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NOVEMBER
F E B R U A2016
RY 2014

NO.
V O L U M EVOLUME
7 6 o 78
NO
. 11
2

Union Dedicates El Faro Memorial

SIU Solemnly Observes Anniversary of Tragedy

At sea and ashore, the union on Oct. 1 honored the memory of the El Faro’s final crew, one year after the ship sank near the Bahamas, claiming the lives of all 33 people aboard (including 17 SIU members). Of particular note, the SIU dedicated a memorial
lighthouse (photo at right) at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida (home port for many of the crew and also the last point of departure
for the ship). Some of the attendees are pictured below. Moments of silence were observed at all SIU halls and aboard many
vessels, and a brief ceremony also happened at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Vessel owner Tote Services
also dedicated a memorial in Jacksonville. Pages 4-6, 24.

MV Patriot Naming Ceremony
Underscores Vital, Ongoing Need
For Strong U.S. Merchant Marine
Seafarers and SIU officials helped celebrate the addition
of the MV Patriot during a renaming ceremony in Baltimore. The RO/RO reflagged under the Stars and Stripes
earlier this year, and it is now part of the U.S. Maritime
Security Program (MSP). Speakers at the Oct. 7 ceremony, including SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez, cited both the Patriot and the MSP as good examples of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s critical importance
to national and economic security. Pages 3, 10.

New Tonnage Updates
Page 2

SIU Election Info
Page 7

SHBP Scholarships Available
Page 11

�Keels Laid, Tanker Delivered

President’s Report
Remembering Friends and Looking Ahead
There is good news to report this month, but first I want to
begin this column by acknowledging the recent passing of two
longtime friends of the SIU: Mike DiPrisco and Tom Mackell. I
don’t know how many of our younger members recognize those
names, but Mike was a terrific labor relations professional and
chairman of the trustees for the Seafarers Plans. He’s been retired
for several years but remained a respected figure. Tom wore many
hats in our industry, and his work with the SIU went all the way
back to the heyday of our union’s late President Paul Hall. Tom
was sharp on any subject you could think of, especially politics,
and much of his career involved the administration and investment
management of employee benefit funds. He, too, was someone we
could always count on.
It has been a rough year when it comes to friends and family
crossing the final bar. Nevertheless, as I mentioned last month
both at the SIU’s El Faro dedication in Jacksonville and again
less than two weeks later at a seamen’s center ceremony for my
late son, we can choose to remember people for how they lived
– doing the things they enjoyed. That’s the approach I’m taking
with Mike DiPrisco and Tommy Mackell, two individuals who
worked hard for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Without question, both of them were happy to see so much
new tonnage entering the American-flag fleet. And that’s where
we pick up with some of the positive developments happening
in our union. Most months, we are able to report on new ships
being built for our contracted operators, or flagging in. None of
these gains happens by accident. Our formula for success starts
with providing qualified, reliable shipboard manpower, but it also
features constant political outreach. Without support for the Jones
Act, the Maritime Security Program, and cargo preference laws,
our industry wouldn’t survive. That’s why we’re on Capitol Hill
just about every day, and it’s why we’re active at other levels of
government, too. Whether we’re on our own or, more commonly,
working with industry partners, we never stop promoting you and
your work.
Unfortunately, our industry also is losing tonnage even while
new tankers, RO/ROs, containerships, passenger ferries and other
vessels are being built. A weakening of cargo preference laws,
drastic reduction of military cargoes, and a political ploy that’s
hampering the U.S. Export-Import Bank are key factors here. I’m
cautiously optimistic, however, that in the next Congress, we’ll
truly start to revitalize the American-flag fleet. We have strong
bipartisan support and very solid backing from military leaders.
They understand that America’s safety and wellbeing depend in
part on maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine in times of
peace so that we’re able to deliver the goods in times of war. I like
our chances of gaining ground in the New Year.
Again, nothing will be achieved automatically or by accident.
But we’ve never been afraid of hard work in the SIU, whether
aboard ship or ashore. We’ll keep swinging, together, no matter
what obstacles are in front of us.

Both General Dynamics
NASSCO and Philly Shipyard recently laid the keels of future SIUcrewed Jones Act vessels, with
NASSCO delivering a new product
tanker that same week. Both shipyards are union facilities.
On Sept. 23, representatives from
Philly Shipyard and Kinder Morgan,
Inc. were in attendance to place the
coins as a sign of good fortune and
safe travels on one of the keel blocks
of the third product tanker in a fourvessel order for American Petroleum
Tankers (APT), a Kinder Morgan
subsidiary. The most recent class
of graduates from Philly Shipyard’s
apprentice program were also in attendance, which added 15 skilled
shipbuilders to the workforce. The
shipyard expanded the program this
year and has hired 50 apprentices,
with intent to hire another 50 apprentices in 2017.
Philly Shipyard’s President and
CEO Steinar Nerbovik remarked,
“Today we celebrate our 15 new
shipbuilders and the twenty-seventh
keel laid in our 17-year history. Both
will set the standard for shipbuilding activities well into our future.
Congratulations to our graduates
and to the men and women of Philly
Shipyard for another milestone progressing toward our ongoing goal of
being the premier U.S. commercial
shipyard.”
When completed in 2017, the
product tanker will be 600 feet long
and capable of carrying 50,000 tons
of crude oil or refined petroleum
products. The Tier II 50,000 dead
weight ton (dwt) product tankers are
based on a proven Hyundai Mipo
Dockyards (HMD) design which incorporates numerous fuel efficiency
features, flexible cargo capability
and the latest regulatory requirements, Philly Shipyard reported.
The vessels will be constructed with

The Jones Act tanker Bay State is a new addition to the SIU-contracted
fleet. (Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO)
consideration for the use of LNG for
propulsion in the future.
In San Diego, NASSCO held a
keel laying for the Palmetto State,
the final ECO Class tanker to begin
construction for American Petroleum
Tankers (it’s scheduled to be delivered in 2017). The keel was laid by
Master Shipbuilder and NASSCO
General Supervisor Bill Johnson,
who welded his initials onto a steel
plate in the vessel’s inner structure,
in a ceremony conducted Sept. 26.
NASSCO Vice President and
General Manager Kevin Graney said:
“Bill Johnson has served NASSCO
and our nation by dedicating his career to building ships that are critical
to our economy and our defense. He
is an expert at the craft of shipbuilding and serves as a leader and mentor for his fellow shipbuilders so that
their careers can continue to build
upon this legacy. Today’s keel laying is a celebration to give thanks to
the many thousands of hardworking
NASSCO men and women who have

chosen shipbuilding as their profession – past and present.”
Additionally, on Sept. 27
NASSCO delivered a sister ship of
the Palmetto State, the Bay State.
That ship had been christened 10
days earlier.
“The Bay State is the product of
world-leading design, engineering
and construction,” said Graney. “We
take pride in knowing we are delivering another high-quality vessel to
our partner, American Petroleum
Tankers.”
Each vessel in the ECO Class
program is 610 feet long, 50,000
dwt, has a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity and is LNG-conversion-ready.
Boasting outstanding fuel efficiency,
the first five ships have already been
delivered, while the remaining three
are under construction.
According to NASSCO, the ships
were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding &amp; Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan,
South Korea.

Center Dedicated in Memory of ITF Inspector

Happy Thanksgiving
Can you believe the winter holidays are almost here? We’re
having an unusually warm day as I write this column (mid-80s
in Camp Springs), so it doesn’t quite seem possible. But that’s
where we are on the calendar, so I don’t want to miss a chance to
say Happy Thanksgiving to all of our SIU members, retirees and
family members. Whether you’re working this holiday or enjoying
time on the beach, be safe.
FEBRUARY 2014

VOLUME 76

Volume 78 Number 11

o

NO. 2

November 2016

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,
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, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2016 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.

The Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society on Oct. 5 dedicated the seamen’s center at the North
Charleston Terminal of the South Carolina State Ports Authority in memory of Tony Sacco, who passed
away earlier this year at age 55. A longtime inspector for the International Transport Workers’ Federation, Sacco previously served as an SIU official and also sailed with the union for many years. The seamen’s center typically is very
active – more than 65,000 mariners arrive in Charleston each
year, on average, and more
than 50 volunteers work at the
facility. SIU President Michael
Sacco spoke at the dedication, which was also attended
by SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, local dignitaries
and port officials. Fr. Len Williams is pictured at the podium
in the photo above, while the
snapshot at right shows a few
of the guests arriving before the
gathering. The facility is now
named the Tony Sacco Seafarers’ Center.

Reversed to White
Reversed to White

2 Seafarers LOG	

November 2016

�Chip Jaenichen
U.S. Maritime Administrator

Alan Estevez
Keynote speaker

Eric Ebeling
ARC CEO

New MSP Ship Shows ‘Commitment’
MV Patriot Reflects Program
Strength, Sealift’s Importance
The naming ceremony for the SIUcrewed MV Patriot proved suitably celebratory, but the featured speakers also
cautioned that much work lies ahead in
revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine.
The gathering took place Oct. 7 at the
cruise terminal in Baltimore, very close to
the roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship that entered the U.S. Maritime Security Program
(MSP) fleet earlier this year. Operated by
Tote Services for vessel owner American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), the
Patriot was preparing to shove off for
Bremerhaven the following day.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez (one of the speakers) and Vice
President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi
were among those in attendance, as was
a group of apprentices from the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education.
Alan Estevez delivered the keynote
address. He’s the Principal Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics. The other
speakers were ARC CEO Eric Ebeling
and Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen.
Vessel tours preceded the naming cere-

mony – and visitors came away impressed
with the state-of-the-art, 653-foot-long
vessel. Built in 2006, the Patriot features
13 decks plus crew accommodations including a sauna, pool and gym.
Tellez set the tone for many of the
other remarks when he said that while
Patriot is an appropriate name, the ship
might just as easily have been called the
Commitment “because that’s what she
truly represents.” Tossing aside his prepared speech, he said the RO/RO signifies commitment on the part of ARC to its
commercial partners for reliable, on-time
delivery, and it also reflects assurance to
the Department of Defense that modern
ships and reliable crews are available to
help meet tactical and strategic military
goals.
“It’s a commitment by this company
and by this program to the fighting men
and women of this country,” Tellez said,
“that they’ll have the materiel and supplies when needed to get their jobs done
and come back home safely. It’s a commitment to the men and women who are
going to work on this vessel and to the
khaki-clad apprentices of the Paul Hall
Center that they will be offered an oppor-

The ceremony took place at the cruise terminal in Baltimore.

