, 89,
passed away Sept. 12. Brother
Cowie was born in Trinidad. He
retired in 1995 and resided in Mt.
Holly, N.C.

ALFONSO GOBAN
Pensioner Alfonso Goban, 92, died
Sept. 5. Brother Goban, a native of
Panama, became a pensioner in
1968. He called Port Charlotte, Fla.,
home.

PEDRO GOMEZ
Pensioner Pedro Gomez, 93, passed
away Sept. 13. Brother Gomez was
born in Honduras. He went on pension in 1989. Brother Gomez settled
in Houston.
EDWARD GUIDO
Pensioner Edward Guido, 83, died
Sept. 18. Brother Guido was a
native of Bristol, R.I. He started
collecting his retirement compensation in 1986. Brother Guido lived in
Warren, R.I.
BEN JENSEN
Pensioner Ben
Jensen, 77, died
Sept. 6. Brother
Jensen was born
in Denmark. He
went on pension
in 1995 and was
a resident of
Baltimore.

Editor’s note: The following
NMU brothers also have passed
away. The LOG Staff regrets that
sufficient information was not available to develop individual biographical backgrounds on them and
their respective careers while at at
sea.
Name
Age
Babson, Edward 90
Brown, Henry
84
Dunham, Woodroy 86
Bethel, David
91
Chapman, Howard 88
Cloutier, John
82
Cummings, Michael 80
Darosa, Joao
82
Emanuel, Simon 77
Kuusik, Arnold
90
Martinez, Julius
80
Medeiros, Fred
82
Ocampo, Luis
86
Perez, Ramon
87
Smith, Arthur
82
Wilson, Albert
84
Winstead, John
83
Yates, Asheley
94

DOD
Aug. 20
Aug. 23
Aug. 6
Sept. 29
Sept. 1
Sept. 5
Sept. 30
Sept. 16
Sept. 3
Sept. 4
Sept. 11
Sept. 19
Sept. 24
Sept. 23
Sept. 9
Sept. 26
Sept. 7
Sept. 1

January 2011

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D i g es t o f S h ip b oa r d
U n io n M e et i ng s
ALLIANCE CHARLESTON
(Maersk Line, Limited), October 4 –
Chairman Albert E. Mensah,
Secretary Fausto D. Aranda,
Educational Director George W.
Collier, Engine Delegate Shawn
Castain. Chairman expressed his
gratitude for a safe voyage and great
attitudes from crew members. He
informed crew payoff would take
place in Beaumont, Texas. Secretary
thanked wipers and steward department for a job well done; all areas
have been sanitized and the food is
great. Educational director advised all
mariners to attend classes at the SIUaffiliated training center in Piney
Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members were also reminded to keep all necessary seafaring
documents up-to-date. Next port:
Beaumont, Texas.

BURNS HARBOR (American
Steamship Company), October 19 –
Chairman Michael J. Keogh,
Secretary Khaled M. Alasaadi,
Educational Director Ricardas
Juska, Deck Delegate Resat Diler,
Engine Delegate Richard Frederick.
Chairman discussed the importance
of following safety policies; don’t
sacrifice safety for speed. Educational
director suggested members renew
documents early. They were told
about a fellow crew member that has
to leave the ship early because his
mariner credential was delayed. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Reports from Algonac and Joliet
were read. Members talked about
upcoming contract negotiations.
Request was made for satellite highspeed internet. Next port: Superior,
Wisc.

EL MORRO (Interocean American
Shipping), October 31 – Chairman
Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Rafael
Cardenas, Educational Director
Joseph Letang, Deck Delegate
Randell Porter, Steward Delegate
Tracey Newsome. Chairman
announced payoff in Jacksonville,
Fla., on Nov. 2. He encouraged
everyone to exercise their right to
vote. It was noted that the TV system
was fixed and that everyone has
DVR in their rooms. Educational
director encouraged members to
enhance their skills at the Paul Hall
Center, which can lead to better
opportunities and advancement. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Motion was made to increase pension
and medical benefits. Crew members
discussed voting procedures.

