http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/f49ba4f3cf55a12b1deb94541cc6880f.pdf 2e131574272bcb5fe8d70496a52bcaec PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 10 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Benefits Conferences are a Hit Seafarers, retirees and family members are actively participating in an ongoing series of benefits conferences at various hiring halls around the country. Jointly conducted by the union and the Seafarers Plans, the events are designed to explain in detail the various benefits available to members, pensioners and dependents. Pictured at the Honolulu conference are (front row, from left) SIU President David Heindel, Bosun Walter Lichota, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. In the back row (from left) are QEE Prentice Conley, ABM Nestor Rapusas, ABM Andrei Tretyak, AB Ransom Kauwe, Chief Cook Kevin Arroyo, AB Jessina Fernandez, SA Clare Kaleleiki, Chief Cook Jennifer Reid and ABM Rufino Gonzales. Page 3. Solidarity Evident on Labor Day The SIU hosted a major Labor Day gathering in Houston and participated in a massive event in Wilmington, California, to underscore the importance of workers’ rights. Recent polling reflects tremendous support for the labor movement – something emphasized ahead of the holiday by the AFL-CIO. Pictured at the Houston hall (above, left) are (from left) SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, labor-endorsed mayoral candidate John Whitmire, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. The other photo includes actor Sean Astin (left) and SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. Page 2. MSC CHANGE OF COMMAND • PAGE 5 // PAUL HALL CENTER CLASS PHOTOS• PAGES 18-19 79209_October_2023_LOG.indd 1 9/22/23 11:09 AM �Federation Underscores Pro-Union Polling; SIU Turns Out in Force for Labor Day Events President’s Report W SIU Answers the Call e have all heard variations of the saying, if you can do what you say you can do, it’s not bragging. In that spirit, I begin this month’s message with heartfelt thanks and congratulations to our entire team for your response to last month’s turbo activations. You all did an extraordinary job, and you deserve accolades. It is nothing new for SIU members, officials and staff to step up when needed. But this particular activation occurred at an especially challenging time. We all know David Heindel about the manpower difficulties in the maritime industry. We’re not immune from them, and we’re working hard to meet those challenges. What may not be as widely known is that this entire year has been loaded with long-term activations. Some of those ships went out for four or five months, and one went out for 10 months. On top of those operations, we’ve filled new jobs on the incoming ships in the new U.S. Tanker Security Program, and on some separate flag-ins. Despite those circumstances, we powered through the no-notice turbo activation in basically two days, with support from all three coasts. The first call from the U.S. Maritime Administration came in on a Thursday afternoon, initially involving four ships. Three more vessels were added to the mission on Friday. By Saturday morning, we were down to needing to fill a dozen jobs, and by Saturday night, down to a single billet. As with past activations, I’m aware that on some level, our response is simply a case of doing our jobs. But this one warrants a special shout-out to everyone involved, because of what I described earlier. We all know we’re a vital part of America’s fourth arm of defense, and we embraced the role for this activation. My hat is off to all of our SIU sisters and brothers. Congratulations on a job well done! Conferences Roll On Reporting good news never gets old, and on that note, I’m pleased to note that our initial wave of benefits conferences has gone quite well. If you’ve attended one of these gatherings, I’m confident you’ve found it worthwhile, and I appreciate you devoting the time. If your port is due to host a benefits conference, I strongly encourage you to be there. If you’re on a vessel at that time, please suggest that one or more of your dependents attends. Families are most welcome. We have a great array of benefits through the various Seafarers Plans, and it’s to your advantage to fully understand them. The Plans team constantly strives to refine and improve those offerings, and they also add new benefits from time to time. I’ve enjoyed chatting with members, pensioners and their families at the first handful of benefits conferences, and I look forward to meeting or catching up with more of you in the months ahead. More importantly, these gatherings are packed with useful information that’ll help you get the most from your benefits. Colorful Debut If you happened to miss the prior edition of the LOG or otherwise didn’t see the announcement, welcome to our publication’s new look. It coincides with the SIU’s 85th anniversary and helps us keep up with the times by taking advantage of new printing technology. I’m excited about this change and I think you’ll agree it’s an improvement. Meanwhile, be sure to check out our Labor Day coverage, specifically including recent polling data that shows overwhelming support for unions. Nothing comes easy for organized labor, and that’s okay – all we’ve ever asked for is a level playing field when it comes to protecting people’s legal right to choose union representation. But in the current climate, we’ve got a real opportunity to rebuild our ranks across many industries and across the country. The SIU remains fully committed to doing our part. Seafarers LOG Volume 85 Number 10 October 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org S hortly before Labor Day, the AFL-CIO publicized what it described as “record public support and unprecedented activism and organizing.” In late August, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered an inaugural “State of the Unions” address where they released new polling which underscores the American people’s support of unions and their view of unions as critical to growing the middle class. “The idea of a union may sound complicated, but in reality, unions are just a group of people coming together. They are about each of us becoming the most powerful version of ourselves that we possibly can,” said Shuler. “And there is nothing better than finding that power alongside the people we work with and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s all a union is. It’s that simple. People in this country have been searching for their power for a long time now, young people especially.” Redmond stated, “Every day, more and more working people are finding out that the labor movement is the solution to low wages and unsafe workplaces, to inequality and discrimination. That the labor movement is the only institution in America that has the infrastructure and reach to address and vanquish oppression in all its forms. That working people – standing together and standing up for one another – are an incredible force for progress at work, in our unions, in our economy and in our democracy.” On the holiday itself, the SIU helped lead well-attended events in Houston and in Wilmington, California. The Houston hiring hall hosted more than 200 individuals for an inaugural Labor Day breakfast featuring remarks from local politicians and labor officials including SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation sponsored the event. In Wilmington, upwards of 30 SIU members, retirees and their family members took part in the 44th annual Labor Day parade sponsored by the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition. The parade route started close to the Wilmington hall, which was open for guests. According to news reports, several thousand people participated in what was billed as the “largest West Coast Labor Day solidarity parade” and the picnic that followed. Based on results from polling conducted by the well-regarded firm GBAO, union members and other pro-labor individuals had much to celebrate. According to the AFLCIO, the new poll’s key findings include the following: Pictured from left are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala and Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation President Lacy Wolf. • • • • Seven in 10 Americans (71%) support unions cutting across party lines. A majority of Republicans and more than two-thirds of Independents join nine in 10 (91%) Democrats in supporting unions. An unprecedented number of young Americans support unions. Nearly nine in 10 (88%) people younger than 30 view unions favorably. In the midst of a number of ongoing worker strikes around the country, Americans are strongly supportive of working people walking off the job for better wages and working conditions. Threefourths of Americans support workers going on strike and support is strong regardless of party affiliation. Americans are concerned about tech companies putting profits over the well-being of people in the implementation of artificial intelligence. According to the polling, 70% of people express worry that AI will displace workers. In a Labor Day op-ed for Newsweek, Shuler wrote in part, “We need to start by organizing – making sure every person in this country who wants to join a union can do so, or gets help forming their own. We’re going to go into sectors of the economy that have never been unionized before – including these new clean energy and infrastructure jobs coming down the pike from President Biden’s trillions in investment – and make sure they’re good union jobs for this next generation. “And as we get more people into good union jobs, we grow our power exponentially,” Shuler continued. “Think about what becomes possible: Our strikes and collective action will carry even more weight. We can stand up even more directly to big corporations. We can make unsafe workplaces safe and secure a family-sustaining wage. We can throw even more muscle into elections at the local and national level: protecting our reproductive rights, our voting rights, and a right to join a union – with the weight of tens of millions of Americans behind us. We can define the future of work on our terms, so that AI is used to make our jobs and our lives better instead of replacing us. “That’s where we’re headed,” she concluded. “This Labor Day, we’re on the rise, driven by the energy and activism of working people all over this country. And I hope every American will join us to build the future we’re all hungry for.” Around 30 SIU members, retirees and family members – including those pictured here – took part in the parade in Wilmington, California. 