http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/63c200f8c3d20a517e69028ea171854f.pdf 9161743bbabadeaa20268460bfa4beda PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS • PAGE 8 �President’s Report Sailing Ahead as One Crew For several months leading up to Election Day, both in this space and elsewhere, I periodically suggested that our society as a whole would do well to remember that we are ultimately on the same side, even if we differ about certain governmental policies and preferred political candidates. With November 5 behind us, the SIU already has been working to promote and protect your jobs as well as the overall American maritime industry and the labor movement. Those efforts never end, regardless of who’s in office, and they take place at every level of government. Although the union-endorsed candidate did not win the presidential election, I remain confident in the sound reasoning behind our choice, starting with many years of having demonstrated unwavering support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. As reported elsewhere in this edition, a number of SIU-backed candidates did win in the House and Senate, respectively, and those outcomes should help us advance our goals. If you have paid attention to politics for any length of time, particularly when it comes to the White House, you know that every presidential election is billed as “the most important one of our lifetimes.” There’s rarely a shortage of fervent support for the main candidates. The stress is real. Nevertheless, this one felt different, and not in a good way. I respectfully ask all of us, myself included, to take a deep breath and give people the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume the worst about someone just because they don’t share your opinion or didn’t vote the same way. Whether or not you even decide to talk about politics is up to you, though I’ve found it more and more difficult to completely avoid the subject in this age of 24/7 connectivity. Judging someone because of how they voted is a different story, and that’s something each one of us can in fact control. Most importantly, I believe we need to move forward and focus on the work that lies ahead. Just like our crews pull together to keep the ship moving on the right course, our brothers and sisters throughout the SIU must work as a team to help preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine along with the laws and regulations that protect freedom of association, workplace safety, overtime pay, and so much more. I for one am glad the elections are over, and as we adjust to the incoming administration, I’ll remain focused on protecting the jobs and job security of all Seafarers. On the maritime side, that work will involve solidifying ongoing support of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference laws, the Tanker Security Program, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, domestic shipbuilding, plus other laws and statutes that help keep Old Glory flying on the oceans, coastlines, Great Lakes and inland waterways. Enacting the Ships for America bill would be a fantastic start. When it comes to workers’ rights and freedom of association, I don’t think it’s alarmist to say we’re anticipating choppier seas. It’s no secret that public-sector unions will be in the crosshairs, and I’ll also be pleasantly surprised if we don’t have to fight against a proposed national “right to work” law. There will be other challenges, too. As mentioned, we’re not waiting around. We’re engaged in the nation’s capital, both with fellow maritime stakeholders and with our brothers and sisters from organized labor. We’ll continue working on your behalf and we’ll keep you informed, as always. Congratulations to all of the winning candidates. On behalf of the SIU membership, we look forward to working with you. Holiday Wishes We are wrapping up this edition before Thanksgiving, and I flat cannot believe that the winter holidays are already upon us once again. If you cannot relate to the feeling that the years are flying by, then I say, enjoy your youth! Meanwhile, I wish everyone in our SIU family a safe, happy, healthy holiday season. For those of you who are working during the holidays, thank you for your dedication. I know from firsthand experience that being away from home at those times can be difficult, and I don’t take your commitment for granted. SIU Helps Welcome New Dredge With SIU members and union representatives in attendance, Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) on Oct. 25 conducted a naming ceremony for its newest trailing suction hopper dredge, the Galveston Island. Approximately 70 people attended the event, which took place in warm, sunny weather in Galveston, Texas. According to the company, “With a capacity of 6,500 cubic yards and a dredging depth of up to 100 feet, Galveston Island is equipped to handle complex operations while reducing its environmental impact. This state-of-the-art dredge can operate on biofuel, making it a cleaner option for dredging work in the Great Lakes and other coastal projects. It also meets EPA Tier 4 regulations, which minimizes its carbon footprint and protects marine life by reducing the risk of species entrapment.” GLDD added, “Conrad Shipyard has designed the Galveston Island dredger to meet today’s sustainability demands. The vessel is equipped with a high-power pumping system to facilitate dredging, and incorporates dynamic positioning and tracking technology, ensuring more precise and effective operations.” The Galveston Island is 348 feet long and nearly 70 feet wide. SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday attended the ceremony. Zavala read a congratulatory message from SIU President David Heindel that stated in part, “This new ship is the most modern and advanced hopper dredge in the U.S. fleet. The men and women of the Seafarers International Union are excited and proud to be your partners, and we’re equally enthusiastic about serving on board the vessels…. We also look forward to crewing the next hopper dredge, the Amelia Island, as well as GLDD’s new offshore wind vessel, the Acadia. This allows us to continue our long-standing, productive relationship as we promote growth in the domestic fleet. The new vessels also reinforce American innovation and capability.” Zavala said he considers dredging operations as “the backbone of the industry. Without it, other ships can’t do their job.” The Galveston Island is expected to replace one of the company’s older dredges, the Terrapin Island, while the Amelia Island is slated for delivery in 2025. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 12 Clara Petterson, wife of GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson, (right) does the honors during the gathering in Galveston, Texas. Multiple SIU crews from the dredge assemble for the ceremony. December 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. 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 © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The new dredge is a state-of-the-art addition to the SIU-crewed Great Lakes Dredge & Dock fleet. (Photo by Jacob Luikart, via Marine Traffic) DECEMBER 2024 �Voting Continues in SIU’s 2024 Election Voting started last month and will continue through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Balloting is taking place at 20 SIU halls across the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 2025-2028 term. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Saturdays (except legal holidays), until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Only two of the positions have more than one candidate running; those positions are highlighted on the ballot. Also included on this year’s ballot are 23 proposed amendments to the SIU Constitution. At the hiring halls and, when possible, on some ships or other locations where members congregate that are relatively close to a hall, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where ballots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January and will tabulate and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on Pages 9-14 of the October 2024 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. From left, Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis, SA Keyanna Williams, and Chief Cook Rosemary Glover are ready to vote at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of balloting. Aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) in Jacksonville, Florida, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman (left) prepares for members to secure their respective ballots. Recertified Bosun Tavell Love is at right; AB Jan Jalloh is standing. AB Alton Glapion casts the first vote at the New Orleans hall. Securing the first ballot this year at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla (right), a second-generation Seafarer. At left is Safety Director Ricky Rivera. First to vote in Tacoma, Washington, is SA Abdul Yahia (right). He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. For more photos of SIU members voting in the union election, see page 11 Recertified Bosun Noel Otero completes his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico. Pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of voting are (from left) ABG Rodante Niebres, ABG Paul Amato, Steward/Baker Jose Norales, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, OMU Denard Williams, and ABM Gary Boyd. DECEMBER 2024 Securing his ballot at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Recertified Steward Ismael Garayua. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Election Day Proves Fruitful For SIU-Backed Candidates Congressional candidates who received backing from the SIU’s voluntary political action fund enjoyed lots of success on Election Day. Of the 50 House of Representatives members (from a total of 435, plus four delegates) receiving support from the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD) during the 2024 cycle, 47 of them won, with one race still too close to call at press time. In the Senate, SPAD supported 17 individuals (from a total of 33); 13 of them won, with one race still too close to call. The SIU-endorsed candidate for the presidency did not win, although no SPAD money was given in that race. Specifically commenting on the presidential election, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Presidential administrations change, but the labor movement’s values do not. We stand for the freedom to organize and for the right to collectively bargain. We stand for solidarity – the kind that is built when working people stand together to take on the biggest, richest bosses and the most powerful extremist politicians. Most importantly, we know how to fight back when anyone comes after our freedoms. “This result is a blow for every worker who depends on our elected leaders to fight for our jobs, our unions and our contracts,” she continued. “We organized for months to produce a nearly 17-point advantage for Vice President Kamala Harris with union members. But it is clear that the economic struggle working-class people are facing is causing real pain and neither party has sufficiently addressed it.” Shuler concluded, “Organized labor is the path forward. In unions, people have power to build a stable foundation for themselves and their families. To say, ‘It’s Better in a Union,’ is not simply a slogan – it’s the way to level the playing field and create a path to economic security for every working person. The nearly 13 million union members of the AFL-CIO won’t be divided and we won’t back down. We will be there for each other and we will fight every step of the way for every worker in this country, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.” These pre-Election Day photos from the Pacific Northwest include SIU personnel with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (front, right, in photo at left), U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (left in photo at top, with Safety Director Danielle Woodward), and (remaining photo) U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (center), with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp (left) and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. Strickland, Larsen and Smith, Washington State Democrats who are all strong supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine, won re-election to Congress. 