November 2016	

tunity to attain their piece of the American dream.
“Our commitment is going to be that
when the balloon goes up and when we’re
needed, the men and women of the U.S.
Merchant Marine are going to be there to
answer the call,” he added.
He was lighthearted at times but
turned serious in describing the teamwork needed to promote the U.S. Merchant Marine wherever needed, whether
in the White House or Congress or any
of the numerous agencies that affect the
industry.
Estevez, whose wife sponsored the
vessel, immediately picked up on that unofficial theme, addressing Tellez directly
on the stage when he said, “You have my
commitment to fight for mariners, to fight
for sealift, to fight for this infrastructure
like this port facility, because we in the
United States cannot defend ourselves if
we do not have that capability. We live in
a dangerous world and it’s getting more
dangerous.”
Estevez said the Defense Department
“cannot do what we do on our own. We
need commercial vessels; we need merchant mariners; and we need the infrastructure to go along with that, or we will
not have the strategic capability that we
need to support our forces.”
Like the other speakers, he credited
civilian crews and commercial ships for
sustaining U.S. forces in Operation En-

during Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he also described the MSP as a
huge bargain to the American taxpayer.
“We would break the bank if we had
to go out and buy vessels to replace the
capacity that we are fortunate to have
(through MSP),” he said.
Jaenichen said the ship “is representative of what the MSP is all about. The
MSP is a cost-effective tool. It provides
that guaranteed access to commercial sealift and the intermodal capabilities that
come with it, necessary to meet both U.S.
wartime and also contingency requirements.”
He declared that American-flag capacity “is absolutely vital to our national security. It enables the nation to project and
to sustain our armed forces. More importantly, they get there on U.S.-flag vessels,
crewed by U.S. mariners.”
Jaenichen also pointed out that a benefit of the MSP is it encourages the replacement of older vessels with more
modern, capable ships. There have been
62 such replacements in the program’s
20-year history, meaning the entire fleet
Continued on Page 10

Susan Pearson
Vessel sponsor

Seafarers LOG 3

�President Sacco speaks to the families of those lost on the El Faro.

AMO President Paul Doell addresses the
crowd.

El Faro Memorial Dedicated in Jacksonville

SIU Members at Sea and Ashore Observe Anniversary of Tragic Loss

Editor’s note: During SIU election years, the
Seafarers LOG normally refrains from publishing photos of anyone who is on the ballot. An exception is being made this month for the El Faro
anniversary coverage, due to the important nature of the content and our desire to help ensure
its historical accuracy.
SIU President Michael Sacco opened his
speech at the at the SIU hall in Jacksonville,
Florida, on Oct. 1 with a reminder: “One year
ago, I promised that we will never forget the men
and women of the El Faro’s final crew. Today,
both here and in Piney Point, Maryland, the SIU
is living up to that solemn pledge.”
In early October 2015, the maritime community was rocked with the loss of the 33 crew
members of the roll-on/roll-off containership
El Faro, operated by Tote Maritime. The vessel, crewed in all unlicensed positions by SIU
members, sank near the Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin. (At that time, the exact date of
the sinking wasn’t known, but it eventually was
determined that the ship went down on Oct. 1.)
One year later, many of the families and
friends of those lost gathered at the Jacksonville
hall for a time of remembrance, as well as the
dedication of a memorial lighthouse built on
the property. The lighthouse, adorned with 33
stars and paid for with a donation made by the
union, serves as a daily reminder of the 17 SIU
members, 11 members of the Seafarers-affiliated
American Maritime Officers (AMO) and five
Polish nationals who perished on that fateful
voyage.
The ceremony began with an emotional address from Capt. Jeffrey Dixon, commanding
officer of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville,
who offered his heartfelt condolences as well as
advice on coping with the loss. Dixon told the
crowd of roughly 300 attendees, “It does get better.… You just have to take one step. And then
another. Take one day at a time, and it gets a
little easier.”
He made it clear that his speech was not being
made on behalf of the Coast Guard, but that his
remarks were meant as a personal conveyance
of sympathy to the families gathered outside the

hall. He described having to relay the news that
the Coast Guard was suspending their search as
one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do.
He was followed by speakers who offered
sentiments of support and perseverance, including President Sacco, Assistant Vice President
Archie Ware, AMO President Paul Doell, and
a representative from the Office of Senator Bill
Nelson (D-Florida.) SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and Vice President Gulf
Coast Dean Corgey were also in attendance.
Sacco said, “This monument here in Jacksonville is a fitting tribute to the 33 individuals who
were lost in the hurricane one year ago. It’s a reminder of the bravery it takes to go to sea under
any circumstances. And it’s a permanent fixture
that honors the SIU members, AMO members
and Polish riding-gang members who last set sail
from this port and left us last year.”
In addition to the lighthouse, several other
memorials have been added to the union hall,
including a brick display that includes the names
of all 17 SIU members who served aboard the El
Faro, as well as many gifts donated by members.
During his remarks, Ware informed all those
in attendance that, in the face of such personal
tragedy, relatives of El Faro crew members
James Porter and Frank Hamm will soon depart Florida and attend the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
as part of the apprentice program. Additionally,
members of Jackie Jones, Jr.’s family are currently sailing as C-book SIU mariners, continuing a legacy of service under the U.S flag.
Following the remarks, President Sacco
was presented with a memorial plaque created
by Bob Hunt, a retired Jacksonville local who
followed the story and became deeply involved.
Hunt attended every National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) hearing on the sinking,
and decided to donate the plaque a token of his
empathy for the families.
Members of each family in attendance also
received mementos of the anniversary, in both
a public presentation and a private affair inside
the union hall.
After the event at the union hall, invited

SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram,
SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey

4 Seafarers LOG	

guests attended a separate memorial dedication hosted by Tote at nearby Dames Point.
The waterfront park located there was renamed the El Faro Memorial Park, marked
by another lighthouse statue, the beam of
which points southeast toward Puerto Rico.
Eventually, a similar lighthouse will be installed in Puerto Rico, with its beam pointed
toward Jacksonville. Sacco, Heindel and
Ware were in attendance.
The park includes a memorial walk,
which will be decorated with personalized
nameplates from each of the families. The
path itself is aligned with the nautical route
between Jacksonville and San Juan, the intended destination of the El Faro.
The SIU also conducted a brief ceremony
in Piney Point, where a formal dedication
had taken place earlier in the year. (The preContinued on next page

The El Faro memorial lighthouse, adorned with
33 stars, is a symbol of remembrance for the
lives lost.

USCG Capt. Jeffery Dixon speaks to the assembled crowd in front of the Jacksonville hall.

Memorial bricks are among the items in place at the Jacksonville hall.

November 2016

�SA Tamara Russ rings the memorial bell.
Continued from Page 4
vious ceremony involved memorial bricks, a
plaque and a bell inscribed with the ship’s name
that is affixed to a miniature lighthouse.)
During the recent ceremony at the school,
remarks were offered by SIU Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez and Vice President
Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Vice President
Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi read the “Seamen’s Prayer,” and Port Agent Pat Vandegrift
read the 33 names as Apprentice William Cannon rang the bell.
A lifelong Seafarer who grew up in an SIU
family, Tellez noted that the El Faro was the
fourth Seafarers-crewed vessel lost that he has
personally been involved with, one way or another.
“These are things that happen,” he said.
“These are the perils of the sea…. It doesn’t
happen often, but it does happen. We should
be aware of it but we shouldn’t be afraid of it.”
He described the El Faro’s sinking as “one
of those situations when everything converged
to make a bad thing happen to good people.”
In addition to remembering the El Faro
crew, he asked that everyone at the gathering
also keep in mind all Seafarers whose lives
have been lost at sea dating back to the union’s
earliest years.
Meanwhile, many SIU members at sea on
Oct. 1 also conducted memorial ceremonies,

Seafarers, retirees, friends and other guests gather at the hall.
while moments of silence were observed at all
SIU halls at 11 a.m. local time.
The NTSB’s investigation into the contributing factors of the loss is ongoing. The vessel’s
voyage data recorder (VDR) was recovered,
and the data is in the process of being analyzed.
Once the final audio transcript has been prepared, the NTSB will schedule a final Marine
Board of Investigation hearing.
It is unknown whether the families will get
to hear any of the audio recovered from the
VDR. According to at least one published report, after the agency has concluded its investigation, the VDR itself will be returned to Tote,
who can decide whether or not to release the
audio to the families.
The SIU members aboard the ship were
Bosun Roan Lightfoot, ABs Carey Hatch,
Jackie Jones, Jack Jackson, Brookie Davis
and Frank Hamm, QEE Sylvester Crawford, RE1 Louis Champa, OMUs Anthony
Thomas, German Solar-Cortes and Joe
Hargrove, GUDEs Mariette Wright, James
Porter and Roosevelt Clark, Steward/Baker
Theodore Quammie, Chief Cook Lashawn
Rivera and SA Lonnie Jordan.
The American Maritime Officers (AMO)
members were Capt. Michael Davidson,
Chief Mate Steven Shultz, Second Mate
Danielle Randolph, Third Mate Jeremie
Riehm, Chief Engineer Jeffrey Mathias,
Chief Engineer Richard Pusatere, First As-

sistant Engineer Keith Griffin, Second Assistant Engineer Howard Schoenly, Third
Assistant Engineer Michael Holland, Third
Assistant Engineer Mitchell Kuflik and

Third Assistant Engineer Dylan Meklin.
The Polish riding gang consisted of Piotr
Krause, Marcin Nita, Jan Podgorski, Andrzej
Truszkowski and Rafal Zdobych.

From left to right: SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel
and President Michael Sacco greet USCG Capt. Jeffery Dixon.

Mariners and their families (photo at left) enjoy
a luncheon following the
dedication. In the photo
below at left, Chief Steward Adam Bucalo poses
for a picture with Administrative Assistant Karen
Shuford inside the Jacksonville hall. Jacksonville
local Bob Hunt (photo
immediately below) displays a commemorative
plaque he made, which
was presented to President Sacco.

See Pages 6 and 24
For Additional El Faro
Memorial Coverage

November 2016	

Seafarers LOG 5

�El Faro Remembrances . . . Aboard the SIU-Crewed Perla Del Caribe
The ceremony on the Perla Del Caribe included readings
of the Seamen’s Prayer and the poem “Down to the Sea
in Ships.” Crew members committed a wreath to the sea
while underway from San Juan to Jacksonville, and Recertified Bosun James Walker (speaking in group photo
at the far right) explained that the monkey fist he created
(bottom photo at far right) features 33 wraps (11 in each
direction) and 17 red stiches for the SIU members of the
El Faro. Walker is also pictured at left in photo below,
with Oiler Fernandez Wilcox (right) and Jamie Torres
sending off the wreath. The photo at the immediate right
shows Recertified Bosun Noel Otero.

