http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/1501c0336f98c921421c692fa44fa0a6.pdf a1eeeac262de6a2dc18f887c1d33eb25 PDF Text Text MARCH 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 3 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O A Lifetime of Union Leadership Sacco Retires Following 35 Years at SIU Helm SIU President Michael Sacco (pictured directly below and throughout the rest of this page) recently announced his retirement following more than six decades of association with the union. His farewell column appears on page 2, while additional coverage appears on page 3. Caption information for the photos on this page is available on page 3. Heindel is New SIU President Page 2 MTD Coverage Pages 4-9 �President’s Report Truly, It Has Been My Honor Whether you navigated to this column in print or online, you undoubtedly already know that I recently stepped down as president of the SIU. I just celebrated my 86th birthday (on Valentine’s Day), and while I’m happy to report that I am still in good health, it’s time. So, this is my farewell column, even though I’ll remain available to help whenever and wherever needed. When I became involved with the union back in the late 1950s, I never would have believed I’d stick with it this long. But, as many of you know, this organization and this industry can get into your blood. It’s easy to get fired up about trade unionism and the U.S. Merchant Marine. Now, looking back, I Michael Sacco wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It has been an honor and (mostly) a joy to work with the people who really became my extended family, and who I love so much. Long before I became president in 1988, our officials and our members collectively had a dream. From extremely humble beginnings, we wanted to make the SIU the number one maritime union in the United States. We worked together and supported each other – and we achieved our goal. I fully believe that our members and our officials have a very good future ahead of you. Our executive board will deliver, and we’ll become even better than we are today. We have a tremendous organization that’s built on trust and respect for one another and support for each other. We deliver for this membership, and we’ll continue doing so as the industry inevitably changes. The keys will include recruiting and upgrading. Another key will be continued political action. If there’s one insight I’d offer to our rank-and-file members as I head out the door, it’s that we have to fight pretty much every day just to keep this industry alive. Don’t get me wrong – I genuinely believe we have a bright future in the SIU and in American maritime overall. But I also know, without a doubt, that if we look away or otherwise let down our guard, foreign-flag interests will wipe us out. That’s never going to happen, and your ongoing support of SPAD is a big reason why I’m optimistic. We’ve all heard some variation of the saying, “Leave it better than you found it.” I have a very deep, sincere respect for the work done by our founders. I also feel proud that I am leaving this organization in excellent shape and in the best possible hands. I have the utmost confidence in all of you. Just remember that we must change in order to meet the needs of the industry. After so many decades with the SIU, there’s no way I’m going to fall into the trap of naming names in order to say thank you. I wouldn’t know where to stop, which is a tribute to our union and to our affiliated school in Piney Point. With that in mind, I’ll simply say to all Seafarers past and present, thank you for all you’ve done to make the SIU what it is today, and thanks for all you’ve done to make my job easier. Always remember where you came from. God bless you and your families. God bless the SIU. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 3 March 2023 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 Capital Gateway Drive; 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU President David Heindel, photo above. Pictured from left at the conclusion of last month’s Maritime Trades Department meeting (photo at right) are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco, and SIU President David Heindel. Heindel Takes Helm as SIU President Executive Board Approves Several Appointments Following unanimous approval of the SIU Executive Board, David Heindel became the union’s fourth president, effective Feb. 14. The board convened Feb. 13 near Orlando, Florida. SIU President Michael Sacco announced his retirement and then nominated Heindel (who has served as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1997) as his successor. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez seconded the nomination; the unanimous vote followed. Subsequently, the board unanimously approved the respective appointments of Tom Orzechowski as secretary-treasurer and Bryan Powell as vice president of the SIU’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters sector. Orzechowski had served as Lakes vice president since 2003; Powell had been an assistant vice president since 2007. “Dave will do a great job and he has my complete confidence,” Sacco stated. “He has proven himself throughout his lifetime of service to the SIU. We are also fortunate to have outstanding leadership throughout our executive board, and I know this will be a seamless transition.” “Dave and I have worked well together for many years and will continue doing so,” Tellez said. “He’s well-qualified for the job and I’m excited about this next chapter of SIU history. The new administration is well-positioned to meet the challenges ahead.” Heindel began his career with the SIU in 1973, when he graduated from the program for entrylevel mariners conducted at the union’s affiliated training facility in Piney Point, Maryland. He primarily sailed aboard deep-sea vessels as a member of the engine department before coming ashore in 1980 to work as a patrolman in his native New Orleans. Among the other jobs he has held with the union are patrolman at the SIU halls in Philadelphia and Baltimore, port agent at the Philadelphia hall, and assistant vice president of the SIU’s Gulf Coast region. Heindel also formerly served as a vice president of the Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO and the Philadelphia Central Labor Council. He also was secretary-treasurer of the Delaware Valley and Vicinity Maritime Port Council of the AFLCIO’s Maritime Trades Department. Tom Orzechowski SIU Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Powell SIU VP Great Lakes In August 2002, he was elected vice chairman of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF’s) Seafarers’ Section. Since then, he extensively has worked – both domestically and as part of U.S. delegations in international forums – with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the International Labor Organization and the International Maritime Organization on shipboard and port-security issues as well as the international project for a new Seafarers Identity Document. He helped protect mariners’ rights under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (which took effect July 2004), and he helped secure a new agreement for tens of thousands of mariners worldwide under the ITF’s International Bargaining Forum. During the ITF Congress in August 2006, he was elected to a four-year term as first vice chair of the Seafarers’ Section. At the ITF Congress in August 2010, he was elected chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, thereby becoming only the second American ever to hold that post. He was re-elected at the ITF Congress in August 2014, then re-elected again in October 2018. In 2015, he was appointed to the U.S. Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy. He was reappointed to that position in 2017. Orzechowski graduated in 1991 from the trainee program in Piney Point. He sailed in the deck department, both in the deep sea and inland divisions. Orzechowski came ashore in 1996, when he was elected port agent at the SIU hall in St. Louis. Two years later, in 1998, he was elected vice president of the SIUNA-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (a position he still holds). In 2000, he was elected to the SIU executive board as vice president of the union’s Lakes and Inland Waters sector. He was re-elected in all subsequent elections and also serves as a vice president on the Seafarers International Union of North America Executive Board. Additionally, for the past several years, he has served as acting vice president of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Powell launched his career with the SIU via the apprentice program in 1993. He then came ashore in 1999 to work as a union official. Since then, while actively working on organizing and start-up projects nationally, Powell has served in several locations, including Baltimore; St. Louis; Camp Springs, Maryland; Piney Point; Houston; Jacksonville, Florida; Wilmington/Los Angeles; Seattle/Tacoma; Oakland, California; Mobile, Alabama; Honolulu; and Algonac/ Detroit. March 2023 �At the SIUNA convention in 2007, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (left) addresses the audience as SIU President Mike Sacco listens. After taking office in 1988, SIU President Mike Sacco (right) chats with SIUNA VP Buck Mercer. SIU President Mike Sacco (right) and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler are pictured at an AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting in 2022 in the nation’s capital. SIU President Michael Sacco Retires Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in Seafarers International Union history, has retired. “I am in good health and good spirits,” he stated. “But I have often heard that you simply know when it’s time to retire, and this is the time.” Sacco, 86, formalized his plan Feb. 13 during a meeting of the SIU Executive Board near Orlando, Florida. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Mike Sacco’s distinguished career in trade unionism is an inspiration to all of us. Mike’s leadership at the Seafarers International Union benefited generations of merchant mariners and all working people. Mike led his union with integrity and a fighting spirit that he learned as a rank-and-file member. It’s been an honor to have him serve on the AFL-CIO Executive Council for more than three decades, always quick to offer sage advice and guidance about the future of our movement. We wish Mike nothing but the best in retirement and know he’ll always be ready to take up any fight that boosts working people.” SIU President David Heindel – unanimously approved to that post by the union’s executive board – described “Mike Sacco’s distinguished career in trade unionism is an inspiration to all of us. Mike’s leadership at the Seafarers International Union benefited generations of merchant mariners and all working people.” - - -AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Sacco as “an inspiration to members and officials alike. Under Mike’s leadership, the SIU has become a respected powerhouse in maritime circles around the globe. We’ve been together since I was a trainee back in the early 1970s, and I know Mike has dedicated his whole life to the SIU. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.” Heindel added, “On behalf of the entire organization, I also thank Mike’s family, and in particular his wife, Sophie, for their sacrifices and support of his time that was required to foster the SIU’s growth. It has been great working with Mike over the years. And while he may be dropping an anchor, he has agreed to continue to be an advisor as President Emeritus. Here’s to a well-deserved and happy retirement, Chief!” Sacco served as president of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters (AGLIW) for nearly 35 years, beginning in June 1988. He also worked as president of both the Seafarers International Union of North America (a federation of autonomous unions that includes the SIU AGLIW) and the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) throughout the same period. Moreover, in November 1991, at its 19th Biennial Constitutional Convention, Sacco was elected a vice president of the AFL-CIO, the federation of 60 national and international unions representing more than 14 million workers in the United States. He eventually became the senior vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council as its longest-serving member. A protege of the late SIU President Paul Hall, Sacco from 1980 to 1988 directed the SIU AGLIW’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president. Based in St. Louis, he served as secretary-treasurer of the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council (an MTD- chartered organization) and as an executive board member of the Missouri State AFL-CIO. Sacco also was vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979. The school, located on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, prepares men and women for a career aboard U.S.flag commercial vessels and provides upgrading opportunities to active members. He became associated with the SIU in 1958 and shipped aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels until he came ashore during the 1960s to