2025 Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Piney Point Jersey City Philadelphia Baltimore Jacksonville San Juan Algonac Norfolk Houston New Orleans Mobile Oakland Port Everglades Joliet St. Louis Honolulu Wilmington Guam Tacoma 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 18 20 21 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 7 8 9 10 10 10 17 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 5 6 7 8 8 8 15 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 19 22 23 2 3 4 5 5 5 12 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 20 20 7 8 9 10 10 10 17 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 4 5 6 7 7 7 14 8 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 8 9 10 11 11 11 18 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 6 7 8 9 9 9 16 10 14 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 12 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 8 9 10 11 11 11 18 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 26 26 Monday after first Sunday Tuesday after first Sunday Wednesday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday *Thursday after second Sunday Friday after first Sunday Monday after second Sunday Tuesday after second Sunday Wednesday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Monday after third Sunday Thursday after third Sunday Friday after third Sunday 6 7 8 9 9 9 16 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 21 23 24 Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m. *A proposed amendment to the SIU Constitution would change the regular date of the Algonac, Michigan, membership meeting so that it occurs each month on the Thursday after the second Sunday. This chart reflects a schedule based on membership approval of that specific amendment. If the amendment isn’t approved (voting doesn’t end until Dec. 31, 2024), the LOG will furnish dates for the Algonac meetings accordingly. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 DECEMBER 2024 �Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar- DECEMBER 2024 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2023 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.05 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $400.25 (four hundred dollars and twenty-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2025 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025 will have this calculation applied to their 2025 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2026, your objection must be received by December 1, 2025. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2023. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, Tom Orzechowski Secretary-Treasurer SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Rep. Dingell Honored By Great Lakes Group The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) on Oct. 28 recognized U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) with its Legislator of the Year Award “for her efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation System and the American workers that ensure a resilient maritime supply chain which drives the nation’s economic base,” the group said in a news release. The SIU is a GLMTF affiliate. “The Great Lakes are not only an important natural resource but a way of life that supports communities across our region and country, creating more than 1.5 million jobs, supplying 90 percent of our nation’s fresh surface water, and generating $62 billion in wages every year,” Dingell stated. “They are critical to numerous industries, supply chains, and our economy, and support countless families’ livelihoods. As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I’m honored to be recognized by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and will continue to fight in Congress to protect these waters and all who depend on them.” Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association and vice president of the GLMTF, said, “It is an honor and privilege to present this award to Representative Dingell. She strengthened navigational infrastructure by supporting funding to finish the critical new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and pressing for the acquisition of a desperately needed U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes.” The task force in its announcement added, “Representative Dingell understands the need to attract and retain a skilled workforce like those needed at the Soo Locks. As the only waterway connection between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Soo Locks are the linchpin of the Great Lakes Navigation System. In 2022, the Department of Defense reduced the wage rate for 77 skilled laborer positions at the Soo Locks Complex by 19 percent. Two-thirds of the workers occupying those positions are veterans. She has been a catalyst for a solution proposing that the Department of Defense approve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers May 2022 request for a special salary rate (SSR) to restore the wage scale lost in 2022 for these 77 positions.” John Clemons, Great Lakes vice president of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, said, “Representative Dingell is a true champion for the Great Lakes and the hard-working men and women which keep the pilot light of the North American economy lit. Representative Dingell has been a strong supporter of the Jones Act, which ensures the more than 147,000 U.S. jobs tied to the Great Lakes maritime industry remain in America.” The award ceremony took place on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly 80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for the Great Lakes Navigation System. Advocating for NMC: Rejection of Incomplete Applications Editor’s note: The following news item was issued by the National Maritime Center in late October. It is available on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Rejection of Incomplete Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Applications During Initial Screening The National Maritime Center (NMC) will begin rejecting incomplete merchant mariner credential (MMC) application submissions