SIU hall in Oakland, California

SIU hall in Philadelphia

SIU hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico

SIU hall in Norfolk, Virginia

SIU hall in Jersey City, New Jersey

6 Seafarers LOG	

November 2016

�Union Election Voting Began Nov. 1
Voting started Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters. SIU members will
be able to cast secret ballots at union
halls or by mail through Dec. 31, 2016.
Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officials for the
2017-2020 term are full-book members
in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution.
The ballot will list the names of
all qualified candidates as determined
by the credentials committee, a group
made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers
who reviewed the nominating petitions
of all SIU members seeking office in
this district-wide election. A sample of
this ballot was published in last month’s
LOG.The credentials committee report,
which was prepared Aug. 16, and submitted to the membership at the September monthly meetings, indicated 26
candidates had qualified to run for 25
positions. (The committee’s report was

published in the September 2016 Seafarers LOG.) Subsequently, the union
determined that 27 candidates were
qualified. This finding was approved
by rank-and-file voting at the September membership meetings.
The 25 posts for which Seafarers will
cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer,
six vice presidents, six assistant vice
presidents and 10 port agents.
20 Polling Places
The election will be conducted by
mail ballot as provided by the union’s
constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot”
and postage-paid envelopes printed
with the address of the bank depository
where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be
available to full-book members in good
standing at 20 union halls around the
country. (See list of voting locations on
this page.)
Eligible Seafarers may pick up their

ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot”
and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9 a.m. and 12:00 noon, Monday
through Saturday, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Each member must present his or her
book to the port agent or the agent’s
designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked
“Ballot” and the mailing envelope.
When the Seafarer receives the ballot
and envelopes, his or her book will be
marked with the word “Voted” and the
date.
If a member does not present his or
her book, or if there is a question in
regard to his or her eligibility to vote,
the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with
the word “Challenged.” His or her book
will be stamped with the words “Voted
Challenge” and the date.
For members who believe they will
be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting
procedures. Full-book members in good

Notice of 2016 Election For Election of 2017-2020
Officers - Seafarers International Union of North
America Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes &amp; Inland Waters
Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot.
Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9 a.m. to noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2016 and shall
continue through Dec. 31, 2016.
Voting Locations
Algonac 		
520 St. Clair River Dr. 				
Algonac, MI 48001
Anchorage 	
721 Sesame Street, Suite 1C 				
Anchorage, AK 99503
Baltimore	
2315 Essex St.					
Baltimore, MD 21224
Ft. Lauderdale 	
1221 South Andrews Ave.				
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Guam		
Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 103B, 422 West O’Brien Dr. 	 Hagatna, Guam 96910
Honolulu		
606 Kalihi St. 					
Honolulu, HI 96819
Houston		
1730 Jefferson St. 					
Houston, TX 77003
Jacksonville 	
5100 Belfort Road 					
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Joliet 		
10 East Clinton 					
Joliet, IL 60432
Mobile		
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy.				
Mobile, AL 36605
New Orleans	
3911 Lapalco Blvd.					
Harvey, LA 70058
Jersey City	
104 Broadway 					
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Norfolk		115 Third St.					Norfolk, VA 23510
Oakland		1121 7th St.					Oakland, CA 94607
Philadelphia	
2604 South Fourth St.				
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Piney Point 	
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship	
Piney Point, MD 20674
Puerto Rico 	
1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 			
Santurce, PR 00907
St. Louis		
4581 Gravois Ave. 					
St. Louis, MO 63116
Tacoma 		
3411 South Union St.				
Tacoma, WA 98409
Wilmington 	
510 North Broad Ave. 				
Wilmington, CA 90744

Absentee Ballots Are Available for Members at Sea
Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for this year.
In the case of members eligible
to vote who believe they will be
at sea during the Nov. 1 through
Dec. 31, 2016 voting period or
who otherwise think they will
need absentee ballots, absentee
ballots will be available.
The SIU constitution ensures
that members who are eligible to
vote and who find themselves in
this situation may vote. Proce-

November 2016	

dures are established in the SIU
constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the
absentee ballot process.
Following is the procedure
which members should utalize
when requesting absentee ballots:
1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the
secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD
20746.
2. Include in the request the
correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed.
3. Send the request for an
absentee ballot by registered or
certified mail.
4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be
postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2016 and must
be received at 5201 Auth Way,
Camp Springs, MD 20746 no
later than Nov. 25, 2016.
5. The secretary-treasurer,
after confirming eligibility, will
send by registered mail, return

receipt requested, to the address
designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope
marked “Ballot” and a mailing
envelope no later than Nov. 30,
2016.
6. Upon receiving the ballot
and envelope, vote by marking
the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not
write on the “Ballot” envelope.
7. Place the envelope marked
“Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with
the mailing address of the bank
depository where all ballots are
sent.
8. Sign the mailing envelope
on the first line of the upper
left-hand corner. Print name
and book number on the second
line. The mailing envelope is
self-addressed and stamped.
9. The mailing envelope
must be postmarked no later
than midnight, Dec. 31, 2016
and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2017.

standing who need to vote by absentee
ballot should direct a request for the
ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer
at SIU headquarters - 5201 Auth Way,
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Secret Ballots
Once the Seafarer has received his
or her ballot and envelopes, he or she
marks the ballot for the candidates of
his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope
is sealed by the member and then dispatched in the mail. These steps ensure
the integrity of the secret ballot process.
The union’s constitution, in Article
XIII, details the procedures for voting
in union elections.
All ballots will be counted by the
rank-and-file committee consisting
of two members elected from each of
the union’s constitutional ports. These
committee members will be elected in
December. They will convene in early
January 2017.

Spotlight on Mariner Health
Alternative Treatments for High Blood Pressure
There are numerous alternative
treatments believed to help in the
management of high blood pressure.
Evidence is strong that a diet low in
saturated fats and salts, along with
exercise, will help to reduce hypertension.
Eating complex carbohydrates
such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits and low-fat dairy foods
will help to keep the patient’s blood
pressure down. Maintaining a healthy
weight is also very important, as is
cutting back on foods that are high in
saturated fats and cholesterol.
It is also recommended to: eat
more whole grains, fish, poultry and
nuts; eat less red meat and fewer
sweets; limit palm and coconut oil
in the diet; eat foods that are rich in
magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
All of this will help you in the fight to
keep your blood pressure at a healthful level.
There’s a lot of evidence that
shows men and women of all age
groups who are physically active,
have a decreased risk of developing
high blood pressure. Exercise such as
walking, jogging, cycling or in combination will help to keep your pres-

sure down.
Relaxation methods that included
controlled breathing and gentle physical activity, such as yoga and Tai
Chi, are also very helpful with regard
to hypertension. Listening to music
can also be a calming and relaxing
experience for many people.
Limiting your alcohol intake to (at
most) one or two drinks a day is important in trying to keep your blood
pressure down. This will decrease the
intake of sodium/salt in your diet, and
keep the triglyceride/fat levels lower.
It will also limit the calories that you
ingest with each drink. The bottom
line is that lower weight means decreased blood pressure, for the most
part.
The most important step for preventing hypertension is to limit or stop
smoking. Each time you smoke, your
blood pressure goes up, your arteries
constrict, and the risk of clot formation increases. Blood pressure is highest right after you smoke, and stays
that way for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Remember, never smoke before
your doctor’s visit. You want to have
an accurate blood pressure reading
when it is taken

Healthful Recipe
Rigatoni with Hearty
Lamb Sauce Ragu
Servings: 25
4-1/4 pounds rigatoni, medium
shells, or other medium pasta shape,
uncooked
3-1/4 pounds lamb leg, ground
4-1/4 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes, crushed
4-1/4 tablespoons olive oil
8-1/3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely
chopped
4-1/4 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried rosemary*
1 teaspoon dried thyme
6-1/4 cups dry red wine
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
1-3/8 cups grated parmesan cheese
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over
medium-high heat. Add the lamb
and garlic and cook until the meat
begins to brown, about three minutes.
Add the onion, rosemary and thyme;
cook one minute. Add the crushed
tomatoes, win, nutmeg, cloves and
salt and pepper to taste. Heat to a boil
and reduce the heat to simmering.

Cook, uncovered, until the lamb is
very tender, about 45 minutes. Check
the lamb occasionally. There should
always be enough liquid to cover the
meat. If not, add a small amount of
water.
Prepare pasta according to package
directions; drain. Return the pasta to
the pot. Add the lamb sauce to the pot
and cook over low heat until heated
through, stirring constantly. Stir in
half the parmesan cheese. Place in
2” hotel pans equally. Sprinkle with
remaining cheese and serve.
*If using dried rosemary, soften it
as follows: Place the rosemary in
a heatproof bowl and pour about 1
cup boiling water over it. Let it stand
five minutes. Drain before using.
Per serving (excluding unknown
items): 501 calories; 15g fat (29.4
percent calories from fat); 20g protein; 61g carbohydrate; 2g dietary
fiber; 37mg cholesterol; 155mg
sodium. Exchanges: 4 grain (starch);
1-1/2 lean meat; 1/2 vegetable; 2 fat.
(Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s
Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)

Seafarers LOG 7

�At Sea and Ashore With the SIU

ABOARD ISLA BELLA – The large group photo at left above was taken after a recent shipboard union meeting. The snapshot at right shows (from left) Chief Cook Bryan Alvarez,
SA Sheila Daguio and Steward/Baker Bob Wilcox. The vessel is operated by Tote Services.

AT THE HALL IN PUERTO RICO – Port Agent Amancio Crespo is pictured with Seafarers at the union hall. With him in photo at left is Chief Cook Jesus Pacheco, preparing to ship
out aboard the Green Lake. In the photo second from left AB Luis Ramos Rosa proudly displays a recently earned certificate from the Paul Hall Center. The remaining photos show
AB Kemer Rojas (photo third from left) and Jr. Engineer Richard Vega receiving their respective A-seniority books.

CROWLEY CREWS VOTE – Port Agent Jeff Turkus submitted this photo of SIU members who work
aboard Crowley tugs in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area. The Seafarers voted on a new contract,
details of which will be featured in an upcoming edition of the LOG.

AT THE HOUSTON HALL – These snapshots (both including Patrolman J.B. Niday) show
Chief Engineer Bruce Williams (photo at left above) picking up his first retirement check
following a 23-year career at G&amp;H Towing, and SA Delmis David (photo at right above)
receiving her full book and B seniority.

8 Seafarers LOG	

ABOARD MAERSK WISCONSIN – Pictured from left are Steward/Baker
Norman Bush, QEE Hector Solis, Patrolman J.B. Niday and Chief Cook Chris
Coston.

NEW FERRY – NY Waterway recently added its newest boat, the Betsy Ross. Pictured
aboard the luxury commuter ferry in mid-October are (from left) Deckhand Peter Capo,
Capt. Thomas Jansen, Deckhand Vijay Jainauth and Deckhand Daniel Colon. Thanks to
Patrolman Ray Henderson for the photo.

November 2016

�KUDOS FOR INDEPENDENCE II GALLEY GANG – During a recent servicing of the car carrier Independence II, vessel master Capt. Ken DeGroff (left in photo at left above, with Chief Steward Raul Napoles) raved about the performance of the entire
steward department, which also includes SA Kipp Worthy (right) and Chief Cook Robert Maschmeier. Per the captain, not only
is the food far beyond expectations, but also the morale in every department is boosted by the galley gang. The ship is operated
by Tote Services.

SAFETY AWARD – AB Kosar Iqbal recently
earned a safety award for his consistently outstanding work aboard the Crowley-operated
USNS Victorious. Vessel master Capt. Peter A.
Jorgensen nominated Iqbal for the recognition,
citing (among other positives) the Seafarer’s
“punctuality, hard work, conscientiousness, reliability and professionalism.”

At Sea and Ashore With the SIU

PREVENTIVE STEPS – Members recently prepped the Fort Lauderdale hall for severe weather. Pictured are Seafarers Emanuel Paul, Ryan Boltz, Michael Bowen, Cielo Ojano and Vasil Cholakovski.

B-BOOK IN BALTIMORE – OMU Buzz Engelke (right) takes
the union oath in Charm City as he picks up his full B-book
from Port Agent Elizabeth Brown.

November 2016	

ABOARD MAERSK CHICAGO – Thanks to AMO Second Mate Michael
Thomas for this photo of two longtime SIU members and the following note:
“LAST TRIPS – AB James Coleman (left) and Rubin Mitchell are pictured Sept.
28 aboard the Maersk Chicago in Salalah, Oman. James started his sailing
career in 1968, and Rubin acquired his sea legs in 1973. You can bet these
two have some colorful sea stories! Catch them at their halls (Jersey City and
Jacksonville, respectively).”

ABOARD RED CLOUD – Recertified Bosun Gerry
Gianan sent this pic of the SIU steward department
on the Patriot-operated USNS Red Cloud, which
he described as a good feeder. From left: SA Emily
Lepley, SA Howard Brooks, Chief Steward Rudy
Lopez and Chief Cook Dennis Dizon.

WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Mario Morante
(right) picks up his first pension check from Patrolman Joseph
Koncul at the union hall. Morante sailed with Crowley Towing and
Transportation for 21 years.

Seafarers LOG 9

�Paul Hall Center apprentices tour the vessel.

The ship reflagged earlier this year under the Stars and Stripes

SIU-Crewed MSP RO/RO Vessel Renamed in Port of Baltimore
Continued from Page 3
has been turned over.
The administrator also discussed
the overall decline in U.S.-flag tonnage in recent years and echoed
Tellez’s point about “having to do
this together” when it comes to advancing the industry.
Ebeling pointed out the Patriot
will support U.S. sealift requirements around the globe, and added
the ceremony occurred 15 years to
the day “that Operation Enduring
Freedom commenced in Afghanistan. We are still fighting there
today, and the U.S. military is currently engaged in numerous other
operations and exercises to protect
human rights and to promote free-

dom and democracy around the
world. This great ship will assist
in that mission.”
He continued, “The U.S.-flag commercial fleet has long been and remains the most cost-effective means
of sealift available, saving the nation
billions in capital and operating costs.
Most critically, the American mariners that sail aboard these ships are
the most reliable and dedicated in the
business.”
Several of the SIU and AMO mariners aboard the ship described the
vessel appreciatively.
Chief Steward Jayne Peterson,
for instance, who has been a Seafarer
since 1988, said, “This is one of the
nicest galleys I’ve had. I’m not used
to having such a big galley.”

Oiler Mohamad Kammoun, OS Abdulsalam Issa

MSC Official
Praises Crew
Of Ocean Glory
The SIU-crewed MV Ocean Glory, operated by Crowley, recently completed the
final mission stop of Pacific Pathways 16-2,
offloading military cargo in Pearl Harbor. An
official from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) commended the crew’s performance, as did the vessel master.
During the last stop, the U.S. Army’s 599th
Transportation Brigade partnered with Fleet

10 Seafarers LOG	

Bosun Ion Irimia

Chief Steward Jayne Peterson

Logistics Center Pearl Harbor to discharge
25th Infantry Division cargo and equipment
off the Ocean Glory from September 7-9.
“This is our eighth of nine ports for Pacific
Pathways 16-2,” said Christopher Hill, captain
of the Ocean Glory since 2011. “It has been
one of the best voyages of my entire career.
The professionalism on display by the U.S.
Army and how they helped our crew has been
amazing.
“As Americans we are proud to do our part
anyway, but this has been a pure pleasure,”
Hill added. “I wish I could do this every day
for the rest of my career. Working with the
military hand in hand was a positive and
unique experience.”
The captain and crew of the Ocean Glory
received praise from Chris Thayer, Director
of Contractor Operated Ships for MSC, in
an official Bravo Zulu transmitted on Sept.
27. In the letter addressed to the captain

AB Scott Wilson

SA Eric Mose

Chief Cook Richard Torres

and the owners of the vessel (Intermarine),
Thayer said, “I wanted to take a moment to
personally thank you and the crew of M/V
Ocean Glory for your role in the delivery of
critical PACIFIC PATHWAYS 16 exercise
equipment while under charter to MSC. You
delivered critical military exercise enablers
to build and maintain relationships with our
nation’s Pacific regional partners. During the
performance of the mission, I often heard of
the reliability of your ship and the professionalism of your crew. The superb level of
service illustrates your company’s focus on
customer fulfillment and your efforts did not
go unnoticed.”
He concluded, “The performance of Captain Hill and the crew of M/V Ocean Glory
was exemplary and fortifies the strong and
honorable traditions of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the Military Sealift Command. The
dedication, teamwork, and professionalism of

all involved was extraordinary.”
The Ocean Glory is part of the Maritime
Security Program (MSP), which features
American-flag ships that are assets which the
U.S. military can draw upon during contingencies. The vessel is a multi-purpose dry cargo
ship equipped for carriage containers and
strengthened for heavy cargo. She is equipped
with three shipboard cranes
Pacific Pathways 16-2 was a U.S. Army
Pacific (USARPAC) mobility operation that
supports three USARPAC exercises and links
them into a single operation by using one
commercial vessel to carry a designated task
force and their force package equipment for
the duration. PP16-2 was a combined operation between the U.S. Army and each of the
armed forces of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia – where the last of the U.S. Army’s
equipment was back-loaded for return to Pearl
Harbor and Tacoma, Washington.

November 2016

�2017 Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan
Scholarship Program

University Hall, University of Toledo

Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue
their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:

Seafarers Scholarships

Dependents Scholarships

Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:

Five scholarships designated for dependents:

n One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study
at an accredited college or university
n Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school

n A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are
being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges
or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as
well as retired Seafarers may apply.

To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the
Member Benefits tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF).
Please send me the 2017 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:			
o Self					o Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

November 2016	

11/16

Seafarers LOG 11

�Rescue at Sea
CS Dependable Crew
Saves Indian Fishermen

The Indian Coast Guard vessel CG 201 is visible in the background, with another rescue boat in the foreground.

A makeshift sick bay is set up aboard the ship. In the inset photo, GVA Peter Mensah, MDR Jack Ford and ROV Carl Stones
help the fishermen recovering on the cable highway.

Crew members share a meal with the rescued fishermen.

Editor’s note: Special thanks to the Dependable’s master, Capt. Yann Durieux, who provided the photos and details of the rescue.

T

he Brotherhood of the Sea came through again on Sept. 17 when the crew
of the SIU-contracted CS Dependable saved the lives of 14 fishermen
while travelling between two work sites off the Maharashtra Coast near
Mumbai, India. The fishermen were clinging to floating debris – all that was
left of their sunken vessel – when the Tyco-owned-and-operated cable ship arrived on the scene.
The crew sprang into action, spread out on every deck to keep watch on the
distressed fishermen as the deck department and security team worked to bring
the imperiled men aboard. All hands were busy, tossing life rings to survivors
in the water or manning radios to communicate the positions of the fishermen.
Visibility was low due to rain, but a group effort resulted in the rescue of 14
men, with another man being rescued by the Indian Coast Guard.
The SIU crew included Bosun Jerry Dingal, MDR Jack Ford, ABs Alejandro Cusi, Joel Saul, Ronnie Rodriguez, Mohamed Saleh, Arsenio Brecio
and Michael Pockat, GVA Peter Mensah, Chief Steward Robert Haggerty,
Chief Cook Joel Ramos, SA Joselito Vincente, OMU Nasser Ahmed, Kasim
Ahmed and Leonardo Cortez, and Wiper Saleh Ahmed.
The licensed crew is represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers: Captain Yann Durieux, Chief Mate Tristan Schulz, First Officer
Erick Amicosa, Third Mates Allison Lashmet, Michael Squillacote and John
Locks, Chief Engineer Curtis King, First Engineer Robert Carlstad, Second Engineers Isabelo Fernandez and John Crawford, and Third Engineers Ryan Mulligan, Matthew Pastuszak and Gregory Thomas.
The rescued crew was attended to by the medical team on the cable highway,
as mattresses were placed there to allow the fishermen to stay together. The
men were given food and dry clothes, before getting some much-needed rest.
As the weather continued to prove challenging, the men were transferred to the
Indian Coast Guard seven at a time. Despite the rough seas, all 14 men were
safely transferred, and the CS Dependable was released by the Coast Guard.
Capt. Durieux, praised the efforts of his crew: “The value of this crew was in
its attitude and commitment to this rescue. Some in very visible ways like fishing men out of the water or throwing life rings to men in the water and others
in subtle ways, like bringing food to the victims, helping them up the gangway,
tending to their needs, etc. I truly am proud to have worked with all persons
aboard. They should all be commended for their efforts.”
The Indian Coast Guard also commended the work of the crew of the CS De-

AB Mohammed Saleh and a security team member keep an eye on those still in
the water from the gangway, while others also continue assisting with the rescue.

Pictured from left to right are AB Mohamed Saleh, GVA Peter Mensah, AB Michael Pockat, AB Arsenio Brecio, AB Ronnie
Rodriguez, AB Joel Saul, MDR Jack Ford, Bosun Jerry Dingal and AB Alejandro Cusi.

From left to right: Chief Cook Joel Ramos, Chief Steward Robert Haggerty and SA
Joselito Vicente

pendable, in a letter to the captain. “With deep appreciation, I am writing this
missive to bring to the notice of all concerned regarding the role played by your
esteemed crew, with you at the helm, in saving 14 precious lives at sea,” the
letter read. “The proactive and timely response of Dependable, which aided in
the rescue operation of the crew of distressed Fishing boat Om Sai Datta, is in
accordance with the best traditions of mariners and well appreciated.”
The CS Dependable was built in 2002. It has a length of 459 feet and a cable
capacity of 6,025 tons. It can carry a crew of 80 at a speed of 13 knots, and is
part of the Tyco Telecommunications cable-laying fleet.
Tyco augments its fleet with a large collection of technologically advanced
submersible vehicles.

A father and son swim towards safety. In photo below, a survivor clings to a life ring
as it is hauled in by the crew of the CS Dependable.

Second Engineer Crawford and Wiper Ahmed throw life rings to the imperiled
fishermen.

12 Seafarers LOG	

The entire crew of the CS Dependable gathers for a post-rescue photo.

November 2016

November 2016	

Seafarers LOG 13

�s w e e p s ta k e s

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Washington, D.C. 20002.
© 2016 Capital One.

11/16

14 Seafarers LOG	

November 2016

�November &amp; December
Membership Meetings
Piney Point........................Monday: November 7, December 5
Algonac............*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Baltimore........................Thursday: November 10, December 8
Guam............................Thursday: November 24, December 22
Honolulu...........................Friday: November 18, December 16
Houston..........................Monday: November 14, December 12
Jacksonville...................Thursday: November 10, December 8
Joliet.............................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Mobile.....................Wednesday: November 16, December 14
New Orleans...................Tuesday: November 15, December 13
Jersey City.........................Tuesday: November 8, December 6
Norfolk...........................Thursday: November 10, December 8
Oakland........................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Philadelphia..................Wednesday: November 9, December 7
Port Everglades.............Thursday: November 17, December 15

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
September 16, 2016 - October 15, 2016
			

Port			

Tacoma............................Friday: November 25, December 23
Wilmington.......................Monday: November 21, December 19
*Algonac Change created by Veterans Day Holiday

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

Total Shipped			
All Groups	
A	
B	

C

Trip
Reliefs	

Registered on Beach
A	

All Groups
B	

C

Algonac			
Anchorage		
Baltimore		
Fort Lauderdale		
Guam			
Harvey			
Honolulu			
Houston			
Jacksonville		
Jersey City		
Joliet			
Mobile			
Norfolk			
Oakland			
Philadelphia		
Piney Point		
Puerto Rico		
Tacoma			
St. Louis			
Wilmington		
TOTALS		
Algonac			
Anchorage		
Baltimore		
Fort Lauderdale		
Guam			
Harvey			
Honolulu			
Houston			
Jacksonville		
Jersey City		
Joliet			
Mobile			
Norfolk			
Oakland			
Philadelphia		
Piney Point		
Puerto Rico		
Tacoma			
St. Louis			
Wilmington		
TOTALS		