GREEN DALE (Waterman
Steamship Corporation), October 10
– Chairman Moises Ramos,
Secretary Larry J. Cokley,
Educational Director Lazaro S.
Rivera, Deck Delegate Christopher
Fairfax, Steward Delegate James
Pickens. Bosun reported a smooth
trip with no injuries. He asked that
anyone with problems come see him
or their delegate. Seafarers were
encouraged to support SPAD
(Seafarers Political Activity
Donation). Secretary suggested
everyone become familiar with contracts and informed them that copies

January 2011

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as
possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’
minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

With Seafarers in Tacoma

SIU headquarters and regional officials recently met with
members in Tacoma, Wash., where this photo was taken in
late November. Pictured from left to right are (back row)
Seafarers Tom Kelton and Vern Poulsen, Exec. VP Augie

are available at ports. Educational
director urged members to upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney
Point, Md. Treasurer stated that ship
fund money was used to purchase
movies and a second labeler. Beefs
reported in the deck and steward
department; no disputed OT. Request
was made for new mattresses, pillows, DVD player, new adaptor for
iron and fans for crew rooms. Vote of
thanks was given to the steward
department for doing a great job with
limited resources. Next ports:
Vancouver, Wash., and Tacoma,
Wash.

HORIZON FALCON (Horizon
Lines), October 24 – Chairman Rudy
Santos, Secretary Charlfred Autrey,
Educational Director Richard
Huffman. Chairman read and discussed president’s report from the
Seafarers LOG. He thanked the steward department for good food and
reminded mariners to clean rooms
before getting off ship for reliefs.
Secretary reminded crew about vacation benefits, in particular the ones
related to completing safe voyages.
Educational director encouraged
mariners to take advantage of
upgrading opportunities available at
the Piney Point school. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. It was reported
that new China express run would
start at the beginning of November.
Seafarers would like direct deposit
for vacation checks and refrigerators
for crew rooms. Recommendations
were made to reduce retirement age,

increase eyeglass allowance and
reduce the number of days required
for medical coverage. Next ports:
Los Angeles, Oakland, Calif. and
Honolulu.

HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon
Lines), October 17 – Chairman
Amante Gumiran, Secretary
Jennifer K. Jim, Educational
Director Keith I. Bitran, Deck
Delegate Alexander C. Bermudez,
Engine Delegate Siddik Hubair,
Steward Delegate Bridgett
McIntosh. Chairman went over
ship’s itinerary and announced payoff
at sea on Oct. 29. He notified crew
that TV reimbursements would be
honored for anyone purchasing a TV
for their room. Members were urged
to check OT and pre-payoff documents. Secretary read communications concerning trip tour scenarios
aboard PEX run vessels. Educational
director advised everyone to upgrade
at the union-affiliated school in Piney
Point, Md. Treasurer stated $1,600 in
ship’s fund. Beefs reported in steward
department; no disputed OT. Request
was made for internet service aboard
vessel. Thanks given to the steward
department for good food and service
especially the cookout after Guam
departure. Steward department
expressed gratitude to deck department for their help with setup and
breakdown for cookout.
HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon
Lines), Chairman Anton T. Sulic,
Secretary Robert P. Mosley,
Educational Director John A.

Tellez, Seafarers Steve Hynes, Terrence Murphy and John
Turner, VP Contracts George Tricker, (front) Port Agent Joe
Vincenzo, VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Seafarer Brenda
Kamiya.

Osburn, Deck Delegate James B.
Spranza, Engine Delegate Richard
R. Grubbs, Steward Delegate
Thalis R. Ealy. Bosun thanked
everybody for working safely and
asked all crew members to help keep
house area clean. He asked that
members please leave fresh linen for
arriving crew. Mariners were encouraged to contribute to SPAD.
Secretary reminded mariners to
check expiration dates on all necessary seafaring documents. Steward
delegate thanked all the BST instructors at Piney Point for doing a great
job with his class in mid-September.
Educational director suggested crew
members take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like to
have internet and satellite TV. Crew
members were reminded to keep
noise down while watchstander is
resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.,
Oakland, Calif. and Hawaii.
SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk
Tankers Inc.), October 31 –
Chairman Ronald Paradise,
Secretary Alan W. Bartley,
Educational Director Reginald R.
Hunter, Deck Delegate Bruce
Landos, Engine Delegate Ahmed
M. Al-Saqqaf, Steward Delegate
Leslie McGirt. Chairman expressed
gratitude to the deck department for
their hard work. It was noted that
patrolman came aboard in Tampa to
resolve pay rate issues. Secretary

asked mariners to continue helping
keep messhall and crew lounge
clean. Educational director advised
mariners to attend classes at the
Piney Point school to enhance seafaring abilities. He also reminded
them to keep documents current. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Thanks given to VP Contracts
George Tricker and Safety Director
Kevin Marchand from Fort
Lauderdale for help resolving issues.
Next ports: Tampa, Fla. and Port
Arthur, Texas.

SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk
Tankers Inc.), October 25 –
Chairman Robert J. Coleman,
Secretary Abraham Martinez,
Educational Director Wendell M.
Wilmoth, Deck Delegate Virgilio
Rosalas, Steward Delegate Lemuel
Robinson. Chairman reported
arrival in Lake Charles, La., on
Oct. 27 to load “winter gas” for
discharge in Port Everglades, Fla.,
on Nov. 2. He informed crew overtime was being closely watched
and stressed the importance of
learning the contract. Patrolman
coming aboard in Port Everglades.
Educational director reminded
mariners to take every opportunity
to upgrade their skills at the Piney
Point school. He recommended
they read the Seafarers LOG to stay
informed about issues that affect
the maritime industry. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew members began discussion on new
contract. Next Port: Lake Charles,
La.

Seafarers LOG

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Page 20

SHBP Makes Scholarships Available
To Eligible Seafarers, Family Members
Scholarships are being offered to
qualified Seafarers and dependents
who are interested in advancing their
education past the high school level.
Provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan (SHBP) under its
2011 Scholarship Program, eight
awards totaling $132,000 will be
available to help qualified applicants
offset the financial challenges associated with college and vocational studies. Seafarers will be the recipients of
three of the scholarships while spouses and dependents will vie for the
remaining five. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals
$20,000 and is intended to help defray
the costs associated with attending a
four-year, college-level course of
study. The remaining two are in the
amount of $6,000 each and are
designed as two-year awards for study
at a post-secondary vocational school
or community college. Each of the
five scholarships for spouses and
dependents is for $20,000.
Those interested in contending for
these scholarships must complete an

application process. The first step is to
send for the 2011 SHBP Scholarship
Program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. To
obtain a copy of this handout, simply
complete the form which appears
below, and return it to the address provided. As an alternative to requesting
a scholarship package through the
mail, they also are available at SIU
halls.
Upon receipt of the scholarship
program booklet, applicants should
check the eligibility criteria to determine if they are qualified to participate. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of
the paperwork needed to submit with
the full application, which must be
received by April 15, 2011.
Items that must be incorporated in
the final application package include
transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since some institutions respond
slowly in handling transcript needs,
requests should be made as early as

possible. Letters of recommendation –
solicited from individuals who know
the applicant’s character, personality
and career goals – also should be
included as part of the application
package. A high-quality photograph
and a certified copy of the applicant’s
birth certificate are also required and
should accompany the package.
A panel of professional educators
will act as the scholarship selection
committee. They will examine the
high school grades of all applicants as
well as evaluate scores from their
Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and
American College Tests (ACT).
Accordingly, arrangements should be
made by applicants who have not
done so to take these tests no later
than February 2011. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the
evaluation committee in time for
review. Seafarers and dependents who
previously applied for the scholarship
program and were not selected are
encouraged to apply again this year,
provided they still meet the eligibility
requirements.

Please send me the 2011 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for
applying and a copy of the application form.
Name ........................................................................................................................................................................................
Street Address ..........................................................................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code ...............................................................................................................................................................
Telephone Number (

This application is for:

) ......................................................................................................................................................

Mail this completed form to:

Self

Scholarship Program
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746

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 membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-andfile 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. Members should get to
know their shipping rights. Copies of these
contracts are posted and available in all
union halls. If members believe there have
been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts
between the union and the employers, they
should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board
by certified mail, return receipt requested.

20

Seafarers LOG

Dependent

K n o w Y ou r R i g h t s

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.

New Book Chronicles
Rich History of SIU
A new book covering the history of the Seafarers
International Union is available online and at the
Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.
As reported in recent editions of the Seafarers LOG,
the work—a 271-page hardcover—is titled “America’s
Seafarers.” The book may be ordered through the slop
chest at www.seafarers.org or by going directly to
www.siustore.com. Priced at $14.99, copies of the hardback also are being sold at the Paul Hall Center’s Sea
Chest store.
Individuals who want to purchase a copy of the book
but who do not have internet access may call (703) 7882528.
Additional information about “America’s Seafarers”
is available on the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official union
receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money
for any reason unless he is given such
receipt. In the event anyone attempts to
require any such payment be made without
supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she
should not have been required to make such
payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU
Constitution are available in all union halls.
All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize themselves
with its contents. Any time a member feels
any other member or officer is attempting to
deprive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods, such as
dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as
all other details, the member so affected
should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment and
as members of the SIU. These rights are
clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and
in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no
member may be discriminated against
because of race, creed, color, sex, national
or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVI-

