http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e8b739980e6a4c23921de65e71c2daac.pdf d407c849bd6c2cd1699f951402c8f821 PDF Text Text Volume 75, Number 12 December 2013 Happy Holidays Beck Notice Page 6 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 1 Summary Annual Reports Pages 6, 9 Meeting Dates for 2014 Page 8 11/21/2013 7:17:30 AM �President’s Report Answering the Call Again Not long after Typhoon Haiyan devastated much of the Philippines, Seafarers did what we always do in such situations. We jumped into action, lending assistance both on the job and as volunteers. As of this writing in mid-November, at least a half-dozen SIU-crewed ships had mobilized for the relief mission, both from the private sector and from our Government Services Division. We have activated our Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and are working with our international maritime labor partners to make sure the donations specifically go to mariners and their families from the Philippines. I also know of at least one SIU-crewed ship that immeMichael Sacco diately took up its own collection for the relief effort even before we announced the SDRF activation. I definitely want to thank all of our members who are pitching in for what promises to be a very long, difficult and complex mission. Our members and our contracted operators will do whatever we can for as long as it takes to get the job done. But the main reason I’m writing about it is the timing. I find it very ironic that Seafarers once again are answering the nation’s call at a time when people in Congress and the administration act as if our industry doesn’t matter. The attacks on Food Aid haven’t gone away. The attacks on the Jones Act never stop. The fight for full funding of the Maritime Security Program will roll around again soon. At times, I wonder if anyone in the nation’s capital has put two and two together, and realized that if the U.S. Merchant Marine goes away, there won’t be enough resources for America to respond to a natural disaster like the one in the Philippines. If we go away, our men and women in uniform will be at the mercy of foreign flags when it comes to delivering their life-sustaining cargo. If we go away, our economy will take a massive hit at a time when America simply can’t afford that kind of loss. And if we go away, we can’t be brought back later by simply placing some help-wanted ads and waiting for people to show up. This isn’t a news flash for people in our industry, but for those less familiar with it, you can’t just pluck someone off the street and call him a mariner. That may have worked a century ago. In this day and age, it takes sophisticated training and (heaven knows) a stack of credentials just to be able to climb a gangway. The bottom line is that we are vital to U.S. national and economic security. And despite my frustration, we of course have many supporters on Capitol Hill and elsewhere who appreciate our value. That support isn’t taken for granted, and it also didn’t just fall from the sky. We have to constantly spread the word about our work. As we head toward the winter holidays, my heart goes out to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. It’s tough to even comprehend such a tragedy, and it’s a reminder that we can never take tomorrow for granted. I also send best holiday wishes to all of our members, retirees and their families, along with our officials and staff. At a time like this, I’m sure it’s not hard to count our blessings. Again, thanks to everyone who has “turned to” for the relief mission, and here’s to safe, happy holidays for every Seafarer, whether you’re home with family or aboard ship. Volume 75, Number 12 December 2013 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/ NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. 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, Brian Ahern; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2012 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. SIU Aids in Philippine Recovery Seafarers are answering the call to action following the devastation brought to the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan. With thousands dead, millions displaced and infrastructure in many places destroyed, the need for relief has been enormous. Heeding that call, the SIU, its members and its international partners have mobilized to do their part in helping the country recover from the second-deadliest storm in its history. In the days following the storm, which made landfall Nov. 8, several SIU-crewed ships were activated and dispatched to the region to provide emergency supplies, medical services and housing. Stateside, the SIU activated and began soliciting donations for the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to help financially with what is expected to be a daunting recovery. Individual members, meanwhile, pitched in on a personal basis, with at least one crew holding a relief fundraiser for victims of the storm. The SIU also teamed with the affiliated International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and other international partners to provide further relief and ensure the donated funds make their way to mariners and their families. When it came to the at-sea relief effort, several SIU-crewed ships sailed with the U.S. Navy’s George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWSG) – an assembly of vessels sent to support the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade in assisting the Philippine government. The SIU ships participating included the USNS Bowditch, the USNS Charles Drew and the Emory S. Land. The Bowditch is operated by Maersk Line, Limited, while the latter two vessels are part of the SIU Government Services Division fleet. “We have the ships conducting a variety of missions,” said Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, who serves as GWSG commander. “The USNS Bowditch is surveying water conditions in the Leyte Gulf. USNS Charles Drew and USS Lassen have helicopters and supplies that are bringing emergency supplies into Tachoban, one of the worst-hit areas. Emory S. Land also provides good ship-to-shore hotel services to Tachoban.” The SIU-crewed hospital ship USNS Mercy was also activated for service in the aftermath of the storm. Berthed in San Diego, the Mercy has already spent time working in the area. “In 2012, the Mercy participated in the annual Pacific Partnership mission, which included working with Philippine authorities in the vicinity of Tachoban, the area hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan,” read a news release issued by the U.S. Navy regarding the activation of the Mercy. “Because of the long-standing partnership between the two nations, the U.S., working through the Philippine government, is able to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis.” Pictured aboard the USNS Henson, starting in back row, from left, are Chief Engineer Merrick Brow (SIU hawsepiper), Chief Steward Pete Williams, Chief Cook Larry Bachelor, (front, from left) GVA Francisco Ocado, QMED Romeo Ferrer, AB David Arcilla, Storekeeper Deanna Moore and (kneeling) SA Joseph Martin. Amid all of this, the SIU crews of the USNS 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo (operated by Maersk) and USNS Pililau (operated by AMSEA) also made the trip to the Philippines for disaster relief. On the financial front, the SIU’s decision to activate the SDRF allowed those who weren’t traveling to the region to do their part in the relief effort. Designed to aid devastated mariners and their families, the fund is activated following disasters around the world and has helped thousands of people get back on their feet. The crew aboard one SIU vessel – the Maersk-operated USNS Henson – took it upon themselves to start raising money immediately. AB David Arcilla said the crew of the Henson knew right away they wanted to help victims of the storm. “After hearing of the deadly disaster in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan, we on the USNS Henson initiated a monetary drive to supply aid to the victims.” Archilla said. “The real reward for us is being able to alleviate some of the suffering and comfort others in their time of need.” The generosity was greatly appreciated. In a heartfelt message to the SIU and its members, Dr. Conrad Oca, president of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, said he was touched by the “genuine concern for our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have become helpless vicContinued on Page 5 New Rules for SHBP Eligibility Become Effective January 1 Officials from the SIU and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are continuing to get the word out concerning upcoming changes in eligibility rules for medical coverage through the SHBP. Union and SHBP representatives have gathered with rank-and-file Seafarers during the monthly membership meetings and aboard ships. A comprehensive letter from the SHBP was mailed to all Plan participants and is available on the SIU website. Also, a detailed article ran in last month’s LOG and it, too, is posted on the website. The new rules take effect Jan. 1, and they were crafted to comply with mandates stemming from the Affordable Care Act of 2010, commonly called ObamaCare. Under the updated regulations, new SIU members and those re-establishing eligibility will need less time to qualify for coverage. Eligibility for existing members will be divided into two six-month periods instead of throughout the entire year; children between the ages of 18 and 26 will be covered; and coverage limits will be removed. For instance, new employees and those seeking to re-establish eligibility will now require 90 days of continuous employment to become eligible for benefits, instead of the 125 days of employment required under the old policy. Moreover, under the new rules, employees must work 60 days over a six-month period to receive benefits during the next six-month period. The first period runs Jan.1-June 30, while the second period runs July 1-Dec.31. “This means that if you have 60 days of covered employment any time between January 1 and June 30, 2014, you will be eligible for coverage from July 1 to December 31, 2014,” Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen wrote in the aforementioned letter. “Covered employment may also include certain time when an employee attends upgrading classes at the Seafarers Harry Lundberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS), and certain time when an employee receives sickness and accident benefits.” Aiming to help ensure that no member is adversely affected by the new rule, there will be a transition period during the first six months of 2014. For that period, the old eligibility rule will still be applicable – meaning that from Jan. 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014, a Seafarer will be eligible for benefits if he or she had 125 days of covered employment in 2013, and one day of covered employment in the past six months. However, if a member did not have eligibility under the old rule at the beginning of the year, he or she will re-establish eligibility after 90 days under the new rule for re-establishing eligibility. Starting July 1, 2014, a member will only be eligible for benefits if he or she meets one of the new eligibility rules. While the new rules allow members to obtain eligibility much faster compared to the old system, the union and the SHBP recognize that this type of change generates questions about various individual scenarios. Members are encouraged to read the participant letter and the article in the November LOG, contact their port agents and call the SHBP at 1-800252-4674 with any questions. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log_X.indd 2 December 2013 11/21/2013 6:57:09 PM �Matson President/CEO Matt Cox, pictured earlier this year at a Maritime Trades Department meeting, says the new order underscores the company’s long-term commitment. This artist’s rendering shows the general look of the newly ordered Matson ships. Matson Navigation Co. Orders New Containerships First ‘Aloha Class’ Vessel Will Be Named the Daniel K. Inouye New jobs for SIU members are on the way following the Nov. 6 announcement that Matson Navigation Company has signed a contract with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. (APSI) to build two new 3,600 TEU containerships. The new vessels, which will sail in the Jones Act trade, will be equipped with dual fuel engines that have liquefied natural gas (LNG) capability and are expected to be delivered in the third and fourth quarters of 2018. The SIU represents steward department mariners on Matson vessels. Matson also announced that the first of the two new ships will be named after the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), who was a longstanding supporter of the U.S. maritime industry and its role in supporting Hawaii’s economy. Inouye, a close friend of the SIU, passed away in December 2012. “We are pleased to introduce the Aloha Class containership, built specifically to meet Hawaii’s future freight demands with increased cargo capacity,” said Matt Cox, president and CEO of Matson. “The new ships are designed to accommodate the diversified mix of cargo needed to support the state’s economy and will boost our capacity for moving 45-foot containers and refrigerated cargo. The ships will also carry construction materials more effectively. Most importantly, this considerable investment underscores Matson’s long-term commitment to providing Hawaii with a strong, reliable lifeline to and from the U.S. mainland.” He added the decision to name the first ship in honor of Inouye “was a natural one. He left an unparalleled legacy in Hawaii history, and was a true champion of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He is recognized throughout the maritime industry as one of its most powerful advocates. Having a modern, U.S.-flag containership dedicated to serving Hawaii bear his name is an appropriate tribute to this great man.” It is believed the 850-foot-long vessels will be the largest Jones Act containerships ever constructed; they are designed to operate at speeds in excess of 23 knots, ensuring timely delivery of goods in Hawaii. Importantly, the ships will also be able to navigate safely into some of Hawaii’s smaller ports. The new vessels will incorporate a number of “green ship technology” features such as a fuel-efficient hull design, dual-fuel engines, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks and freshwater ballast systems. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the Jones Act market. The shipyard – which employs union workers – delivered four newly built Jones Act containerships for Matson between 2003 and 2006. “We have a proven track record of building containerships and are greatly looking forward to being partnered with Matson again,” said Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Kristian Rokke. “The winning of this order provides the shipyard significant backlog and valuable visibility out to 2018.” Bay-Houston Takes Delivery of Tug Chloe K SIU boatmen in the Gulf region recently welcomed new jobs as Seafarers-contracted Bay-Houston Towing took delivery of the Chloe K, a z-drive tugboat. The 80-foot-long Chloe K will be operated for BayHouston by G&H Towing. SIU members and officials participated in a christening ceremony Oct. 26 in Galveston, Texas. In announcing the delivery, BayHouston pointed out the new boat is the first in its fleet from a class called Z Tech 2400. Built by Leevac Shipyards LLC of Jennings, La., the Z Tech 2400 tugs “are a smaller version of the Z Tech 2500 tugs that are already in the Bay-Houston fleet. While they are smaller, they have enormous power for their size.” Bay-Houston highlighted the following features: n The forward deck has a low, flat Pictured at the christening are (from left) Oiler Troy Freudenburg, Capt. Bobby Pytka, Capt. Travis Parker, Asst. Engineer Geoffrey Denesse, Capt. Jason Briones, AB Patrick Thomas, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 3 sheer, creating a spacious, relatively flat and safe working deck, without any obstructive anchor chains. n For seagoing operations, the Z Tech tug works astern in tractor mode, so the shape of this part of the hull is more rounded than would typically be seen in an ASD design. There is no appreciable loss of speed in this direction of operation. The increased flare and freeboard at the aft end is simply to ensure a drier operation when towing in this direction. n Only one winch is required for both harbor and coastal towing operations. When towing long distances, the boat will simply tow in tractor mode going astern. n The low sheer forward, coupled with the aft bias of the deckhouse and wheelhouse enable the tug design to work under large overhanging ship flares. “While the 7500 series Z Techs are primarily used at LNG terminals, with large tankers, and with postPanamax container ships, the 2400 series will be capable of operating in the waters of all of the ports we service, including the confined quarters of the Houston Ship Channel,” the company added. Bay-Houston provides tug service in Houston, Galveston, Texas City, Freeport, and Corpus Christi, Texas. The Chloe K has a 38-foot beam and a working draft of 16 feet. The vessel is powered by two of Caterpillar’s 3516C HD high-power engines, delivering 2,575 horsepower each. At 5,150 horsepower, the tugs will be capable of docking even the largest vessels calling on the Texas coast. The tug is designed to produce a minimum of 60 metric ton of bollard pull. The new boat is operated by G&H Towing for Bay Houston. Seafarers LOG 3 11/21/2013 7:17:45 AM �Paul Hall Center Expands AB to Mate Program to General Membership Opportunities for Seafarers are expanding at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md. For the first time, the school is accepting applications from the general membership for its AB to Mate program – an intensive series of courses that offer ABs the ability to reach the level of third mate. Previously, the AB to Mate program was only open to mariners who were sponsored by their respective companies. Officials described the opening of the program to the general membership as part of the SIU’s overall goal of allowing its members as many opportunities for career advancement as possible. It’s a win-win situation – mariners can advance their careers, while companies have a greater pool of highly trained workers. “It’s another platform on which to advance,” said Stacey McNeely, who is one of the program’s instructors. “The more training they have, the better a resource they are for the company or the vessel.” Under the program, ABs must complete a series of four-week training modules at the PHC that cover everything from advanced firefighting and electronic navigation to shiphandling and meteorology. For most mariners, there are five four-week modules, equaling about five months of total training. Those receiving oceans endorsements are required to take a sixth module on celestial navigation. While the four-week modules must be completed in a certain order, mariners are not required to complete them back-to-back. That means mariners can carve separate four-week periods of training out of their schedules over an extended period of time. “What we’re trying to do is put together modules of classes so they can take a fourweek set of classes around their shipping schedules,” McNeely said. “Doing it over a period of time allows them to not only use what they are learning in class, it also makes sure they’re not overwhelmed during one particular stretch of time.” The course work is certainly rigorous. PHC Director of Training J.C. Wiegman said the AB to Mate program is incredibly comprehensive and is among the most challenging training a Seafarer can undertake at the school. The ABs in the program, Wiegman said, must complete the assessments required by the STCW Convention with the knowledge and confidence to become a third mate. “Our goal is to provide the member with support through bridge simulation, computer labs and the experienced instructors who will replicate real shipboard experience,” Wiegman said. “This career track is currently the most difficult series of courses at the school.” In order to qualify for the program, mariners must have: 125 days sailing in the previous calendar year; 1,080 days seatime in the deck department, with 180 days holding AB-Limited or Unlimited rating; current Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) and Able Seafarer-Deck or AB-Limited rating; three reference letters from Masters within the last two years; and pass an aptitude test de- Canadian Delegation Visits Piney Point Officials from the SIU of Canada and some of the union’s contracted companies recently visited the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The Canadian delegation closely examined the school’s setup during their October stay, which also included a stop at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. The photo below was taken at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. Pictured from left in the group photo above, taken in Camp Springs, are David Belisle, operations manager for Algoma Central Marine; Karen Watt, VP of human resources, Algoma Central Marine; SIU of Canada President James Given; Micheline Morin, port agent/STI coordinator, SIU of Canada; SIU President Michael Sacco; Catina Sicoli, controller, SIU of Canada; Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen; Coral Milne, crewing manager, Canada Steamship Lines/V.Ships Canada Inc.; and David Schulz, municipal and regional affairs liaison. 4 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 4 AB to Mate Pre-requisites: n Must have 125 days sailing in the previ- ous calendar year. n Must have 1080 days seatime in deck department, with 180 days holding ABLimited or Unlimited rating. n Must have RFPNW and AS-D or ABLimited. n Must have hree reference letters from Masters within the last two years. n Must pass aptitude test developed by LMSS. Rules: n Anyone attending the program must take full course and assessments from LMSS and can’t use assessments from other training facilities along with courses taken at LMSS. n If a members fails a course within the module they must discontinue from whatever module they are taking and will be sent veloped by the Lundberg Maryland Seamanship School (LMSS). Members are encouraged to apply for home at their own expense. n Before returning to take any additional modules they must show proof of getting academic assistance from home. n If a member has taken a course at another training facility they must submit the course certificate and assessments prior to arriving to LMSS to be sure their course meets LMSS standards. n Modules must be taken in their entirety and can’t be broken up. n Modules 1-2 are interchangeable. Modules 3-5 must be taken in order. Module 6 is for oceans endorsements only. Reimbursement: n Modules 1-2 are already under full travel reimbursement. n Modules 3-5 are non-reimbursable. n Module 6 is already under full travel re- imbursement. the course through the admissions office. For more information, call (301) 9940010. SIU to Promote Mariner Interests At MARAD Strategy Symposium The SIU and its allies will play an active role when Washington lawmakers and industry officials gather in January to discuss the formulation of a national maritime strategy. Organized by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to “gather ideas for improving the nation’s cargo opportunities and sealift capability while ensuring future sustainability,” the National Maritime Strategy Symposium will take place Jan. 14-16 at the Department of Transportation headquarters. The meeting is part of a longstanding effort in Washington to formulate a comprehensive maritime strategy that ensures the nation’s economic and national security remain intact. The SIU and maritime-friendly members of Congress have repeatedly called for such a strategy, arguing its absence creates problems for the nation. In a recent speech to the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD), House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), said a national maritime strategy could help prevent the unwarranted attacks on food aid and cargo preference programs that have recently emanated from Washington. “There is no cohesive strategy to bring together the merchant mariners, the military fleet, and our objectives throughout the world when it comes to either foreign policy or military matters,” Hunter said. “When it comes to things like food aid and tying that in, we have to make sure that we have enough ships to carry our cargo for our military.” Hunter expanded on that sentiment during an October interview with The Maritime Executive, adding that a national maritime strategy should also include legislation that allows different government agencies the ability to enforce cargo preference laws that promote the best interest of the maritime community. “That’s how it has to be done because you have to demonstrate the value cargo preference brings and why you should use Amer- ican-flag ships to transport taxpayer-bought goods,” Hunter said. “So that has to be a law.” Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), who serves as ranking member on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, has also repeatedly called for a national maritime strategy. Like Hunter, he said such a strategy was essential to the nation’s overall wellbeing. “There is no coordinated policy,” Garamendi told the MTD. “And we must have it.” In an interview of his own with The Maritime Executive, Garamendi said the national maritime strategy must include protections for and expansions of the Jones Act and cargo preference laws – two things that ensure the nation has a fleet of merchant ships and well-trained merchant mariners. “I think for economic security and national security we have to be a nation that owns and operates a significant merchant marine fleet,” Garamendi said. “We cannot depend upon other nations to meet our needs when there is a crisis or to provide the jobs that Americans need.” He added the nation needs to ensure its robust maritime industry will also play a role in international trade, including the potential export of U.S.-produced liquid natural gas (LNG). “When LNG comes along it should be on American-made ships with American crews. So if we are going to export LNG … it should be on American ships.” Garamendi said. “There is some amount that will be shipped domestically, say from Texas to Boston. That’s intercoastal. That’s American.” And when it comes to formulating that national maritime strategy, both congressmen said they supported having it done in the open and with the help of the SIU and others from the maritime industry. “We’re not going to come up with this strategy in a dark room somewhere,” Hunter told the MTD. “We’re going to come up with this strategy with you.” U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) December 2013 11/21/2013 7:17:47 AM �U.S. House Passes Bill To Honor More World War II Era Mariners Often overlooked despite risking their lives and playing a vital role in America’s victory, additional World War II-era merchant mariners may soon find it easier to obtain the veteran status they’ve so long deserved. In a 404-1 vote in late October, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would expand the list of documents accepted by the Department of Homeland Security to grant veteran status to thousands of merchant mariners who served their country during World War II by sailing on tugs and coastwise barges. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it would have to be passed and signed by President Obama before becoming law. Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), who authored the provision regarding World War II merchant mariners, praised the House’s passage of the bill. Such recognition, he added, is long overdue. “This is a special moment. For too long, the brave men and women who served their country during World War II in the U.S. Merchant Marine have gone unrecognized for their service,” Butterfield said in a statement. “We have taken another step to do the right thing and honor these mariners while they are still with us.” As many as 30,000 merchant mariners sailing coastwise contributed to the war effort in the 1940s by transporting supplies for War Shipping Administration, though the records attesting to their service were not well kept. In fact, there were no formal military records proving the service of the merchant mariners who served the country during World War II. And while certain vessel logbooks and other materials were kept at the time, much of it is extremely hard, if not impossible, to find. If this new bill becomes law, the scope of documents a mariner could use to prove his or her service would expand to more readily available materials, making the process of obtaining veteran status much easier. “Through no fault of their own, these selfless individuals have been unable to prove their service because the documents needed to prove service have either not survived over time or never existed at all,” Butterfield said. “Now is the time to stand up for these great Americans and give them the recognition they rightly deserve.” Don Horton, president of WWII Coastwise Merchant Mariners and a major advocate of the bill, told The Daily Advance that he was “sitting on cloud nine” following its passage in the House. “It has been a long time coming,” he said, adding the bill “has got nothing in it but plus, plus plus for veterans.” The passage of this bill is the latest development in a long legislative battle to ensure World War II-era merchant mariners got the recognition they deserve. It took more than 40 years – and the aggressive lobbying of the SIU and other backers – before World War II-era merchant mariners were finally deemed eligible in 1988 to obtain veterans’ status for their service. Initially, however, the veterans’ status only applied to those who sailed between Dec. 7, 1941 and Aug. 15, 1945 rather than Dec. 31, 1946, as was the case for other veterans. The cutoff date for merchant mariners was later altered in 1998 to match the dates applied to the armed forces. SIU Answers Call to Action Continued from Page 2 tims” of the storm. “SIUNA’s donation will certainly go a long way towards helping our needy and suffering countrymen in Central Philippines,” Oca said, speaking not only of the Henson effort but also that involving the SDRF. “The kindness and concern you have shown are very reassuring for our people and speaks well of the convictions and principles you stand for.” The SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine have a long history of responding to such disasters. From stateside emergencies like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, to international disasters like the Japanese tsunami and the current devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, SIU crews have helped with recovery all over the world. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log_X.indd 5 United Seamens Service Lauds Seafarers for Various Heroics The heroism of Seafarers aboard six different vessels was recognized in November at the prestigious United Seamen’s Service (USS) 2013 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) event in New York City. Praising the hard work and bravery of the officers and crews aboard each vessel, former Maryland Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley and Acting Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen presented the officers and crews with AOTOS Mariners’ Plaques to celebrate their accomplishments. Here is a list of the vessels being recognized and a description of the heroics of their crews. Bowditch A Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel operated by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), the Bowditch arrived on the scene shortly after the USS Guardian, an Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship, grounded off Tubbahata Reef, Philippines in January. The crew braved excessive winds and high seas to rescue the grounded ship’s crew, all while helping to protect valuable marine resources from further damage. Maersk Utah In August, the MLL-operated Utah spent two days assisting in the rescue of 83 Syrian refugees from a boat off Cape Passero in Sicily. The Utah sheltered the small boat of refugees from the high winds and seas until the Italian Coast Guard secured the evacuation of the refugees several hours later. Ocean Atlas Refueling in a congested area three miles off the coast of Lome, Togo, Africa in November 2012, the Crowleymanaged Ocean Atlas was attacked by a half-dozen pirates traveling on a small skiff. A surveillance team spotted the pirates attempting to board the ves- Honorees included (from left) Philip W.J. Fisher, president, Chas. Kurz & Co.; Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.); and Emanuel Rouvelas, a maritime attorney and partner at K&L Gates. Posing with them is SIU President Michael Sacco (right). sel with a rope-and-wood ladder, however, and worked with the crew to repel the attack. The ship’s crew then radioed for assistance from the Togo Navy. Kennedy, Empire State, Wright When Superstorm Sandy slammed into the New York-New Jersey coast in the fall of 2012, these three ships were activated and sent to help. The Wright, based in Baltimore, is operated by Crowley, while the Kennedy and Empire State are training vessels based at (respectively) Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Fort Schuyler, N.Y. Seafarers-contracted TOTE and AMSEA operated the latter two ships during this time. The assignment for all three ships was to assist the government, industry and charity personnel providing rescue and relief to those in need. The vessels, which spent several weeks in the area, provided additional linens, consumables, food and fuel and housed an average of 900 emergency responders per day during the storm recovery effort. Aside from the heroics of the crews being recognized, the event also celebrated several allies of the maritime industry. Awards were presented to U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), Chas. Kurz & Co. President Philip W. J. Fisher (who’s also an executive with SIUcontracted Keystone, a subsidiary) and Emanuel Rouvelas, a maritime attorney and partner at K&L Gates. Retired Gen. Kenneth Wykle, who serves as chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, said each of the three men being honored has done great things for maritime. “Phil Fisher has devoted virtually his entire career to one company and one industry—the American-flag merchant marine. Congressman King is a leader in the ongoing effort to have Homeland Security funding based on threat analysis and is a strong supporter of the war against international terrorism,” Wykle said. “Manny Rouvelas is dedicated to promoting and protecting American maritime jobs vital to our national security.” Maritime Labor Mourns Loss of Trailblazer, Former MEBA President Jesse Calhoon Maritime labor is mourning the loss of an American accomplishments included building a world-class pension original. Jesse Calhoon, the longest-serving president of the plan and a training facility in eastern Maryland that eventuMarine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), passed ally bore his name. away Oct. 22. He was 90 years old. As the head of MEBA, he helped the union ensure a Born into a farming family in Belhaven, N.C., Calhoon steady supply of officers during the Vietnam War. He learned about the maritime industry at an early age as mem- served on the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO exbers of his family supplemented their incomes by fishing. ecutive board. He entered the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1939, just before SIU President Michael Sacco was invited to speak at the start of World War II, joining the National Maritime a memorial for Calhoon that took place Nov. 9 in Easton, Union as a 16-year-old. Md., where the MEBA school is located. During the war effort, he made numerous voyages on “Jesse always had my respect,” Sacco stated. “I have the Murmansk run. He was aboard ships a deep appreciation for his decades of during the invasions of North Africa and service and what he meant to the mariSicily and survived when one of the vestime industry. We may have come up sels upon which he sailed was torpedoed through different unions, but we were in the Gulf of Mexico. ultimately part of the same brotherCalhoon had started out as a coal hood.” passer and worked his way up to obtain a He added, “Jesse was one of the first license and join MEBA. By 1949, he had to recognize the importance of political attained the rank of chief engineer. He action for our industry, and he also was came ashore for the union in 1954, was a pioneer when it came to securing trainelected secretary-treasurer in 1959, and ing opportunities for his members…. then became acting president in 1962. He He was also important to the overall was formally elected MEBA president at labor movement. He dedicated his life a convention in 1965 and served until reto providing opportunities for rank-andtiring in 1985. file members to pursue the American Often described as being tough, colorDream. In our line of work, I think that’s ful and wily, he was best-known for his the greatest compliment of all.” sharp negotiating skills. In announcing Calhoon spent his final years in Nathat he had passed away, the union he ples, Fla. He was preceded in death by had headed for so many years called him his wife and leaves behind three sons, a “the founder of modern MEBA” whose daughter and four grandchildren. Jesse Calhoon Seafarers LOG 5 11/21/2013 6:57:10 PM �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $4,765,625. These expenses included $1,141,275 in administrative expenses and $3,624,350 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,244 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $94,367,387 as of December 31, 2012 compared to $84,504,688 as of January 1, 2012. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $9,862,699. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $14,628,324, including employer contributions of $7,475,779, employee contributions of $84,880, gains of $535,068 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $6,532,597. The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America which allocates funds toward individual policies. Minimum Funding Standards Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.40 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $21,499,319 as of December 31, 2012 compared to $21,883,176 as of January 1, 2012. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $383,857. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $63,185,290. This income included employer contributions of $61,396,316, realized gains of $93,944 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,684,563. Plan expenses were $63,569,147. These expenses included $7,550,653 in administrative expenses and $56,018,494 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 8990675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.40 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a 6 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 6 Summary Annual Report For Seafarers International Union AGLIWD 401(K) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIWD 401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $768,679. These expenses included $66,106 in administrative expenses, $647,314 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $55,259 in other expenses. A total of 11,860 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $14,562,597 as of December 31, 2012 compared to $11,331,762 as of January 1, 2012. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $3,230,835. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $3,999,514, including employee contributions of $2,532,217, other contributions of $81,158, earnings from investments of $1,382,424 and other income of $3,715. The plan has contracts with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Ing Life Insurance and Annuity Company which allocate funds toward individual policies. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2012 were $0. Minimum Funding Standards Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; 3. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 4. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.40 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2012 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.86 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $404.30 (four hundred four dollars thirty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2014 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2013 and November 30, 2014 will have this calculation applied to their 2014 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2015, your objection must be received by December 1, 2014. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2012. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, SecretaryTreasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer December 2013 11/21/2013 7:17:49 AM �At Sea And Ashore With The SIU MOVIE SPOTLIGHTS MARITIME PIRACY – As reported in detail in last month’s LOG, the movie “Captain Phillips” opened last month, bringing rare attention to maritime piracy while focusing on the 2009 saga of the SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama. SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny (right) took in a special screening Oct. 8 in Norfolk, Va. He is pictured at the event with (from left) Capt. Phillips’ daughter, Mariah; his wife, Andrea; Bobbi Shipley of Maersk Line, Limited; and the captain’s son, Dan. LEARNING THE ROPES – Recertified Bosun Michael Proveaux (right) sent this photo of him and Apprentice T.J. Harris aboard the Charleston Express, operated by Marine Personnel and Provisioning. The snapshot was taken in August in Bremerhaven, Germany. The mariners were “getting ready to test a SOPED emergency pump before taking on fuel,” Proveaux noted. FULL BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Four Seafarers received their full books at the October membership meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. Pictured from left (standing) are SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware (administering the union oath), AB Terrance Shinn, QMED Pavis Whitley, GUDE Michael Fincannon and AB Marques Johnson. ABOARD SEALAND CHARGER – Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan submitted these photos of Seafarers taking on stores aboard the Sealand Charger in Wilmington, Calif. Among those pictured are AB Abdulkarim Muthala, AB Eddie Balcruz, AB Mario Baja, OS Aaron Ellis, AB John Villarta, Recertified Steward Emmanuel Laureta and OS Norberto Castillo. PROUD SEAFARER – While upgrading from OS to AB at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., Seafarer Jason Baker (right) used some of his off time in October for a road trip to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. There, he visited with his daughter, Midshipman Third Class Alexandria Baker. It’s her second year at the academy; she is majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in French. B-BOOK IN NORFOLK – OS Joseph Eaton recently picked up his B-seniority book at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. His most recent ship was the Observation Island. ABOARD ALASKAN FRONTIER – Port Agent Amancio Crespo submitted this photo of SIU members aboard Alaska Tanker Company’s Alaskan Frontier, taken in early October. Among those pictured are (seated, from left) Chief Steward Greg Lynch, QE4 Odilio Evora, QE4 Alberto Semedo, (standing) AB Mike Dooley, DEU Garland Scott, AB Manny Espinoza and Chief Cook Justo Reyes. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 11/21/2013 7:17:54 AM �Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed About Issues Affecting Their Livelihoods Attending monthly membership meetings is a key avenue through which Seafarers can remain current on news that directly affects them. Conducted in SIU halls around the country, these forums keep members aware of important union and maritime issues, many of which could affect their livelihood and those of their family members. Below is the schedule of meetings which will be held in 2014. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two monthly meetings that have been scheduled for each port. Meeting dates also are posted on the SIU website. 2014 Union Membership Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date January February Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 6 3 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 7 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday Baltimore March April May June July August September October November December 3 7 5 2 7 4 8 6 3 8 4 4 8 6 3 8 5 9 7 4 9 8 5 5 9 7 4 9 6 10 8 5 10 Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 9 6 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 10 7 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 10 7 12 Houston Monday after second Sunday 13 10 10 14 12 9 14 11 15 **14 10 15 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 14 11 11 15 13 10 15 12 16 14 ***12 16 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 15 12 12 16 14 11 16 13 17 15 12 17 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 16 13 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 17 14 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday *21 *18 17 21 19 16 21 18 22 20 17 22 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 23 20 20 24 22 19 24 21 25 23 20 ****26 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 24 21 21 25 23 20 25 22 26 24 21 26 *Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King Day and Washington’s Birthday, **Houston change created by Columbus Day, ***New Orleans change created by Veterans Day, ****Guam change created by Christmas Day Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/ NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters 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. 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 8 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 8 has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights 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. MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights: Union members have equal rights to participate in union activities; freedom of speech and assembly; a voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments; protection of the right to sue; and safeguards against improper discipline. Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to nominate candidates for office; run for office; cast a secret ballot; and protest the conduct of an election. Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/ or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS; and retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years; conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year; mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election; comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material; not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used); permit candidates to have election observers; and allow candidates to in- spect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. (Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov.) SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 December 2013 11/21/2013 7:17:55 AM �Seafarers, Dependents Vie for 2014 SHBP Scholarships College graduates earn nearly $20,000 more per year than the average high school grad, according to 2010 U.S. Census Bureau statistics. Further analysis of this data by the Pew Research Center revealed that over a 40-year career, the average college graduate earns $550,000 more than a high school graduate. Clearly, the financial investment of attending college and getting a degree is worthwhile. Nonetheless, the former reports indicate that the average college grad also leaves school with $23,000 in loans. This can be a heavy financial burden to bear, but it does not have to be this way, particularly for Seafarers and their dependents. Financial help is available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHPB), which each year offers scholarships to qualified applicants. Designed to ease the financial challenges associated with college and vocational studies, the 2014 SHBP Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers, while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. 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 postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to send for the 2014 SHBP Scholarship Program booklet. The 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 on this page and return it to the address provided. As an alternative to requesting a package through the mail, they also are available at SIU halls. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. 