Engine Department
4	6	0	3	5	0	0	6	4	1	
1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	
1	7	3	0	7	1	1	7	5	2	
10	
5	1	3	2	0	1	16	
9	2	
1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	
1	4	0	0	1	0	0	8	4	0	
3	5	0	5	0	0	1	15	
5	0	
16	
8	2	15	
6	0	8	26	
12	
3	
15	14	1	 13	10	0	 4	 34	20	2	
14	
8	1	7	4	0	5	24	
14	
3	
1	3	0	2	0	0	0	1	3	0	
3	4	0	2	0	0	1	11	
8	3	
12	11	2	 12	6	 0	 1	 19	14	3	
12	
5	2	6	6	1	4	22	
7	1	
3	2	0	0	0	0	0	4	4	1	
0	4	1	0	2	1	0	3	4	0	
1	2	0	1	3	0	0	5	5	0	
14	12	2	 14	7	 0	 6	 19	15	5	
1	1	0	1	1	0	0	3	2	0	
16	
13	
0	8	7	0	6	30	
14	
6	
129	114	15	 92	 67	 3	 38	 255	149	33	

Algonac			
Anchorage		
Baltimore		
Fort Lauderdale		
Guam			
Harvey			
Honolulu			
Houston			
Jacksonville		
Jersey City		
Joliet			
Mobile			
Norfolk			
Oakland			
Philadelphia		
Piney Point		
Puerto Rico		
Tacoma			
St. Louis			
Wilmington		
TOTALS		

Steward Department
3	1	0	2	1	0	1	5	2	0	
0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	
2	1	0	1	0	0	0	4	1	0	
5	1	0	8	3	0	3	15	
2	0	
2	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	1	0	
4	1	0	1	0	0	2	10	
1	0	
16	
0	1	6	0	0	1	24	
2	1	
14	
4	0	11	
2	0	4	28	
9	0	
22	
6	2	19	
4	1	8	32	
13	
3	
11	
3	0	12	
1	0	6	14	
5	0	
0	1	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	1	
3	5	0	3	2	0	2	6	4	0	
10	11	2	 11	2	 0	 5	 31	19	5	
19	
5	1	16	
3	0	5	37	
9	1	
3	0	0	4	0	0	0	2	1	1	
1	2	2	1	0	1	0	3	3	1	
1	2	2	3	2	1	1	1	6	2	
9	2	0	2	2	0	1	24	
3	1	
3	0	0	1	0	0	0	4	0	0	
22	
8	1	11	
4	0	4	32	
16	
3	
150	
55	12	113	
28	3	 43	274	
97	19	

Algonac			
Anchorage		
Baltimore		
Fort Lauderdale		
Guam			
Harvey			
Honolulu			
Houston			
Jacksonville		
Jersey City		
Joliet			
Mobile			
Norfolk			
Oakland			
Philadelphia		
Piney Point		
Puerto Rico		
Tacoma			
St. Louis			
Wilmington		
TOTALS		
	
GRAND TOTAL:	

November 2016	

All Groups		
A	
B	
C	

Deck Department
11	12	0	 15	5	 0	 3	 21	21	1	
0	3	1	0	3	0	1	3	1	0	
5	2	0	1	1	0	0	5	7	0	
13	
7	3	17	
9	2	7	28	
16	
4	
2	3	0	0	0	0	0	4	4	0	
10	
2	2	10	
0	2	2	24	
3	2	
9	3	0	3	1	0	0	17	
10	
0	
44	10	5	 34	5	 5	 19	103	
21	19	
42	15	8	 29	10	5	 8	 73	28	13	
36	10	2	 34	7	 0	 11	67	25	7	
3	2	1	3	1	0	0	7	5	1	
11	
3	1	9	4	1	4	16	
5	2	
20	11	5	 12	9	 2	 3	 35	31	4	
13	
1	2	6	4	0	2	36	
8	2	
4	4	0	2	3	0	0	8	5	0	
1	2	0	2	1	0	0	0	4	0	
1	2	0	2	3	0	3	9	7	0	
32	
9	3	22	
4	2	6	71	
13	
7	
3	1	2	1	0	1	0	5	1	2	
16	12	4	 14	7	 3	 6	 36	20	14	
276	114	39	 216	77	 23	 75	 568	235	78	

San Juan.......................Thursday: November 10, December 8
St. Louis.........................Friday: November 18, December 16

Total Registered	

Entry Department
3	11	
3	1	7	3	1	1	14	
7	
0	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	1	
0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	
0	3	4	0	0	3	1	1	6	5	
0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	
0	2	2	0	0	1	1	0	1	3	
0	7	8	0	0	4	0	2	16	
10	
2	8	5	3	4	2	2	10	
20	
15	
4	9	23	
2	8	14	
0	3	19	
54	
1	18	
2	1	5	0	1	7	25	
5	
0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	
0	2	3	0	0	1	0	2	2	3	
0	14	
6	0	5	7	2	0	31	
14	
0	10	
3	1	6	2	1	5	14	
16	
0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	2	
0	2	7	0	0	2	0	0	2	16	
0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	0	0	
5	5	2	2	9	4	2	9	18	
13	
0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	3	0	
1	10	
16	
1	9	10	
6	6	29	
39	
16	105	
87	11	55	55	17	55	208	
204
571	388	153	432	227	84	 173	1,152	
689	334	

Seafarers LOG 15

�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
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
1730 Jefferson St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916

Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers at the Jacksonville hall on Oct. 1, the day the union
christened the El Faro memorial there.
Question: Where were you when you heard about the loss of the El Faro?
Carlos Olascoaga
Chief Steward
I was on the Green Bay in the
Virgin Islands when I heard the
news. The El Faro was headed to
San Juan, while we were headed
around the world, through the Strait
of Gibraltar. I knew every person
on the El Faro, so the loss really hit
home for me.

Breon Lucas
Chief Steward
I was on the Maersk Pittsburgh
in Spain. Initially, there was a slow
reaction, and then I started getting
phone calls, checking to see if I was
okay. I didn’t know for sure what
had happened until Karen Shuford
from the hall told me. I knew all
those guys on the El Faro.

Brian Guiry
Bosun
I was on the USNS Williams in
Saipan. I used to be a patrolman, and
before then I shipped out of Jacksonville, so I knew all those guys. I
shipped with some of those guys. It
was devastating to me, and it’s still
devastating.

Allen Van Buren
Chief Cook
I was in Singapore, on the APL
Cyprine. My chief cook at the time
found out through Facebook, and
then he told me. Then I started getting calls from home, checking on
me, because I had just gotten off the
El Faro on June 30.

Adam Bucalo
Chief Steward
I was in Japan, on the USNS Victorious. I ship out of Jacksonville,
and I sailed with the Chief Cook
(Lashawn Rivera) and the Chief
Steward (Theodore Quammie) before – they’re great guys. The new
lighthouse at the Jacksonville union
hall serves as a reminder to carry the
torch, and always keep the light on.

Jose R. Morales
Chief Steward
I was talking with OMU German
Solar on the phone on the Thursday
before they sailed, and he assured
me that they were monitoring the
storm. When I heard what had happened to my friend, I started coming to the hall regularly and getting
more information. I knew all those
guys.

Pic From The Past

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
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

Recently, the SIU turned out for a rally in the nation’s capital in support of our brothers and sisters from the United Mine Workers
of America (UMWA). Solidarity between the SIU and UMWA is nothing new, as reflected by this 1993 snapshot of another Mine
Workers rally in Washington, D.C. Front and center is then-UMWA President Rich Trumka, currently the president of the AFLCIO. Trainees from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (left) were part of a sizable SIU contingent.
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	

November 2016

�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
BONNIE AGNO
Brother Bonnie Agno, 71, first
donned the SIU colors in 2001
when the NMU merged into the
Seafarers International Union.
He was a steward department
member. Brother Agno upgraded
in 2001 at the Piney Point
school. He last worked on the
Green Ridge. Brother Agno lives
in San Pablo, California.
LLOYD BETHEA

originally sailed
on the Constitution. Brother
DiBiase shipped
in the engine
department. He
upgraded twice
at the Seafarersaffiliated school in southern
Maryland. Brother DiBiase’s
most recent ship was the Green
Point. He is a resident of Portland, Maine.

Brother Hindson upgraded
frequently at the
union-affiliated
school in Piney
Point. He last
shipped aboard
the Yorktown
Express. Brother Hindson is a
resident of South Padre Island,
Texas.

FRANCISCO DIEGO

Brother Christopher Hyatte, 65,
signed on with the SIU in 1989.
His first trip was
on the Independence. Brother
Hyatte attended
classes on three
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
He worked in the
steward department, most recently aboard the
Liberty Promise. Brother Hyatte
resides in Honolulu.

Brother Lloyd Bethea, 71, became an SIU member in 2001.
He sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the
Benavidez. Brother Bethea attended classes in 2001 and 2007
at the maritime training center in
Piney Point, Maryland. He was
born in Jersey City, New Jersey,
and now calls Houston home.

Brother Francisco Diego, 65,
began sailing with the union in
1997. He was first employed on
the Cleveland. Brother Diego
was born in Honduras. He enhanced his skills in 2001 at the
Paul Hall Center. The deck department member most recently
worked aboard the Maersk
Georgia. Brother Diego makes
his home in Bronx, New York.

PAULA BROOKSHIRE

WILLIAM DRUMMOND

Sister Paula Brookshire, 68,
joined the SIU in 2000. Her
first trip was aboard the Patriot.
Sister Brookshire
sailed in the steward department.
She upgraded on
three occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training
and Education in
Piney Point, Maryland. Sister
Brookshire last worked on the
USNS Invincible. She was born
in Santa Monica, California,
and now resides in Clyde, North
Carolina.

Brother William Drummond,
60, joined the union in 1978.
His first ship was the Santa
Magdalena; his most recent, the
Philadelphia Express. Brother
Drummond worked mainly
in the engine department. He
upgraded in 2002 at the Piney
Point school. Brother Drummond resides in Jacksonville,
Florida.

GENE BUTSON
Brother Gene Butson, 65, started
sailing with the union in 1996.
He originally worked aboard
the USNS Silas
Bent. Brother
Butson enhanced
his skills on two
occasions at
the Piney Point
school. The deck
department member last shipped
on the Alaskan Legend. Brother
Butson lives in Twentynine
Palms, California.
RAMON CASTRO
Brother Ramon Castro, 63, became a union member in 1977.
He initially worked on the Point
Julie. Brother Castro sailed in
the deck department. In 1996
and 1998, he took advantage of
educational opportunities available at the maritime training
center in Piney Point, Maryland.
Brother Castro’s most recent
voyage was aboard the Evergreen State. He is a native of
Honduras and now makes his
home in New Orleans.
PASQUALE DIBIASE
Brother Pasquale DiBiase, 61,
joined the SIU ranks in 1982. He

November 2016	

MOSTAFA FAHMY
Brother Mostafa Fahmy, 65,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1980. His first trip was on the
Brooks Range. In
1991 and 2001,
Brother Fahmy
took advantage
of educational
opportunities
available at the
maritime training
center in Piney
Point, Maryland. He was born in
Egypt and sailed in the engine
department. Brother Fahmy
last sailed aboard the Liberty
Star. He lives in Brooklyn, New
York.
SCOTT HEGINBOTHAM
Brother Scott Heginbotham, 55,
began shipping with the SIU in
1991. He initially worked on
the Pfc William
Baugh. Brother
Heginbotham,
who sailed in
the deck department, enhanced
his skills often at
the Piney Point
school. The
New York native most recently
shipped aboard the Maersk Hartford. Brother Heginbotham now
calls League City, Texas, home.
RICHARD HINDSON
Brother Richard Hindson, 71,
joined the Seafarers in 1993. He
first sailed on the Atlantic, as a
member of the deck department.