serve the SIU in a succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. Additional coverage of President Sacco’s career will appear in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG. If you’d like to share a sentiment for possible publication, please email editorial@seafarers.org Pictured at a building dedication in 1983 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, are (photo at left, from left) SIU Houston Port Agent Gene Taylor, then-SIU VP Mike Sacco, U.S. Sen. Russell Long (D-Louisiana) and Crowley VP Randy Collin. In photo above, SIU President Mike Sacco participates in Solidarity Day in Washington, D.C. in 1991. On the Front Cover From left to right, top to bottom, on page 1: President Sacco at last year’s MTD convention; with newly elected AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Fred Redmond in June 2022, after he officiated the election; with longtime friend Rich Trumka, late president of the AFL-CIO; with former Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a steadfast advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine; with the late NMU President Rene Lioeanjie, during the SIU-NMU merger of 2001; with Crowley Maritime President/CEO Tom Crowley at a building dedication in Piney Point, Maryland; with rank-and-file upgraders at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education; with President Clinton and Sophie Sacco, Mike’s wife, at the White House; with President George W. Bush in Piney Point; with President Obama in the nation’s capital; with then-Vice President Biden, also in Washington, D.C. March 2023 Seafarers LOG 3 �February 2023 Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting, Orlando, Florida Outgoing MTD President Michael Sacco (above) opens the meeting. Taking the oath for their respective positions within the MTD (photo at right, from right) are President David Heindel, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements and Eastern Area Board Member Chris Given. General Counsel Leslie Tarantola is at left, administering the oath. MTD Elects New Leaders, Several Officials Retire Board Hears from Array of Dynamic Speakers The most recent Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board meeting proved historic, as longtime President Michael Sacco, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan and Eastern Area Board Member Jim Given announced their respective retirements. Following unanimous approval by the board, they were succeeded by (in the same order) David Heindel, Mark Clements and Chris Given. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, who also serves as an MTD board member, spoke in support of Heindel’s nomination. While the appointments provided a grand finale, the rest of the meetings – which took place Feb. 16-17 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida – also featured plenty of other riveting moments. They included remarks from (in chronological order) U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips; U.S. Export-Import Bank Board of Directors member Owen Herrnstadt; TOTE Services Chair and CEO Tim Nolan; U.S. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (via video); Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig; Darrell Connor on behalf of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Senior Vice President Bill Hanson; AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond; and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary Steve Cotton. MTD board members approved numerous statements mapping out the organization’s strategies. Statement topics on the first day included safe workplaces, the Jones Act, the Export-Import Bank, hurricane relief, legislative wins for maritime, supporting our troops and veterans, and America’s maritime highways and infrastructure. On the gathering’s second day, the board approved statements covering wind energy, labor solidarity, recruiting and organizing, protecting the National Labor Relations Board, and cargo preference. In his opening remarks, Sacco said that, as usual, “we’ve got a mix of good news and serious challenges to talk about. That’s life, period, but it definitely applies to us in the maritime industry and the labor movement.” He continued, “Many of you saw the numbers from this year’s government report on union membership in the United States. Collectively, we gained more than 200,000 members…. While it’s a modest gain overall, it still beats a loss, and it really does give me hope for the future of organized labor.” Sacco said that current future jobs in the wind-energy sector also look promising. “Wind energy is here, it’s here to stay, and unions have been at the forefront of making sure workers have a seat at the table regarding these new jobs,” he stated. Turning toward politics, Sacco said, “Depending on your political views, you may see the results of last November’s elections as positive or negative. From an MTD perspective, I’d say it was a mixed bag, but not because of anything to do with party affiliation. We lost some really good friends either to retirement or to the election results themselves, but we also won more than our share of the races. And as always, we didn’t waste any time getting to work with the new Congress. That’s something else that never changes.” USTRANSCOM Leader: ‘Your Success Drives Our Own’ Gen. Van Ovost addresses the MTD audience via a recorded video that was extremely well-received. 4 Seafarers LOG Attendees pack the meeting room. He said manpower is among the largest challenges facing unions and businesses throughout the nation. “You’ve probably seen the data about millions of unfilled jobs across the country,” Sacco noted. “At some point that’ll change, but for right now, employers – and unions – are feeling the strain.” The MTD, which recently unveiled a substantially updated website, is a constitutionally The commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) recently provided a powerful, detailed description of why the nation must maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost gave her remarks via recorded video that was shown Feb. 16, during the first day of the winter meeting of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board meeting near Orlando, Florida. She briefly reviewed the American maritime industry’s centuries-old reliability before underscoring the ongoing need to boost the mariner pool and U.S. shipbuilding capacity. The video also included remarks from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and from Ukrainian government official Oleksandra Azarkhina (the nation’s deputy administrator of infrastructure). Both thanked MTD-affiliated unions for their support. Van Ovost said that USTRANSCOM leaders “recognize that your success drives our own.” She continued, “Our country’s heritage as a maritime power has endured since the very founding of this great union. Our ability to protect our coasts, sustain our industries, support our allies, and project power abroad is a national strength built on the water. Because it wasn’t just the conveyances that mandated department of the AFL-CIO. The department’s network of 21 port maritime councils has given maritime workers a formidable grassroots presence in port and coastal cities across the nation. Representing a wide array of workers, the councils have given the department’s 23 affiliates (including the SIU) a mechanism to pool their resources on a wide range of issues and projects. Those affiliates collectively represent more than five million members. enabled our increased integration with the world; it was due in large part to the companies, unions, and workers who created a thriving maritime ecosystem.” The general noted the wartime service of civilian mariners throughout the country’s history along with their ongoing service in times of peace. “This is the legacy that your organization carries forward – one of dedication, hard work, professionalism, and patriotism,” she stated. “This remains true today as your efforts continue to support commercial partners’ ships and those of the Maritime Administration that USTRANSCOM employs to fulfill our global mission. Deterring potential adversaries and projecting America’s military power abroad just isn’t feasible without you.” After describing the U.S. Merchant Marine’s service in “every major operation or humanitarian event [which] enabled the achievement of our national objectives” since the middle of the last century, she underscored the reduced number of domestic shipyards and the drop in shipboard manpower. Van Ovost summarized the situation with this stark comment: “From the supply chain to the dry docks, we have reduced the margins of monetary risk at the cost of our national security.” Continued on Page 9 March 2023 �February 2023 Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting, Orlando, Florida Maritime Administrator Praises Industry Phillips Stresses U.S. Merchant Marine’s Sealift Role The leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently provided a detailed overview of the agency’s goals and its vision for the industry’s future. Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. (Ret.) Ann Phillips addressed the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board and other attendees Feb. 16 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. She commended the work of mariners, the unions that represent them, and U.S.flag vessel operators. “On behalf of the Maritime Administration and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, I am honored to join you to talk today about my priorities as the Maritime Administrator,” said Phillips. “As a retired surface warfare officer, I can tell you that, from the perspective of the Maritime Administration, our enduring commitment to historic naval elements – deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security – are and remain essential to our national security strategy today.” She continued, “The only way we can achieve these results is the efforts that both you and your members contribute to our sealift enterprise. You are an essential part of the team, whether sailing on ships, building them or repairing them. It all depends on you, and we need your continued stewardship in this regard. I’ll do all I can, while I’m serving as administrator, to support the men and women you represent, because they are the backbone of our nation’s strength.” Reflecting on the recent past, she said, “A lot has changed in the past three years, since the COVID-19 pandemic wracked the world. Outside of the medical community, there was no group of workers more affected than the transportation industry, and our transportation industry workforce. Mariners and transportation workers did not get to telework from home to move vital supplies and keep our supply chains open and moving, even though they were strained by unprecedented demand. Instead, they came to work in person, answering the call, working the ships, the ports and the shipyards, to keep us healthy, fed, and secure. “Today, I know, the workforce is dealing with new challenges,” she continued. “Everywhere I go, everyone I talk to, everyone who comes to see me, wants to discuss their challenges in recruiting and retaining talent. This is a top concern of MARAD, and we are working with industry, management, and across government and with labor, to better understand the challenges and determine where we can lean in to help change the course with the tools that we have.” She stated, “The Administration is unwavering in its support for the Jones Act. It is essential to maintaining our national security by ensuring sealift capability, and it supports well-paying union jobs.” Phillips then spoke on the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act, explaining, “… the FY23 NDAA made numerous changes to the Jones Act process. Specifically, it requires the president, rather than the Department of Homeland Security, to make determinations as to whether a waiver is in the best interest of national defense. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to publish when a March 2023 request for a waiver is received, and prohibits the issuance of waivers until 48 hours have elapsed after the publication of the initial request. It also prohibits MARAD from conducting any retroactive surveys, and it prohibits the issuance of waivers for cargoes that are already laden. Taken as a whole, the NDAA changes make it clear that waiver requests are to be considered on a case-by-case basis, as we have done throughout this administration. “I can assure you, we will continue to enforce the Jones Act in accordance with federal law,” Phillips said, to resounding applause. Later, she also spoke of the potential challenges that await new and current mariners, before stating, “We must be able to meet this potential challenge, and to do that, it is critical to recognize that there is an essential interdependence between commercial and military elements of the maritime industry. A healthy commercial industry is critical to support the DOD’s force mobilizations – and, I would add as an aside, the Ready Reserve Fleet is responding to some of those requests as we speak.” She continued, “Further, the size of our commercial fleet determines the number of billets available to sealiftqualified mariners, both officers and ratings, to meet our sealift sustainment needs. MARAD works at the overlapping intersections to strengthen our sealift enterprise, by administering commercial sealift programs, managing the operations of our Ready Reserve Force, and helping to train the next generation of mariners.” She summarized, “Without mariners, there would be no ships. That’s the bottom line.” After speaking at length on mariner safety and wellbeing, Phillips turned to the Maritime Security Program, which “maintains a fleet of 60 modern, privately owned, U.S.