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: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal 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 More than 200 people pack the Houston hall for an inaugural Labor Day gathering sponsored by the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. OCTOBER 2023 �Well-Received Conferences Continue S eafarers, pensioners and their families have packed the hiring halls for a series of benefits conferences that are scheduled to continue into early next year. To date, conferences have taken place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Severe weather led to the postponement of the conference that had been slated to take place in Wilmington, California; a makeup date will be announced. “The conferences have gone really well and have been well-received,” said Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “People have asked great questions, and attendance has been excellent. I’m especially encouraged to see that the majority of the attendees really do understand the majority of their benefits. Because of that knowledge, we’ve been able to focus on some of the nuances during the meetings.” The remaining schedule includes conferences in Piney Point, Maryland (Oct. 2); Jacksonville, Florida (Oct. 5); Houston (Nov. 13); New Orleans (Nov. 14); Mobile, Alabama (Nov. 15); Jersey City, New Jersey (Nov. 30); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Feb. 20, 2024); Algonac, Michigan (March 8, 2024); and Wilmington (to be determined). (Editor’s note: The Fort Lauderdale conference originally had been scheduled for a different day.) Bowen has led the conferences and has been assisted by SIU officials including President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo, Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo and others. “One thing I would add is that we really encourage dependents to attend,” Bowen said. The conferences typically start with an overview of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), including eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription considerations and more. Members have received tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and how to take advantage of the newest benefits. A similar approach is taken when reviewing (respectively) the Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP), Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), SIU 401K, and Seafarers Vacation Plan (SVP). Attendees also receive reminders about potentially useful phone numbers and email addresses for the membership assistance office, the claims department, the medical department, the pension office, and Bowen’s office. A number of handouts from Cigna and the Seafarers Plans also are available. Moreover, at the conference in Puerto Rico, a representative from Medical Card System (a new provider for that territory) gave a presentation. The sessions have usually lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. “I know I speak for everyone involved when I say we’re excited to keep it rolling,” Bowen concluded. “We are working hard to ensure that the conferences are educational and worthwhile.” Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen explains some of the benefits available to members and dependents during the conference in Honolulu. Pictured from left at a West Coast conference are Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU Patrolman Kathy Chester, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, SIU President David Heindel and SIU Port Agent Duane Akers. Attendees gather at the hall in Oakland, California. Seafarers pack the hall in Tacoma, Washington. OCTOBER 2023 Members and officials pause for a group selfie in San Juan, Puerto Rico. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Union, School Host Vital Gathering Many of the attendees are pictured next to the media center at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. T he SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently hosted a regularly scheduled meeting of a high-level committee that is crucial for the U.S. maritime industry. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is the labor representative on the U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) Sealift Executive Working Group, typically referred to as the EWG. The group met Aug. 30 in Piney Point, Maryland. Established many years ago, the committee “is chartered to examine how the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise can improve its global transportation capabilities, specifically the operational effectiveness, speed, survivability and resilience of maritime logistics,” according to USTRANSCOM. The agency further reported, “Defense leaders met with maritime industry partners … to enhance cooperation on key sealift issues. The working group brought more than 75 government and maritime industry executives together to discuss sealift readiness in competition, crisis and conflict. The Administrator of Maritime Administration Notice SIU Jobs Remain Secure In Impending Tanker Sale Seafarers may be aware of recent news reports concerning American Shipping Company (AMSC) selling its fleet of Jones Act-compliant tankers to Louisiana-based Maritime Partners. Some of those vessels are operated by Overseas Shipholding, while the others are operated by Keystone Shipping. The sale is expected to be completed later this year, but, regardless of timing, all SIU jobs remain in place aboard the vessels, as does the SIU contract. There is effectively no change for the union. For practical purposes, from an SIU perspective, the sale is loosely equivalent to having an individual homeowner’s mortgage sold by (for example) Wells Fargo to Truist. More details will be published and posted as they become available. (MARAD) Ann C. Phillips joined the EWG co-chairs, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Sullivan, and MARAD Associate Administrator Kevin Tokarski, in sharing areas of progress and concern with industry and labor executives to strengthen relationships in support of national security objectives.” “Sealift will only grow more important as we face increasingly challenging and complex operating environments over greater distances,” Sullivan said. “It is critical that we focus our efforts on improving our ability to rapidly assess and tap into all available capacity to succeed in contested environments.” During the working session, Sullivan used the current efforts in support of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and Ukraine as an opportunity to thank the sealift industry and the merchant mariner community for their vital contributions. “To date, commercial vessels have executed approximately 80% of sealift missions, delivering lethal aid and supplies to EUCOM and our allies and partners,” USTRANSCOM noted. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez addresses fellow members of the working group. The meeting also focused on the availability of U.S. mariners. “Having a sufficient pool of trained merchant mariners is central to our nation’s ability to surge power projection in crisis or conflict,” Sullivan said. “The training and certification programs occurring at Piney Point and similar campuses across the country remain vital to maintaining this needed capability.” He added that the ongoing collaboration between the military, government, business and maritime labor is a “cornerstone” for sustaining strategic sealift capability. First Vessels Enroll in New Tanker Security Program Seafarers-contracted companies have been selected for the first wave of enrollments in the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP). The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced the first nine ships for the program. According to DOT, those vessels (plus one that has yet to be selected) will serve as “a fleet of active, commercially viable, militarily useful, privately owned product tank vessels of the United States that will meet national defense and other security requirements and maintain a United States presence in international commercial shipping.” DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “Today we are announcing the first ships to join the Tanker Security Program, which will help strengthen both our supply chains and our national security by delivering fuel to our armed forces around the world while creating hundreds of good jobs for American mariners.” Three mid-range tankers each have been enrolled from Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG), Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions, LLC (a joint venture), and Seabulk Tankers, Inc. The Crowley-Stena vessels, as previously reported in the LOG, are the Stena Immaculate, Stena Imperative and Stena SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS Impeccable. Seabulk has joined forces with international energy transporter Torm, and will flag in the ships Thunder, Thor, and Timothy to fill three slots in the TSP lineup. OSG’s approved vessels include the Overseas Santorini, Overseas Mykonos, and Overseas Sun Coast. “The TSP accomplishes two key maritime sealift objectives: It grows our U.S.-flagged fleet and it significantly expands our ability to deliver vital fuel supplies to support military missions across the globe,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “Implementation of the TSP is a significant milestone for MARAD and the U.S. maritime industry.” Strongly backed by the SIU, the TSP was established by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and enables the DOT to establish an initial fleet of 10 U.S.-flagged tankers. According to news reports, the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command currently has just five long-term chartered tankers it uses to move fuel. “Though the U.S. military can always hire tankers on the open market, it’s possible that foreign-flagged ships would not be as readily available in a conflict or emergency,” said Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. Clark co-authored a 2020 Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments study that helped prompt the TSP’s creation. “The idea is the government wants to have some U.S.-flagged and U.S.