TY DONATION — SPAD.
SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its
proceeds are used to further its objects and
purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic
interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts. In
connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such
conduct, or as a condition of membership in
the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the
Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate
action and refund, if involuntary. A member
should support SPAD to protect and further
his or her economic, political and social
interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President Michael Sacco at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

January 2011

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D i s p a t c h er s ’ R ep o r t fo r D ee p S e a

Notice

SHBP Announces COBRA
Continuation Coverage
For SIU Members, Families
The Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan would like to
notify Seafarers and their
families of the right to elect
to purchase continuation of
health coverage if you lose
coverage due to certain
qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is
known as COBRA.
Generally, if you are the
employee,
you
will be eligible to
purchase COBRA
coverage for a
certain period of
time if you lost
coverage because
you did not have
enough days of
covered
employment
(unless the job was lost due
to gross misconduct). If you
are the family member of a
covered employee, you may
also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the
employee loses coverage; or
if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce
or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child
of an employee, the child
reaches an age at which the
Plan no longer considers

him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a
divorce or the death of an
employee, you must notify
the Plan within 60 days of
the divorce or death in
order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the
Plan in a timely manner, you
may not be eligible to
receive further
coverage.
For
more
information
about continuation
coverage
rights
under
COBRA, please
refer to the Plan’s
“Guide to Your Benefits,”
which members should have
received in the mail or at a
union hall. The guide is also
available in PDF format on
the
SIU
web
site,
www.seafarers.org, under
“Member Benefits and
Resources.” If you have
recently lost coverage, or
are about to lose coverage
from the Plan, contact the
Plan at 1-800-CLAIMS4 to
request a COBRA election
package.

Pe rs o n a l

MICHAEL D. LEVAN
Please call Dawn at (602) 221-6327

February &amp; March
Membership Meetings

Piney Point........................................Monday: February 7, March 7
Algonac ............................................Friday: February 11, March 11

Baltimore.....................................Thursday: February 10, March 10
Guam...........................................Thursday: February 24, March 24
Honolulu .........................................Friday: February 18, March 18

Houston..........................................Monday: February 14, March 14

Jacksonville.................................Thursday: February 10, March 10
Joliet............................................Thursday: February 17, March 17
Mobile......................................Wednesday: February 16, March 16

New Orleans........................................Tuesday: February 15, March 15
New York..........................................Tuesday: February 8, March 8

Norfolk........................................Thursday: February 10, March 10

Oakland .......................................Thursday: February 17, March 17
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: February 9, March 9

Port Everglades ...........................Thursday: February 17, March 17
San Juan......................................Thursday: February 10, March 10
St. Louis ..........................................Friday: February 18, March 18
Tacoma............................................Friday: February 25, March 25

Wilmington.....................*Tuesday: February 22, Monday: March 21
* Wilmington change created by Presidents’ Day holiday

Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.

January 2011

November 16, 2010 - December 15, 2010

Port

Total Registered
All Groups
A
B
C

Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS

21
1
4
22
3
12
48
33
6
15
17
52
21
30
2
2
8
24
2
40
363

6
3
7
16
5
6
16
24
6
7
5
25
25
15
5
3
9
22
7
22
234

Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS

2
0
6
12
3
5
18
13
4
4
4
18
13
14
3
3
4
16
0
10
152

3
0
4
2
1
3
13
16
3
5
1
11
8
13
1
3
11
14
1
13
126

Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS

0
0
3
9
6
10
15
23
0
9
5
18
10
20
2
3
3
21
1
32
190

3
0
1
5
2
2
3
4
1
0
3
5
12
4
3
3
0
3
1
2
57

Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Mobile
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS

1
0
0
0
0
0
3
4
1
1
2
9
0
6
0
0
1
7
0
7
42

8
0
5
8
1
3
12
17
1
4
7
23
14
12
0
2
0
13
0
11
141

GRAND TOTAL:

747

558

1
0
1
3
0
3
5
3
0
2
2
6
5
4
1
1
2
0
0
3
42

Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
C

Trip
Reliefs

0
1
1
0
0
0
4
2
0
0
0
1
5
0
0
2
0
2
1
2
21

4
4
3
11
0
4
28
27
0
4
8
14
9
15
5
2
8
16
2
17
181

21
1
5
20
5
28
83
53
3
24
29
92
26
43
4
3
14
59
5
71
589

10
3
9
21
5
7
34
32
6
10
15
39
40
22
7
4
13
36
8
31
352

2
1
2
6
0
4
5
2
0
3
3
9
8
5
1
1
3
6
0
10
71

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
5

0
0
2
3
0
0
8
14
0
1
1
8
10
10
4
0
2
12
1
8
84

3
0
7
22
4
18
34
31
0
13
8
33
21
17
7
5
5
27
1
18
274

4
1
6
3
4
5
17
29
3
7
7
21
33
11
1
4
19
22
4
25
226

0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
2
6
1
5
0
0
0
0
2
8
28

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
1
4

0
0
0
6
0
4
16
10
0
0
2
9
1
6
2
2
2
9
1
16
86

3
0
6
12
5
20
26
37
0
10
13
36
17
36
3
5
5
27
2
47
310

1
0
0
7
3
10
9
11
1
0
3
11
23
4
0
2
1
6
3
5
100

0
0
1
2
1
2
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
13

4
1
2
2
0
2
3
5
0
0
1
3
11
7
4
24
0
2
0
2
73

1
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
1
0
2
4
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
3
20

1
0
0
0
0
4
7
6
1
1
4
19
0
9
0
0
2
10
0
16
80

15
2
3
14
0
7
30
30
1
8
8
61
27
31
1
1
2
23
2
43
309

14
1
6
12
0
7
6
16
1
4
7
16
33
9
3
2
1
12
0
28
178

Deck Department
12
3
1
4
6
4
12
10
2
3
5
4
41
19
31
24
4
3
9
2
11
3
35
14
10
24
20
10
9
6
0
4
6
4
29
12
1
3
23
17
267
173

Engine Department
0
4
3
0
0
0
0
4
6
0
5
3
0
1
1
0
2
2
1
9
14
1
17
14
2
3
3
0
4
2
2
3
1
5
9
8
0
8
17
3
13
9
0
3
1
0
0
1
0
2
3
0
11
13
0
1
1
2
6
9
16
105
111
Steward Department
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
6
1
0
8
3
0
2
1
2
7
1
0
19
8
0
14
3
0
0
0
0
4
2
0
3
2
0
16
5
1
7
7
1
12
1
1
2
1
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
17
3
0
2
1
1
23
3
6
148
46

Entry Department
9
0
6
1
0
2
5
0
4
4
0
5
0
0
1
4
1
5
2
1
16
7
0
15
0
0
1
2
2
3
5
0
3
7
5
16
15
0
11
6
2
5
5
0
2
22
0
1
0
0
0
6
6
6
0
0
0
6
3
7
106
20
109

170

540

439

103

371

Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C

1,253

987

Seafarers LOG

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P a u l H a l l C en t er C l a s s es

STOS – The following ugraders (above, in alphabetical order)
graduated from this course Oct. 29: Yahya Ahmed, Maili
Cabrera, James Grant, Alfonso Marin, Derrick Moore and
Rodante Niebres. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at right.

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 736 – Twenty-three Phase I unlicensed apprentices completed
their requirements in this 60-hour course July 9. Graduating and receiving certificates in recognition of their
respective accomplishments, (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mutea Al-Nuzely, Jason Amy, Antonio Anderson,
Edward Baker, Jason Bentz, Matthew Botterbusch, Robert Costa, Corey Ellis, Amah Essiet, Scott Gilleland,
Nathan Graddick, Wendi Grant, Ross Halsted, Keats Jorgensen, Joseph Koncul, James Kuck, Ramon Martinez,
Clint Omisong, Michael Page, James Reynolds, Khadim Robinson, Telesia Selby and Samir Tarsha. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)

Welding – Seven upgraders completed their requirements in the 103-hour course Nov.
12. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Dino Fontana, Rex Helms, Stravon
Jordan, Carlos Marcial, Rodney Passapera, Clifford Taylor and Jervona Vorise. Class
instructor Buzzy Andrews is standing at left in the back row.

ARPA – Three individuals completed this course Nov. 12.
Graduating, (above, in alphabetical order) were: Charles
Tison, Jesse Willard and William White.

Assorted Courses – The individuals pictured above finished assorted courses during
the period Oct. 27-29. Those graduating and the classes they took were as follows:
Government Vessels – James Battista, Rudolfo Jordan and Abdul Muhammad;
Chemical Biological Radiological Defense – Marion Brown, Curtis Burks and Bruce
Placido; and Helo Fire Fighting – Robery Hayes, Tyrone Leonard, Martha Walls and
John Wells.