-flag vessels active in international commercial trade, and available on-call to meet DOD contingency requirements. The current fleet now provides cargo capacity that exceeds 3.4 million square feet, the highest level in the program’s history.” Phillips also noted that the agency is working with “the Biden/Harris Administration’s Made in America office, to help agencies understand cargo preference requirements – and, by understanding, comply. I have also written to all federal departments and agencies, explaining how MARAD can help them ensure they meet their obligations under cargo preference laws and regulations.” She concluded, “Our merchant marine constitutes the nation’s fourth arm of defense. It has been historically organized, trained and equipped to perform these three essential functions: sea control, power projection and maritime security. We at the Maritime Administration are working to ensure our mariners have the ships, the training and the resources that they need to meet our evolving sealift needs.” Ann Phillips U.S. Maritime Administrator MTD President Michael Sacco (right) thanks Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips for her remarks to the board. Seafarers LOG 5 �Maritime Trades Department Board Members, Friends & Guests Adam Vokac President MEBA Anthony Poplawski President MFOW James Callahan President Operating Engineers Dave Connolly President SUP Paul Doell President AMO Eric Dean President Ironworkers David Heindel President SIU Brian Schoeneman Political Director SIU Lisa Bolton VP CWA Peter Clark VP ILA Arthur Maratea President TCU/IAM Don Josberger Sec.-Treasurer MM&P Michael Vigneron President Atlantic Gulf Coast District, ILA Bob Rice Sec.-Treasurer AMO Eric Bunn Sec.-Treasurer AFGE Roland Rexha Sec.-Treasurer MEBA Jimmy Hart President Metal Trades Dept. Mike Given President SIU of Canada Jeanette Bradshaw Michigan Port Maritime Council David Woods Sec-Treasurer BCTGM Robert Howard Chicago Port Maritime Council Brian Sanson Sec.-Treasurer UMWA Patrick Dolan UA Dan Duncan Sec.-Treas. (Ret.) MTD Mark Clements Sec.-Treasurer MTD Augie Tellez Exec. VP SIU Jim Given President Emeritus SIU of Canada George Tricker VP SIU Tom Orzechowski Sec.-Treasurer SIU Dean Corgey VP SIU Nick Marrone VP SIU Joseph Soresi VP SIU Nicholas Celona VP SIU Govt Svs Karen Horton-Gennette National Director UIW Bryan Powell VP SIU Michael Russo AVP SIU Kris Hopkins AVP SIU Pat Vandegrift AVP SIU Amancio Crespo AVP SIU Joe Vincenzo AVP SIU Govt Svs Maggie Bowen Plans Administrator Seafarers Bernie Hostein Steelworkers 6 Seafarers LOG March 2023 �February 2023 Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting, Orlando, Florida ITF Leader Addresses Manpower, Cabotage The head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently offered valuable insights about the maritime labor shortage, the importance of cabotage laws, and how decarbonization will affect transportation employees worldwide, among other key topics. ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton also praised the career of outgoing SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco when he spoke to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Feb. 17 near Orlando, Florida. The SIU is affiliated both with the ITF and the MTD. Cotton stated, “On behalf of the 20 million transport workers affiliated with the ITF, we recognize Mike Sacco’s contributions – not just to the maritime trades, but to the labor movement…. I can say on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of seafarers Mike and the SIU have helped by being a guiding light for democracy, many (foreign) unions visited the SIU. They’ve built their constitutions around the democracy that North America represents. That’s Mike’s commitment to the international movement. He’s not just the dean of the AFL-CIO; he’s the dean of the world.” Cotton then congratulated new SIU President David Heindel, who also has served as an ITF official for many years. “On behalf of the ITF, we’ll be by your side, all the way,” Cotton said. After updating attendees about the federation’s ongoing efforts to protect workers from COVID-19, Cotton talked about the “global impact” of the labor shortage, not just in the transportation trades but in virtually every industry. He stated, “Many people are looking at how they work and where they work. SIU President David Heindel (left) and ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton are longtime colleagues in the global effort to protect mariners’ rights. For us in transportation, because we’ve been squeezed and squeezed, many of our jobs are no longer attractive. We have to rebuild confidence and secure jobs. Whether it’s a Filipino or a North American, we need to guarantee that we can [fill] all of the transport jobs. We need political support, we need financial backing, and we need to upskill the jobs.” With that in mind, Cotton said the ITF is “looking at how we can do that. We’ve signed partnership agreements with the leading global employer bodies…. We have nearly 14,500 ships under contract. That’s because of the support that you’ve built.” He added that it’s critical “that we continue to collaborate at the highest levels.” Cotton then noted that 2023 marks the seventy-fifth year of the federation’s campaign against so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) or runaway-flag shipping. He said FOC operators “would love to be on the United States’ coasts. They’d love to be in Canada. But because you’ve stayed strong … we see new (pro-cabotage) legislation in Australia. We’ve been able to defend cabotage in Brazil and Argentina. We believe there will be more opportunities to build cabotage in the post-pandemic period.” Cotton said a big reason for those prospects is the standard set by defenders of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law: “You led from the front and you fought tirelessly in all of the political arenas. “For me, cabotage and the Jones Act is the maritime industry’s holy grail,” he continued. “It must be defended at all costs.” After pledging the federation’s ongoing support, he discussed the phase-in period for decarbonization in maritime. Although it’ll be a decades-long undertaking, the effects will be substantial. Maritime labor already is working to ensure that workers’ voices are heard and that mariners and others get the training needed for evolving jobs. “It doesn’t matter where you fit in the global supply chain,” he explained. “Whether it’s the dockers, the railway workers, the truck drivers, we have to make sure our folks are skilled and in- Ex-Im Bank Dedicated To Supporting U.S. Jobs When longtime International Association of Machinists (IAM) Chief of Staff Owen Herrnstadt received U.S. Senate confirmation last summer to serve at the U.S. ExportImport Bank, he realized it didn’t quite sound like the culmination of a childhood dream. But it’s truly a great fit, Herrnstadt told the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board during a Feb. 16 speech near Orlando, Florida. Believed to be the first person from the labor movement to be appointed to the bank’s board of directors, Herrnstadt said colleagues expressed surprise that he wanted the job. “But if you look closer at the actual mission of Ex-Im, it’s easy to see why someone like me – someone who was raised in and by the labor movement – would want a position at the bank,” he explained. “The bank’s explicit mission (is) to support U.S. jobs. Our congressional charter says, the Export-Import Bank … objectives and purposes shall be to aid in financing and to facilitate the exports of goods and services between the United States and any foreign country, and in doing so shall be to contribute to the employment of U.S. workers. We take that mission very, very seriously.” He said one way the bank fulfills its mission is by supporting “the U.S. maritime industry and U.S. maritime workers that March 2023 make the industry so great.” He added that the rationale for the laws reserving Ex-Im cargoes for U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed ships is straightforward: “In times of vulnerable supply chains and economic insecurity, these rules are critical for our nation’s economic and physical security, which depend on the U.S. maritime industry, U.S. maritime workers, and, of course, U.S. maritime unions.” He continued: “This is especially true in the past few years in the wake of increasing global competition as other countries continue to utilize robust industrial policies that support their own industries, including their own maritime industries; accelerating competition from countries that don’t always play by the rules – like China – and expanding global supply chains in off-shoring that has exposed the vulnerability of our nation’s economic security, which has been highlighted during the pandemic. That is why Ex-Im is one of the core players in the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild manufacturing and bring supply chains home.” Immediately prior to Herrnstadt’s remarks, the MTD adopted a statement supporting the bank. In part, the statement reads as follows: Sometimes overlooked and often misunderstood, the U.S. Export-Import Bank nevertheless is a crucial source of good jobs for Owen Herrnstadt explains how the U.S. Export-Import Bank benefits the nation. American workers. It’s also a money-maker for the government, which is among the reasons it has traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support. W hile the le nder has exper i enced is s ue s re c e ntly w i t h f un di ng and dire c tor va c a nc ies, t he E x- I m Bank ha s be e n a ble to r each a quor um of boa rd me mbe rs si nce M ay 2019. In that time, the bank has resumed its primary duty: backing low-interest loans for the export of U.S.-made goods. As we all know, the goods generated by the bank are carried on American-flag ships, which means jobs for Steve Cotton ITF General Secretary vested, to handle these new [jobs].” Cotton noted that he and Heindel have helped lead the ITF’s efforts on this front, and added, “The reality is, we have to be greener…. This is an issue that concerns working men and women on the ships today. What new skills will they need? Workers should have a say.” Like other speakers, Cotton also touched on current and future job opportunities in the wind-energy sector. He said the federation already is working to help ensure that those are well-paying, union jobs. “When we approach those foreign companies that build wind farms, they (must) understand that the moment it touches American waters, it should be on American ships … constructed by American workers, and then taken out to sea and maintained forever by American workers.” He also provided an update on the ITF’s respective efforts to assist Ukraine and the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey. “The hard work that you do every day makes a difference to everybody,” he concluded. “You inspire other nations and other trade unions.” mariners, and support for the nation’s cargo preference laws. Founded in 1934, the bank helps maintain good American jobs, and generates significant money for the U.S. Treasury. It’s an independent federal agency which, according to its mission statement, “promotes and supports American jobs by providing competitive and necessary export credit to overseas purchasers of U.S. goods and services. A robust Ex-Im can level the global playing field for U.S. exporters when they compete against foreign companies that receive support from their governments. Ex-Im also contributes to U.S. economic growth by helping to create and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. In recent years, 90 percent of the total number of the bank’s authorizations has directly supported small businesses. Since 2000, Ex-Im has provided $14.