-owned tankers that it can turn to and know that, ‘I’ve got at least these I can hire,’ and then they pay those companies to do that so that those tankers will be on call,” said Clark. The TSP is patterned after the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a highly regarded program that has been in place since the mid-1990s. The MSP helps ensure the availability of American-flag ships and U.S. crews in times of crisis. Selection of the new mid-range tankers coincides with the significant growth in petroleum exports, according to news reports. Geopolitics also may have played a role in facilitating the TSP implementation process. A Brown University Watson Institute study indicates that that prior to Russia’s war on Ukraine, nearly 30% of fuel consumption at European U.S. military installations had been sourced from Russia based on host-country imports. There has also been discussion of adding another 10 tankers to the TSP in the next fiscal year as the Department of Defense looks to increase its international refueling operations. Clark predicts that the program will grow. OCTOBER 2023 �Sobeck Takes Helm at MSC; SIU Officials Attend Ceremony S IU officials were among the hundreds of attendees at the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) most recent change-of-command ceremony, which took place Sept. 8 in Norfolk, Virginia, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Representing the union were Vice President Government Services Division Nicholas Celona, Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo, and Representative Sam Spain. Rear Adm. Philip E. Sobeck is the agency’s new commanding officer; he succeeded Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, who’d been at the helm since June 2019 (mere months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic). The head of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, served as presiding officer for the change of command ceremony, while the commanding officer of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Daryl Caudle, oversaw Wettlaufer’s retirement ceremony. “What I learned to appreciate from the start is that MSC is an entire Navy within a Navy,” said Wettlaufer. “Operating a globally deployed fleet leveraging integration across the services and Navy fleets with our commercial shipping and repair industry plus labor partners, MSC generates combat power – that is 145 government and commercially-owned and operated ships today. With only two percent of the budget and at two percent of the people when compared to the Navy, this lean team also mans, trains, equips, deploys, sustains and operates nearly 20% of the Navy’s 290 battle Force ships while providing global logistics support to the other 80%. Importantly, we continue to build new ships to join our stable.” He added, “I am proud to have been part of this dedicated group that is relentlessly focused on our mission: providing agile logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, for the joint warfighter 24/7, 365 days a year.” Sobeck takes command after serving as director of Strategic Plans, Policy, and Logistics at USTRANSCOM, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he oversaw the revision of the command strategy. His previous flag assignments also include director, 21st Century Sailor Office; commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3/ Command Task Force (CTF) 36; and commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/CTF 73. “Because adversaries continue to challenge our peace, and the peace of our children, with the threat of armed conflict, we must continue to evolve to meet the demands of contested logistics and provide senior national leaders decision advantage,” Van Ovost said. “That’s power. That’s projection. That’s advantage. And I trust that Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck will accelerate this evolution.” “I am extremely humbled and honored to be the 29th commander of Military Sealift Command,” said Sobeck. “After having served in the U.S. Transportation headquarters, I’ve developed an understanding and an appreciation of the importance of this command. More importantly, I developed a respect and admiration for the people who make this complex maritime enterprise work.” MSC is self-described as “the leading maritime logistics provider for the Department of Defense supporting Navy fleet commanders and USTRANSCOM operating more than 130 vessels worldwide and managing a $4.8 billion annual budget with a workforce of 5,000 civil service and contract mariners, supported by 1,300 shore staff and 1,200 active duty and reserve military personnel.” Van Ovost added, “To the men and women of Military Sealift Command, you clearly demonstrate the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. I am proud to serve with you. You are critical in the mission to protect the security of the American people. [And] you are vital in the expansion of economic prosperity and opportunity. TRANSCOM, the joint force, and our nation thanks you for your service and sacrifice.” SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (right) greets the new commanding officer of MSC, Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck. Pictured from left are SIU Representative Sam Spain, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Alan Frosch (spouse of Gen. Van Ovost), SIU VP Nicholas Celona and SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. Maritime Administration Advisory Addresses Logistics Systems The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a global maritime alert on Aug. 23 regarding possible vulnerabilities involving equipment and operations utilizing cranes, scanners and logistics systems linked to the People’s Republic of China. U.S. Maritime Advisory 2023-009 states, “Foreign companies manufacture, install and maintain port equipment that poses vulnerabilities to global maritime infrastructure information technology and operational technology systems.” The advisory continues, “In the past few years, the U.S. Government has published several documents illuminating the risks associated with integrating and utilizing the People’s Republic of China’s state-supported National Information Platform for Transportation and Logistics (LOGINK), Nuctech scanners and automated port cranes worldwide.” Earlier this year, the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department (MTD) posted a story on its website regarding the possible OCTOBER 2023 challenges that could befall the U.S.-flag ability as a threat to the United States and maritime industry and the U.S. military reported that the Chinese Communist Party involving the LOGINK logistics system. The plans to use LOGINK to strengthen its influstory (reprinted in the Seafarers LOG) quoted ence over international maritime trade and the Baker Institute of Rice University: “LOG- port infrastructure. LOGINK’s installation INK offers Beijing [China’s capital] a means and utilization in critical port infrastructure to monitor and shape the international very likely provides [China] access to and/or logistics market, increase foreign strategic collection of sensitive logistics data.” dependency on China, and exploit the vulUSCC Commissioner Michael Wessel said nerabilities of LOGINK users for economic in July that the Chinese offer LOGINK “to be and geostrategic a one-stop-shop “These threats aren’t part of purposes.” replacing many Meanwhile, some science fiction plot. They of the functions the MARAD of third-party are real,” Wessel declared. advisory furlogistics pro“America must respond.” ther notes, “At viders,” but the least 24 global companies/facilports have cooperation agreements with ities “have to adopt Chinese standards.” LOGINK, which has the ability to collect The MTD recently reported that the U.S. massive amounts of sensitive business and ports of Boston; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; foreign government data, such as corporate Charleston, South Carolina; Los Angeles; registries and vessel and cargo data. The Long Beach, California; Oakland, California; U.S.-China Economic and Security Review and Seattle use Chinese-built cranes. Commission (USCC) recently identified this The MARAD advisory calls out the Nuctech Company, Ltd. as a Chinese “stateowned enterprise that manufactures and fields data-centric partially state-owned security inspection equipment at key logistic nodes worldwide.” Such equipment includes “x-ray, backscatter and thermal platforms; explosive detection; non-intrusive products (e.g., baggage and parcel inspection); Artificial Intelligence; as well as facial cognition/ recognition capabilities.” Additionally, “Nuctech equipment access includes biometric information, personally identifiable information … cargo information, proprietary data and geo-locational metadata. The United States added Nuctech to the Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its involvement in activities that are contrary to the national security interests of the United States.” “These threats aren’t part of some science fiction plot. They are real,” Wessel declared. “America must respond.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 5 5 �Lakes Group Honors Rep. Stauber T he Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recently saluted U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minnesota) “for his staunch support of the Great Lakes navigation system.” The coalition (whose members include the SIU) recognized Stauber with its Legislator of the Year Award. A ceremony took place Aug. 15 at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, Minnesota. In announcing the award, the GLMTF noted, “Congressman Stauber continues to champion the miners that work on the northern tier of the Great Lakes supplying the critical raw materials that drive the national economy and make the Great Lakes region America’s industrial powerhouse. The millions of tons of iron ore extracted from Minnesota’s Mesabi Range is transported by U.S.-owned, U.S-crewed, and U.S.