CHRISTOPHER HYATTE

ANTENOR LINARES

at the Piney Point school. He
was a member of the steward department and last shipped aboard
the Korea. Brother Williams is a
resident of Jacksonville, Texas.
DAVID ZUREK
Brother David Zurek, 65, signed
on with SIU in 1989. He was
initially employed on the Julius
Hammer. Brother
Zurek was a
member of the
deck department.
He often took
advantage of educational opportunities available
at the Seafarersaffiliated school in southern
Maryland. Brother Zurek’s most
recent voyage was aboard the
Courage. He resides in Orland,
Maine.
INLAND
ANTONIO AMALFITANO

Brother Antenor Linares, 72,
started sailing with the Seafarers in 1981.
He originally
sailed aboard the
Sugar Islander.
Brother Linares
worked in all
three shipboard
departments. He
last shipped on
the Elizabeth and now makes his
home in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Brother Antonio Amalfitano,
65, started shipping with the
union in 1984.
He mainly sailed
aboard vessels
operated by
Crowley Towing
&amp; Transportation
of Wilmington.
Brother Amalfitano was born
in Italy. The deck department
member makes his home in San
Pedro, California.

JAMES OTANI

JOHN ASHLEY

Brother James Otani, 77, joined
the union in
1982. He initially
worked aboard
the Constitution.
A member of the
steward department, Brother
Otani’s most
recent ship was
the Independence. He calls Hilo,
Hawaii, home.

Brother John Ashley, 62, joined
the SIU in 2003. He originally
shipped aboard the Green Mountain State. Brother Ashley was
a member of the engine department. He upgraded in 2014 at
the Piney Point school. Brother
Ashley most recently worked
aboard the Vision. He lives in
Adna, Washington.

RICHARD SZABO

Brother Magdaleno Castillo, 64,
started his SIU
career in 2002.
He primarily
worked aboard
American Marine Corporation
vessels. Brother
Castillo sailed in
the engine department. He is a resident of Las
Vegas.

Brother Richard Szabo, 71,
became a Seafarer in 2001. His
first trip was on
the Samuel L.
Cobb. Brother
Szabo upgraded
twice at the Paul
Hall Center and
worked in the
deck department.
His last vessel was the Overseas Boston.
Brother Szabo lives in Port Angeles, Washington.
JIMMY WILLIAMS
Brother Jimmy Williams, 66,
first donned the
SIU colors in
1983. He originally sailed on
the Santa Maria.
Brother Williams
enhanced his
skills frequently

MAGDALENO CASTILLO

ELIOT DALTON
Brother Eliot Dalton, 64, first
donned the SIU colors in 1973.
He worked with Interstate Oil
Transportation for the duration
of his career. The deck department member
upgraded twice
at the unionaffiliated school.
Brother Dalton
calls Kennett
Square, Pennsylvania, home.

CHARLES FOX
Brother Charles Fox, 65, joined
the union in 1989. He originally
shipped with
Moran Towing
of Philadelphia.
Brother Fox
worked in the
deck department. He was last
employed with
Crowley Liner
Service. Brother
Fox makes his home in Mount
Royal, New Jersey.
LARRY PIERCE
Brother Larry Pierce, 66, started
shipping with the SIU in 1977.
He first worked with Dixie Carriers. Brother Pierce sailed in the
deck department. His final trip
was with G&amp;H Towing. Brother
Pierce retired to San Leon,
Texas.
LAWRENCE ROTH
Brother Lawrence Roth, 58,
began his seafaring career in
1978. He initially
shipped with
Northern Towing Company.
Brother Roth
sailed as a member of the deck
department. In
1993, he took
advantage of educational opportunities available at the unionaffiliated school in Maryland.
Brother Roth’s most recent trip
was with G&amp;H Towing. He
settled in Houston.
NATIONAL
MARITIME UNION
STERLING ADAMS
Brother Sterling Adams, 61,
signed on with
the NMU in 1977,
prior to the 2001
merger with the
SIU. He resides
in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
WILLIAM SHANNON
Brother William
Shannon, 65,
began his SIU career in 2001 when
the NMU merged
into the Seafarers International
Union. He was a
steward department member. Brother Shannon
lives in Rocky Face, Georgia.

Seafarers LOG 17

�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
STEPHEN AKENS
Brother Stephen Akens, 89,
died June 22. He joined the
Marine Cooks and Stewards
in 1978 in the port of San
Francisco, the same year that
union merged into the SIU.
Brother Akens was born in
Tennessee and shipped as a
member of the steward department. He made his home
in California.
JOSE DECASTRO
Brother Jose DeCastro, 68,
passed away February 27. He
became a union member in
2005. Brother DeCastro was
born in the Philippines. The
steward department member
called Guam home.
ROBERT GUERRERO
Pensioner Robert Guerrero,
90, died July 4. Born in Colorado, he started shipping with
the Seafarers in 1946. Brother
Guerrero initially worked on
a Delta Steamship Lines Inc.
vessel. He sailed in the deck
department. Brother Guerrero
last shipped aboard the Bay
Ridge. He became a pensioner
in 1986 and lived in California.

MARIO LOPEZ
Pensioner Mario Lopez, 71,
died July 6. He joined the
SIU in 1966. Brother Lopez
was born in
Guatemala.
He originally
sailed on the
Maiden Creek.
Brother Lopez
concluded his
seafaring career aboard the
Astrachem. A member of the
engine department, he started
collecting his retirement compensation in 2010. Brother
Lopez continued to call Guatemala home.
HARRY PETERSEN
Pensioner Harry Petersen, 70,
passed away July 6. Brother
Petersen started sailing with
the Seafarers
in 1967. He
was originally
employed
with Pringle
Barge Lines. A
member of the
steward department, Brother
Petersen last shipped on the
Sgt. Matej Kocak. He went
on pension in 2011 and was a
resident of Milwaukee.

JUNIOR HUGHES
Brother Junior Hughes, 90,
passed away August 2. He
signed on with the Marine
Cooks and Stewards in 1971.
Brother Hughes was a native
of South Carolina. He worked
in the steward department and
lived in Mullins, South Carolina.

JAMES RICHARDSON
Brother James Richardson,
76, died July 8. He became a
union member in 1968 in San
Francisco. Brother Richardson
sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard
the Cape Mohican in 1998.
He was born in Mississippi
and called Henderson, Nevada, home.

GEORGE KOULOURIS
Pensioner George Koulouris,
81, died July 7. He began
his seafaring career in 1990.
Brother Koulouris’ first ship
was the Cape
Carthage; his
last was the
Producer. He
sailed in the
steward department. Brother
Koulouris began collecting
his pension in 2001. He was
born in Greece, and most recently resided in Florida.

MARILYN SANTOS
Pensioner Marilyn Santos,
76, passed away June 29.
She began her SIU career in
1989. Sister
Santos was a
steward department member.
She primarily
worked aboard
the Indepen­
dence. Sister
Santos starting collecting her pension in
2004 and made her home in
Kaneohe, Hawaii.

EDRICK LOPEZ
Brother Edrick Lopez, 27,
passed away June 4. He began
sailing with the SIU in 2014.
Brother Lopez initially sailed
aboard the Sgt. William R.
Button. He worked in the
steward department. Brother
Lopez’s final vessel was the
Perla Del Caribe. He was a
native of Puerto Rico.

18 Seafarers LOG	

THOMAS SWANSON
Pensioner Thomas Swanson,
74, died July 26. He signed
on with the Seafarers in 2001
when the NMU
merged into the
Seafarers International Union.
Brother Swanson was born in

New York and shipped as a
deck department member. He
was last employed on the Saf­
marine Ngami. Brother Swanson lived in Florida.
GEORGE TELEGADAS
Pensioner George Telegadas,
83, passed away July 2. He
became a union member in
1961. Brother
Telegadas initially sailed
in the deep
sea division
aboard the St.
Titan. Prior
to his retirement in 1978,
he worked with JW Wescott.
Brother Telegadas was a
resident of Huntington Beach,
California.

INLAND
FRANCIS O’BRIEN
Brother Francis O’Brien,
89, died June 14. He joined
the SIU in
1947. Brother
O’Brien was
born in New
York. Among
other vessels,
he sailed aboard
the Suzanne.
Brother O’Brien
settled in Spring Hill, Florida.
JOHN RICHARD
Pensioner John Richard, 80,
passed away July 8. Brother
Richard signed on with the
union in 1963. He was employed with HVIDE Marine
for the duration of his career.
Brother Richard was a deck
department member. He began
receiving his pension in 1994
and lived in Orange, Texas.

NATIONAL
MARITIME UNION

RICARDO AQUINO
Pensioner Ricardo Aquino,
90, passed away July 17.
Brother Aquino was born
in Puerto Rico. He went on
pension in 1982 and called
Bronx, New York, home.
WILLIE BELL
Pensioner Willie Bell, 87,
died July 17. Born in Maryland, Brother Bell started
receiving his pension in 1984.
He resided in Pikesville,
Maryland.
BRIGIDO COFRESI
Pensioner Brigido Cofresi, 96,
passed away June 2. He was a
native of Puerto Rico. Brother

Cofresi began collecting his
pension in 1968. He lived in
Palm City, Florida.
JACK DELANO
Pensioner Jack Delano, 91,
died June 3. Brother Delano
was born in California. He
went on pension in 1987 and
made his home in Santa Barbara, California.
CLINE GLIDDEN
Pensioner Cline Glidden, 91,
passed away June 27. Born
in the West Bay, Cayman Islands, Brother Glidden started
receiving his pension in 1982.
He was a resident of Grand
Cayman.
PABLO GONZALEZ
Pensioner Pablo Gonzalez, 87,
died June 1. Brother Gonzalez was born in Lares, Puerto
Rico. He retired in 1986 and
continued to reside in Puerto
Rico.
BERNARD GRAZIANO
Pensioner Bernard Graziano,
91, passed away July 4. The
Hoboken, New Jersey, native
became a pensioner in 1987.
Brother Graziano called Pompano Beach, Florida, home.
DARDEN HUDGINS
Pensioner Darden Hudgins,
78, died June 11. Brother
Hudgins was born in Virginia.
He started collecting his pension in 2003 and was a resident of Mathews, Virginia.
GEORGE HYNES
Pensioner George Hynes, 92,
passed away June 16. A native
of Canada, he became a pensioner in 1986. Brother Hynes
made his home in Texas.
LEE KONG
Pensioner Lee Kong, 95,
died June 12. He was born in
China. Brother Kong started
collecting his retirement pay in
1970 and lived in New York.
ROBERT MAUGER
Pensioner Robert Mauger,
87, passed away June 13. The
Indiana native retired in 1992.
Brother Mauger called Leesburg, Florida, home.