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury after paying for all of its administrative and program expenses.” The U.S. is not alone in providing export credit to domestic shipping companies: More than 60 other nations use similar institutions to promote their goods for export around the world. But as with other political scrapes involving laws and programs that boost the U.S. Merchant Marine, our work in raising awareness on the vital nature of the Ex-Im Bank is never finished. As stated by Jeffrey D. Gerrish, former Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President, “With Ex-Im restored to full functionality, our exporters again have a fighting chance to win export sales on the fair basis of quality and price instead of on the availability of government-backed financing.” Seafarers LOG 7 �February 2023 Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting, Orlando, Florida Redmond Reiterates AFL-CIO Support For Strong American Maritime Industry Fred Redmond left no doubt about the AFL-CIO’s ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine when he spoke to the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board on Feb. 17 near Orlando, Florida. Redmond, elected last year as the federation’s secretary-treasurer, stated, “A first-class maritime industry is so important to the economic health and security of this nation. And having highly skilled, U.S. citizen union mariners and shipyard workers is absolutely essential. The entire labor movement has stood with you to reject flag-of-convenience schemes and fight back attacks on cargo preference laws. And we will stand with you again to protect these labor standards, and for the enforcement of the Jones Act. That’s our promise.” Redmond began by thanking SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco for his years of hard work and dedication to the federation and the labor movement as a whole. “For those of you who don’t know, Mike is currently the longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. He’s the Dean of the Executive Council,” said Redmond, before congratulating Sacco on his retirement. He then saluted newly elected SIU President David Heindel on his position, before congratulating MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan on his retirement. “But most of all I want to thank all of you,” he said, addressing the labor leaders sitting in the room. “Because the work that you do every day is critically important in the lives of working people. To the labor movement, to our economy, and to the future of our democracy, and democracies everywhere. I want to thank you, on behalf of myself and (AFLCIO) President (Liz) Shuler, for your dedication, because through every challenge thrown your way, you have been able to adapt and advocate for workers at a time when workers needed us the most.” He spoke on the importance of grassroots politics and a continued need to organize and help working people across the country. He then mentioned the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill, saying it’s “a good example, and it’s already launching projects across the country, and creating jobs in new communities. This bill alone … will put half a trillion dollars of federal funding in clean energy over the next 10 years. This piece of legislation alone will create 1.5 million new jobs in infrastructure, manufacturing, construction and transportation. And it’s our goal that we want every one of these jobs to be a good union job.” America’s freight cabotage law remains crucial for the dredging industry, and it also plays a vital role as the nation expands into the wind-energy sector. Those were among the key points offered by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) Senior Vice President William Hanson Feb. 17 at the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board meeting near Orlando, Florida. Although an emergency prevented Hanson from attending the gathering, Darrell Conner, a government affairs specialist from the law firm K&L Gates, delivered the full address. GLDD has contracts with several unions, including the SIU. Seafarers sail aboard the company’s hopper dredges. “For those not familiar with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, it is the nation’s largest dredging company, with a large diverse fleet – a fleet in which they continue to invest,” Conner said. “Their specialty is the large deepening and widening projects like the first phase of the Port of Houston’s Project, which was just completed last week. But they also have worked in and expanded every major port in the country during their 131-year history. “They also bring special expertise to coastal projects that protect our nation’s coasts, and have worked on virtually every beach or coastal project in the country, typically pumping sand from offshore borrow areas to beach fronts,” he continued. “The Jones Act and the Dredging Act are core to their industry, ensuring their vessels are U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, and U.S.-owned. And [GLDD] currently has more than $300 million of new equipment under contract, including two new hopper dredges under construction now that will give us the most modern fleet in the U.S.” After emphasizing the company’s unwavering focus on workplace safety, Conner noted that despite the dredging market being “flush with funding … the dredging industry is finding it challenging to get projects out to bid. Agencies are understaffed to deal with the increased level of funding. While we usually say thanks for any infrastructure spending, [GLDD] believes that more consistent annual funding can be more beneficial than one big funding bill…. As an example, Great Lakes suffered one of its worst financial years on record because the Corps of Engineers was unable to get major deepening projects out to bid last year.” Conner also pointed out that GLDD is believed to be “the first private U.S. maritime company to jump into the U.S. offshore wind market, making a major investment in a Jones Act-compliant rock installation vessel. This vessel is being built in a U.S. shipyard, the Philly Shipyard, by U.S. union workers; will be crewed by U.S. union labor; and will be owned by a U.S. company. This $250 million investment demonstrates to the Biden administration that their efforts to support the Jones Act and create new markets for American companies and American labor is working. It also shows the European developers that U.S. industry will build to meet the demand, and shows [GLDD] European competitors that the Jones Act is the law Fred Redmond AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer He then discussed the challenges pertaining to the maritime industry, saying, “We’re going to keep up our collective work with the Biden Administration, and get their help to bolster our domestic supply chain. We need their help to get employers to the table, and make sure that employers are signing PLAs (project labor agreements) and supporting registered apprenticeships. “The kind of opportunities a union appren- ticeship can offer, how it can be a first step in not just a job, but a lifechanging career,” he continued. “The Maritime Trades is providing the next generation of workers the tools they need to have a successful entry into the [industry]. But it can only open that door if people know about it, and a lot of folks don’t realize this path to a good union job is available to them.” He added, “You know, I’m a proud trade unionist, just like everyone else in this room. And nothing makes me more proud than when the good union members and leaders of the Maritime Trades took action, before the devastating hurricanes even hit Puerto Rico and Florida last year. Our movement came together, and it was the Maritime Trades who displayed the best of our labor movement. You knew the storm was coming, and you were prepared. You had containers of critical relief and emergency supplies at the ready in the port cities, all across the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf. And you had U.S.-crewed ships, tugs and barges, prepared to bring and offload the supplies. That’s a testament to you, and our labor movement. “And just as you did in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (in 2017), it was the largest sea-bridge operation of federal disaster aid in FEMA’s history,” he said. “And yet, the same anti-union opportunists tried to take advantage of these disasters for their own gain. They said the Jones Act kept aid away from Puerto Rico and Florida. They said they were just looking out for the security, safety and wellbeing of our fellow Americans. We all know it was a bunch of s*** and a pack of lies. But you stayed focused to your mission, and you saved people’s lives. And you made our labor movement proud.” Redmond also discussed in detail the power of, and ongoing need for union members to be active in grassroots political action. He emphasized that labor should back pro-worker candidates, regardless of political party, and he talked about numerous wins by such candidates in the most recent elections. Jones Act is ‘Core’ to Dredging Industry 8 Seafarers LOG William Hanson GLDD VP and their days working in U.S. waters with foreign-flag vessels are numbered!” Conner described the high levels of interest in the wind sector from governors and other state politicians. “It is accompanied by interest in helping with the training and education of the union workforce to crew our new vessel,” he continued, again on behalf of Hanson. “Of course, that ship is but one of many U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American workers, that will need to be built to satisfy this market. That’s opportunity.” He concluded by describing the MTD and its affiliates as “great allies in the fight for more funding and policies to keep U.S. workers fully engaged in the maritime industries.” Darrell Conner from K&L Gates conveys pro-Jones Act, pro-labor messages from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Senior Vice President William Hanson. March 2023 �February 2023 Maritime Trades Department Executive Board Meeting, Orlando, Florida Executive Dubs Mariners as ‘Unsung Heroes’ The top executive at a major, Seafarerscontracted maritime company recently spelled out the consistent reliability and outstanding performances of U.S. mariners and the U.S.-flag industry as a whole. TOTE Maritime President and CEO Tim Nolan addressed the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board Feb. 16 near Orlando, Florida. He repeatedly praised U.S. crews (including SIU members) for their efforts during the pandemic as well as during various disaster-relief missions. Nolan also noted that while supply-chain problems grabbed headlines during the pandemic, the Jones Act fleet remained on schedule. He said that when the pandemic began, U.S. mariners “answered the call and they stood watch to ensure that the communities that depend on us, and the country that depends on us – they were there to serve…. This was another one of those proud moments. There was a lot of publicity out there for the transportation industry. You want to talk about unsung heroes? It’s our U.S. mariners.” He added that, particularly in 2021, “we saw congestion at the ports. We saw ships out at anchor. We saw congestion on the railroads…. One thing we didn’t see were those same problems (in the Jones Act trade). Why? The Jones Act (fleet), with U.S. ships and U.S. flags and U.S. mari- TOTE Maritime President and CEO Tim Nolan ners, were ready to deliver. They provided the same reliable, on-time, week-in, weekout service to each one of those places, without delays. They weren’t at anchor for weeks at a time. They weren’t lacking equipment. They had everything they needed to provide reliable service.” Attig Underscores the Union Difference Nolan described his company’s “pride of being a Jones Act operator. We are very proud to be part of the American maritime industry – an industry that provides for over 650,000 jobs; an industry that has built over 40,000 vessels; an industry that provides $41 billion in labor compensation; and an industry that provides $154 billion in annual economic impact. That’s some industry. “We’re also an industry that leads from the front,” he continued. “When you talk about innovation, the U.S. maritime industry is the first to develop and deliver an LNG-powered containership, back in 2015. These are still the most environmentally friendly ships in the world.” Those aren’t the only investments made by TOTE or other companies. Nolan pointed out there are five multi-mission vessels being built at Philly Shipyard, and that wind energy opportunities are “actually being implemented as we speak, with assets being built and ships soon to be deployed.” “But the most important of that reinvestment is from our labor partners: back into our mariners,” he said. “Educating them to ensure we have the best and brightest in the world to crew and manage our ships, on behalf of the companies and the U.S. government as a whole.” He then recapped the industry’s disaster-relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the Gulf during the last five years. Nolan said in particular that the collective response by maritime labor and Jones Act carriers following Hurricane Maria in 2017 was “one of the proudest moments in my career…. It was the Jones Act vessels, manned by U.S. crews, that came in with the needed support. Labor, both shore-side and on the ships, worked 24/7 to provide.” Nolan wrapped up his remarks by stressing the need for safety, quality of life aboard ship, inclusion, and training. On the latter point, he said there is “no better example than Piney Point,” referring to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in southern Maryland. He concluded, “The U.S. maritime industry will always be ready to answer the call.” Soaking it all in Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig addresses the MTD on Feb. 16. He updated attendees on the council’s various activities promoting good jobs for U.S. military veterans, including grassroots political action. Attig, a combat veteran and