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, 2014. Items that need to 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 – 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 scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $71,895,363 as of December 31, 2012 compared to $71,301,754 as of December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 9 American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2014. 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. Don’t let the rapidly increasing costs of higher education prevent you from realizing your goals. The SHBP Scholarship Program can make the same difference for you that it has made for other Seafarers and dependents. In the last 10 years alone, the SHBP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 76 college-bound individuals – 21 Seafarers and 55 dependents. A list of these awards (by year) follows: 2013 – Active Seafarers AB Annie Nodd, AB Timothy White and ABG Harry Borden, along with five dependents shared scholarship awards totaling $132,000. Claiming the dependents’ awards were: Joederick Lata, son of Chief Cook Joey Lata; Catherine Vu, daughter of FOWT Allen Newgen; Genebelle Ajoste, daughter of GUDE Eugene Ajoste; Daniel Mulcahy, son of Recertified Bosun William Mulcahy; and Maja Sawicka, daughter of GVA Jacek Sawicki. 2012 – A trio of Seafarers and five dependents shared scholarship awards totaling $132,000. Claiming the grants for active Seafarers were AB Daniel Giles, AB Curtrina Duck, and QMED Jesse Tornabene. Claiming the dependents’ awards were: Kathryn Flanagan, daughter of Recertified Bosun Thomas Flanagan; Julio Marcone, son of Steward/Baker Julio Marcone; Patricia Madrio, daughter of ABG Roy Madrio; Abigail Tesfaye, daughter of QEE Tesfaye Gebregzaibher, and Heidi Garner, daughter of Capt. Edward Garner. 2011 - Three active Seafarers and five dependents shared grants totaling $132,000. Seafarers designated to receive these awards were: AB Cleveland Foy, AB Timothy Squire Jr., and AB Judith Merwin. Dependents claiming scholarships included: Randi Isenhart, daughter of Inland Captain Randy Isenhart; Nermine Abdelwahab, daughter of AB Mohamed Abadelwahab; Hailey Grubbs, daughter of Recertified Bosun Robert Grubbs; Allison Matias, daughter of Chief Cook Efren Matias; and Gabrielle Camacho, daughter of AB Noel Camacho. 2010 - $146,000 in scholarships was awarded under the SHBP’s 2010 scholarship program. Recipients included Recertified Bosun Lon Oliver; Robert Firme, son of Steward Roberto A. Firme; Alisha Wood, daughter of AB Wilbert E. Wood; Margot O’Meara, daughter of retired Inland Master James O’Meara; Eizie Giray, daughter of deep sea Bosun Rufino J. Giray; Jacob Miller, son of retired Chief Engineer Marlin Miller; Sime Masnov, son of Chief Engineer Marijan Masnov; and Molly Johnson, daughter of the late Bosun Michael Johnson. 2009 – Two Seafarers and six dependents were awarded $132,000 in scholarships. Claiming these grants were: Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda; QMED Robert Oliveto; Jeffrey Monteiro, son of Deep Sea Engineer Francis Monteiro; Bethany Horner, daughter of inland Captain Arthur Horner; Matthew Taylor, son of inland Captain Rodger Taylor; Jillian Cairco, daughter of retired Deep Sea Chief Engineer Gary Jarvis; Giselle Bodden, daughter of inland AB-Tankerman Albert Bodden; and Alyssa Rothschild, daughter of inland Chief Mate Robert Rothschild. 2008 – Scholarships totaling $140,000 were awarded to AB Peter R. Hokenson; Brittany Redding, daughter of Chief Steward Dennis Redding; Christopher Wozunk, son of FOWT John Wozunk; Benjamin Wilmoth, son of QE Wendel Wilmoth; Albert Balatico, son of AB Albert Balatico; Xiao Xiao Li, daughter of SA Meli Seegers; and Sidney Kirk, daughter of AB Robert Kirk. 2007 – $120,000 in endowments were awarded to Sarah Abdelwahab, daughter of AB Mohamed Abdelwahab; Alice Cooper, daughter of tugboat Captain James Cooper III; Nicole LaPointe, daughter of AB Robert LaPointe; Justine Lopez, daughter of Oiler Oswaldo Lopez; Marian O’Neill, daughter of QMED Guillermo O’Neill Jr.; and Jenna Stillman, daughter of AB Jerry Stillman. 2006 – Gifts totaling $132,000 were bestowed upon Seafarers Rahul Bagehi, Ken Stathos, Karen Domerego, and Brian McLarnon. Dependents selected were: Renee Dunham-Jones, wife of Recertified Steward Raymond Jones; Ryan Kirby, son of deep sea member Michael Kirby; Suci Madjidji, daughter of QMED Sjamsidar Madjidji; Shaval Stewart, daughter of AB Mark Stewart; and Kayla Watson, daughter of AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. 2005 –Three Seafarers and five dependents received $132,000 in funding. Seafarers selected were Chief Cook Kristen Swain, Brandon Maeda and Jeanette Montgomery. Dependents receiving scholarships were Adam Burton, son of Ross Burton; Ashleigh Coppola, daughter of Patrick L. Coppola; Stefan Nikolic, son of Desire Z. Nikolic; Anthony Sabatini, son of Anthony J. Sabatini; and Ronald Viernes, son of Leopold A. Viernes. 2004 – Six individuals—one active Seafarer and five dependents—shared $106,000 in scholarship awards. Mark A. Dyer claimed the Seafarers scholarship. He was joined by dependents Mary A. Hornby, daughter of James L. Hornby; Eleanor R. Preston, daughter of Chester W. Preston; Aaron J. Gibson, son of James O. Gibson; Rafika J. Shibly, daughter of Mohammed Shibly; and Glenys Castro, daughter of Salome M. Castro. Please send me the 2014 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: o Self o Dependent Scholarship Program Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 January 1, 2012. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $593,609. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $53,771,264. This income included employer contributions of $48,824,332, employee contributions of $539,000, realized gains of $560,634 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $3,815,729. Plan expenses were $53,177,655. These expenses included $10,956,703 in administrative expenses and $42,220,952 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of;Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.40 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you re- 12/2013 quest a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Seafarers LOG 9 11/21/2013 7:17:57 AM �Union Plus—helping hard-working union families get ahead Scholarships Helping union families realize their dreams G oing back to school? Sending your children to college? Learn more about the scholarship opportunities available to you as a union member. Union Plus supports working families by providing $150,000 annually in scholarships to help you focus on your studies instead of your tuition bill. Who may apply: Deadline to apply: Current and retired participating union members, January 31, 12 p.m. (noon), Eastern Time their spouses and their dependent children. Recipients announced: May 31 What kind of school is eligible: Union Plus also offers: The scholarship is open to students who attend • Discounts on college test prep or plan to attend a U.S. college, university, from The Princeton Review community college, or a technical/trade school. Students attending undergraduate or graduate • College planning tools and guides schools are eligible. Scholarship amounts: Recipients will receive $500 to $4,000. • Computer discounts through Dell and HP • National Labor College scholarships Details and online application available at: UnionPlus.org/Scholarships 12/2013 10/13 10 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 10 December 2013 11/21/2013 7:17:57 AM �Seafarers Appeals Board Releases Recent Actions The following actions were recently taken by the Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB). Copies were sent to all SIU halls. For these actions, the union was represented by SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez (SAB chairman) and SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, while the union’s contracted companies were represented by Anthony Naccarato and Robert Rogers. The full text of each SAB action begins with language indicating that the board has acted in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Seafarers International Union and various contracted employers. Action Number 451 WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S. flagged fleets; and WHEREAS, the Union acknowledges the importance proper manning plays in the successful operation of these vessels; and WHEREAS, with the aforementioned in mind, the Board would like to clarify Shipping Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A., (6.), in regards to priorities for Steward Department personnel. NOW THEREFORE, the Board agrees to implement the following clarifications. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A., (6.), fourth paragraph by adding “Certified Stewards” in the first sentence. The first sentence shall read as follows. “If there are no Recertified Stewards or Certified Stewards available, priority for the job as Steward shall be given to those seamen who have actual seatime of at least thirty-six (36) months in the Steward Department in a rating above that of Third Cook, or who have actual seatime of at least twelve (12) months as Steward, in all cases aboard vessels covered by these Rules.” Additionally, the Board wishes to further clarify paragraph 7 of the same section by labeling Group I as “Group I-S, Steward Department”. The sentence shall read as follows. “If no one with an advanced certificate is available, then priority for the job of Chief Cook or Cook and Baker shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced certificate of certification in such ratings from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I-S, Steward Department.” Action Number 452 WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S. flagged fleets; and WHEREAS, the Shipping Rules provide credential and training requirements in Rule 2. Shipping Procedures; and WHEREAS, the parties wish to clarify that all Steward Department personnel are required to prove completion of the National Restaurant Association’s Serve Safe Course. NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree to the following clarification of specialty courses required for all Steward Department Personnel as follows. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure C. 2. By creating a new paragraph at the end of the subsection as follows. “(c.) Seaman competing for jobs in the Steward Department, including the rating of GVA (Steward Department) must submit National Restaurant Association’s Serve Safe Program completion certificate at the job call for verification. Such completion certificate must be valid for the duration of the assignment.” Effective September 1, 2013 seamen awarded any position in the Steward Department must possess the required Serve Safe completion certificate in order to be considered in compliance with this Rule. Action Number 453 Duration of Credential Validity WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S. flagged fleets; and WHEREAS, the Union acknowledges the importance proper manning plays in the successful operation of these vessels; and WHEREAS, with the aforementioned in mind, the Board would like to clarify Shipping Rule 2. Shipping Procedures, Subparagraph C., (2) (b) by rewriting the paragraph to include the duration of credential validity. NOW THEREFORE, the Board agrees to implement the following amendment to the Shipping Rules. Amend Shipping Rule 2. Shipping Procedures, Subparagraph C., (2) (b) by rewriting the paragraph to include the validity of expiring documents for the length of the voyage as follows. “Seaman employed on rotary and permanent assignments must possess and submit valid merchant mariner credentials, passports and TWIC cards that remain valid for a minimum period of one hundred and eighty (180) days beyond a seaman’s reporting date. For relief assignments these documents must remain valid for one hundred twenty (120) days beyond the seaman’s reporting date.” Action Number 454 Hiring Hall - Invoke Seafarers Appeals Board Charges WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate and safe hiring hall facilities; and WHEREAS, the Union acknowledges the importance of providing uninterrupted and harmonious operations in day to day activities in hiring halls; and WHEREAS, with the aforementioned in mind, the Board would like to clarify Shipping Rule 8. Discipline, Subparagraph B., (1) (b) and Subparagraph B, (2) by rewriting the sections to include the Hiring Hall as an entity permitted to invoke charges through the Seafarers Appeals Board. NOW THEREFORE, the Board agrees to implement the following amendment to the Shipping Rules. Amend Shipping Rule Amend Rule 8(B)1, first sentence, by adding “the hiring hall” to the list of entities permitted to file charges under this Rule 8 to read as follows. “(1.) The Union, a contracted Employer, the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log_X2.indd 11 School of Seamanship or hiring hall shall initiate a proceeding under this Rule 8 by filing a written complaint within thirty (30) days of the precipitating incident or separation from the vessel, whichever occurs first, with the Chairman of the Seafarers Appeals Board and mailing a copy thereof to the subject seaman.” The remainder of the subsection shall remain unchanged. Amend Shipping Rule Amend Rule 8 B. (2.), by adding the following language to the end of the first paragraph as follows. “In addition, pending a hearing, if a charge under these rules has been filed by the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, the charged party will not be permitted to enter upon or utilize the facilities of the School until a hearing has been conducted. Lastly, pending a hearing, if a charge under these rules has been filed by the Union or a hiring hall, the charged party will not be permitted to enter upon or utilize the facilities of any hiring hall affiliated with this Union.” The remaining second paragraph shall remain unchanged and will read as follows. “All efforts will be made by the Board for hearings conducted under this section to be completed within forty five (45) days from the date of filing charges.” Action Number 455 Definition of Seniority C-Gov WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel; and WHEREAS, the current Shipping Rules refer to Class “CMSC” seniority; and WHEREAS, Class “CMSC” seniority was not specifically defined in the rules; and WHEREAS, the Seafarers Appeals Board would like to clarify and update how this Class of seniority is referred to. NOW THEREFORE, the Board agrees to implement the following amendment to the Shipping Rules. Amend Shipping Rule 1 Seniority, Subparagraph (B) (2)(f) as follows: “(f) Seaman possessing Class C-Gov seniority (Seamen who shipped regularly within the meaning of these rules for five (5) consecutive years within the Government Services Division) upon attaining one hundred and eighty (180) days of employment aboard contracted vessels within twenty-four (24) months.” Additionally, amend the shipping rules by substituting Class “C-Gov” for Class “CMSC” every time it is referred to in these Rules. Action Number 456 Shipping for C-Gov. WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rules adjustment to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S. Flagged fleets; and WHEREAS, the Shipping Rules set forth the procedure for job calls; and WHEREAS, with the implementation of Seafarers Appeals Board Action 455 the Board wishes to make a change in the existing procedure. NOW THEREFORE, the Board wishes to adopt the following amendment. AMEND Rule 4 Business Hours and Job Calls, paragraph E (1.)