-flagged vessels to steel mills in the southern Great Lakes contributing to more than 147,000 American jobs and $36 billion in economic impact. “Congressman Stauber believes in American workers and fully supports the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, more commonly known as the Jones Act,” the task force continued. “The critical law ensures U.S. cargo is carried by U.S. vessels between U.S. ports keeping our maritime industry strong with 650,000 sustained American jobs.” U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minnesota) GLMTF President John D. Baker stated, “Congressman Stauber is invested in America and its dedicated workforce. I applaud his selection for his tenacious support of the fourth sea coast.” When ice forms on the Great Lakes, it can impede commercial vessels, endanger mariners and their ships, and bring North American manufacturing to a halt without adequate federal icebreaking. With that in mind, Stauber continues to support icebreaking resources for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on the Great Lakes, endorsing authorization and appropriations for a new heavy Great Lakes icebreaker for the agency. GLMTF Vice President Jim Weakley, with a nod to Stauber’s prior experience as a pro hockey player, said, “Congressman Stauber understands that raw materials from Minnesota must be efficiently and safely moved to manufacturing facilities on the southern Great Lakes, no matter the harsh environmental conditions posed in winter. The USCG Great Lakes heavy icebreaker is critical but acquiring the asset hasn’t been an empty-net goal, requiring some hard third-period work which Congressman Stauber continues to do.” The task force declared that one of the most important efforts for the entire Great Lakes navigation system has been the construction of the new large navigational lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Stauber “has been instrumental in educating fellow members of Congress on the importance of the lock to the Great Lakes region and the nation as a whole,” the GLMTF explained. “With only one 62-yearold large operational lock, the new lock provides much needed resiliency which would avert a catastrophic economic disaster should the current lock fail.” MSC's USNS Navajo Christened Members of the SIU Government Services Division will form part of the USNS Navajo’s crew. (Photo courtesy Bollinger Shipyards) N ew jobs are on the way for members of the SIU Government Services Division following the Aug. 26 christening of the USNS Navajo in Houma, Louisiana. The vessel is the first in a class of 10 – five of which, including the Navajo, are being constructed at Bollinger Shipyards, while the other five are slated to be built at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The vessels are classified as towing, salvage and rescue ships – abbreviated as T-ATS – and are planned as replacements for the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Powhatan-class and Safeguard-class ocean tugs. Bollinger also will build the USNS Cherokee Nation, USNS Saginax Ojibwe Anishinabek, USNS Lenni Lenape, and USNS Muscogee Creek Nation. Projected delivery dates are one per upcoming fiscal year. Austal has started construction on the USNS Billy Frank Jr. and USNS Solomon Atkinson, and is under contract for the detail design and construction of three more ships whose respective names haven’t been announced. Projected delivery dates range from early 2025 to 2026. During the August ceremony, the Honorable Arlando Teller, assistant secretary for tribal affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation, served as the keynote speaker and joined ship sponsor Jocelyn Billy as she broke a ceremonial bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the USNS Navajo. (Billy is a member of the Navajo Nation, Miss Navajo Nation 2006, and is a strong advocate for Navajo Nation veterans.) “This isn’t just any ship; it’s the first of its kind. This is a Bollinger-built Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship manufactured to the highest level of craftsmanship and quality,” said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “Every weld, every beam, every system on this ship was crafted with the thought of the warriors that inspired its name. It is an honor beyond words for Bollinger to partner with the Navy. The trust bestowed upon us to construct a new class of vessel is both a responsibility and a privilege that we hold dear.” The new Navajo class of U.S. Navy towing, salvage and rescue ships is named in recognition of the tribe and the Diné people, and their many contributions to the U.S. military and the country’s defense. While many Americans are familiar with the famed Navajo Code Talkers, the Diné people have answered our nation’s call and served our armed forces with honor and valor in nearly every major conflict since the birth of our nation, the Navy pointed out in a news release about he christening. “The T-ATS 6 combines two classes of ships for your nation and your Navy,” said MSC Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Jeffrey Spivey. “It combines those into one class that is more capable than any ship we have out there in this salvage class.” Ships in the new class will be 263 feet long and have 59-foot beams, with a sailing speed slightly greater than 15 knots. SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS The congressman said, “As someone who has spent their entire life living around Lake Superior, I understand the powerful impact these incredible bodies of water bring to our local and national economies. Ensuring safe and reliable shipping through the Great Lakes is one of my top priorities serving in Congress, from advocating for the creation of a new lock at the Soo Locks in Michigan to supporting our hard-working union workforce in the shipping industry to ensuring our Coast Guard is well-equipped with icebreakers for winter. I am honored to be named the Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and will always advocate for our Great Lakes.” During the ceremonial presentation, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Deb DeLuca stated, “Congressman Stauber is a fitting choice for this prestigious award, given his longtime advocacy on behalf of Great Lakes shipping and the nation’s domestic supply chain. His support helps Great Lakes ports remain strong and vibrant links in America’s supply chain, and we’re especially pleased that the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force is honoring a legislator from our own backyard, a former commissioner on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority board, and someone who is an effective advocate for regional industry.” Crescent Towing to Add Tug S IU-contracted Crescent Towing in early August announced it has started construction on a new Z-drive tugboat at Blakeley BoatWorks in Mobile, Alabama. According to the company, the yet-to-be-named tug will immediately be added to Crescent’s Seafarers-crewed Mississippi River ship assist operations when completed. “The addition of this new 6,000 hp. Z-drive in support of our Mississippi River operations highlights our continued commitment to providing our customers with the most powerful and technologically advanced equipment in the industry,” said Scott H. Cooper, president of Crescent Towing. “For over 81 years, our team of mariners and shore-based staff have worked relentlessly to provide the highest quality ship assist towing service in the United States,” said Keith Kettenring, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Crescent Towing. “The addition of this new Tier 4 6,000 hp. Z-drive provides our team with another incredible tool to continue to offer the safest and most reliable towing services on the Mississippi River.” The new boat was designed by Crowley Engineering Services and will be 92 feet long, 38 feet wide and will draft 19 feet. The tug will be powered by twin Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4 engines, each producing 3,004 hp. to power Kongsberg 255 fixed-pitch azimuthing drives (Z-drives), according to news reports. This is the fifth Crescent Towing escort tug design provided by Crowley. “Blakeley BoatWorks is honored to partner with Crescent Towing and Crowley Engineering Services to design and construct the second of a series of 6,000 hp. tugboats,” said Swathin Kannalath, managing director of Blakeley BoatWorks. “The opportunity to construct one of the largest and most advanced tugboats operating on the Mississippi River creates a great amount of excitement for our entire team.” This artist’s rendering depicts the newest Crescent Towing tugboat, which is being built in Alabama. OCTOBER 2023 �Credit Counseling just for you Debt and credit problems can happen to anyone at any time. The Union Plus Credit Counseling program can help you regain your financial footing by helping you better manage your finances. Get free credit counseling from certified counselors. Take control of your credit See more at unionplus.org SIU-CC-9-11-23 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD APL ISLANDER – Pictured from left are Chief Cook Bernard Nieves, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, ACU Ricardo Escorcia and Steward/Baker Howard Brooks. FOCUSING ON WORKERS’ RIGHTS – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) and Asst. VP Mike Russo (right) are pictured at a labor breakfast with U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas). They talked about the importance of workplace fairness and the U.S. maritime industry. FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS – ABOARD ARC DEFENDER – Pictured aboard the ABOARD MAGNOLIA STATE - AB Darryl Brown is pictured aboard the Intrepid vessel. TOTE vessel in Baltimore are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Isaiah Jaim Balicha, SIU Port Agent John Hoskins and Paul Hall Center Apprentice D’Angelo Brown. Longtime Seafarer AB Ed Gavagan (left) recently called it a career after a final voyage aboard the American Phoenix (Phoenix Crew Management). He’s holding a retirement gift alongside Chief Engineer George Hutchins, who also recently retired. Hutchins notes that he and Gavagan both joined the Phoenix as part of its original crew “before she left the shipyard in 2012. Ed is one of the last original plank owners.... I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ed over the years and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.” (Additional photos are posted on the SIU Facebook page.) PROUD MOMENT - Congratulations to Julian White (right) and to his father, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (left), for a big milestone that took place in early August. Julian graduated from Auburn with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. He was a regular on the Dean’s List and is continuing his education by studying for a master’s degree. ABOARD CAPE ISABEL – The group snapshot from late August features SIU crew members from the Cape Isabel and Cape Inscription (Ocean Duchess) in southern California. Pictured from left are GUDE Angelito Abad, GVA Kristopher Bechtel, Bosun Ruben Datu, QEE Andrew Linares and GUDE Jonathan Heit. TALKING MARITIME - Pictured Aug. 31 during a career fair at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans are (from left) SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook and Louisiana State Rep. Mack Cormier (D). They discussed the importance of the American maritime industry to Louisiana and the career opportunities available in the U.S. Merchant Marine. A-BOOK IN ALABAMA - Chief Cook Jordan Harris (center) displays his newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Mobile. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (right) and longtime Seafarers employee Lauren Liles. SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND - FOWT Julian Rubbo (right) receives his B-book at the Oakland, California, hall. He’s pictured with SIU President David Heindel (left) and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. OCTOBER 2023 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ASSISTING RELIEF EFFORT – The union recently donated to the Hawaii State AFL-CIO Labor Community Services Program (LCSP). The federation is helping coordinate emergency assistance for members and their families who’ve suffered hardships due to the devastating fires on Maui. Pictured from left are SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Hawaii AFL-CIO LCSP Director Catherine Lederer, SIU President David Heindel, Hawaii AFL-CIO President Randy Perreira and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. (ALMOST) ABOARD USNS IMPECCABLE – This Seafaring selfie, taken in Singapore, features QMED Ryan Manlapit, with the Crowley-operated vessel in the background. ABOARD ATB INNOVATION – Among those pictured on the Intrepid vessel are Utility Carlton Banks, Second Mate James Robinson, 1A/E Florencio Marfa, CE Mark Mize, Second Mate Bradley Staudt, ABT Michael Eaton, Cook Alexander Bussen, Captain Brett Ruppert and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. SINCERE APPRECIATION – SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) thanks U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) for his longtime support of U.S.-flag maritime. Photo was taken at the Virginia AFL-CIO convention. ABOARD PRESIDENT WILSON – Pictured aboard the APL ship during ABOARD MATSONIA - This Seafaring selfie includes Chief Cook Freddie Castro (left) and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, taken aboard the Matson vessel on Aug. 22. a recent servicing are (from left) ACU Younis Nasser and Chief Cook Ronald Williams. Many thanks to SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers for the photo (and an obligatory reminder that using the LOG as a prop isn’t mandatory but doesn’t hurt one’s chances of getting posted/published). FROM PATHFINDER - Many thanks to Second Mate/SIU Hawsepiper Asher Spalding for this photo from a recent trip aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Pictured in the back row are 1 A/E Christopher DeRonde, MDR Jeff Koch, Spalding, and Captain Antoine Picou. Middle row: AB Rodante Niebres, CHENG Wendell Sprague, Bosun Kelly Doyle, 2nd Mate Brandon Braam, STOS Jose Ortiz, GVA Fredy Bernardez, and GVA Saleh Said. Front row: AB Dhindo Faulve, Radio Officer Biljana Nastovska, SK Courtney Turner, QMED Ronald Sease, QMED Noli Aguirre, 3 A/E Enrique Medri Cobos, SA Cedrick Burton, OS Destini Dunlap, Chief Cook Hussain Nagi Ali, Chief Steward Alphonzo Berry, and Chief Mate Jeff Harcq. OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SHIPMATE SNAPSHOT – Pictured at the Honolulu hall are USNS Maury (Ocean Shipholdings) crew mates QMED Zachary Cartwright (left) and MDR Brandon Maeda. MILESTONE IN JERSEY – ABG Octavio A-BOOKS IN VIRGINIA – ABs Phillip Nichols (right in photo above, left) and Christopher Perry receive their respective A-seniority books at the Norfolk, Virginia, hall. SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey is at left in both photos. TAKING PRIDE IN THEIR HALL - Rank-and-file members recently volunteered to help conduct routine maintenance/upkeep at the San Juan, Puerto Rico, hiring hall. They include (from left in photo above, right) Chief Steward Luis Santiago and Bosun Ricky Rivera, plus AB Angel Pagan (foreground in remaining photo, with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo). Henriques (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos is at left. Henriques described the experience as “very special.” CONGRATS IN CRESCENT CITY – AB Reginald Williams (center) obtains his full book at the hiring hall in New Orleans. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU Safety Director James Brown, Port Agent Chris Westbrook, VP Dean Corgey and VP Nicholas Celona. TAKING THE OATH IN HOUSTON – AB Toby Blunt (left) receives his full book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. FULL BOOK IN HAWAII – SA Clare Kaleleiki (right) is pictured at the Honolulu hall with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone shortly after receiving her B-book. 10 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 • SEAFARERS WITH SEAFARERS IN WILMINGTON – Steward/Baker Aurelio Esperanza (right in photo above, right) receives his A-seniority book, while AB Daniel Moran (left in other photo) picks up his B-book. Both members are pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel. OCTOBER 2023 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU CATCHING UP IN PUERTO RICO – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) is pictured at the hall in San Juan with retired Electrician Luis Roman. Corgey describes Roman, 89, as “a steadfast union supporter and advocate who’s always there to help and who was instrumental in helping find a new home for the SIU in Puerto Rico.” CHATTING WITH PRO-MARITIME POLS – SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins recently attended an annual gathering hosted by U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) in Prince George’s County. Hoskins at right in the photo above, right, with Hoyer, and at left in the other snapshot, with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland). SPRUCING UP IN HOUSTON - Volunteering to help refresh the hiring hall are (from left) Recertified Steward Fausto Aranda, Bosun Wadeea Alnasafi, retired Bosun Charlie Jackson, and ABM Sirio Centino. WORKING TOGETHER - SIU officials meet with Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce President Melinda Sylvester during a recent event in the Gulf, where they discussed potential collaboration pertaining to various opportunities in the maritime industry. Pictured from left are Sylvester, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. A-BOOK IN JOLIET - Seafarer Peter Morrison (left) picks up his book at the hall in Illinois. At right is SIU Patrolman Tyson Little. Morrison has sailed in a number of different ratings in the union’s Great Lakes sector. SUNSHINE STATE HAPPENINGS - These snapshots are from the recently concluded Florida AFL-CIO convention. The smaller group pic includes (from left) SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Florida AFL-CIO President Dan Reynolds and SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. In the other photo, elected personnel (including Hopkins, a VP at large) take the oath of office. OCTOBER 2023 READY TO SHIP OUT - It’s a proud moment for longtime Seafarer Argelio Perez (right) as his son, Jonathan Perez (center), prepares to sail as a chief steward for the first time. Jonathan joined the union six years ago and has worked his way up through the galley gang. At left is SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. Photo was taken at the hall in San Juan. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG•11 11 �TOTE Successfully Completes Conversions Of SIU-Crewed North Star, Midnight Sun Seafarers-contracted TOTE Maritime Alaska recently announced that the company “continues to make major strides toward a more environmentally friendly maritime industry, becoming the first company to fully convert all of its vessels to operate on liquified natural gas (LNG).” Two of TOTE’s ORCA-class ships, the MV North Star and the MV Midnight Sun (both SIU-crewed and sailing in the Jones Act trade), recently completed the final phases of conversion, rounding out the end of a 10-year process. The ships, designed specifically to serve the Alaskan market, will no longer use diesel fuel in their operations. “Overall air quality improvements and significant reductions in emissions are byproducts of the switch to LNG vessels,” TOTE reported. “TOTE is proud to lead the way in environmentally conscious shipping and protecting the communities we serve,” said TOTE Maritime Alaska President Alex Hofeling. “Completion of this historic LNG conversion project will bring the most advanced, environmentally friendly technology to the Alaska trade and will support long-term sustainability for our operations, our customers and the communities that rely on us.” The Anchorage-based company, which sends its vessels on twice-per-week trips between Tacoma, Washington, and the Port of Alaska to transport cargo, made the switch to comply with international standards, but also as an investment in Alaska, according to TOTE Maritime Vice President and General Manager Art Dahlin. In announcing the conversions, the company said, “LNG is the most eco-friendly maritime fuel on the market, a major contrast from the industry standard heavy fuel oil that TOTE’s fleet has moved away from. Though the oil was inexpensive, it emitted harmful pollutants like sulfur oxide, which can create acid rain. For this reason, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set a limit on a ship’s sulfuric emissions in 2020…. LNG fuel eliminates virtually all sulfur oxides and particulate matter, up to 95% of nitrogen oxides, and cuts carbon emissions by about 25%. “Aside from switching to alternative fuel, other options to comply with the new limit include installing scrubbers to filter out the pollutants or using a pricier, ultra-low-sulfurdiesel,” the company continued. “TOTE initially went with the latter option in 2017, and has now fully transitioned its entire line of vessels from that fuel to LNG.” The recent conversions are not TOTE’s first environmentally friendly maneuvers. In 2010, TOTE completed a $2.7 million shore power project to reduce diesel and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent during the company’s 100 ship calls each year at the Port of Tacoma. The following year, TOTE also finished a cold-ironing project to reduce reliance upon shipboard generators and supply electricity to dockside vessels. Those efforts have significantly reduced diesel and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, TOTE and General Dynamics NASSCO (a union shipyard) also launched the world’s first LNG-powered containership in 2015. October & November Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Monday: Oct. 2, Nov. 6 Friday: Oct. 6, Monday: Nov. 13 Thursday: Oct. 5, Nov. 9 Thursday: Oct. 19, Friday: Nov. 24 Friday: Oct. 13, Nov. 17 Tuesday: Oct. 10, Monday: Nov. 13 Thursday: Oct. 5, Nov. 9 Thursday: Oct. 12, Nov. 16 Wednesday: Oct. 11, Nov. 15 Tuesday: Oct. 10, Nov. 14 Tuesday: Oct. 3, Nov. 7 Friday: Oct. 6, Monday: Nov. 13 Oakland Thursday: Oct. 12, Nov. 16 Philadelphia Wednesday: Oct. 4, Nov. 8 Port Everglades Thursday: Oct. 12, Nov. 16 San Juan Thursday: Oct. 5, Nov. 9 St. Louis Friday: Oct. 13, Nov. 17 Tacoma Friday: Oct. 20, Nov. 24 Wilmington Monday: Oct. 16, Nov. 20 Houston change due to Columbus Day Algonac and Norfolk changes due to Veteran's Day Guam change due to Thanksgiving Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from August 15 - September 14, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of September 15, 2023. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 14 3 2 21 2 7 6 24 26 21 1 11 20 15 2 2 5 20 2 21 5 4 4 8 0 3 2 19 24 8 1 5 14 2 2 3 4 7 0 7 2 1 1 2 1 1 0 4 4 7 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 3 1 2 11 2 3 18 1 7 6 34 15 23 1 7 14 6 2 0 2 17 1 11 8 3 3 10 1 3 1 18 25 5 1 3 14 1 3 1 0 7 0 8 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 5 1 5 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 1 3 7 1 0 0 20 14 11 0 2 5 1 1 1 1 7 1 4 18 4 2 24 3 10 9 40 44 30 3 13 26 20 4 4 10 22 3 37 3 5 2 12 0 4 3 22 27 14 2 7 11 4 2 4 5 9 0 18 3 0 1 2 1 5 0 5 11 4 0 2 5 1 0 0 1 6 2 2 TOTAL 225 122 34 181 115 24 85 326 154 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 5 10 1 1 3 8 15 3 4 0 15 3 0 2 3 8 3 6 96 3 1 5 4 1 2 2 8 12 7 1 1 8 3 0 0 1 8 2 7 76 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 24 2 1 3 1 0 0 1 4 3 3 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 6 0 4 35 5 0 3 16 1 5 7 10 26 9 3 2 16 3 0 4 3 11 4 16 144 2 1 1 6 0 2 4 11 12 3 1 4 8 5 0 0 2 9 2 7 80 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 1 1 0 1 7 0 0 0 0 4 0 5 28 0 0 0 3 0 1 2 5 4 3 1 0 6 1 0 3 2 2 0 6 39 4 0 1 12 1 5 10 17 25 15 3 3 15 17 1 5 2 10 1 23 170 0 0 1 3 2 2 2 8 17 4 0 3 20 3 0 5 7 3 0 13 93 0 1 1 4 0 1 1 2 6 2 0 1 3 3 0 1 1 1 0 4 32 2 0 2 1 0 3 1 3 11 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 3 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 1 13 3 0 6 0 3 3 22 30 18 2 0 12 9 0 2 0 8 0 13 14 2 1 9 0 10 3 26 110 25 2 0 34 13 0 7 1 8 1 8 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 5 1 4 7 0 1 4 10 9 5 1 1 9 4 0 0 5 13 0 6 85 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 9 8 8 0 2 7 4 0 0 0 1 1 5 52 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 19 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 3 0 2 8 2 5 7 16 12 11 1 4 13 8 2 4 5 8 1 17 129 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 2 12 2 0 1 14 5 0 6 3 1 0 4 56 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 1 5 2 0 2 1 1 0 3 22 2 0 2 8 0 4 2 14 9 6 1 3 14 2 1 2 5 6 1 10 92 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 1 1 5 0 3 2 17 23 12 1 0 10 6 0 2 1 4 0 6 6 1 5 5 0 4 1 17 76 7 1 2 26 11 1 7 1 10 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 17 2 0 4 7 5 0 3 3 2 0 4 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 12 Entry Department 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 14 25 6 0 0 6 8 1 2 1 3 0 6 5 0 4 3 1 3 2 12 64 4 0 4 13 4 1 3 0 7 0 6 TOTAL 12 99 185 8 78 136 33 18 144 274 GRAND TOTAL 462 353 265 366 300 191 192 658 471 385 12 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the 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. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Sunrise Operations, LLC), May 14 – Chairman Glenn Christianson, Secretary Clark Williams. Chairman advised members to keep up with their health checks and discussed the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Retirees can return to work fulltime without penalty and as full book members for those positions that are in short supply, per secretary report. Educational director urged crew to take the dangerous liquids course at the Piney Point school. LNG is required on new ships so now is the time to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a new coffee maker, new space heaters for cabins and asked about Wi-Fi access aboard ship. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), July 3 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Markese Haynes, Educational Director Antonio Griffin, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez. Members requested copy of Standard Tanker Agreement for this ship. ABs are continually experiencing delays in getting reliefs and discussed addressing the issue in future contract negotiations. Secretary reminded crew to keep documents up to date. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No disputed OT reported, however each department reported questions about crew not receiving pay for Juneteenth holiday. Chairman encouraged members to get involved with union meetings and to contribute to SPAD. Ship now equipped with free Wi-Fi. A second Wi-Fi service also is available for purchase. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), July 9 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational Director Larry Locke, Deck Delegate Osei Baffoe, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Ricky Sencida. Chairman discussed company’s new pay system. New Juneteenth holiday is welcomed by crew. Coast Guard has resolved printer issues. Secretary advised crew to check pension workups and money purchase plan info. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. More new mattresses on the way. New Starlink system to be installed soon. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Members asked for annual physicals and increases in vacation pay. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), July 9 – Chairman Renaudo Pierce, Deck Delegate Christopher Barberan, Engine Delegate Edward Galbis, Steward Delegate Yacoub Shack. Chairman commended steward department for doing a great job and thanked them for their hard work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed ongoing issues with Wi-Fi. Members requested one day off for every 30 days worked. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), July 17 – Chairman Anecito Limbo, Secretary Kenneth Hagan, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Darrell Crim. Chairman reiterated the importance of donating to SPAD and reminded crew to leave clean rooms for onboarding members. Educational director encouraged members to keep up with documents needed for shipping and to go to Piney Point and upgrade. Gym equipment to be bought with ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed wage increase and requested additional vacation days. Crew refrigerator in need of repair or replacement. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. TEXAS (Seabulk), July 26 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson, Deck Delegate Michael Ross, Steward Delegate Tracey Newsome. Chairman advised crew to be patient on board while waiting for reliefs. He reminded them to renew medical every year, to keep in good health and to clean rooms before leaving ship. Secretary asked members to keep food in basket outside of dish room. Educational director urged crew to make sure all paperwork is current and to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed ship’s budget. Gym door should never be locked at any time. Next port: Long Beach, California. company follow standard tanker agreement. Members were urged to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and were reminded of its importance to the shipping industry as a whole. Next port: San Francisco. With Seafarers Aboard Stena Imperative The vessel is a new addition to both the SIU-crewed fleet and the U.S. Tanker Security Program. Pictured from left aboard the Crowley-operated ship are SA Christian Smith, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Chief Cook Esper Jordan and Steward/Baker Jose Norales. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 18 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Stacy Davis, Educational Director Antonio Griffin, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Ship is now equipped with Wi-Fi. Chairman asked for crew’s patience while waiting for reliefs. Members are to see steward if anything in the galley needs improvement, per secretary. Educational director went over sea time requirement for C-cards to attend courses at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. He encouraged members to make sure documents and physicals stay up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters 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 the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return OCTOBER 2023 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, 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 David Heindel 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 • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer 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 at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Question: What are some things you like about your career? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Johnny Dozier Bosun HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Raymond Alexander Chief Cook The fellowship of Seafarers. It’s always good to talk to older members and it’s also enjoyable to welcome new ones. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Travelling, the money, and the brotherhood. I appreciate the stability and being able to provide for my family. 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 Emanuel Spain Chief Steward Mark Brownell Bosun I enjoy having the ability to travel the world and make great money to provide for my family. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 I get to travel a lot. Plus the vacation (benefit), the money and the camaraderie. My family has been in the union for years. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Christopher Coston Chief Cook Bartow Bridges AB JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 I like the travel and the time off. It has been a great career for me, with job security. I’ve been able to provide for my family. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Travelling and seeing different places. Interacting with different cultures and seeing how the world works and how the rest of it compares to the U.S. Also providing for my family. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 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 SIU members serving on the then-quarterly financial committee gather at union headquarters in New York in February 1951. Pictured from left are Bill Thompson, John Garrison, Mike Rossi, Oliver Oakley and Joseph Arras. 