union member, pointed out that veterans who belong to unions earn (on average) $12,000 a year more than their unrepresented counterparts. He described union jobs as “a pathway to the American dream.” Board members and guests listen to a presentation. Gen. Van Ovost Emphasizes Nation’s Reliance on U.S. Merchant Marine Continued from Page 4 Nevertheless, current developments have returned a spotlight to maritime’s importance. “Recent global events have once again invigorated the focus and support for the business of deployment, sustainment, and maneuver that only you can provide, and together we deliver,” Van Ovost said. “This includes our current endeavors to support our NATO allies and supply Ukraine with the materials needed to defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked war. With your help, we’ve delivered millions of pounds of ammunition, weapons, vehicles, and artillery systems at a volume that only surface shipping can facilitate. Ukraine’s success on the battlefield is a direct reflection of March 2023 your support and something we’ll need even more in the future. “In the complexities of today’s global competition, the fundamental need to retain this advantage has not changed,” she continued. “Neither has the impact of those who labor to ensure its vitality. I argue their importance has only grown, which is why I am such a strong advocate for those involved with the maritime industry…. This is something we cannot afford to get wrong; the stakes are too high and countries like China are leveraging their capacity to produce all manner of ships to erode our once-clear strategic advantage.” She then pointed out recent components of the National Defense Authorization Act that support the Jones Act, the new Tanker Security Program and other maritime staples that signal “positive changes…. This focus on your industry is a renewed recognition of just how critical your contributions are to the success of our nation. They also represent an increased opportunity for employment, growth for our economy, and decreased risk to national security.” Finally, she thanked outgoing SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco for his many years of dedicated, effective leadership and support. Immediately after the video was shown, Sacco recalled the SIU’s involvement with USTRANSCOM’s earliest operations after its founding in 1989. He credited SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez for his work with the agency. He concluded, “This is how we do business. We’re here to serve our country.” Seafarers LOG 9 �U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan (above) does the honors. The vessel (photo at right) is christened in San Diego. (Photos courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) Warren Christening Signals New CIVMAR Jobs New jobs are on the way for members of the SIU Government Services Division following the Jan. 21 christening of the USNS Earl Warren at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. Built by union members, the Warren is the third ship in a fleet oiler program for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). “Without question, MSC can count on the typical, reliable professionalism of SIU CIVMARS who’ll sail aboard this new ship,” stated SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona. “We welcome the new tonnage and the opportunities that come with it.” Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro served as the principal speaker at the ceremony, which also featured remarks from NASSCO and other U.S. Navy representatives. Following brief comments, the ship’s sponsor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, christened the ship with the traditional champagne bottlebreak alongside the hull. “Along with its namesake, this majestic vessel will be instrumental in shaping the future of our nation. The shipbuilders of NASSCO are proud to have ensured Earl Warren’s legacy will live on in this ship,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf of the 4,800 employees of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the USNS Earl Warren for christening to our sponsor….” The ship honors Earl Warren, fourteenth chief justice of the Supreme Court. During his 16 years as chief justice, a period of time when the Supreme Court was known as the “Warren Court,” civil rights and civil liberties were dra- matically expanded, marking this period as one of the most important periods in the history of American constitutional law, according to many pundits. “Indeed, the ship’s motto could not be more appropriate: ‘I Will Find a Way or I Will Make One,’” said Del Toro. “That’s exactly what a young Earl Warren did when he overcame obstacles to joining the Army during the First World War, and that’s what he continued to do in the fight for equality, democracy, and social justice throughout his life.” General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded a Navy contract to design and build the first six ships for the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class, in 2016. In 2022, the Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract modification for the construction of two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers, with the option for the Navy to procure an additional oiler, which was included in the 2023 defense budget. According to NASSCO, “In addition to the christening of this ship, two ships in the T-AO class fleet oiler program for the U.S. Navy – the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy and the future USNS Lucy Stone – are currently under construction. The second ship, the future USNS Harvey Milk will be delivered to the Navy later this year. The lead ship, the USNS John Lewis was delivered to the Navy in 2022.” The 742-foot-long oilers are designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea and have the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. Checking In from Maersk Kensington AB Waleed Mohsin submitted these photos from the Maersk Kensington, taken during the vessel’s shipyard period in Bahrain. He’s at right in photo at left, with AB Pascal Masanilo. Fellow Seafarers are among those included in the photo above. 10 Seafarers LOG March 2023 �The Union Plus Mortgage Program WORKS FOR ME “I was searching different avenues to see who had the best rates, but I wanted to go to sources that I could trust. Through the Union Plus Mortgage Program, I spoke to someone at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and I felt very comfortable.” — union member See more at unionplus.org Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed-upon services. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage encourages you to shop around to ensure you receive the services and loan terms that fit your home financing needs. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2022 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801 3/23 March 2023 SIU-MORT-WFM-2-17-2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – SIU Hawaii Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (left) and SIU Bosun James Reynolds (second from left) hit the recruiting trail for a career fair at a high school in Honolulu. Those at right are from the local non-profit organization Marimed Foundation. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH CIVMARS IN NORFOLK – SIU Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain (right) conducts part of a new-employee orientation class at Naval Station Norfolk (Virginia). ABOARD OCEAN GRAND – Recertified Bosun Lech Jankowski (left) and AB Josh Maughon pause for a photo aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel in Corpus Christi, Texas. RECRUITING IN GULF – SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes mans an SIU/Paul Hall Center booth at a career fair hosted by Milby High School. The union and school have ramped up their recruiting efforts. BOOK SECURED IN ALGONAC – GUDE Mohamed Saeed (right) receives his B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured SIU Algonac Safety Director Ryan Covert. TEAMING UP IN NEW ORLEANS – The union and the Louisiana Workforce Commission on Jan. 30 jointly hosted a maritime career fair at the hiring hall. Among those pictured during the event are SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (fourth from left) and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook (fourth from right). CERTIFICATES GALORE – SIU members (photo at right) answered the call last September when the Gem State (Pacific Gulf Marine) was activated in Oakland, California. They returned in late January with a figurative boatload of certificates, as follows: Order of the Rock (for transit through the Straights of Gibraltar); Shellback (for crossing the Equator); Persian Excursion (for service in the Persian/Arabian Gulf); Domain of the Golden Dragon (for crossing the 180th Meridian, also known as the International Date Line); Order of the Ditch (for transiting the Panama Canal); Safari to Suez (for transiting the Suez Canal); Order of Magellan (for circumnavigation of the globe). Displaying some of the certificates aboard the vessel are (seated, from left) Electrician Sukhbir Bains, Oiler Lorenz Grice, QMED Lamonte McKinnon, (standing) ABM Luis Garcia, FOWT Reny Arzu, OS Brandon Bradley and Oiler Corey Chandler. 12 Seafarers LOG A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – Engine-department Seafarer Alejandro Cintron (left) picks up his Aseniority book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. March 2023 �JOB WELL DONE – SIU officials recently celebrated the career of longtime Philadelphia Central Labor Council President Pat Eiding (second from right), who has retired from his post after more than 20 years of service. The union presented him with a ship’s wheel during a retirement dinner on Jan. 21. Pictured from left are SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson, future Seafarer Tommy Soresi, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Eiding, and SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. ABOARD PELICAN STATE – Pictured aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel in Houston are (from left) SA Henry Gonzalez, Chief Cook Lea Ramos, QEP Ricky Pettaway, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, Steward/Baker Sulay Martinez, Recertified Bosun Glenn Christianson, QMED Luis Sepulveda and ABM Walid Nasser. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU READY TO JOIN – After hearing about the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program from a friend who’s an SIU member, James Fuller III (left) visited the Oakland, California, hiring hall to get started with the application. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. ABOARD MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Key Marine vessel in Beaumont, Texas, are (from left) Recertified Bosun/Tankerman Billy Yurick, SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick and A/E Pat Burchill. WELCOME ABOARD – SIU Jersey City Safety Director Jose Argueta (right) congratulates Gabriel Veras-Conde on his acceptance into the apprentice program at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They’re pictured at the hiring hall in New Jersey. ABOARD SBX – These photos were taken during the TOTE vessel’s recent shipyard period in Hawaii. Pictured from left in photo at the immediate right are SIU Honolulu Safety Director Amber Akana, Bosun Jumar Rapuet and vessel master Capt. David Baker. HELPING HANDS – OS Stephanie Vidrio provides water to Cuban nationals who recently were rescued by the SIU-crewed Sagamore (Sealift). Coverage of the rescue appeared in the February LOG and is posted on the SIU website. March 2023 Seafarers LOG 13 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members aboard the Subcom-operated cable ship Decisive in Baltimore. Question: What are some things you like about working aboard a cable ship? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Anthony Johnson OS This is my first time on a cable ship, but since I’ve been here, it’s good. Everybody gets along with each other and we work well together. Levi Gorokhovsky OS We connect the world with these cables. It’s quite amazing. They run all over the world, and we can get fast, high-speed internet to many countries. When we finish a project, it’s very satisfying. Yan Paing MDR I like the crew and I like the food. We get along well and they’ve taught me a lot. I’d never worked on a ship before and I’m learning all the time.. Darius Parker OS Learning every day. You get new experiences. There are a lot of things I enjoy. I especially love the operations when we’re moving.. Habash Ahmed OS You experience many different things daily. You learn a lot. We have a lot of good mates on here. We have a good time and you walk out with a lot of knowledge. It’s great here. I love it. Eric Mose OMU You get to learn a lot that you don’t do every day on other ships. It’s kind of unique. This is my second year on a cable ship, but I’ve been going to sea for 30 years. 