(a) as follows: “E (1)(a) Subject to the arrival and departure of a vessel, except as provided for herein, if a port cannot fill a job with a Class “A” or Class “B” registrant, the job shall be referred back to the Manpower Pool Coordinator, who will then refer the job to other nearby ports. If the job cannot be filled with a qualified Class “A” or Class “B” registrant in other nearby ports, the job shall be referred to the original port to be sent to all ports. However, if the job is above entry level before it is referred to all ports, it can be filled with a C-Gov. Registrant. If a seaman has to be shipped from another port, transportation shall be provided by the Company. Any seaman accepting a job under these circumstances who fails to join and sail with the vessel to which he was dispatched must reimburse the Company for any monies advanced as transportation. Such seaman shall thereafter be denied registration and referral to employment until such time as the seaman reimburses the Company for monies advanced, if any, as transportation.” Action No 457 Clarification and Editing Of the Shipping Rules WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Chairman that there are some inconsistencies, ambiguities and typographical errors in the Shipping Rules; and WHEREAS, it is critical that the Rules are written in a straightforward and understandable manner; and WHEREAS, the parties agree that the rules should be clarified and edited. NOW THEREFORE, the Board agrees to implement the following revisions to the July 1, 2012 Shipping Rules. Amend the name of the Union to “Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO.” Amend Shipping Rule typographical errors and non-substantive obsolete provisions have been corrected or deleted. Amend Rule 1, Seniority, B., (2.), (c) first sentence by deleting “between January 1, 1981 and June 16, 1996.” Amend Rule 2., Shipping Procedure, B, (3.) by deleting “except as provided in Rule 5.A.,(2.), (a) and (b)” from the end of the first sentence. Amend Rule 2., Shipping Procedure, B, (4.) by adding “but not limited to:” in the second sentence. The new second sentence shall read as follows. “Every seaman desiring to register must possess and submit all documents required by the United States Coast Guard, including but not limited to: a valid STCW endorsement and by applicable law for employment as a merchant seaman aboard U.S.-flag vessels, and, in addition, a valid, current passport or evidence that a United States passport has been applied for within two (2) weeks of the date of registration and a Training Record Book (TRB).” Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure B. (5) (a) by deleting existing language and replacing with new language to read as follows: “(a) No Seaman shall be shipped unless he submits a valid Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan clinic card.” Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure B. (6) third sentence by deleting the word “so” between the words “card” and “stamped”. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure B. (7), second paragraph first sentence, by changing “Rule 5.A.(14.)(a.)” to correctly read “Rule 5.A.(13.)”. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure C. (2)(a.) third sentence, by deleting “as amended”. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure C. (2) (b) by deleting existing language and replacing with the following language: “(b) Seamen employed on rotary and permanent assignments must possess and submit valid merchant mariner credentials, passports, and TWIC cards that remain valid for a minimum period of one hundred and eighty (180) days beyond the seaman’s reporting date. For relief assignments these documents must remain valid for one hundred twenty (120) days beyond the seaman’s reporting date.” Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure D by correcting the spelling of the word “shorthanded” at the end of the sentence. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure G (5.) by deleting “the trip off provisions” and replacing with “these rules”. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure G (17.) (b.) by adding “Notwithstanding subsection (a.)” to the beginning of the first sentence. Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure G (18.) by rewriting the subsection to read as follows. “Time off and reliefs for seamen employed aboard vessels pursuant to RFPs awarded to the Employers, shall be in accordance with the contractual agreement in effect between the Government and the Employer.” Amend Rule 2. Shipping Procedure I, first sentence by deleting “2.G.(19.),” from the first sentence. Amend Rule 4. Business Hours and Job Calls, by adding a new paragraph D. which was originally found in Rule 5. Preference and Priorities, A.(9). to read as follows. “D. A seaman who registers to ship pursuant to these Rules within two (2) business days following his discharge as an in-patient from an accredited hospital, and who produces official written evidence of such confinement, shall be issued a shipping registration card dated either thirty (30) days earlier than the actual date of registration if such confinement lasted at least thirty (30) days, or if it lasted less than thirty (30) days, with the date such confinement commenced.” Additionally, renumber supervening paragraphs. Amend Rule 4. Business Hours and Job Calls, Paragraph E.(1.)(b) by deleting “except, if a recertified individual is already on board, the Company may elect to fill the position with that recertified individual” from the end of the last sentence of the subparagraph. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities, A. (1.),(b.) first sentence by deleting “assigned to” and replace with “operated by”. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A. (c.) by deleting this subsection and existing language. Renumber supervening paragraphs. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A. (f.) by deleting this subsection in its entirety. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A. (4.) (b.) second paragraph, first sentence by adding “Notwithstanding Rule 2. J.” so the new first sentence reads as follows: “Notwithstanding Rule 2. J. if the local Hiring Hall cannot provide a Recertified Boatswain to fill a vacancy and a Recertified Boatswain is employed aboard in the Deck Department in a rated capacity he may be promoted and Manpower shall fill the vacancy created by such promotion.” Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A. (6.) second paragraph, first sentence by adding “Notwithstanding Rule 2. J.” so the new first sentence reads as follows: “Notwithstanding Rule 2. J. if the local Hiring Hall cannot provide a Recertified Steward to fill a vacancy and a Recertified Steward is employed aboard in the Steward Department in a rated capacity he may be promoted and Manpower shall fill the vacancy created by such promotion.” Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A. (6.) by deleting the fifth paragraph which reads, “Chief Stewards, Steward/Bakers and/or Steward Cooks who were on the preferential list for employment in such capacity aboard vessels owned or operated by American Ship Management, LLC., and Matson Navigation Company as of June 16, 1984, shall remain on the preferential list unit until such time as they have satisfactorily completed the Steward Recertification Program. Failure to report when called and satisfactorily complete the Steward Recertification Program shall be cause to terminate the preferential status with American Ship Management, LLC., and Matson Navigation Company.” Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities A. (9.) by deleting the subsection as it has been moved to Rule 4. D. Renumber supervening paragraphs. Amend Rule 5. Preference and Priorities by deleting all references to the Steward Department preferential list dated June 16, 1984. The time is extended until June 15, 2015 for permanent employees to obtain certificates of specialty training from the SHLSS. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities, A. 14 (s) by deleting paragraphs (4) and (6). Renumber supervening paragraphs. Amend Rule 5. Preferences and Priorities, A. 14 (s) by adding a new paragraph (6) as follows. “6. Seamen providing reliefs shall be permitted to remain aboard the vessel when the seaman on time off extends their relief” Amend Rule 5 Preferences and Priorities, A. 14 (x)(1) by deleting the reference to “members in good standing”. Amend Rule 7. Seafarers Appeals Board, (C.), last sentence by changing the location of the arbitration before the Impartial Umpire from New York City to Camp Springs, Maryland. Amend Rule 8. Discipline, B. (8.) by deleting the phrase, “and may be reduced to judgment by any party”. Additionally, the reference to “Inland Appeals Board” should be deleted and “all appropriate parties” shall be substituted in its place. Amend Rule 8. Discipline, C. by deleting “the chief executive officer of any Federal, State or City Government agency maintaining lists of impartial arbitrators” and shall be replaced with “American Arbitration Association”. Amend Rule 10. Special or Emergency Provisions, C.(1.) (b.) by deleting references to the training programs conducted at the Stewards Training and Recreation facility at Santa Rosa. Amend Rule 10 Special or Emergency Provisions C.(1) (e) should be amended to read as follows: “(e) Satisfactory completion of training at a maritime institution recognized by the Seafarers Appeals Board as proficient to provide such training.” Seafarers LOG 11 11/22/2013 2:37:05 PM �The Keystone-operated Denebola and Antares are part of the Ready Reserve Force. Baltimore Crews Help Keep U.S. Maritime Assets Ready AB James Roy Antares AB DeCarlo Harris (right), Recertified Bosun Ray Henderson Denebola The photos on these two pages were taken Nov. 13 in Baltimore, aboard the SIU-crewed ships Denebola and Antares. The Keystone-operated vessels are SL-7s, also called fast sealift ships, and are part of America’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF). They are maintained by civilian crews in reduced operating status (ROS) and can be fully activated within a matter of days. Seafarers-crewed RRF ships support the rapid, worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces and operations. The 46-vessel, government-owned fleet is considered a key element of Department of Defense strategic sealift capability. Most of its missions involve transporting Army and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support gear, and initial resupply supply during what the U.S. Maritime Administration describes as “the critical surge period before commercial ships can be marshaled.” Electrician Bobby Scott (foreground) and Electrician Apprentice Sean Branch put cover on shore power aboard the Antares. From left: AB DeCarlo Harris, Recertified Bosun Ray Henderson, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, GUDE Michael Page 12 Seafarers LOG ACU Theodore Butler Denebola Recertified Bosun David James (left) and Chief Mate Mark Bolster assist with crane operations on the Antares. AB DeCarlo Harris operates a forklift on a blustery afternoon. December 2013 Recertified Bosun David James Antares December 2013 Electrician Apprentice Sean Branch Antares Seafarers LOG 13 �Snapshots From Piney Point T hese photos were taken during the last few months at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Construction continues on the new claims building on campus. The school’s apprentice program, recognized by the U.S. Labor Department as one of the nation’s best, blends practical training (including time aboard ship) with classroom instruction. The Paul Hall Memorial Library and Maritime Museum features (among other interesting content) a collection of World War II-era posters about the U.S. Merchant Marine. Crowley crews complete STCW Basic Safety Training at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. Engine department upgraders concentrate during a hands-on exercise. Seafarers and shore-side employees of Maersk Line, Limited gather for a photo after completing safety training at the school. 14 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 14 Engraved bricks are a highlight of the new waterfront park. To donate one, visit www.seafarers.org/ SIUBricks.htm. Brochures also should be available at SIU halls. December 2013 11/21/2013 7:18:07 AM �January & February 2014 Membership Meetings Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October 16, 2012 - November 15, 2012 Piney Point.......................Monday: January 6, February 3 Algonac...............................Friday: January 10, February 7 Port Baltimore....................Thursday: January 9, February 6 Guam...............................Thursday: January 23, February 20 Honolulu..........................Friday: January 17, February 14 Houston............................Monday: January 13, February 10 Jacksonville...........Thursday: January 9, February 6 Joliet...............................Thursday: January 16, February 13 Mobile.................................Wednesday: January 15, February 12 New Orleans........................Tuesday: January 14, February 11 New York.......................Tuesday: January 7, February 4 Norfolk............................Thursday: January 9, February 6 Oakland..............................Thursday: January 16, February 13 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: January 8 , February 5 Port Everglades..................Thursday: January 16, February 13 San Juan..................................Thursday: January 9, February 6 St. Louis....................................Friday: January 17, February 14 Tacoma....................................Friday: January 24, February 21 Wilmington...........................*Tuesday: January 21, February 18 *Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Washington’s Birthday. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personal Manuel Andrillon would like Isidoro Idoyaga to contact him at (212) 265-2444. The two sailed together in 1987. Attention Seafarers: Help Keep America’s Maritime Industry Strong! Contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Action Donation) December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log_X.indd 15 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups Trip A B C Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 10 4 2 8 6 2 1 17 11 2 0 2 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 0 4 3 1 2 2 0 0 12 9 3 15 6 6 18 5 2 10 15 22 6 3 2 0 3 1 0 0 3 5 0 9 5 0 8 4 0 5 21 7 1 59 17 7 29 13 1 14 99 28 9 39 20 8 23 10 2 15 71 48 8 5 7 2 5 3 1 0 6 10 1 4 2 1 4 2 0 2 17 8 2 11 7 1 8 3 0 8 23 8 2 44 12 1 40 13 2 24 67 19 7 17 16 6 9 8 5 8 30 40 10 20 9 1 19 7 0 13 26 13 1 4 2 1 5 1 0 4 4 7 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 6 1 1 3 7 0 2 13 9 3 35 11 2 22 7 1 18 75 20 9 3 1 0 3 0 0 2 7 3 2 41 20 0 28 12 0 19 75 30 3 330 148 40 238 106 18 147 583 300 70 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 2 8 1 1 3 2 0 4 7 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 9 0 2 3 0 0 5 11 2 7 5 0 6 2 1 4 12 10 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 11 3 3 8 5 0 3 16 4 4 14 11 1 15 8 3 10 35 13 1 17 15 4 16 5 0 7 58 38 16 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 9 1 1 2 4 0 4 2 0 2 6 6 0 20 6 2 7 6 1 8 35 15 3 11 11 1 8 15 0 6 15 19 2 16 7 2 15 2 0 7 14 16 2 5 2 1 3 0 1 3 6 3 3 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 0 4 12 0 2 2 0 1 3 16 2 11 6 2 10 3 0 2 28 13 3 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 8 10 1 8 6 1 6 23 19 5 138 117 21 111 67 11 61 276 201 47 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 3 7 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 3 0 1 1 0 0 4 3 0 14 2 1 4 2 1 3 19 7 0 3 2 0 2 1 0 0 5 2 0 16 3 0 11 1 0 3 19 3 0 16 7 2 13 8 2 9 34 7 0 19 7 0 12 4 0 7 34 12 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 1 5 1 2 6 1 4 1 0 0 0 11 2 6 17 6 0 12 3 0 9 35 16 0 8 5 3 6 6 2 2 20 11 3 18 2 2 9 1 0 4 36 5 2 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 2 1 0 1 0 3 1 1 5 1 1 1 2 0 2 7 2 1 16 2 1 11 2 0 4 35 10 2 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 2 1 0 21 2 0 12 1 0 7 48 4 1 171 51 19 105 36 9 52 322 98 21 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 4 16 14 3 10 6 5 2 12 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 3 1 2 1 0 2 2 1 2 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 8 10 0 1 2 2 3 14 16 2 11 7 1 12 2 2 9 22 12 2 10 15 1 7 6 3 7 28 19 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 0 4 4 1 2 17 10 3 11 1 2 7 44 26 0 14 14 0 18 4 2 0 23 44 3 11 5 3 3 1 3 5 17 12 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 5 8 3 2 3 1 0 10 17 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 13 9 0 8 7 3 20 40 31 25 119 91 15 79 34 24 74 244 211 GRAND TOTAL: 664 435 171 469 288 72 284 1,255 843 349 Seafarers LOG 15 11/21/2013 6:57:11 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory 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 Editor’snote: This month’s question was answered by SIU members in Piney Point, Md. Question: What would you be doing if you weren’t a Seafarer? 