14 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 �Welcome Ashore! We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. DEEP SEA MICHAEL BIRKE JAMES MORRIS RANDOLPH SCOTT RAYMOND PETTERSON Brother Michael Birke, 57, started his career with the union in 1994. He first shipped on the USNS Bellatrix and sailed in the engine department. Brother Birke upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point School. He last sailed aboard the Green Bay and makes his home in Harvey, Louisiana. Brother James Morris, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991, initially working on the Cape Charles. He was a member of the deck department and most recently shipped on the Ocean Glory. Brother Morris upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He calls San Antonio, Texas, home. Brother Randolph Scott, 67, signed on with the union in 1998, initially sailing on the USNS Denebola. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Scott last shipped on the Seabulk Challenge and resides in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Brother Raymond Petterson, 65, signed on with the union in 1978. He sailed in the deck department and first worked with Northern Towing Company. Brother Petterson upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by Crowley Towing & Transportation and settled in Tallahassee, Florida. BARTOW BRIDGES RONALD OWENS ZBIGNIEW SOLTYSIK Brother Bartow Bridges, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988, initially sailing aboard the Sugar Island. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Bridges most recently sailed on the Maersk Iowa. He is a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Ronald Owens, 65, joined the SIU in 1988 when he sailed on the Ranger. A member of the deck department, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Owens last shipped on the Maersk Illinois and makes his home in Sugar Land, Texas. Brother Zbigniew Soltysik, 65, joined the union in 1995, initially sailing on the Independence. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Soltysik last shipped on the Horizon Enterprise and makes his home in Guam. CRAIG CROFT RONALD PARADISE JAMES SYKES Brother Craig Croft, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1985. He was first employed with G&H Towing and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Croft upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Louisiana and lives in Hitchcock, Texas. Brother Ronald Paradise, 66, started his career with the union in 1976. He first shipped on the Long Lines and sailed in the deck department. Brother Paradise upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Badlands Trader and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother James Sykes, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1991 and first worked on the Falcon Duchess. He shipped in all three departments. Brother Sykes’ final vessel was the Decisive. He resides in Portsmouth, Virginia. ROY GREEN JOSEPH REYNOLDS Brother Roy Green, 58, began sailing with the SIU in 1992 when he shipped aboard the Independence. Brother Green was a member of the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Bay State and settled in Houston. Brother Joseph Reynolds, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Reynolds’ final vessel was the Eagle. He is a resident of Douglas, Nebraska. PAMELA TAYLOR Sister Pamela Taylor, 65, became a member of the union in 1981. She initially sailed aboard the Overseas Chicago and worked in all three departments. Sister Taylor upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. She last sailed on the Tacoma and lives in Olalla, Washington. INLAND BRIAN JONES VALERIE RUSSO JOSEPH LEWIS Brother Brian Jones, 63, signed on with the SIU in 1994, first sailing on the USNS Regulus. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Jones most recently sailed on the Overseas Chinook. He resides in Franklinton, Louisiana. Sister Valerie Russo, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2002 when she sailed on the Kauai. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Russo’s final vessel was the Maersk Montana. She resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Joseph Lewis, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1998. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Lewis sailed with Allied Transportation for the majority of his career. He makes his home in Lancaster, Virginia. OCTOBER 2023 NMC Posts Update About Fax Numbers Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center has issued the following news item: As of August 25, 2023, Regional Exam Centers (RECs) will no longer maintain separate fax lines. In accordance with 46 CFR 10.217(a), the Coast Guard is designating the following fax numbers as locations to which an applicant may submit application information. To fax information to the National Maritime Center (NMC), please use the specific fax number associated with the categories of documentation below. • Documentation related to the processing of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) application (including CG-719B forms and supporting documents, MMC Awaiting Information (AI) submissions, and duplicate requests) should be sent to (304) 433-3416. • Any information related to an application for a Medical Certificate (including CG-719K/KE forms and medical AI submissions) should be sent to (304) 433-3407. • Documentation related to the processing mariner training course approvals/renewals, designated examiners, and Qualified Assessors should be sent to (304) 433-3408. • Documentation and AI submissions related to safety and suitability screening (including court documents, TWIC information, citizenship documents, and proof of residency) should be sent to (304) 433-3411. • General inquiries, mariner record requests, and World War II record requests should be sent to (304) 433-3417. Please note that the preferred method for submitting the documentation listed above is via e-mail. Further information regarding the specific e-mail address to use for each category of documentation may be found on the NMC Website. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg. mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. LIONEL MCLAUGHLIN GARY SMITH AVELL BROWN Pensioner Lionel McLaughlin, 103, died August 9. He started sailing with the SIU in 1954. Brother McLaughlin initially sailed with Richfield Oil Corporation and was a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the USNS Potomac and became a pensioner in 1985. Brother McLaughlin lived in Coral Springs, Florida. Pensioner Gary Smith, 85, died July 1. Born in Fresno, California, he became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1967. Brother Smith worked in the deck department and was first employed by Isthmian Lines Inc. His final vessel was the Navigator. Brother Smith became a pensioner in 2003 and called Tacoma, Washington, home. Pensioner Avell Brown, 77, passed away May 11. Brother Brown worked in the steward department, lastly aboard the C.P. Liberator. He became a pensioner in 2007 and resided in Mobile, Alabama. JOSE CLOTTER JOHN NICHOLS JUAN TORRES Brother Jose Clotter, 60, passed away July 31. Born in Honduras, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1999. Brother Clotter initially sailed aboard the USNS Mt. Washington and was a steward department member. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Pittsburgh and resided in Katy, Texas. Pensioner John Nichols, 78, passed away August 8. First sailing aboard the Sealift Atlantic, he became a member of the SIU in 1990. Brother Nichols worked in the deck department. He went on pension in 2012 after sailing aboard his final vessel, the Liberty Pride. Brother Nichols resided in League City, Texas. Pensioner Juan Torres, 76, passed away July 2. He joined the SIU in 1994 and first shipped aboard the Expedition. Brother Torres was a member of the deck department and last sailed on the American Tern. He went on pension in 2013 made his home in Hudson, Florida. JOSE CALIX Pensioner Jose Calix, 68, died August 20. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the Sumner. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Calix last shipped on the Decisive in 2016. He went on pension in 2020 and settled in the Bronx, New York. BRUCE COLLINS Brother Bruce Collins, 65, died August 13. A Philadelphia native, he started sailing with the SIU in 1991. Brother Collins’ first vessel was the Groton. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Commitment in 2008. Brother Collins lived in Valrico, Florida. CHRISTOPHER D’ANDREA Pensioner Christopher D’Andrea, 74, passed away August 18. A steward department member, he signed on with the SIU in 2003. Brother D’Andrea’s first vessel was the Grand Canyon State; his last, the Maersk Kentucky. He began collecting his pension in 2020 and lived in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. FRED JENSEN Pensioner Fred Jensen, 83, died July 2. He became a member of the SIU in 1963 when he sailed with Colonial Steamship. Brother Jensen was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Mobile before becoming a pensioner in 2004. Brother Jensen made his home in Bell, Florida. ETHAN NIELSEN Brother Ethan Nielsen, 26, died July 23. Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, he signed on with the union in 2021. Brother Nielsen was a deck department member and first shipped on the Freedom. He most recently sailed on the Defender and was a resident of Freeland, Washington. RANDY PROCTOR Brother Randy Proctor, 57, passed away February 1. A Mississippi native, he began his career with the SIU in 2001. Brother Proctor’s first vessel was the Cape Horn. He worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Overseas Martinez in 2014. Brother Proctor was a Las Vegas resident. DIMAS RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Dimas Rodriguez, 90, died February 16. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1966, initially sailing aboard the Seatrain New York. Brother Rodriguez was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the Guayama in 1994. He settled in Kissimmee, Florida. ANTHONY JOHNSON RICHARD SCHWENDER Brother Anthony Johnson, 34, passed away July 9. He joined the union in 2022, initially sailing aboard the Cape Ray. Brother Johnson was a deck department member and most recently shipped on the Cape Arundel. He was a resident of Norfolk, Virginia, his home state. Brother Richard Schwender, 69, has passed away. Born in Fort Lawton, Washington, he joined the SIU in 1974. Brother Schwender’s first vessel was the Tam Guilden. He shipped in the engine department and last sailed on the Freedom in 1989. Brother Schwender lived in Olympia, Washington. 