FOWT – Thirteen Seafarers finished their training in this course
Nov. 5. Graduating (photo at right,
in alphabetical order) were:
Moriah Collier, Donnell Criswell,
Carlos Davila, Jacob Diefenbach,
Jeremy Farlow, Devin Gordon Sr.,
Allen Ludlow, Grayson Ross,
Zachary Ross, Jonthan Tucker,
Antoine White, John White and
Randy Wurr. Class Instructor Tim
Achorn is at the far right. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)

22

Seafarers LOG

January 2011

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Pa u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e s

Medical Care Provider – The following individuals, (above, in alphabetical order) on Nov. 5 graduated from this course: Therman Ames, Glenn Agustin, Jess Cooper, Jose Deoferio, Vorden
Ferguson, Armando Garayua, Samuel Garrett, Nilo Gler, Christopher Sykes and Liberato Viray.
Class instructors, Mike Roberts and Mark Cates, are at the far left and far right respectively.

Designated Duty Engineer – Five individuals finished this course Nov. 12.
Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Timothy Daigle, Michael Hurst,
Charles Jensen, William Newsome and Ricky Shumock. Class Instructor Jay
Henderson is at right.

Radar – Five upgraders finished this course Nov.
5. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were:
Fethanegest Demoz, Enchantress Johnson, Annie
Walker, William White and Jesse Willard.

Able Seaman – Twenty four Seafarers on Nov. 5 completed their requirements in this course.
Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ali Alhamyari, Michael Andrew, Zoran Barich,
Beau Blicher, Jonathan Chaparro Lorenzo, Talib Cherry, Julian Davila Lugo, Zon Davis, Ricky
Gault Jr., Jamar Harley, Nicholas Hoffman, Michael Julien, Juan Negron, Anthony Newbill,
Jessie Peed, Julio Perez, Luis Ramos Rosa, David Santiago Arroyo, Corey Shanley, Joseph
Tucker, Cortes Victor, Mark Ward Sr., Adrian Wilson and Shatina Wright. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is kneeling at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

GMDSS – Three Seafarers upgraded their skills
in this course Oct. 29. Graduating, (above, in
alphabetical order) were: Glenn Agustin, Monte
Cross Jr., and Donna Sylvia. Their instructor,
Brad Wheeler, is second from left.

BST (Hawaii) – Fifteen individuals graduated from this course Oct. 30 in Hawaii.
Completing their requirements (above, in no particular order) were: Rachel Nelson,
Robert Strayer, Anita Burns, Leslie Kostinas, Samantha Mannerina - Thompson, Joshua
Parker, Tiara Patrick, Michelle Rich, Justin Walters, Lauren Watkins, Kidron Cobb,
Gregory Gager, Sheena Lockett, Edward Mendibles and Armando Sta Clara.

January 2011

Water Survival – Four upgaders finished their requirements in this course Oct.
29. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mohamed Ali, Mohamed
Nagi, Abdulrab Saleh and Kendrick Taylor. Class instructor, Ben Cusic, is second from the left.

BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order)
completed this course at the Seafarers Training Facility in Hawaii Oct. 16:
Marcus Bolder, Jose Mendez, Caroline Nadal, Carlos Baucom, Sean
McLaurin, Matthew Smith, Jose Ochoa, Jordan Rensel, Michael Hovis and
Stanislaw Biernat.

BST (Hawaii) –The following individuals, (above, in no particular order) graduated from
this course Oct. 23 at the Seafarers Training Facility in Barbers Point, Hawaii: David
Addison Jr., Antonio Garcia, John Potoczak, Kiley Brevik, Alex Degmetich, Shawn
McCafferty, Michael Mendez-Castillo, Theda Parrish, Janice Phillips, Melony Edwards,
Kaitlyn Dunn, Thomas McGuire, Jonathan Scott and Jonathan Smith.