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 Michael Gray QMED I was a truck driver before I did this, so I might be doing that. It was easy work, but it got sort of boring after a while. After you see everything there is, there’s nothing new. I got into (seafaring) after that. My sisterin-law was a steward and she talked me into it. I really enjoy it a lot. I wish I would have started doing it a lot sooner. With truck driving, you’re alone by yourself on the road. Here, you have a lot of different people to work with and stuff to do. Davis Freitas QMED I’m not really sure what else I would do. I pretty much did this right out of high school. If I wasn’t doing this, I probably wouldn’t be working. I’d probably be back home in California and there are a lot of bad jobs out there. With this, one day you’re in Australia, the next you’re somewhere else. This is definitely more exciting. The money is also really good. I was able to get a brand new Dodge Charger and I’ll be able to provide the money for my (church) mission. William Sanchez Chief Cook Roger Stanus Chief Mate I think I’d probably be an accountant. I like doing accounting; it’s very defined and it has good job security. But I doubt I’d really want to do it. I didn’t really want to live in the city. I feel a lot better about this job now. The job security with this job is good, too. And I enjoy getting the chance to spend so much time at home. I would probably have thought about going into the service – the Army. My whole family is in it. It’s like monkey see, monkey do. Actually, I’m pretty much the only one in my family who’s not in the service. But I got married and my wife’s brother and sister were SIU members, so they gave me all the information on it. After that I decided to come in as an apprentice in 2005. I like it. It’s a different life, but it’s cool. Byron Graham AB When I was growing up, I really wanted to play sports. I played basketball in high school. If I stuck with it I could have seen myself going really far with it. I got here because my dad had a friend who went to sea. I really liked the traveling. It sounded pretty interesting and that’s what made me want to do it. I’ve stuck with it and I’ve got a family now. The money’s really good and it’s been fun for me. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of new people. Felicia Lampasas SA This is my second career, anyway. Before this, I was working for lawyers. One of my friends is a steward and she started talking to me about this. It seemed like a great opportunity. I love to cook and I got to see the world. This job is 100 percent better. I love it. I love the people I work with. We have a lot of fun and it makes everything really enjoyable. Pic-From-The-Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 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 Guests are pictured at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., for the union-sponsored Thanksgiving gathering in 1969. 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 16 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 16 December 2013 11/21/2013 7:18:11 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA GRANT BAZILE Brother Grant Bazile, 70, began sailing with SIU in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. Brother Bazile worked on the Chemical Pioneer. In 2001, he took advantage of educational opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bazile sailed as a steward department member. He lives in Missouri City, Texas. JESSIE BURNETT Sister Jessie Burnett, 71, became an SIU member in 2000 while in New Orleans. She initially worked aboard the Robert E. Lee. Sister Burnett sailed in the steward department. She upgraded on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Sister Burnett’s most recent trip to sea was on the USNS Pililaau. She makes her home in Ponchatoula, La. JESLEY CALLUM Brother Jesley Callum, 71, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. The deck department member last shipped aboard the Advantage. Brother Callum attended classes at the Piney Pont school in 2001. He calls Houston home. HUGH CATRON Brother Hugh Catron, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1988. He was originally employed on the USNS H.H. Hess. Brother Catron shipped in the steward department. He enhanced his skills in 2001 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Catron’s most recent ship was the Observation Island. He is a resident of Noblesville, Ind. RAFAEL DURAN Brother Rafael Duran, 81, joined the SIU ranks in 1960. His first ship was the Seatrain Savanna; his most recent, the Courier. Brother Duran was born in the Cuba and worked in the engine department. He resides in Kenner, La. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 17 ROBERT EGRI Brother Robert Egri, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1992. He initially shipped on the USNS Regulus as a member of the engine department. Brother Egri upgraded in 2011 at the Piney Point school. His most recent trip was aboard the Philadelphia Express. Brother Egri lives in Clearwater, Fla. VLADIMIR FILIP Brother Vladimir Filip, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2002 after previously shipping with the NMU. His most recent trip was on the Charlestown Express. The deck department member attended classes often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Filip calls Tampa, Fla., home. WINFRED ITIMA Brother Winfred Itima, 58, started shipping with the SIU in 2001. He is a native of Nigeria. Brother Itima enhanced his skills twice at the Piney Point school. The deck department member concluded his career aboard the Overseas Luxmar. Brother Itima settled in Houston. SALVADORE LAGARE Brother Salvadore Lagare, 65, was born in the Philippines. He joined the Seafarers in 1979. The deck department member’s earliest trip was on the Overseas Juneau. Brother Lagare enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent ship was the Intrepid. Brother Lagare makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. PAUL PITCHER Brother Paul Pitcher, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He originally sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. Brother Pitcher shipped in the deck department. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Pitcher’s most recent trip was on the USNS Impeccable. He resides in Cantonment, Fla. GEORGE QUINN Brother George Quinn, 71, joined the Seafarers in 1960. The steward department member’s earliest trip was aboard the Ft. Hoskins. Brother Quinn enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent ship was the Maersk Illinois. Brother Quinn was born in New Orleans and now calls Katy, Texas, home. WILLIAM SMALLEY Brother William Smalley, 71, began sailing with the union in 1990 while in Wilmington, Calif. He first shipped aboard the Cape Gibson. Brother Smalley sailed in the steward department. He upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Smalley’s most recent voyage was on the Observation Island. He is a resident of Fairfield, Calif. DONALD SNEED partment member enhanced his skills at the Piney Point school. Brother Tolley most recently sailed on the Cape Jacob. He resides in O’Fallon, Mo. tended classes in 2001 at the Piney Point school. Brother Newell last shipped on the Delta Mariner. He calls Ocean Springs, Miss., home. WILFREDO WILLIAMS GERALD STONE Brother Wilfredo Williams, 71, began sailing with SIU in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Williams upgraded in 2001 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the Cape Island. Brother Williams is a resident of Aloha, Ore. Brother Gerald Stone, 62, started sailing with the union in 1990. The Tennessee native worked with OLS Transport Ltd. for the duration of his career. Brother Stone sailed in the deck department. He makes his home in South Fulton, Tenn. INLAND Brother Donald Sneed, 67, joined the SIU in 1977 while in San Francisco. His first trip was aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Sneed attended classes frequently at the Paul Hall Center. The steward department member last worked on the Pride. Brother Sneed calls Houston home. RICHARD DIXON TERRY TOLLEY WILLIAM NEWELL Brother Terry Tolley, 67, is a Missouri native. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1981. Brother Tolley initially worked aboard the Delta Queen. On three occasions, the deck de- Brother William Newell, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1989. He was born in Mobile, Ala. Brother Newell first worked on the Sgt. Matej. Kocak. The engine department member at- Brother Richard Dixon, 67, became an SIU member in 1965. Brother Dixon mainly sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage Company of New Orleans. He was a deck department member. Brother Dixon lives in New Orleans. GREAT LAKES KIRK DIENER Brother Kirk Diener, 65, joined the SIU in 1974 while in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Michigan native’s first ship was the Detroit Edison; his most recent, the American Mariner. During his career he sailed in all three departments. Brother Diener is a resident of Alpena, Mich. JAMES SORENSON Brother James Sorenson, 58, began shipping with the SIU in 1973 from the port of New York. He primarily worked aboard Arnold Transit Company vessels. Brother Sorenson, who sailed in the deck and engine departments, is a Michigan native. He resides in St. Ignace, Mich. This Month In SIU History 1947 In a joint resolution proposed by SIU and SUP members, and passed by the New York membership of the SIU in a regular meeting on Dec. 3, foreign aid for the “shattered people of Europe and Asia” was supported with the proviso that such assistance be shipped in American bottoms, and that a halt be called to the practice of handing over American tonnage to foreign powers. The resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority. 1963 The death of President John F. Kennedy has deeply affected many people the world over, and practically everyone has felt his loss as a personal shock. One of the first expressions of condolence to the SIU membership on the loss of the president came from George Monroe, secretary general of the Seamen’s and Waterfront Workers’ Trade Union, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. His letter sent to SIUNA President Paul Hall read in part: “I share with you, the entire membership of our international and American people as a whole, the dismay and sorrow over this shocking and atrocious act…. He was truly a great man. May he rest in peace.” 1954 Hope has virtually been abandoned for the 22-man crew of the SIU-contracted Southern Districts, which disappeared without a trace somewhere off the East Coast and has not been seen or heard from since Dec. 6. An intensive Coast Guard and air-sea search, underway since Dec. 11, was called off on Dec. 21 after failing to turn up a shred of evidence as to the fate of the vessel and her crew. Of the 13 unlicensed men aboard, 11 sailed with the SIU A&G District and two were members of the SIU-affiliated Sailors Union of the Pacific. 1966 SIU members and their dependents have collected a total of more than $75.2 million in welfare and vacation benefits since the inception of the Seafarer Welfare and Vacation Plans. Since 1950, when the plan was organized, more than $30 million has been paid out in hospital, death, disability, maternity, dependent, optical and out-patient benefits. The SIU Vacation Plan, which went into operation in February 1952, has provided Seafarers with more than $44.2 million in benefits in the past 14 years. Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 17 11/21/2013 7:18:13 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA DONALD COX Pensioner Donald Cox, 81, died May 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 in New York. Brother Cox was an engine department member. He was last employed aboard the Cape Lambert. Brother Cox retired in 1996 and called Newburyport, Mass., home. RICHARD GIBBONS Pensioner Richard Gibbons, 69, passed away May 26. Born in New York, he began sailing with the union in 1964. Brother Gibbons first sailed on the City of Alma. He was a deck department member. Brother Gibbons most recently shipped aboard the Golden Endeavor. He went on pension in 2008. Brother Gibbons was a resident of Bronx, N.Y. CHARLES HESS Brother Charles Hess, 90, died June 24. He was born in Monterey, Va. Brother Hess worked in the steward department. He called Vancouver, Wash., home. JOSEPH McCROSKY Brother Joseph McCrosky, 64, passed away April 1. Brother McCrosky first donned the SIU colors in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. The engine department member was born in Los Angeles. Brother McCrosky’s final ship was the Lightening. He lived in Rialto, Calif. ANTHONY MOORE Brother Anthony Moore, 56, died May 11. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 2002 in the port of Seattle. Brother Moore’s first vessel was the USNS Bob Hope; his last, the Green Mountain State. He was born in New Orleans and shipped in the engine department. Brother Moore settled in Reserve, La. GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ Brother Gilberto Rodriguez, 82, passed away April 7. He began sailing with the union in 1979. Brother Rodriguez first sailed aboard the Californian. He was a steward department member. Brother Rodriguez most recently shipped on the Matsonia. He was a resident of Oakland, Calif. ROY THEISS Pensioner Roy Theiss, 89, died April 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1943 while in Norfolk, Va. 18 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 18 Brother Theiss initially sailed on the Henry Rainey. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Theiss’ last trip was aboard the Charles L. Brown. He retired in 1988 and made his home in Mobile, Ala. JOSEPH VIOLANTE Pensioner Joseph Violante, 86, passed away April 6. Brother Violante signed on with the union in 1948 in the port of New York. The deck department member’s ships included the Steel Fabricator and the Ambassador. He became a pensioner in 1991. Brother Violante was a resident of Portugal. FRANK WONG Pensioner Frank Wong, 92, died April 13. Brother Wong joined the SIU in 1951, initially sailing with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He worked in the deck department. Brother Wong’s final ship was the Elizabeth. He went on pension in 1985 and lived in New York. INLAND HENRY CORBELL Pensioner Henry Corbell, 80, passed away April 21. Brother Corbell started working with the union in 1972 while in Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native was primarily employed with Allied Towing. Brother Corbell retired in 1995. He made his home in Norfolk. JOHN IFFLAND Pensioner John Iffland, 84, died April 26. Brother Iffland was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He joined the union in 1970 in Philadelphia. Brother Iffland mostly worked aboard Interstate Oil Transport Company vessels. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1990. Brother Iffland settled in Newark, Del. EDWIN POWELL Pensioner Edwin Powell, 75, passed away May 9. He signed on with the SIU in 1965. Brother Powell’s earliest trip was with Debardeleben Marine Corporation. He last worked aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Brother Powell became a pensioner in 1999. He called Broken Bow, Okla., home. EDDIE TORRES Brother Eddie Torres, 33, died April 8. He began sailing with the union in 2000. Brother Torres sailed with NY Waterway for his entire career. He was a resident of Weehawken, N.J. HORACE WILTSHIRE Pensioner Horace Wiltshire, 85, passed away April 8. Brother Wiltshire joined the SIU in 1946 while in Norfolk, Va. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Wiltshire last sailed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He went on pension in 1990 and lived in Sea Level, N.C. GREAT LAKES FRANK STIGLICH Pensioner Frank Stiglich, 83, died April 21. Brother Stiglich signed on with the union in 1967. The deck department member first sailed on the American Seaocean. Brother Stiglich’s final ship was the Walter J. McCarthy. He became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Stiglich was a resident of Calumet, Mich. HARRIS STOCKMAN Brother Harris Stockman, 73, passed away April 26. He was a Michigan native. Brother Stockman joined the SIU in 1963, and made his first trip with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Stockman sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He last worked with Great Lakes Towing Company and called Honor, Mich., home. EDWARD WARD Pensioner Edward Ward, 92, died April 15. Brother Ward began sailing with the union in 1953. He was born in Michigan. Brother Ward mainly worked with Michigan Interstate Railway. He went on pension in 1985. Brother Ward settled in Elberta, Mich. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. away April 17. Brother Berkovits was born in Hungary. He retired in 1965 and was a resident of Port St. Lucie, Fla. away May 9. Brother Powers was born in North Carolina. He went on pension in 1989. Brother Powers made his home in Kenly, N.C. RAFAEL COTTO JUAN ROMAN Pensioner Rafael Cotto, 91, died April 4. Born in San Juan, P.R, Brother Cotto became a pensioner in 1969. He called Terrytown, La., home. Pensioner Juan Roman, 92, died April 25. Brother Roman was born in Puerto Rico. He became a pensioner in 1973 and settled in Springfield, Mass. DENNIS DARDEN WILLIE ROSS Pensioner Dennis Darden, 89, passed away May 4. Brother Darden was born in North Carolina. He retired in 1990 and resided in Baltimore. Pensioner Willie Ross, 85, passed away May 16. Brother Ross was a native of New Orleans. He retired in 1972 and continued to reside in Louisiana. JIMMIE FERRARA ANDREW SEKMAN Pensioner Jimmie Ferrara, 87, died May 27. Brother Ferrara was a California native. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1981. Brother Ferrara made his home in Victorville, Calif. Pensioner Andrew Sekman, 90, died April 15. Brother Sekman was born in Sayreville, N.J. He went on pension in 1988 and continued to live in Sayreville. ISADORE FERSTER HUBERT SMITH Pensioner Isadore Ferster, 88, passed away May 5. Brother Ferster was a native of Missouri. He began receiving his pension in 2002. Brother Ferster lived in Wilmer, Ala. Pensioner Hubert Smith, 85, passed away April 4. Born in Mobile, Ala., Brother Smith started receiving his retirement pay in 1992. He called Houston home. RICHARD GONSALVES KRISTIAN SORENSEN Pensioner Richard Gonsalves, 89, died April 19. Brother Gonsalves, a native of Bourne, Mass., started collecting his retirement compensation in 1969. He lived in Wareham, Mass. Pensioner Kristian Sorensen, 96, died April 16. Brother Sorensen, a native of Denmark, became a pensioner in 1983. He lived in North Union Township, Pa. PERCY HICKS Pensioner Percy Hicks, 80, passed away May 24. The Texas-born mariner became a pensioner in 2000. Brother Hicks settled in Wiergate, Texas. WILLIAM JONES JOHN TAYLOR Pensioner John Taylor, 78, passed away May 10. Brother Taylor started receiving his pension in 1971 and was a resident of New Jersey. CHARLES THOMAS Pensioner William Jones, 89, died May 7. Brother Jones, a North Carolina native, went on pension in 1988. He called Richmond, Va., home. Pensioner Charles Thomas, 84, died April 4. Brother Thomas was born in Baton Rouge, La. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and made his home in Port Allen, La. FAUSTO MELENDEZ COURTNEY TOOLE Pensioner Fausto Melendez, 96, passed away April 8. Born in Honduras, Brother Melendez started receiving his retirement compensation in 1969. He continued to live in Honduras. Pensioner Courtney Toole, 87, passed away April 4. Born in Perry, Fla., Brother Toole went on pension in 1968. He settled in Bowling Green, Fla. ADOLFO MUNOZ GERMAN VASQUEZ Pensioner Adolfo Munoz, 92, died May 6. Brother Munoz began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1986. He made his home in Puerto Rico. Pensioner German Vasquez, 93, died May 26. Brother Vasquez was a native of Ecuador. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1985. Brother Vasquez was a resident of Tucson, Ariz. ISIDORO NIETO ROBERT WEDEWER Pensioner Isidoro Nieto, 89, passed away April 3. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Nieto started receiving his pension in 1978. He lived in McKinney, Texas. Pensioner Robert Wedewer, 84, passed away May 26. Brother Wedewer, a native of Dyersville, Iowa, started receiving his pension in 1966. He resided in Freehold Township, N.J. CLIDES POTTER LEROY WEEKES Pensioner James Andrade, 86, died April 27. Brother Andrade went on pension in 1997. He lived in New Bedford, Mass. Pensioner Clides Potter, 87, died April 7. Brother Potter, a native of North Carolina, began collecting his pension in 1987. He made his home in Wilmington, N.C. Pensioner Leroy Weekes, 73, died April 29. Born in Barbados, Brother Weekes became a pensioner in 1997. He made his home in Miami. JENO BERKOVITS CHARLES POWERS ALFRED ABBATE Pensioner Alfred Abbate, 87, died May 12. Brother Abbate was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He became a pensioner in 1985 and continued to call New York home. GENE ANDERSON Pensioner Gene Anderson, 90, passed away April 17. Brother Anderson, a native of Mississippi, began collecting his pension in 1993. He resided in Long Beach, Calif. JAMES ANDRADE Pensioner Jeno Berkovits, 94, passed Pensioner Charles Powers, 87, passed December 2013 11/21/2013 7:18:14 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), September 29 – Chairman Chris Rosado, Secretary Gregory Lynch, Educational Director Odilio Evora, Deck Delegate Ramon Guimba, Engine Delegate Alberto Semedo, Steward Delegate J.D. Reyes. Under old business, the crew discussed current health benefits and Cigna providers. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and cooperatively during his first tour as bosun. He noted vessel is en route to Portland, Ore., for steering gear inspection and pending repairs. He reminded members to stay updated on union news by reading the Seafarers LOG regularly. Secretary addressed coming winter months and flu season and its impact on crew. He offered tips on reducing exposure and lessening the chance of spreading the virus. He reviewed new clinic system and extended clinic network. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., and also to stay abreast of deadlines for document renewals. He reviewed Coast Guard requirements for vessel security endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for good chow. Brief discussion took place about room vents and regulating temps. Request made to replace lounge chairs in staterooms. Mattresses are on their ninth year and should be scheduled for replacement next year. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), September 29 – Chairman Brian Fountain, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Steward Delegate Edward English. Crew still waiting for response from HQ concerning apparent disparity in physical exam requirements. Questions also raised concerning imminent danger pay, new chairs in duty mess, gym equipment that is in disrepair, and requests for drink dispenser and chest freezer. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Newark, N.J., and thanked crew for their good work. This was another safe trip with no lost-time injuries, bringing the vessel’s tally to 3,361 days. Secretary reviewed steps to get STCW security endorsement sticker added to merchant mariner credential. Educational director reminded everyone to check documents and make sure they’re upto-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for great meals and cookouts. Crew offered suggestions for next contract including online registration, safety pay, increasing vacation days, modifying health and pension benefits and more. For the steward department, they suggested increasing the amount paid for riders and extra meals to it reflects “how much additional work it really is.” Next ports: Newark, Charleston, S.C., Houston, Mobile, Ala., and Miami. 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. Aboard the Regulus The SIU-crewed Regulus (photo directly below), part of the Ready Reserve Force, recently completed a sea trial. Pictured on the stern of the Keystone-operated vessel are (top photo at right, from left) AB Arnedo Paredes, STOS Jimmy Hargrove and Bosun Bill Yurick. Seated left to right in the other photo (taken in the crew mess) are Hargrove, AB John Kamara and Yurick. (Ship photo courtesy Military Sealift Command) MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), September 15 – Chairman Mohamed Ahmed, Secretary Hugh Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald Christian, Deck Delegate Melvin Nichols, Engine Delegate Sandra Baker, Steward Delegate Anthony Rutland. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Newark, N.J. He reported a smooth trip and reminded departing crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linens. He also suggested checking out changes to SIU website and reminded everyone to stay current on documents and contribute to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Secretary thanked crew for safe trip and cooperation with security personnel and extra people riding. Educational director also thanked everyone for safe trip and reminded fellow members to file for STCW security endorsement. He also recommended upgrading whenever possible. Engine delegate reported beef on missing-man wages; no other beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested raising pension and vacation benefits and lowering sea-time requirement for pension eligibility. these meetings. They would like to be able to pay dues via direct deposit and also want to manage their own Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) accounts. Crew asked about standby reliefs vs. overtime in lieu of time off. MAERSK IOWA (Maersk Line, Limited), September 8 – Chairman Egidio Ferreria, Secretary Paul Isherwood, Educational Director Eufemiano Gomes. Under old business, crew reiterated they would like to see their vacation checks direct deposited. Educational director recommended training at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded mariners to have all papers in working order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New York-based patrolman addressed crew concerning jurisdiction on plugging and unplugging reefer boxes in port. Crew expressed displeasure at not hearing back from union about questions raised during MAERSK KENTUCKY (Maersk Line, Limited), September 1 – Chairman Wilson Trayvilla, Secretary Wayne Wilson, Educational Director Jonathan Tucker, Deck Delegate Ernest Frank, Engine Delegate Owen Richards, Steward Delegate Mauricio Arriola. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Newark, N.J. He thanked everyone for a safe trip and reminded them to be careful – people may start to relax toward the end of a voyage, making them more susceptible to injury. Educational director said go to Piney Point and upgrade when possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew said they need union to follow up on air conditioning repairs. New Internet Labor Day on APL Belgium Recertified Steward Fernando Guity submitted this photo of SIU members along with other crew members and officers at a Labor Day cookout aboard the APL Belgium. The vessel (shown in the superimposed image at lower left) reflagged U.S. earlier this year. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 19 security filters aboard vessel are blocking most web pages and making it difficult to retrieve emails. FLORIDA (Crowley), October 12 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Hazel Johnson, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Engine Delegate Ernest Smith, Steward Delegate Brian Young. Chairman reported a smooth voyage and informed members payoff would take place October 31. He also thanked them for doing their jobs professionally and in a timely manner. Secretary reminded mariners to purchase MDLs and contribute to SPAD, to keep our voice strong in Washington. Those departing vessel were asked to leave rooms clean for reliefs. Educational Director reiterated the need for members to get their time in and take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. He also advised mariners to read the Seafarers LOG to get up-to-date information on changes to benefits and shipping rules. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to have direct deposit of vacation checks. Crew thanked the steward department for a job well done. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), October 6 – Chairman Oliver M. Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Jerome D. Culbreth, Deck Delegate Rolando Guity, Engine Delegate Roger A. Nesbeth, Steward Delegate Asril Syarbaini. Chairman expressed his gratitude to crew for their hard work. Clarification requested on days’ pay in lieu of days-off requirement. Secretary asked crew to leave cabins clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director reminded fellow members to keep an eye on document expiration dates, and allow plenty of time for renewals. Everyone was also encouraged to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., Houston, Mobile, Ala. and Miami, Fla. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (OSG Ship Management), October 27 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director Kenny D. Spivey, Deck Delegate Doyle W. Stanley. Bosun talked about importance of enforcing all provisions of contract and said he is working to that end. Secretary reported good run with everyone working well together. Educational director went over STCW requirements. Treasurer stated $1,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported, but engine delegate asked for clarification on bilge cleaning, and steward delegate asked for clarification on certain other tasks. Recommendations were made regarding medical benefit requirements. Crew discussed importance of Food for Peace program. They thanked galley gang for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. USNS MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Ships Inc.), October 11 – Chairman Harlan K. Hulst, Secretary Clark S. Williams, Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Engine Delegate Ryan Palmer, Steward Delegate Arlene Thomas. Chairman asked crew to turn in keys, remove trash and leave rooms neat for reliefs. Secretary urged all mariners to keep necessary documents current and thanked them for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised crew members to enhance skills at Piney Point school and take advantage of scholarship program. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were informed that refrigerators have been ordered for crew cabins. Crew was reminded to remove pens from clothes before washing. Next port: Portland, Ore. Seafarers LOG 19 11/21/2013 7:18:17 AM �Union Provides Active Seafarers Instructions For Obtaining STCW Security Endorsements As previously reported, because of requirements stemming from the most recent amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), all mariners serving on vessels engaged on voyages to which the STCW applies must have training in and an endorsement for Security Awareness (SA). If any of their assigned duties on ship will include security of the vessel, they must also hold the Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) endorsement, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center. Sea time may be substituted for training if it meets specified requirements. For most Seafarers, complying with these new regulations will simply be a matter of securing a letter from their respective employers (companies or vessel masters) indicating that the mariner has performed security functions aboard ship for a period of at least six months during the preceding three years. The letter then is submitted to a Coast Guard regional exam center (REC) so the member may acquire an appropriate sticker indicating the corresponding security endorsement. SIU officials and personnel from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education have been assisting as many Seafarers as possible through this process. For Seafarers who don’t have the required sea time with security duties, the Paul Hall Center regularly offers courses to meet the new requirements. Other Notes SIU members who currently have a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) endorsement already comply with the new requirement. If demonstrating completion of an approved course, the certificate of completion should be attached to Coast Guard form 719B as an application for an endorsement. If the mariner is also seeking a renewal of an existing document, form 719K (Medical Evaluation Report) would also have to be filed. Those forms are linked in an SIU web post mentioned at the end of this article. The three STCW security endorsements are: SA – VI/6 – Security Awareness VPDSD – VI/6 – Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties VSO – VI/5 – Vessel Security Officer According to the policy letter, mariners will not be charged for adding an STCW endorsement if they apply before Jan. 1, 2014 unless they’re seeking a renewal or a raise in grade of their MMCs, nor will the expiration dates change. Sample Letter for those with Sea Time Prior to January 1, 2012: Dear Sir: This letter is to provide documentation that NAME has seagoing service with designated security duties for a period of at least six months during the preceding three years and meets the STCW qualifications for Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties. Sincerely, NAME OF MASTER OR COMPANY OFFICIAL For More Information Questions may be directed to the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888427-5662), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Questions may be directed to your port agent. Questions may be directed to the Paul Hall Center’s admissions office at (301) 994-0010. A post on the SIU website includes a sample letter and links to related Coast Guard material. It is located at: http://www.seafarers.org/ news/2013/Q1/STCWSecurityEndorsementInfo.htm (Or, just go to www.seafarers.org and search for “VPDSD”) Seafarers-Crewed Maersk Texas Performs Heavy-Lift Assignment The SIU-crewed Maersk Texas recently lifted and moved two 100plus ton range support craft for the U.S. Navy. According to vessel operator Maersk-Rickmers, shipboard cranes were used to perform the operation. The smaller vessels were loaded on the U.S. West Coast and travelled across the Pacific to their destinations. The mission is one more example of how the U.S. Merchant Marine serves as America’s fourth arm of defense, assisting the military in times of peace and war. The company further reported that the Maersk Texas will soon transport U.S.-manufactured power plant equipment destined for Turkey. The equipment was financed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank and will be a critical component for a Turkish power generation project led by the industrial company Habaş. When it comes online, the Habaş 800 megawatt combined cycle power plant will be capable of providing power 20 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 20 to approximately one million homes. “We’re pleased to move military craft and support Ex-Im financed projects all over the world,” said Gordan Van Hook, senior director at SIUcontracted Maersk Line, Limited. He added, “We’re also excited about our upcoming journey to Antarctica.” This winter, another SIU-crewed vessel, the Maersk Illinois, will deliver vital cargo to the men and women based at the McMurdo Station research center in Antarctica. The ship will carry crucial supplies to the teams stationed there in support of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) U.S. Antarctic Program. The voyage is a part of an overall mission known as Operation Deep Freeze, which SIU members have backed for decades. Additionally, the SIU-crewed, Maersk-operated tanker Maersk Peary will make its third trip to Antarctica this winter, so it can resupply fuel at McMurdo Station. These three photos show part of the operation as the SIU-crewed Maersk Texas maneuvers support craft for the U.S. Navy. December 2013 11/21/2013 7:18:18 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next two months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and 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—national 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 Start Date of Course Date Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations These modules start every two weeks. Here’s How It’s Done Deck Department February 3 January 17 ServeSafe February 17 February 21 Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Able Seaman (Deck) January 6 February 28 ARPA January 20 January 24 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 6 January 17 Radar Observer January 6 January 17 Radar Renewal (One day) December 16 December 16 February 10 February 10 STOS January 6 January 31 Engine Department FOWT January 6 February 28 Junior Engineer January 6 February 28 Safety Upgrading Courses BST Renewal/VPDSD January 27 January 31 Basic Firefighting/BST January 13 January 17 Government Vessels February 3 February 7 NMC Website Provides Useful Mariner Resources Steward Department Upgrading Courses Chief Steward January 6 February 14 Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) January 6 These modules begin every other week. January 17 Advanced Galley Operations These classes begin every two weeks. January 24 January 13 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o 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? o Yes o No If yes, class #___________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (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. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log_X.indd 21 Hands-on training is a key part of most Paul Hall Center courses. The National Maritime Center (NMC), the licensing authority for the U.S. Coast Guard, offers a comprehensive website covering mariner credentialing, medical guidelines and much more. The site features a wide range of applications and forms, deck- and engine-department exam information, lists of Coast Guardapproved courses and more. Seafarers are encouraged to check out the site at:http:// www.uscg.mil/nmc/ Mariners may call the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662). Operational hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. (The NMC is closed for all federal holidays.) Various email forms also are available through the NMC website. 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. 12/12 Seafarers LOG 21 11/21/2013 6:57:13 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class 778 – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 25: Loren Arriola, Fredrick Conroy, Terrell Cuffee, Smyrno Desir, Abrahem Elsawy, Matthew Gilliland, John Jaremchuk, Joshua Leonor, Demarkus McNabb, Andrey Prytkow, Khadim Robinson and Brian Smith. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Able Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 11: Dalton Artzner, Lindsey Austin, Fritz Bernier, James Brooks, William Davis, Colton Edmiston, Anthony Ellison, Radi Hani and Brennon Hough. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at the far right. BAPO – Eleven apprentices completed their requirements in this course Oct. 11. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Xyla Bautista, Gregory Beebe, Kenneth Biddle, Lyncon Brathwaite, David Garrett, Jr., Ivan Hussan Martinez, Christopher Mendoza, Christina Price, Khadim Robinson, Rachel Rodriguez and Michal Sinkiewica. Class instructor Tim Achorn is at the far left. Water Survival – Four upgraders completed their requirements in this course Oct. 25. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Diosdado Abugotal Jr., Antonio Griffin, Radi Hani, and George Pobee. Welding – Nine Seafarers finished this course Oct. 4. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leonilo Arano, Kyle Bennett, Eric Cunanan, Joven Deocampo, Sean Geddie, James Kayser, Floyd Larson, Ali Malahi and Michael Pirch. Class instructor John Wiegman, is at the far left. BAPO – Six upgraders completed the enhancement of their skills in this course Oct. 1. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: William Bazar, Justin Bing, Erik Castano, Matthew Dalgetty, Andre Graham and Gil Ruben Jr. Tim Achorn, their instructor is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer – Twenty-four upgraders graduated from this course Oct. 18. Completing their requirements (right, in alphabetical order) were: Tousif Ahmed, Sean Branch, Latiffe Brooks, Marcus Brown, Ryan Brown, Corey Covington, Ryan Crowell, Mike Deren, Davis Freitas, Mohamed Ghaleb, Nathan Graddick, Michael Grey, Joe Griggs, Cresente Gummanas, Steven Hamilton, Ian Jordan, Trevor Manion, Mark Merenda, Ronilo Monares, Mana Muhsen, Steven Supplee, Okei Valentine, Charles Wescott and Mony Williams. John Wiegman, their instructor, is at the far left. 22 Seafarers LOG 15052_Seafarers_Log.indd 22 December 2013 11/21/2013 7:18:23 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Barge (DL) – Eighteen individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 18: Stephen Blanchard, Andrew Brzezinski, Susan Fagan, Joel Fahselt, Marlon Green, Christopher Hickey, Melvin Kennedy, DeMond Lindsey, Kyle Nielsen, Timothy O’Brien, Miles Partridge, Ricky Reid, Nathaniel Rivera, Aresha Rivers, Adolph Romero, Jonathan Scalsky, Lear Surcedo and Gary Youman. Class instructor Mitch Oakley is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization (DL) – Two classes of apprentices completed their requirements in this course Nov. 1. Graduating (two photos above, in alphabetical order) were: Tinika Anderson, Kevin Arroyo, Stephen Baker, Daniel Briggs, Edwin Bunda, Hector Caballero, Derek Chestnut, De’Anthony Cole, Bobby Conner II, Matthew Conyac, Dustin Crutchfield, Timothy Doughtery, Alexander Eaton, William Elam, Erick Ellis, Alexander Franklin, Jason Fuller, Andrew Graham, Nigel Green, ECDIS – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 25: Evan Alexander, Richard Barnes, Travis Cheer, Eric Eaton, Scott Ellis, Jonathan Hendrickson, Samuel Russell, Steven Sears, Suzanne Slater and Charles Williams. Class instructor Charles Noell III is at the far left. Steward Department Courses – Five upgraders have completed steward department courses. Those graduating and the respective courses they completed (above, front row, left to right) were: Felicia Lampasas, galley operations; Shirley Jenkins, advanced galley operations; Donna Hickman, advanced galley operations; (back row) Larry Wilkinson, galley operations; and Michael Ingram, chief cook. Government Vessels – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 18: Ammanuel Adeoti, Adiener Alfaro, Marciano Amandoron, Leonillo Arano, Eric Cunanan, Joven Deocampo, Larry Harewood, Charles Herrera, Gregory Howard, Joseph Jacobs, Edward Krebs, Mary Little, Getolio Medallo, Michael Munoz, Edwin Narvasa, Jethro Powers, Gil Ruben Jr. and Michael Sykes. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at the far right in the back row. Domaneeq Jesus Guerrero, Donte Harris, TJ Harris, Anthony Heck, Katrina Jones, Michael Kloos, Ashley Lee, Travis Lee, Henry Marchant, Joseph Marino, Josean Martinez Serrano, Samuel McClure Matthew Meehan, Jesus Ortiz-Rivera, Patricia Placek, Peter Plathan, Wrightly Reed, Scott Reynolds, Lawton Simmons, John Teodosio, Jeffrey Thrash, Christopher Torres, Douglas Vaughn, Ryan Walker, Jeffery Watts, William White and Hakeem Woods Shoatz. ECDIS – Six individuals finished their requirements in this course Nov. 1. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Andrew Ashworth, Stephen Berschger, Rufino Inopiquez, Darrell Koonce Jr., Andrew Smith and Jose Valdez. Charles Noell III, their instructor, is at the far right. Small Arms – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 25: Julian Dingzon Jr., Mana Muhsen, David Sexton, Gary Torres and Andrei Tretyak. Their instructors, Stan Beck and Robbie Springer, are at the far left and far right, respectively. Steward Department Courses – The two Seafarers shown above recently completed steward department courses. They are Lea Ramos (left), certified chef steward; and Romie Scott, galley operations. BST Renewal (SIU) – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) finished their requirements in this course Oct. 30: Diosdado Abugotal Jr., Randy Baggs, Rio Cuellar, Radi Hani, Saundra Leonard, Edwin Narvasa, Gebar Ogbe, Dennis Riley, Ken Tan and Shaun Wood. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at the far right. BST Renewal (SIU) – Twenty-five Seafarers (left, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Oct. 9: Collins Agyemang, Richard Barnes, John Carraway, Michael Dunn, Lawrence Frisbie, Paul Foran, Byron Graham, Seth Green, Carl Gushee, Daniel Harlow, Gary Herring, Daniel Loewer, Servillamo Lozandi, John Middlebrooks, Brian Nixon, William Sanchez, Chris Scherhaufer, Roger Stanus, Thomas Tramutola, Chris Valley, Liberato Viray, Dean Waiwaiole, James Whalen, William White and Alan Winsor. Class instructor Wayne Johnson Jr., is at the far right. December 2013 15052_Seafarers_Log_X.indd 23 Seafarers LOG 23 11/21/2013 6:57:17 PM �Volume 75, Number 12 December 2013 Paul Hall Center Course Dates Page 21 Maersk California Participates in Lucky Mariner 2013 T he SIU-crewed Maersk California has returned to business as usual following its participation in a week-long U.S. Navy exercise in the Persian Gulf. Conducted Oct. 27–Nov. 2 and dubbed Lucky Mariner 14-1, the exercise brought together people and equipment from Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the commercial shipping industry. According to Navy Public Affairs sources, Lucky Mariner is a biannual U.S. Navy, coalition, and commercial shipping exercise in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. It is designed to integrate the civilian-military response to a global shipping threat. “I’m happy to report that for the second year in a row, SIU-crewed Maersk California was selected to participate in … Lucky Mariner,” wrote Capt. Robert C. Beauregard, master of the Maersk California, who sent the photos appearing on this page to the Seafarers LOG. “It (Lucky Mariner) is a multinational exercise designed to put best management practices into real life scenarios for a variety of contingencies that may affect normal shipping in the Persian Gulf,” he added. For its part in the exercise, the California rendezvoused with six other vessels (a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, a British frigate, a U.S. Navy patrol coastal vessel and three U.S. Coast Guard cutters) at dawn Oct. 27. As a group, these vessels and their respective crews conducted exercises that focused on the threat of waterborne attacks to shipping. Featured were scenarios involving piracy, hostile governments and rogue extremists. The maneuvers also included a variety of conferences to discuss how to best ensure safety and stability of the seas for international commercial traffic. Several SIU members were lauded for their respective contributions during the maneuvers, including Recertified Bosun Brian Corbett, ABs Yousry Ibrahim, Belarmino DaRosa, Travis Long and Bill “Old Salt” Rackley; and GUDE Clinton Perret. Ibrahim and DaRosa were commended for the skills they exhibited at the helm while convoy steaming. Corbett, Long and Rackley each received recognition for their roles in making the transfer of personnel from vessel to vessel safe and smooth. The operation was hailed as a complete success by all participants, according to Beauregard. These five photos capture some of the action that occurred on and around the SIU-crewed Maersk California as she participated in the week-long U.S. Navy exercise Lucky Mariner. AB Yousry Ibrahim 15052_Seafarers_Log_X.indd 24 AB Belarmino DaRosa 11/21/2013 6:57:34 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2013 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU AIDS IN PHILIPPINE RECOVERY NEW RULES FOR SHBP ELIGIBILITY BECOME EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1 MATSON NAVIGATION CO. ORDERS NEW CONTAINERSHIPS BAY-HOUSTON TAKES DELIVERY OF TUG CHLOE K PAUL HALL CENTER EXPANDS AB TO MATE PROGRAM TO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP SIU TO PROMOTE MARINER INTERESTS AT MARAD STRATEGY SYMPOSIUM UNITED SEAMENS SERVICE LAUDS SEAFARERS FOR VARIOUS HEROICS MARITIME LABOR MOURNS LOSS OF TRAILBLAZER, FORMER MEBA PRESIDENT JESSE CALHOON SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD RELEASES RECENT ACTIONS BALTIMORE CREWS HELP KEEP U.S. MARITIME ASSETS READY UNION PROVIDES ACTIVE SEAFARERS INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING STCW SECURITY ENDORSEMENTS SEAFARERS-CREWED MAERSK TEXAS PERFORMS HEAVY-LIFT ASSIGNMENT MAERSK CALIFORNIA PARTICIPATES IN LUCKY MARINER 2013 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2013 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 75, No. 12 2013 Periodicals Seafarers Log