87, passed away June 20. A
native of Puerto Rico, Brother
Molina went on pension in
1988. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida.
ANTONIO RADILLO
Pensioner Antonio Radillo,
88, died June 18. The Honduras-born mariner began receiving compensation for his
retirement in 1994. Brother
Radillo made his home in St.
James, New York.
HERMAN SCYPION
Pensioner Herman Scypion,
82, passed away June 14.
He was born in Port Arthur,
Texas, and became a pensioner in 1991. Brother Scypion continued to live in Texas.
KARL STOCK
Pensioner Karl Stock, 90, died
June 2. Brother Stock was a
native of Home, Kansas. He
went on pension in 1976 and
settled in Pasadena, Texas.
JOSEPHINE VENTURA
Pensioner Josephine Ventura,
92, passed away June 21. Sister Ventura was born in Ravena, New York. She started
collecting her retirement pay
in 1979 and called Greenacres, Florida, home.
WILLIAM WAGNER
Pensioner William Wagner, 90, died June 24. The
Alabama native became a
pensioner in 1995. He was a
resident of Mobile.
Name		
Barton, Thomas	
Cabrera, Miguel
Gomez, Joseph
Hernandez, Ben
Hurd, Harold
Kambar, William
King, Robert
Kramer, Samuel
Najar, Paul
Petrino, Robert
Robles, Alejandro
Ryce, Byron
Silva, Israel
Taylor, Arthur
Thomas, Carlos
Valente, Santiago
Veloso, Antonio
Walker, Leon

Age	
92	
94
94
91
79
91
85
78
89
84
98
72
90
93
74
90
92
92

DOD
July 18
July 27
July 6
May 3
June 17
May 29
May 15
June 25
June 10
June 7
July 11
July 2
June 4
July 8
July 18
July 27
June 16
July 18

MELVIN MCCRAY
Pensioner Melvin McCray,
84, died July 18. He was born
in Virginia. Brother McCray
began receiving his pension
in 1973. He was a resident of
Norfolk, Virginia.
FRANCISCO MOLINA
Pensioner Francisco Molina,

November 2016

�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK IDAHO (Maersk Line,
Limited), July 23 – Chairman
Ronald Mena, Secretary Scott A.
Opsahl, Educational Director David
Vega, Steward Delegate Fernando
Lopez. Chairman reported smooth
sailing and thanked crew for their
hard work. He reminded mariners to
ask the captain for a completed tour
of duty form. Secretary expressed
gratitude for crew members helping
keep lounge and mess hall clean.
They were urged to leave rooms
clean and supplied with fresh linen
for reliefs. Educational director
advised members to check expiration dates on documents and start
renewal process early. He also advised mariners to take advantage of
upgrading opportunities available at
the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point,
Maryland. Treasurer stated $3,000
in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Suggestion was made
to reduce the number of physicals
required and increase optical allowance. Requests were made for new
chairs, mattresses and refrigerator.
All aboard thanked the steward department for a job well done. Next
ports: Newark, New Jersey and
Baltimore.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), July 16 – Chairman
Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary
Juan Vallejo, Educational Director
Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Peter
Wojcikowski, Engine Delegate
Reynaldo Lacayo, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Bosun talked
about importance of safety aboard
vessel and urged mariners to keep
documents up-to-date. Secretary
expressed gratitude to SIU President
Michael Sacco and Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez for great job
defending the Jones Act. Educational director advised mariners to
enhance skills at maritime training
center in Piney Point, Maryland. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to increase pension
benefits. Steward department was
thanked for excellent food.
USNS FRED STOCKHAM (Crowley), July 17 – Chairman Munasser
H. Ahmed, Secretary Harlan G.
Alonzo, Educational Director Randy
Slue, Deck Delegate George Phillips, Steward Delegate Shanita
Flachbart. Chairman advised all
aboard to secure personal property.
Secretary gave kudos to fellow crew
members for successful exercise
in San Diego. Educational director
urged mariners to keep documents
up-to-date and reviewed requirements
for STCW Basic Training when renewing merchant mariner credential
after January 1, 2017. Seafarers were
also advised to upgrade skills at the
Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported
that new TV had been purchased for
crew members. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida.
JEAN ANNE (TOTE), August
21 – Chairman Noel R. Camacho,
Secretary Ingra L. Maddox, Educational Director Grayson W. Ross,
Deck Delegate Dennis Bracamonte,
Engine Delegate Samir Tarsha,
Steward Delegate Adele Williams.
Chairman reported smooth voyage
with no injuries. Secretary discussed new BT requirements and
clarified that as long as your MMC
is good past January 1, 2017 you
can continue to sail without getting a new BT before your current
MMC expires – but you must have
a new BT to renew it. Educational
director urged members to enhance
their skills at the Paul Hall Center
to excel in their positions. He also
mentioned there has been an issue
with lashing gear in holds being a
potential trip hazard. He advised

November 2016	

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

With Seafarers in Hawaii

Seafarers aboard the Marjorie C

Chief Cook Frank Ramones, Recertified Steward Gerald Figg,
ACU David Hilario
Manoa

ACU Ruben Siclot, Chief Cook Marcelo Rodriguez
Manulani
members to report loose lashings
to bosun or chief mate. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Discussion
was held regarding importance of
registering to vote and signing up
for absentee ballot. Recommendation was made to increase vacation
benefits. It was noted that money
from recycling was used to purchase
movies for crew use.
MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 21 – Chairman Koksal Demir, Secretary
Alexander Banky III, Educational
Director Kevin M. Cooper, Engine
Delegate James Sieger. Under
old business, it was mentioned
that there’s still some unresolved
disputed OT involving deck and
steward departments. Chairman
reported safe trip and announced
upcoming payoff in Norfolk, Virginia. Secretary reminded everyone
to vote in general election and also

contribute to SPAD, the union’s
voluntary political action fund, because it works. Educational director
encouraged fellow mariners to take
advantage of upgrading opportunities at union-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. No new
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew noted current issue of Seafarers LOG is available online (as are
back issues). They discussed efforts
to recruit new mariners and offered
candid assessments of some of the
challenges, including requirements
for documentation and numerous
physical exams. Crew thanked
steward department for good meals.
They listed many suggestions for
the next contract and (separately)
proposed changes to the medical,
pension, and vacation plans.
MAERSK KENTUCKY (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 28 – Chairman Albert C. Williams, Secretary

Chief Cook Benjamin Feria Jr., OBS Rene Caballero,
Chief Steward Raul Napoles
Maui

OS Mark Baclayon picks up his full B book at the union hall.
Emmanuel F. Laureta, Educational
Director Kareim T. Wright, Deck
Delegate Aretta Jones, Engine
Delegate Arnold Williams, Steward
Delegate Teresito Reyes. Chairman
thanked all departments for working safely. Secretary encouraged
fellow members to upgrade at Paul
Hall Center. Educational director reminded everyone to keep documents
and physicals current. No beefs or
disputed OT reported by deck or
engine delegates; steward delegate
reported disputed OT. Crew asked
for increase in vacation benefits.
They thanked galley gang for job
well done. Next port: Houston.
OVERSEAS NIKISKI (OSG),
August 8 – Chairman Aristeo M.
Padua, Secretary Richard B. Sanderson, Educational Director Benjamin E. Matthews, Deck Delegate
Obaid Ali, Steward Delegate Jason
Beckford. Chairman reported every-

thing running smoothly. Secretary
discussed improved dental benefits,
news of which was well-received by
crew. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade and reminded them to keep all documents
and paperwork up-to-date. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Chief Cook
Beckford was thanked for outstanding food.
YORKTOWN EXPRESS (Crowley), August 29 – Chairman Michael
D. Ratigan, Secretary Jeffrey J.
Badua, Educational Director James
W. Demouy. Chairman encouraged
crew to read the LOG, upgrade,
and keep all documents current. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
was encouraged to ask questions if
they have any issues. They made
suggestions pertaining to shuttles,
retirement benefits and STCW Basic
Training. Steward department was
thanked for excellent trip.

Seafarers LOG 19

�Letter to the Editor

Important Notice For Mariners

MARAD Authorizes Awarding of the Marine
Expeditionary Medal for Somalia Operations
Editor’s note: The following
news release was issued by the Mar­
itime Administration.
In keeping with its tradition of
honoring the men and women of the
U.S. Merchant Marine, the Maritime
Administration (MARAD) has authorized award of the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal (MMEM)
for service aboard U.S.-flag vessels
in support of Operations Restore
Hope and United Shield and related
operations in Somalia from December 5, 1992 to March 31, 1995.
Under the authority of 46 U.S.C.
51901, the Secretary of Transportation has the authority to establish and award “... a decoration or
medal to an individual for service
... during operations by the Armed
Forces of the United States outside
the continental United States under
conditions of danger to life and
property.” The MMEM was created
under this authority as a multi-purpose award to recognize the contributions of U.S. Merchant Mariners
under conditions, and in times of,
national conflict or emergency. The
medal has been previously awarded
for merchant marine service in
Operations Desert Shield/Desert
Storm, as well as service in support
of Operations Enduring Freedom/
Iraqi Freedom.
To be eligible for award of the
MMEM for Somalia service, civilian U.S. Merchant Mariners would
have to have been employed on
U.S.-flag vessels actually engaged
in direct support of Operations Restore Hope and United Shield and
related operations. “Direct support”

The Merchant Marine Expeditionary
Medal

includes, but is not limited to, delivery of cargo and supplies for use
by deployed United States military,
Allied and United Nations (UN)
forces during the above operations
in Somalia, as well as support for
any associated humanitarian cargo
and personnel movements, to and
from the Port of Mogadishu and/
or other Somalia port facilities utilized for support of operations during the period cited. It also includes
any re-supply of U.S. Navy and Allied ships in Somalia’s national and
proximate waters engaged in direct
support of the above operations during the stated period.
For purposes of awarding the
MMEM to mariners, MARAD designated the Area of Operations
cited for award to U.S. military

personnel of the Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal for direct
support of UN operations during Operations Restore Hope and
United Shield. This area, to be used
as a point of reference in awarding
the MMEM, extends from approximately 02 degrees Latitude North,
to 3-30 degrees Latitude North,
and from approximately 45 degrees
Longitude East to 63 degrees Longitude East. However, this definition is intended to cover some, but
not all of the instances of, direct
support to United States and United
Nations operations in Somalia.
Civilian U. S. Merchant Marine
applicants who seek the medal but
have not performed the work described above must explain in their
applications the merchant mariner
work they performed and why it
constituted “direct support.” Such
applications will be evaluated as
to whether the work described provides an alternate basis for direct
support. Personnel aboard U.S.-flag
commercial vessels sailing in the
designated area of hostilities but not
rendering “direct support” would
not be eligible for this award.
In order to validate their service, mariners seeking award of the
MMEM for Somalia must submit
a copy of their Certificate of Discharge in foreign ocean going waters to MARAD. The Certificate of
Discharge time period must be between December 5, 1992 and March
31, 1995. The application form for
a Certificate of Discharge (Form
CG-718A), may be downloaded
from the US Coast Guard website at
https://www.uscg.mil/forms.

Letters may be edited for conciseness
and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
or e-mailed to webmaster@seafarers.org.