Seafarers LOG

23

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Page 24

Volume 73, Number 1

January 2011

SHBP Scholarship
Information
Page 20

Lead Stories of 2010: New Tonnage, Haiti, Gulf Spill
Despite ongoing economic adversity
throughout the country, the SIU experienced
numerous gains in 2010, most notably including the addition of new tonnage and the ratifications of several new contracts. Other headlines from last year included Seafarers assisting in the humanitarian mission in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, and the U.S.-flag industry’s collective response to staggeringly erroneous attacks on the Jones Act following the
Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of
Mexico.
The following is a recap of these and other
noteworthy stories from 2010.
SIU members were among the first to
mobilize for Haiti relief operations after that
nation was struck by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12. Within the first few days
after the earthquake, several Seafarers-contracted ships were activated for the relief mission, and several others (already in full operating status) were assigned to it. More than a
dozen Seafarers-crewed ships would sail in
Operation Unified Response.
When those vessels and others were sent
to help the earthquake victims, U.S. Secretary
of Transportation Ray LaHood stated, “It is
another example of why our country’s merchant marine is so important. Sending these
ships will help those on the front line of this
effort save as many lives in Haiti as possible.
These ships will add crucial capabilities by
supporting operations to move large volumes
of people and cargo.”
Seafarers and the union contributed in
other ways, too. The SIU reactivated its
Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to collect monetary donations for the earthquake
victims. A few months later, during meetings
of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades
Department’s executive board, the SDRF
donations were combined with other contributions from maritime labor; SIU and MTD
President Michael Sacco and other officials
presented a check to AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Liz Shuler for the AFL-CIO
Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for
Haitian Workers’ Campaign. Altogether, the
MTD and its affiliates donated more than
$82,000, including donations from rank-andfile Seafarers.
Near the end of the year, SIU crews were
honored by the United Seamen’s Service and
the U.S. Transportation Command for their
performance in Operation Unified Response.

Unified Response

Throughout the year, outright additions
and replacement tonnage entered the SIU-contracted fleet. Four new-build programs generated many of those ships, but there were other
gains as well.
At the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego,
commercial tankers and military-owned dry
cargo/ammunition ships were produced. The
latter group included the USNS Charles Drew,
USNS Matthew Perry and USNS Washington
Chambers, all part of the Lewis and Clarkclass of T-AKE vessels. Additionally, the

New Ships, Contracts

Navy confirmed two additional orders for TAKE ships, bringing the total number of vessels in the class to 14.
The NASSCO-built, Crowley-operated
tankers included the Evergreen State and
Empire State, the final ships in a series of
five.
Across the country, Aker Philadelphia
Shipyard built more tankers for Overseas
Shipholding Group: the Overseas Martinez,
Overseas Anacortes and Overseas Chinook.
As was the case at other facilities, the celebrations of the new builds were tempered by
uncertain futures faced by many of the shipyard workers.
Crowley continued with its series of new
articulated tug-barge units, introducing the
Achievement/650-8 and the Innovation/650-9,
while OSG added the Vision/350 and Express
Marine launched the Freedom/EMI-2400.
Other gains included the American RollOn/Roll-Off Carrier ship Endurance; Maersk
Line, Limited’s RO/ROs Alliance Charleston
and Alliance Beaumont; Liberty Maritime’s
car carrier Liberty Promise; Intermarine’s
heavy-lift ship Ocean Crescent; and
AMSEA’s heavy-lift vessel BBC Houston.
Also, SIU CIVMARS were part of the initial
hybrid crew that sailed the USS Emory Land
to Diego Garcia.
Meanwhile, Seafarers approved several
new contracts that maintained benefits and
boosted wages. Agreements were reached KK
Integrated Shipping, Luedtke Engineering,
Champion Auto Ferry, Puerto Rico Towing &amp;
Barge, Express Marine and E.N. Bisso,
among other locations. At least two more contracts were being ratified as this edition went
to press.
One of the top stories in the nation – not
just in the maritime industry – was the
Deepwater Horizon disaster, which began
April 20 with a deadly oil-rig explosion in the
Gulf of Mexico. SIU members, including
CIVMARS from the union’s Government
Services Division, assisted in the months-long
cleanup, but the tragedy quickly took a
bizarre and job-threatening turn when some
commentators and legislators wrongfully stated that a crucial maritime law called the Jones
Act somehow was impeding operations.
Critics attacked President Obama for not
waiving the Jones Act to supposedly open the
door for additional assistance in the cleanup.
At least one also charged that U.S. maritime
unions were thwarting progress by their purported unwillingness to support a suspension
of the law, which requires that all vessels
operating between domestic ports be crewed,
built, owned and flagged American.
Following that initial round of erroneous
claims and inaccurate reporting, the truth
gradually emerged. Statements from industry
groups, senators, congressmen and the head of
the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command,
Admiral Thad Allen, exposed the critics’ arguments as flawed at best, as did certain news
articles. White House Press Secretary Robert
Gibbs did the same.

Gulf Cleanup, Jones Act

SIU-crewed ships including the Overseas Cascade (left) helped with the massive
cleanup following the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. CIVMARS from the union’s
Government Services Division were among those involved in the post-spill operations.

The commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, Gen. Duncan McNabb (right),
pictured with SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco, repeatedly declared his support of
the U.S. Merchant Marine.