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 625 N. York 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 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 Pic From The Past This 1955 snapshot, taken at the union’s headquarters building in New York, includes Oiler Richard Toler (right) and his son, Richard, who doesn’t seem to be buying into the encouraging words about his haircut. PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (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) 549-4001/4002 14 Seafarers LOG 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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org March 2023 �National Maritime Center Now Accepts Electronically Signed Forms, Documents Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following announcement Jan. 23. It is posted on the SIU website. In keeping with our goal to continuously improve our services to mariners, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will now accept electronic signatures (e-sign) on all CG-719 series forms and all supporting documentation therein for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs), medical certificates, and course approvals. Mariner applicants may e-sign applications and supporting documentation using software-generated electronic signatures (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, etc.) on the CG-719 series of forms and other supporting documentation to include, but not limited to, sea service, assessments, mariner training documentation, and qualified assessor and designated examiner requests. However, any submis- sion missing signatures will be returned to the mariner or course provider. Requirements to e-submit your MMC application to a regional examination center, or to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for medical certificate applications, have not changed. E-mailing your application and e-signing your documents is the preferred method for submission. Please note: While the Coast Guard can accommodate e-mails with attachments up to 35MB in size, verify any size restrictions your e-mail provider may have prior to sending. Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected. If you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@ USCG.mil, by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (4275662), via our online chat system or by visiting the NMC website. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Jan. 15, 2023- Feb. 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Feb. 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Important Notice to Seafarers Regarding Vaccines at CVS Effective immediately, CVS retail stores are no longer in-network with Cigna for vaccine administration (including Covid-19 vaccines and boosters). This means that if you have any type of a vaccine at a CVS retail store, you will have a higher copayment. As confusing as it may sound, CVS MinuteClinics and CVS HealthHubs are still in-network. CVS MinuteClinics are located in select CVS and Target stores, are clearly marked, and offer a variety of medical services (including urgent care for minor illnesses and health screenings). CVS HealthHubs are located in select CVS stores, and offer even more services than Minute Clinics. Many other retail pharmacies are in-network with Cigna, including: Walgreens, Publix, RiteAid, Safeway, United Super Markets and others throughout the U.S. If you are looking for an in-network vaccine location, you can call the phone number on the back of your ID card, or search in www.mycigna.com under “Find Care and Costs” to find providers near you. If you received a vaccine at CVS in the month of January 2023, please contact Membership Services at 1-800-2524674. March & April Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: March 6, April 3 Algonac..........................................Friday: March 10, April 7 Baltimore........................................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Guam.......................................Thursday: March 23, April 20 Honolulu.........................................Friday: March 17, April 14 Houston........................................Monday: March 13, April 10 Jacksonville.................................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Joliet............................................Thursday: March 16, April 13 Mobile.......................................Wednesday: March 15, April 12 New Orleans...............................Tuesday: March 14, April 11 Jersey City......................................Tuesday: March 7, April 4 Norfolk............................................Friday: March 10, April 7 Oakland.....................................Thursday: March 16, April 13 Philadelphia...........................Wednesday: March 8, April 5 Port Everglades.......................Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Juan..........................................Thursday: March 9, April 6 St. Louis......................................Friday: March 17, April 14 Tacoma.......................................Friday: March 24, April 21 Wilmington..................................Monday: March 20, April 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m March 2023 Seafarers LOG 15 �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 EMMANUEL ADEOTI Brother Emmanuel Adeoti, 67, started his career with the union in 2001. He first shipped on the Navigator and sailed in the engine department. Brother Adeoti upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the William R. Button and makes his home in Richmond, Texas. DENNIS ADJETEY Brother Dennis Adjetey, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996, initially sailing aboard the Cape Bon. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Adjetey’s final vessel was the Horizon Kodiak. He is a resident of Tacoma, Washington. APOLINARIO AGUIRRE Brother Apolinario Aguirre, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1987 when he sailed on the Charles L. Brown. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1995. Brother Aguirre’s final vessel was the Horizon Tiger. He resides in Daly City, California. MICHAEL ALATAN Brother Michael Alatan, 63, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing on the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Alatan last shipped on the SBX and makes his home in Honolulu. KADIR AMAT Brother Kadir Amat, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1975 and first worked on the Pacer. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. 16 Seafarers LOG Brother Amat’s final vessel was the Maersk Idaho. He resides in Ocala, Florida. ROBYN ANDERSON Sister Robyn Anderson, 75, became a member of the union in 1999. A steward department member, she first sailed aboard the Wilson. Sister Anderson upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She last sailed on the John Chapman and lives in Hull, Massachusetts. JERRALD BELCARIES Brother Jerrald Belcaries, 69, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001. He initially sailed on the Marine Chemist and was a member of the deck department. Brother Belcaries upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Magnolia State and lives in Miami. and first sailed aboard the USNS Loyal. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and primarily sailed in the steward department. Brother English most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Chicago. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. JANICE GABBERT Sister Janice Gabbert, 73, started her career with the union in 2003, initially sailing aboard the Cape Florida. A steward department member, she upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Gabbert last shipped on the John Paul Bobo. She lives in Titusville, Florida. JOHN GILSTON Brother Richard Benoit, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1981 when he sailed aboard the Explorer. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Benoit last shipped on the Great Republic. He is a resident of Dayton, Texas. Brother John Gilston, 66, became an SIU member in 1979 when he sailed on the Monticello. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and worked primarily in the deck department. Brother Gilston’s final vessel was the Maersk Missouri. He is a resident of Saratoga Springs, New York. ROBERT BROWN WAYNE GONSALVES Brother Robert Brown, 67, joined the union in 1980 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He first shipped on the Santa Barbara and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1991. Brother Brown last sailed on the Baltimore. He resides in New Rochelle, New York. Brother Wayne Gonsalves, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1980, initially sailing on the Leo. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gonsalves last shipped on the Richard G. Matthiesen and calls Leonardtown, Maryland, home. RICHARD BENOIT THOMAS DECARLO Brother Thomas DeCarlo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1997. He first sailed aboard the USNS Altair and worked in the deck department. Brother DeCarlo upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the USNS Soderman and is a resident of El Paso, Texas. EDWARD ENGLISH Brother Edward English, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1995 KEVIN HALL Brother Kevin Hall, 55, started sailing with the SIU in 1989, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Hall concluded his career aboard the Louisiana and settled in Humble, Texas. SANDY KILLIAN CLARENCE POMPEY Brother Sandy Killian, 65, joined the union in 1978 when he sailed on the Philadelphia. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Killian concluded his career aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He makes his home in Federal Way, Washington. Brother Clarence Pompey, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1978. He initially sailed with Asbury Steamship and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Pompey last shipped on the Wabash and is a Houston resident. VICTOR KISTANOV Brother Victor Kistanov, 69, signed on with the SIU in 2002. He first sailed aboard the Global Mariner and worked in the deck department. Brother Kistanov upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Oregon and is a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. SERGEY KURCHENKO Brother Sergey Kurchenko, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2003, initially sailing aboard the Wilson. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Kurchenko’s final vessel was the Maersk Utah. He resides in Largo, Florida JOSE LOUREIRO Brother Jose Loureiro, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991, initially working aboard the Overseas Alaska. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Loureiro last shipped on the Alaskan Explorer. He lives in San Diego. HILARIO MARTINEZ Brother Hilario Martinez, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked primarily in the engine department. Brother Martinez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Alliance Fairfax and resides in Houston. ARTHUR PRICE Brother Arthur Price, 71, joined the SIU in 1989 and first sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Co. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Price most recently sailed on the American Endurance and makes his home in LaPlace, Louisiana. ARSENIO PURGANAN Brother Arsenio Purganan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Purganan’s first vessel was the Cape Douglas; his last, the Groton. He makes his home in Kent, Washington. ELORDE RAMOS Brother Elorde Ramos, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1988. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the USNS Altair. Brother Ramos upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Columbus and lives in Piscataway, New Jersey. PEDRO SANTIAGO Brother Pedro Santiago, 66, joined the union in 1973 and first sailed aboard the Transpanama. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Santiago last shipped on the Overseas Martinez. He lives in Ocala, Florida. DONALD SPANGLER Brother Donald Spangler, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Zapata Rover. He upgraded often Continued on next page March 2023 �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. Continued from Page 16 at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the steward department. Brother Spangler most recently shipped on the Lurline. He resides in Keaau, Hawaii. DORKUCHO TANIHU Brother Dorkucho Tanihu, 66, became an SIU member in 2001. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Tanihu’s first vessel was the Roy M. Wheat; his last, the Jack Lummus. He makes his home in Brighton, Massachusetts. ROSE WARD Sister Rose Ward, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2007 when she shipped on the Pride. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Sister Ward’s final vessel was the Overseas Nikiski. She is a Houston resident. BILLY WATSON Brother Billy Watson, 62, started sailing with the union in 1991, initially shipping on the Sealift Indian Ocean. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Watson concluded his career aboard the Ocean Jazz and calls Port Arthur, Texas, home. GABRIEL WILLIAMS Brother Gabriel Williams, 65, joined the union in 1991 when he sailed aboard the USNS Wyman. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Williams’ final vessel was the Grand Canyon State. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. March 2023 GREAT LAKES KEVIN KELLEY Brother Kevin Kelley, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He initially sailed with Quality Quarries and was a deck department member. Brother Kelley upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped with Great Lakes Towing and resides in Allen Park, Michigan. DALE LEONARD Brother Dale Leonard, 63, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He was employed by Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career and sailed in the deck department. Brother Leonard upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He settled in Benzonia, Michigan. MICHAEL TANNER Brother Michael Tanner, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he shipped on the McKee Sons. A deck department member, Brother Tanner last shipped aboard the Alpena. He makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND RICKY BRINSON Brother Ricky Brinson, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1984. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Brinson was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. He a resident of Brandon, Florida. ODELL CHESTANG Brother Odell Chestang, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974 when he shipped with Dravo Basic Materials. He was a member of the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Chestang lives in Semmes, Alabama. CARL COUSIN Brother Carl Cousin, 63, signed on with the union in 2006. He sailed in the deck department and worked with Westbank Riverboat Services for his entire career. Brother Cousin makes his home in Gretna, Louisiana. MELVIN DIBIASI Brother Melvin Dibiasi, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1971 when he sailed on the Keva Ideal. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Dibiasi last worked aboard the Sugar Island. He resides in San Pedro, California. NEAL DOUCET Brother Neal Doucet, 62, became a member of the union in 1988. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Doucet worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. He calls Star, North Carolina, home. SCOTT FLETCHER Brother Scott Fletcher, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 2008. He was a deck department member and first worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Fletcher upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Legend and settled in Key Largo, Florida. FRED FORSYTHE Brother Fred Forsythe, 62, signed on with the union in 1983. He first sailed with Higman Barge Lines and was a member of the deck department. Brother Forsythe upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Trafalgar and makes his home in Sabine Pass, Texas. THOMAS JARRELL Brother Thomas Jarrell, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1992, initially working with Moran Towing of Texas. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Jarrell was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Lillian, Alabama. MANUEL LIBA Brother Manuel Liba, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he worked for Port Imperial Ferry. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2019. Brother Liba continued working with the same company for his entire career. He resides in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. GERALD MCDEVITT Brother Gerald McDevitt, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1978. A deck department member, he was first employed with Dixie Carriers. Brother McDevitt last worked with Christiana Marine Service Corporation. He is a resident of Williamstown, New Jersey. JERRY MERCER Brother Jerry Mercer, 63, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991 when he worked with OSG Ship Management. A deck department member, Brother Mercer upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He was most recently employed by Penn Maritime and settled in Coats, North Carolina. LEON MORVANT Brother Leon Morvant, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1988. He was a member of the deck department and worked for Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. Brother Morvant lives in Erath, Louisiana. TIMOTHY PETROFF Brother Timothy Petroff, 62, signed on with the union in 1992. He sailed primarily in the engine department and worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Petroff makes his home in Kaufman, Texas. began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He worked in the deck department and was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Pizzitola resides in Santa Fe, Texas. DOUGLAS QUILL Brother Douglas Quill, 62, joined the SIU in 2012. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was an engine department member. Brother Quill worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He resides in Bullhead City, Arizona. FRANCIS REGAN Brother Francis Regan, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1979, initially working with G&H Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Regan last shipped on the Leader. He makes his home in Indialantic, Florida. FRANKLIN RIMMER Brother Franklin Rimmer, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977. He shipped in the deck department and worked for the Association of Maryland Pilots for his entire career. Brother Rimmer calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. RONALD WILLIAMS Brother Ronald Williams, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he worked with Mobile Towing. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Williams last sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. DANNY WOODS Brother Danny Woods, 65, joined the union in 1977. He worked in the deck department and was employed with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Woods settled in Vicksburg, Mississippi. EDWARD PIZZITOLA Brother Edward Pizzitola, 62, Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA GREGORIO ABALOS Pensioner Gregorio Abalos, 66, passed away December 11. He joined the SIU in 1990 when he sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Abalos was a member of the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed by World Crane Services in 2002. Brother Abalos became a pensioner in 2021 and made his home in Seal Beach, California. MICHAEL ASKINS Brother Michael Askins, 59, died January 10. Born in New Orleans, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1987. Brother Askins first shipped on the Louis J. Hauge Jr. and sailed in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Liberty Grace and resided in Jefferson, Louisiana. LAWRENCE CROFT Pensioner Lawrence Croft, 61, passed away January 25. He became a member of the union in 1981, initially sailing with G&H Towing. Brother Croft worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the USNS Pollux in 2021 before retiring the following year. Brother Croft lived in Dickinson, Texas. SAMUEL DAVIS Pensioner Samuel Davis, 66, died January 30. Sailing first aboard the Baltimore, he donned the SIU colors in 1974. Brother Davis worked in all three departments. He last shipped on the Seabulk Trader in 2003. Brother Davis began collecting his pension in 2022 and was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. NORMAN JOHNSON Pensioner Norman Johnson, 82, passed away January 19. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1970. A steward department member, he 18 Seafarers LOG first shipped on the Maunalei. Brother Johnson last sailed on the Kauai in 2001. He became a pensioner in 2006 and settled in Apache Junction, Arizona. ALFRED RAGAS Pensioner Alfred Ragas, 77, died January 7. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1964, initially sailing aboard a Calmar Steamship vessel. Brother Ragas worked in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career working with World Crane Services and retired in 2002. Brother Ragas made his home in New Orleans. W.D. RANDLE Pensioner W.D. Randle, 88, passed away January 12. He joined the union in 1965 and first shipped aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Randle worked primarily in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Spirit in 2003. Brother Randle became a pensioner the following year and settled in Pittsburg, California. VIRGILIO RIVERA Pensioner Virgilio Rivera, 85, died January 8. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1972. Brother Rivera’s first vessel was the Longview Victory. He sailed mostly in the steward department and last shipped on the Hawaii. Brother Rivera went on pension in 1999 and lived in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. PEDRO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Pedro Rodriguez, 89, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Coe Victory. Brother Rodriguez sailed in the steward department. He went on pension in 2003 after concluding his career on the Guayama. Brother Rodriguez lived in Davenport, Florida. SUKIRMAN SURAREDJO Pensioner Sukirman Suraredjo, 75, died December 2. A steward department member, he first sailed with the SIU in 1979, initially aboard the Montpelier Victory. Brother Suraredjo’s final vessel was the Overseas Tampa. He retired in 2016 and resided in Indonesia. WILBERT WILLIAMS Pensioner Wilbert Williams, 76, passed away January 11. He signed on with the union in 1969 when he sailed with Alcoa Steamship. Brother Williams sailed in all three departments. He concluded his career aboard the Chemical Pioneer, before going on pension in 2005. Brother Williams made his home in New Orleans. ROBERT WOBIL Pensioner Robert Wobil, 70, died January 20. He became a member of the SIU in 1994 when he sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Wobil worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Overseas Marilyn in 2007. He became a pensioner in 2022 and settled in Gulfport, Mississippi. GREAT LAKES AHMED KAID Pensioner Ahmed Kaid, 72, passed away January 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 and first worked with Buckeye Steamship Company. A steward department member, Brother Kaid last sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor. He became a pensioner in 2010 and settled in Dearborn, Michigan. INLAND GLENN DUPREE Brother Glenn Dupree, 46, died November 8. Signing on with the union in 2000, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Dupree was employed with Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He was a resident of Beaumont, Texas. MAXIMO GABINO Pensioner Maximo Gabino, 94, passed away January 1. He joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Gabino worked in both the deck and engine departments and was employed with Red Circle Transport for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 1993 and made his home in Plant City, Florida. CARROLL TRAHAN Pensioner Carroll Trahan, 69, died January 28. In 2005, he became a member of the Seafarers International Union. Brother Trahan was a deck department member and sailed with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2016 and called Nederland, Texas, home. NMU MARCOS ALINDATO Pensioner Marcos Alindato, 88, passed away January 5. Brother Alindato sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Enterprise. He retired in 1998 and made his home in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM DAVIS Pensioner William Davis, 90, died January 14. A steward department member, Brother Davis last shipped on the Mallory Lykes. He became a pensioner in 1989 and lived in Washington, D.C. JAMES LILLEY Pensioner James Lilley, 74, passed away December 14. Brother Lilley worked in the deck department. He sailed aboard his final vessel, the Tillie Lykes, in 1995. Brother Lilley went on pension in 2013 and called Upton, Massachusetts, home. HARRIS MOORE Pensioner Harris Moore, 90, died January 16. Brother Moore last sailed with Woods Hole Shipping. He began collecting his pension in 1987 and made his home in Mashpee, Massachusetts. AGUSTIN RAMOS Pensioner Agustin Ramos, 82, passed away January 14. Brother Ramos sailed in both the deck and engine departments, most recently aboard the Alliance Norfolk. He became a pensioner in 2008 and settled in Waterbury, Connecticut. HAROLD SPILLE Pensioner Harold Spille, 79, died December 29. Brother Spille worked in the deck department. He retired in 2000 after concluding his career aboard the Endurance. Brother Spille resided in Englishtown, New Jersey. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Lozada, Ramon Saunders, Francis AGE 96 95 DOD 01/31/2023 01/02/2023 Have You Missed An Issue of the Seafarers Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website March 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), June 19 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Shari Hardman, Educational Director Alton Hickman, Engine Delegate Matthew Wright, Steward Delegate Dominique McLean. Upper deck door has been replaced and faulty mooring line fixed. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. New mattresses delivered. Chairman handed out tour of duty, vacation and upgrading applications. Galley door and cabinets in need of repair. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and to keep documents up to date. Engine delegate reported overtime beef involving wiper. Steward delegate reminded everyone to pick up after themselves. Crew requested an increase in vacation. Members expressed their disappointment with Sysco supply in South Carolina. Crew requested additional TVs and DVD players. Pest control supplies needed. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. TEXAS (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 30 – Chairman Burkley Cooper, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Melvin Ratcliff. Payoff to occur in Long Beach, California. Chairman reminded members to keep rooms clean for oncoming crew. Secretary advised everyone to keep paperwork current. Educational director encouraged members to obtain higher wages by upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed food budget and requested Wi-Fi. Next port: Long Beach, California. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), November 21 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Richetta Jackson, Educational Director Francois Doucet, Deck Delegate Jonathan 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. Eitz, Engine Delegate James Van Dyke, Steward Delegate Atrenique Deamus. Issues with washing machine have been resolved. Vote of thanks given to steward department for keeping common areas nice and clean. Members are getting along well. All new Paul Hall Center courses have been released on the website. Bosun must attend alongside members when they go to captain, per deck delegate. Engine delegate reported overtime beef in engine department. Steward delegate thanked crew for their patience. Members asked for more apprentices and new helpers for all departments, particularly steward department. Crew discussed concerns with air conditioning ventilation. CORPUS CHRISTI (USS Transport) November 27 – Chairman Michael Todman. New contract to be negotiated at the end of the year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members acknowledged the challenges of a one-man steward department on an ATB vessel. Crew voiced similar thoughts for members working as ABs and made suggestions about rotation and seatime credit. WASHINGTON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), January 2 – Chairman Modesto Rabena, Secretary Fakhruddin Malahi, Educational Director Harold Gerber, Deck Delegate Carlo Gentile, Steward Delegate Abdul Qwfan. Chairman advised members to keep documents current and to take LG upgrading courses at the Piney Point school. He encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to support the Jones Act. Chairman also advised crew to read the Seafarers LOG each month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Tanker fleet is expanding from 10 With Seafarers Aboard ATB Commitment Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel in Martinez, California, are Assistant Engineer Stephen Owczarski, SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday, Chief Engineer Manuel Torres, Captain Tyler Perry, Second Mate Kelsey Longhi, Assistant Engineer Edward Schlueter, and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. to 20 ships by 2024, according to terms of the new Tanker Security Program. Crew requested small refrigerators for each room. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), January 8 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational Director Larry Locke, Deck Delegate Osei Baffoe, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Andrea Sharpe. Members discussed Wi-Fi and data access. Chairman went over new standard tanker agreement. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses and for physicals to only be required once per year. Crew reported difficulty getting reliefs. Members asked for increases in vacation pay and pension pay for retirees. Vote of thanks given to steward department for all the good meals, particularly around the holidays. Next port: Long Beach, California. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), January 13 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Hussein Hussein, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Wi-Fi update in progress, just need bandwidth and wires. Wi-Fi should be running by first quarter of 2023. Chairman asked members to be patient with reliefs as there is a fleetwide shortage, especially with deck department. He reminded crew to keep documents up to date. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. New workout equipment and new TV ordered for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed the importance of the U.S. maritime industry as it pertains to national, economic and homeland security. Crew requested one day of pay for every 30 days in lieu of a day off. Upcoming collective bargaining agreement was discussed. Members asked that it be matched with the standard contract and for 401k to be matched. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Crew requested the ability to register by phone rather than in person. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the April 3 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2022 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and March 2023 the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL 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: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. 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 Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses ServSafe Management July 3 August 7 July 7 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations March 13 May 22 April 7 June 16 Chief Steward April 17 June 26 May 12 July 21 Able Seafarer-Deck April 10 June 5 April 28 June 23 Lifeboat/Water Survival March 13 April 10 May 8 March 24 April 21 May 19 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Basic Training April 17 April 21 RFPNW March 20 May 1 April 7 May 19 Basic Training Revalidation Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 May 22 June 2 June 19 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 May 22 June 2 June 19 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW May 15 June 9 FOWT April 3 April 28 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Junior Engineer Program March 27 June 5 May 19 July 28 Government Vessels Marine Electrician April 24 May 26 Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 March 13 March 20 April 10 April 24 May 8 May 22 June 5 ` March 17 March 24 April 14 April 28 May 12 May 26 June 9 Machinist March 13 March 31 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 May 26 Pumpman April 3 April 7 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 May 19 Welding March 20 May 8 April 7 May 26 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook March 27 May 1 June 5 July 10 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 ServSafe Management March 20 April 24 May 29 March 24 April 28 June 2 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. 20 Seafarers LOG Important Notice To All Students 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 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, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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. 3/23 March 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #890 – Graduated December 30 (above, in alphabetical order): John Bayonne III, Coleman Brewer, Nailah Cundiff, Jackson Freitas, Robert Gallardo, Anthony Harrell Jr., Justin Jacobs, Delmus James, Jayline Johnson, Jylnn LeCounte, Keith Martin Jr., Mario Martin, Kevin R. Menendez Barrales, James Stamper, Randeisha Stone, Stephen Swaby, Ian Tarwater, Alexis Walker and Christian Westcott. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated December 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Bennett, Matthew Epstein, Omar Fahmie, Jonah Makanaakua Ganzagan, La’Terri Iman Kohn, Caleb Miller, Kelvin Oliver Jr., Jack Pier, Cody Quinn, Dean Schrantz, Jose Ivan Soto-Ortiz, Rosa Wilson and Michael Wilt. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. March 2023 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated December 9 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jahnia Cain, Peter Krsna Katha Espinosa, Shailyn Ka Mea I O Makamae Guillory, Alton Simpson, Dennis Smith Jr., Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams. Each plans to work in the engine departments aboard union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. UA to Able Seafarer-Deck – Graduated December 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Donovan Armstrong, Joseph Bates, Martin Cox, Robert Cruz, Matthew Justin De Maria, Nathaniel Howard, Alexander Jackson, Cordera Looney, Daniel Moran, Noah Pittman, Colin Sabitsky, Stuart Waite and Jason White. Government Vessels – Graduated December 9 (above, in alphabetical order): James Abilad, Edwin Alcantara Abueg Jr., Stephan Beckford, Steven Joseph Benavides Jr., Brian Cushing, Semere Teweide Debas, Adam Soliman Mohamed Elemam, Donald Hatch, Jessica Hilles, Igor Kozenko, Eric Lund, Patrick McCarthy, Jon Newman, Clint Young Omisong, Christopher Perry, Anthony Roman, Luis Enrique Santiago Sotero, Terrance Stevens, Danielle Waddy and Elizabeth Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG March 2023 �FOWT – Graduated November 18 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Michael Casas Jesse Kleinfelter, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Chukwuka Henry Nkwor, Peter Paul Pancipanci, Kameron Sims, Christopher Skinner and Darrell Whitaker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated December 16 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Rohmy Butler, Todd Kasler, Andrew Scalice, Mark Stabler and Bradley Staudt. Small Arms – Graduated November 3 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Rick James, Jamison McIntyre, Nakesha Miller, John Tennyson and Lucas Sagan Tiderman. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Important Notice To All Students 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. RFPEW – Graduated December 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Donovan Evans Carter, Jermaine Hayes and Willie Moreland. March 2023 Chief Steward – Graduated December 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Cole HansAlbert Briggs, Torrika Devine, Daniel Miller, Ashley Khuyen Nguyen, Tania RamirezDiego and Dindo Prellagera Reforsado. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �MARCH 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 3 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Paul Hall Center Maintains Hands-On Training Tradition The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, offers a pathway to success for people seeking rewarding careers in the maritime industry. Initially launched as a bare-bones facility in 1967, the once-modest maritime training and education hub has enjoyed more than 55 years of steady growth and innovation. And thanks to the visionary leadership of the union’s trustees and top officials, the PHC has transformed into an ultramodern vocational school with cutting-edge technology. It currently features wide-ranging curriculums for entry-level students as well as experienced mariners. One thing that hasn’t changed from the start, however, is the center’s emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is featured in virtually every one of the school’s 70-plus U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Many classes are department-specific (deck, engine, or steward), while numerous others provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew. This is the case both in the entry-level 24 Seafarers LOG instruction for those just embarking on their respective maritime careers and in the upgrading coursework for experienced Seafarers. Some hands-on segments take place aboard the modern training vessel Freedom Star, one of the most visible parts of the campus’ waterfront. Many also happen at the nearby Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a satellite campus just a few miles from the main base. While the PHC mainly is known for vocational training – including its highly regarded apprentice program, which is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor – it also offers academic support along with separate programs for earning a high school diploma and a two-year college degree. The photos on this page show a small sample of practical coursework that is offered in Piney Point. Complete information about the school is available in the Paul Hall Center section of the SIU website. To access it, go to www.seafarers.org and look at the content under the Training and Careers menu. March 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2023 Description An account of the resource SIU PRESIDENT MICHAEL SACCO RETIRES DAVID HEINDEL IS NEW SIU PRESIDENT BOARD APPROVES APPOINTMENTS OF ORZECHOWSKI, POWELL TRANSCOM LEADER VAN OVOST ADDRESSES MTD MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR PHILLIPS PRAISES MARINERS AFL-CIO SECRETARY-TREASURER REDMOND REITERATES FEDERATION SUPPORT OF AMERICAN MARITIME ITF GENERAL SECRETARY STEVE COTTON DISCUSSES MANPOWER, CABOTAGE INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES MEET WITH MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE BOARD USNS WARREN CHRISTENING SIGNALS NEW JOBS FOR CIVMARS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 85, No. 3