Retiree Has Fond
Memories, Still Sports
Strong SIU Pride
Dear Union Brothers:
I am retired Seafarer Matthew (Matt) Carroll,
C1054. My last ship was the Sea-Land Defender in
1984. I have been enjoying my SIU pension since
2009. On the beach I have been a shopkeeper and
zookeeper, plant operator and politico, to name
just a few.
I am proud of my service on ships contracted
with the SIU, one of the few unions that still believes in the brotherhood of workers everywhere,
and backs this belief with actions.
When participating in my city’s Cesar Chavez
Day activities, I remind everyone of the SIU’s role
in supporting his mission. I have run for mayor
of El Paso and served on many city boards and
commissions. I currently work with Congressman
Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), a champion of veterans’ issues, promoting the creation of a monument
which would preserve a key section of the mountain overlooking El Paso.
Former shipmates probably remember me for
my frugality and skill at picking up languages to
quickly blend into local life in every port of call. I
would welcome correspondence from both former
shipmates and currently active Seafarers.
I appreciate getting the Seafarers LOG in the
mail. It keeps me in touch with an industry that
has changed so much since my seagoing days. I
am even more impressed by the evolution of our
membership into the highly skilled and dedicated
professionals of today.
Even as a retiree living in a remote corner of
a blood-red state, I can be an advocate of the SIU
and the principles of organized labor.
Fraternally yours,
Matt Carroll
1011 N. Saint Vrain St.
El Paso, TX 79902-4510

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:

20 Seafarers LOG	

Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers
Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions
under which an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members should know
their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or
she should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any
article serving the political purposes of any
individual in the union, officer or member.
It also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action
at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­
farers 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. Conse­q uently, no
member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or
geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD.

SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its
proceeds are used to further its objects and
purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic
interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job 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

November 2016

�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, Maryland, for the next several months.
All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry.
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
Gap Closing Courses
Engineroom Resource Management		
November 26		
December 2
					December 3		December 9
					December 10		December 16
Leadership and Managerial Skills		
November 26		
December 2
					February 25		March 3
										

Able Seafarer Deck			

February 4		

AB to Mate Modules			
					

Module dates vary throughout the year. Stu-	
dents will be advised of dates once accepted.

March 3

ARPA					December 3		December 9
					February 25		March 3
ECDIS					December 3		December 9
					January 7		January 13
GMDSS					January 28		February 10
Lifeboat					November 19		December 2
					January 14		January 27
					February 11		February 24
									
Radar Observer				November 19		December 2
					February 11		February 24
RFPNW					January 7		February 3
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
January 14		

February 10

BAPO					January 7		February 3
FOWT					February 25		March 24
Junior Engineer				January 7		March 3
Machinist				November 12		December 2
Marine Electrician				January 21		March 17
Marine Refer Tech			

March 18		

Welding					November 26		December 16
					February 25		March 17
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Galley Ops			
December 3		
December 30
					December 31		January 27
Certified Chief Cook			
Modules run every other week. The most 	
					recent class started November 7.
Chief Steward				November 5		December 16
					February 11		March 24	
			
ServSafe					November 19		November 25
					February 11		February 17
Safety Upgrading Courses

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Advanced Refer Containers			

Title of					Start			Date of
Course	 				Date			Completion

April 7

Basic Training w/16hr FF	 		November 12		
November 18
					November 26		December 2
					December 10		December 16
					January 7		January 13
					January 14		January 20
					January 28		February 3
Basic Training Revalidation			
December 9		
December 9
					February 17 		February 17
					February 24 		February 24
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation		
November 12		
November 18
					December 10		December 16
					February 4		February 10
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting	
November 26		
December 2
					January 14		January 20
Government Vessels			
November 12		
November 18
					December 3		
December 9
					January 21		January 27
					February 25		March 3
Medical Care Provider			
December 3		
December 9
					January 21		January 27	
			
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL/LG		
November 19		
December 2
					January 14		January 27
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG		
December 3		
December 9
					February 25		March 3

Important Notice
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions
department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.

Pumpman				December 3		December 16

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 # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.

November 2016	

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, or 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.
11/16

Seafarers LOG 21

�Paul Hall Center Classes

Apprentice Water Survival Class #815 –The following Phase I apprentices (above, in
alphabetical order) graduated from this course Sept. 9: Adam Brundage, William Cannon,
Dion Cheeseborough, Neil Donegan, Kevin Franklin, Will Jordan, Robert Lanier and Kyle
Williamson.

Tank Ship Familiarization – Nine Phase III apprentices graduated from this course Sept.
2. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Saleh Ali Almatari,
Alexander Ayers, Toby Blunt, Todd Colabella, Andrew King, Joshua Lux, Mark Smith II,
Matthew Szczepaniak and Brandon Yednoroz. Upon the completion of their training, each
plans to sail in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels.

Tank Ship Familiarization – The following Phase III apprentices, (above, in alphabetical order) graduated
from this course Sept. 2: Marquez Fields, Gabriel Freeman, Deondre Gardner, Ryan Howard, Paul Ianni,
Marcus Jimenez, Mason McGowan, Daniel Joshua Ramos Resultan, Dequan Jamal Rivera, Jesse Sigurdson
and Daniel Lowie Rivera Surell. Each plans to sail in the engine department on union-contracted vessels once
they complete their training.

UA to AS-D – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Sept.
9: Deontre Blount, Tyler Cook, Dominick Corbitt, Hunter Cox, Thyron Simbajon Dy, Joseph Evans,
Charlie English III, Joseph Gil, Melvin Hunter Jr., Tasha Pauley, Cameron Peake, Joshua Saldana,
Jeffrey Thomas and Joshua Welcome. Instructor Welton Grooms is second from left in the front row.

Welding – Upgrader Arthur Bailey, above
left, completed his requirements and
graduated from this course Sept. 9. Helping him celebrate his achievement is his
instructor, Chris Raley.

22 Seafarers LOG	

Tank Ship Familiarization – Four Phase III apprentices (above, in
alphabetical order) graduated from this course Sept. 2: Dorothea
Fabrizius, Antonio Holmes, John Jewell and Todd Pryor. Once their
apprentice training is completed, each plans to work in the steward
department on SIU-contracted vessels.

UA to FOWT – Thirteen upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from
this course Sept. 9: Jarion Andrews, Clayton Black, Francois Bonilla, Cameron
Cobb, Monica Coffelt, Mark Feldhaus, Tre Hill, David Kessler, Asadullah Khan,
Yves Mbuiti Nsuami, Tyler Perry, Gerardo William Rosaly Martinez and Daquan
Wallace. Class instructor Keith Adamson is at the far right.

ECDIS – Three upgraders completed this course Sept. 23. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Efren Lambinicio Pahinag, Keith
Reeder and Mykola Smirnov. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at
the far left.

Basic Firefighting – Seafarer Nilsa Manazia, above center, completed the enhancement of her skills and graduated
from this course Sept. 16. Celebrating the achievement
with her are instructors Mike Roberts and Wayne Johnson
Jr., who are situated at the far left and far right, respectively

November 2016

�Paul Hall Center Classes

ECDIS – Eight upgraders completed this course Sept. 30. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Roy
Carey, Jonathan Omar Chaparro Lorenzo, John Clare, Adolf Lopez Floresca, Bud Sok Khuth, Clayton Lupton,
Jarred Moylan and Julio Enrique Perez. Patrick Schoenberger, their instructor, is at the far left.

Medical Care Provider – Seven upgraders enhanced their skills by
graduating from this course Sept. 9. Completing their requirements
(above, in alphabetical order) were: Yosluvy Baro Laza, Alex Canada,
Kevin Chenault, James Fells, Valentine Oghenewegba Okei, John
Reyes and Jome Gayo Zerna. Their instructor, Wayne Johnsn Jr., is
at the far left.

OL (Basic Motor Plant) – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Sept. 9: Antonio Griffin,
Letwan Jackson and Joseph Ritchey. Class instructor Keith Adamson is at the far right.

Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Fourteen Seafarers improved their skills by finishing this course Sept. 9. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Derrick Alexander, Tyesha Boyd, Jose Amaldo Chumpitaz, James
Davis Jr., Archie Eldridge Jr., Juan Ramon Iglesias, Jonas Paul Panghulan Libang, Anecito Taladua Limboy,
David Martinez, Patrick Ray Jr., Walenda Reynolds, Anthony Rutland, Anthony Sumlar and Daniel Tennant.

Tank Ship Familiarization LG – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical
order) graduated from this course Sept. 30: Arthur Bailey, Patrick Brill, Lonnie
Carter, Daniel Coffman, Donell Criswell, Kirk Fisher, Barney George, Antonio
Griffin, Lawrence Hernandez Jr., Steven Horta Jr., Luis Guillermo Ramos Rosa,
Stephen Roell, Tyrell Nasheed Thabit, Hector Ivan Triado-Surillo and Charlie
Wescott III. (Note: Not all are pictured)

Government Vessels – Nineteen upgraders graduated from this course Sept. 23. Completing all
of their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Daniel Coffman, Donell Criswell, Antonio Cummings, Michael Curtis, Belarmino Da Rosa, Asifamaka Egerton Wakama, Lee Eludo Jr.,
Shanita Flachbart, Barney George, Corey Hill, Christopher Hunnings, Claude Letts, Nilsa Manaiza,
Patrick McCarthy, John Mendez, Stephen Roell, Nicholas Sampson, Tirso Diaz Sarmiento and
Steven Supplee. Class instructor Stan Beck is at the far right.

Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Sept. 23: Carlos Eduardo Amaya-Avila, Alvin Cabahit, Kenneth Cabrera, Rodriques Antwan Carson, Jonatrhan Collier, Adrian Darden, Domingos Dos Anjos Ferreira, Michael Flynn, Cortney Gantt, Noah Hughes, Lucian Lepadatu, Mark
Menton, Martin O’Brien, Yuri Adrian Oliveros, Russell Pilchard IV, Luis Alberto Sepulveda, William Sharp, Marijan Strk, Derrick Sullivan and Jeffrey Thrash. John Wiegman III, their
instructor, is at the far left.

November 2016	

Seafarers LOG 23

�NOVEMBER
F E B R U A R Y2016
2014

o NO. 11
V O LVOLUME
U M E 7 678
NO. 2

Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 22-23

El Faro Remembrances . . . At the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland

The photos on this page and on Pages 4-6 show some of the many observances conducted Oct. 1 for the final crew of the El
Faro. Pictured at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland: Apprentice William Cannon (photo at right) rings the El Faro
memorial bell; (in photo below) attendees stand for a moment of silence; and officials (photo above, from left, on stage) VP
Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, VP Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, Executive VP Augie Tellez and Port
Agent Pat Vandegrift start the ceremony.

Aboard the SIU-Crewed Isla Bella

Tote Lighthouse

Mariners aboard the Isla Bella gather for remembrance en route to Puerto Rico.

SIU hall in Tacoma, Washington

Tote dedicated this memorial lighthouse in Jacksonville.

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KEELS LAID, TANKER DELIVERED&#13;
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NEW MSP SHIP SHOWS ‘COMMITMENT’ &#13;
MV PATRIOT REFLECTS PROGRAM STRENGTH, SEALIFT’S IMPORTANCE&#13;
EL FARO MEMORIAL DEDICATED IN JACKSONVILLE&#13;
SIU MEMBERS AT SEA AND ASHORE OBSERVE ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGIC LOSS&#13;
UNION ELECTION VOTING BEGAN NOV. 1&#13;
SIU-CREWED MSP RO/RO VESSEL RENAMED IN PORT OF BALTIMORE&#13;
MSC OFFICIAL PRAISES CREW OF OCEAN GLORY&#13;
RESCUE AT SEA CS DEPENDABLE CREW SAVES INDIAN FISHERMAN&#13;
MARAD AUTHORIZES AWARDING OF THE MARINE EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL FOR SOMALIA OPERATIONS&#13;
EL FARO REMEMBRANCES… AT THE SIU-AFFILIATED PAUL HALL CENTER IN PINEY POINT, MARYLAND&#13;
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