The Maritime Cabotage Task Force
(MCTF), the largest coalition in the history of
the domestic American maritime industry,
repeatedly pointed out that the Jones Act – in
addition to being vital for national security –
generates around 500,000 American jobs and
helps pump billions of dollars each year into
the U.S. economy.
SIU President Sacco was a forceful
spokesman for the Jones Act throughout this
ordeal. His comments were picked up by
news outlets, and those remarks helped set the
record straight.
SIU members upheld the finest traditions
of the Brotherhood of the Sea by executing
several rescues at sea. Crew members from
the following vessels helped perform those
missions: USNS John Ericsson, HSV Swift 2,
MV Courage, Thomas Jefferson, Sealand
Intrepid, Ocean Atlas and MV Resolve.
Military leaders including Gen. Duncan
McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation
Command, and Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command, reiterated their support for a strong U.S.
Merchant Marine, including the laws and programs that help maintain a viable Americanflag, American-crewed presence.

Rescues, Support from Military

The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education received top
marks from the U.S. Coast Guard’s National
Maritime Center. The school also named a
new training vessel in memory of the late SIU
Executive Vice President John Fay, and broke
ground on a waterfront revitalization project.
U.S. maritime unions throughout the year
continued with anti-piracy efforts, both in
domestic and international forums. Helping
deliver the SIU’s message that our crews must
be protected were President Sacco, Executive
Vice President Augie Tellez and SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel.
The SIU helped develop on online petition
against piracy that was part of the
International Maritime Organization’s “Year
of the Seafarer” campaign. The petition garnered more than 1 million signatures.
Secretary-Treasurer Heindel was elected
chair of the Seafarers’ Section of the
International Transport Workers’ Federation,
thereby becoming just the second American to
hold the prestigious post. (The other was the
aforementioned John Fay.)
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
awarded $146,000 in scholarships to SIU
members and dependents.
SIU jobs were retained as LMSR operat-

ing contracts were awarded to AMSEA and
Patriot.
In the Government Services Division, the
union and MSC reached agreements on
allowances and habitability issues.
Negotiations on CMPI 750 were completed,
and negotiations on CMPI 610 continued. An
agreement was reached on a new S&amp;Q policy.
A new book, “America’s Seafarers,” was
published, capturing the union’s history.
On Capitol Hill, the first maritime industry
“Sail-In” delivered key messages about the
need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.
Maritime labor welcomed a number of provisions in the Coast Guard authorization bill,
including a component designed to facilitate
shore leave. A controversial health care
reform bill was signed.
The IMO approved new amendments to
the STCW Convention.
Finally, too many obituaries were written.
Among those crossing the final bar were (in
chronological order) retired officials Joe Perez
(who passed away on the last day of 2009),
Ted Babkowski and Carl Peth, and Paul Hall
Center employees Sam Spalding and Marge
DiPreta. The industry also said goodbye to a
lifelong supporter in retired Sen. Ted Stevens,
who died in a plane crash.

Other Headlines

The T-AKE vessel USNS Washington
Chambers is launched in San Diego in
September.

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              <text>HEADLINES&#13;
TANKER EVERGREEN STATE CHRISTENED&#13;
AGENCY SALUTES MARITIME BACKERS SEN. LAUTENBERG, REP. CUMMINGS&#13;
SCHOENEMAN BECOMES LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR&#13;
NASSCO DELIVERS TANKER EVERGREEN STATE&#13;
OSG TANKER OVERSEAS CHINOOK COMPLETES SEA TRIALS&#13;
BISSO BOATMEN APPROVE NEW 3-YEAR CONTRACT&#13;
PIRACY REMAINS A SERIOUS THREAT&#13;
SPAD T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE &#13;
AFL-CIO PRESIDENT CALLS FOR SOLIDARITY, ECONOMIC REBOUND&#13;
VENERABLE MARITIME OFFICIAL CAPT. GREGORIO OCA DIES AT 83&#13;
AMO, MEBA ANNOUNCE ELECTION RESULTS&#13;
PLAN ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCES HEALTH BENEFITS UPGRADES&#13;
OAKLAND GATHERING REPRESENTS MILESTONE &#13;
SIU HALL HOSTS 20TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BANQUET&#13;
SHBP ANNOUNCES COBRA CONTINUATION COVERAGE FOR SIU MEMBERS, FAMILIES&#13;
LEAD STORIES OF 2010: NEW TONNAGE, HAITI, GULF SPILL&#13;
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