16 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS DAVID VEGA Pensioner David Vega, 71, died September 3. Sailing in the engine department, he joined the SIU in 1991. Brother Vega first shipped on the Richard G. Matthiesen. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Kensington before retiring in 2020. Brother Vega lived in Baltimore. INLAND EUGENE ARCAND Pensioner Eugene Arcand, 65, passed away August 18. He signed on with the union in 2005 and worked in the deck department. Brother Arcand’s first vessel was the Advantage. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and retired in 2021. Brother Arcand resided in Englewood, Florida. NMU CHARLES ARCHIE Pensioner Charles Archie, 71, died August 8. Brother Archie sailed in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Delaware Trader and became a pensioner in 2007. Brother Archie was a Las Vegas resident. CALVIN HICKS Brother Calvin Hicks, 70, has passed away. He was born in Guyana and sailed in the engine department. Brother Hicks last shipped aboard the Cape Hudson and made his home in New York City. TONY ROSALES Pensioner Tony Rosales, 95, died August 16. Born in Laredo, Texas, he began sailing in 1945. Brother Rosales first sailed on the William H. Jackson and worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Joseph Lykes and began collecting his pension in 1966. Brother Rosales was a Houston resident. OBAID SALAHI Pensioner Obaid Salahi, 92, passed away August 10. Brother Salahi sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Tyson Lykes in 1991. Brother Salahi became a pensioner the following year and resided in Brooklyn, New York. MODESTO SANCHEZ Pensioner Modesto Sanchez, 88, died August 5. Brother Sanchez began shipping in 1964, initially aboard the Constitution. He was an engine department member and last shipped aboard the American Kentucky. Brother Sanchez retired in 1990 and lived in Puerto Rico. 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 AGE DATE OF DEATH Louis Prado 103 03/16/2023 Angel Rodriguez 95 06/19/2023 OCTOBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer-Deck October 23 November 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival October 23 November 3 RFPNW October 9 November 13 October 27 December 1 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES RFPEW November 13 December 15 Junior Engineer Program October 23 December 15 Advanced Refer Containers October 23 November 3 Welding October 16 November 3 Certified Chief Cook October 30 December 4 December 1 January 5 ServSafe Management October 23 November 27 October 27 December 1 Advanced Galley Operations October 16 November 10 Chief Steward November 13 December 8 SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training October 9 October 13 Basic Training Revalidation October 16 October 20 October 23 November 6 November 13 December 4 December 8 October 16 October 20 October 23 November 6 November 13 December 4 December 8 Government Vessels October 16 October 23 November 6 October 20 October 27 November 10 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  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. OCTOBER 2023 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. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG17 • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #898 – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Quad Cheatham, Kameron Edwards, Bryn Erck, Eliza Fitzgerald, Nathan Goodhart, Grayson Goodwin, Onyx Lyons, Arkadiusz Mochocki-Klusik, Javon Norris Jr., Jacob Rhoney, Juan Velasquewz Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ABLE SEAMAN DECK – Graduated August 4 (above, in alphabetical order): The above photo includes ADVANCED GALLEY OPERATIONS – Graduated August 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvinmar ADVANCED REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical BT - UP PERSONAL SAFETY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated August 11 (above, in Dale Armstrong III, Corey Bellezza, Alexander Bennett, Jacob Burleson, Tyler Dreschel, Eachen Hoffrichter, Joseph McCrea, Riley Russ, Landon Williams, and Rosa Wilson. order): Abdulaziz Alsinai, Michael Clark, Francois Doucet III, Wordell Prescott, Ahmed Sharif and Anatoli Vetsinov. Instructor Mike Fay is also pictured. BT - UP PERSONAL SAFETY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated September 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Les Eckert, Marvette Gallop and Timothy Heil. 18 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS Aldana, Evelyn Cruz, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Randy Madrid, Dee Anne Merriman, Marcelino Pabito, and Anthony Roman. alphabetical order): Jesse Funk, Jennifer Houston, Colby Neal, and Herbie Soliveres. CHIEF COOK ASSESSMENT PROGRAM – Graduated August 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Donald Harwerth, Colby Neal, Dorothy Samuel-Harris, Herbie Soliveres and Travis Welch. OCTOBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Darryl Dewitt, Carlos CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical order): La'Quay Shack, Kimberly GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated August 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Kevin Brown, Eshrak GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Larry Calixto, Eric SMALL ARMS – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronnie Brickhouse, Leroy Chatman, GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated September 1 (above, in alphabetical order) Jonathan Bennett, Walter Bonifacio, Danilo Fullante, Grace Hilgendorf-Sanchez, Nadine Nomed-Ryf, Robert Oconnell Jr., Marcelino Pabito, Arnedo Paredes Jr., Nicholas Sampson, Kevin Willis, Paul Woods Jr., and Seamus Woods. (Note: Not all are pictured.) TANK SHIP FAM DL – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Bennett, Eshrak TANK SHIP FAM DL – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Scarlett Amburgey, Vincent Gomez Hernandez, Walter Lewis and Brittany Ruffin. Dewan, Vernon Humbles, Deidra Hunter, Christopher King, Khalid Mohammed, Dana Naze, Jacob Nickel, Jennifer Ramirez, Corey Reseburg, Peter Paul Soriano, and Oscar Jan Vencer III. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Mark Kim Cordova, Hector Cumba Concepcion, Timothy Heil, Christopher Janics, Lilia Ka'ai'ai, Lucas Tiderman and Christopher Torres. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Dewan, Louis Ferrigno, Montree Nakwichet, Johnathan Radzewicz, Seamus Woods and James Zaro. WATER SURVIVAL (LIFEBOATMAN) – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical order): John Bertucci, Noel Gay and James Stanford. (Note: Not all are pictured.) OCTOBER 2023 Vargas, Isis Vasquez-Soto, and Dominique Wesley. Chapman, Laurentis Colbert, Marvette Gallop, Janelle Harper, Robert Johnson, Eurico Liboon, Helen Martinez, Michael Pockat II, Mario Siclot, and Christopher Torres. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chavez, Cody Higgs, Jean Joazil, San Maung, James Stanford, Dacobi Timmons, David Uluocha and Jose Velasquez. Instructor Dominic Hix is also pictured. WELDING & METALLURGY – Graduated August 4: Alexia Villaescusa. Instructor Chris Raley is also pictured (right). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG19 • 19 �OCTOBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 10 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Show Solidarity The labor movement coordinated a national “Day of Action” on Aug. 22 to support the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in their strike against the major television and movie studios. Rallies took place in five major American cities (Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago), with SIU personnel present at three of the events. Seafarers took to the streets in Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond partici- pated in the Chicago demonstration, while AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler attended the Atlanta rally. While the SAG-AFTRA and WGA disputes are separate strikes, the two unions’ concerns about the entertainment industry are largely aligned. In addition to the plain greed of the studio executives, the unions object to meager residuals from streaming services and artificial intelligence usurping their likenesses. To make matters worse, the studios have repeatedly stalled negotiations, the unions say. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond updates rallygoers in Chicago. Turning out in New York are (standing, from left) SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson, UIW Representative Jordan Esopa, Chief Cook Mike Adorno, SIU Patrolman Terry Montgomery and (front) SIU Port Administrative Assistant Danisha Feliciano. Some of the SIU contingent and other backers are pictured at the Chicago event. SA Ronald Pattiasina joins in the New York gathering. The Philadelphia attendees included (from left) SIU Port Administrative Assistant Sam Irizarry, SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice, Delaware Valley and Vicinity Port Maritime Council President Scott Reeves, and SIU member AB Ryan Drummond. Labor has vociferously defended both unions throughout the duration of the strikes, with representatives from many unions standing on the picket lines in New York and Los Angeles. The AFL-CIO Executive Board (SIU President David Heindel is a member) received an extensive briefing on the strikes at their last gathering this summer; the Board also posed for a group photo with strike support signs in solidarity with the actors and writers hitting the bricks. Chief Cook Mike Adorno in New York Demonstrating their support in Philly are (from left) IATSE VP Mike Barns, City Council member Jim Harrity, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Danny Bauder and SIU Port Administrative Assistant Sam Irizarry. � 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 October 2023 Description An account of the resource Benefits Conferences Are a Hit Solidarity Evident at Labor Day Events SIU Answers the Call During Turbo Activation New Polling Shows Strong and Widespread Support for Unions SIU, PHC Host High-Level Working Group First Vessels Enroll in Tanker Security Program Sobeck Takes Helm at MSC Crescent Towing to Add Tug Lakes Group Honors Rep. Stauber USNS Navajo Christened TOTE Successfully Completes Conversions SIU Personnel Demonstrate with SAG-AFTRA, WGA Members 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 01/10/2023 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. 10