during initial screening beginning December 1, 2024. MMC application submissions that are incomplete due to missing the following required items will be rejected: • a complete CG-719B on the current version of the form • evidence the applicant holds or has applied for a TWIC card • evidence of payment of the required evaluation fee (use of pay.gov is the preferred method of fee payment) • evidence of satisfying applicable drug testing requirements. If an application package is found to be missing any of these items during initial screening, the applicant will be e-mailed a Notice of Rejected Incomplete Application indicating what is missing. If the original submission is rejected, the applicant will have to resubmit the entire application package and include the missing item(s). The documentation in the U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) domestic and international shipping, its members represent labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry generates more than $36 billion in economic activity each year. application submission will not be retained by the NMC or returned to the applicant. Guidance on how to complete an MMC application can be found on the NMC website. If submitting via regular mail or other courier service (FedEx, UPS, etc.), please retain a copy of your submission including all original documents. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Sincerely, B. W. Clare Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer Important Notice: Updated Merchant Mariner Credential and MMC-related Documentation E-mail Submission Instructions Editor’s note: The U.S Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) issued the following notice on Aug. 12. The bulletin is available on the SIU website; printed copies have been posted at the hiring halls. Additionally, the notice appears in the September LOG. Please note that as of early November, both the union and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, have become aware of instances when medical certificate applications have been rejected because of one or more of the following: multiple attachments, as opposed to a single PDF document (can be multiple pages); PDF document names that do not adhere to the agency’s requirements; mistakes in subject lines; using an image file instead of a PDF. Detailed instructions about applying for a medical certificate are available at: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/medical_certificate/ Finally, be aware that when an individual applies for a merchant mariner credential and/or a medical certificate, he or she normally will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt from the agency, via email. Such confirmation only means the NMC received the message; it does not necessarily mean there are no problems with the application. The National Maritime Center (NMC) has established a centralized e-mail inbox for the submission of certain merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications to streamline the MMC application submission process and better manage the receipt and initial processing of incoming MMC applications. Regional exam centers (RECs) will continue to receive and process MMC applications for Local Limited, Restricted, and First Class Pilot MMCs. Please continue to e-mail, mail, or hand- deliver these applications to the local REC responsible for the routes requested. E-mail is the preferred method for submission of these applications. The e-mail and physical address for each of the RECs is available on the NMC’s Regional Exam Centers webpage. Please note that sending First Class Pilot/Local Limited applications directly to the NMC may result in delays in processing your application. The NMC is centralizing the submission of all other MMC applications. The preferred method of application submission is e-mail. If you are applying for anything other than a Local Limited, Restricted, or First Class Pilot credential, please e-mail your application to MMCApplications@uscg.mil. Processing times at the NMC vary based on e-mail volume. Sending information via e-mail to the incorrect e-mail address or sending the same information to several e-mail addresses not only causes delays in processing for other mariners but will significantly delay the processing of your information. MMC and medical certificate applications and information are processed separately and should not be sent to the same e-mail address. For more detailed guidelines on submitting medical certificate applications and information, visit the NMC’s Medical Certificate webpage. You can help us improve our processing times by sending MMC applications as indicated above AND by adhering to the guidelines below when sending any other information electronically: • Subject lines for MMC related e-mails should include: the mariner’s last name, mariner’s first name, and mariner’s reference number (if available). 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 • Attachments should be in PDF format, named in the following format: Mariner Last Name_Mariner First Name_ Mariner Reference Number (if available). For example: Smith_John_1234567. • Only submit documentation in PDF format attached to the e-mail. Other formats (including links to PDFs) will not be accepted and your application and/or documentation will not be returned. • Drug test results are part of your MMC application and should NOT be sent with your Medical application (CG 719K or K/E). • E-mail documentation/information in response to an awaiting information letter related to an MMC application to: MMC-Awaiting-Info@uscg.mil. • E-mail general questions and requests for status updates to: IASKNMC@uscg.mil. • Do not send the same documentation and/or information to more than one e-mail address. • Send all required documentation with your application. • Mariners who do not have an active MMC application in process at the NMC or an REC should hold all documentation until they submit their next MMC application. Documents received without an open MMC application are not processed and will not be returned. Be advised that the NMC West Virginia does not accept walk-ins or in-person delivery of applications. RECs do accept in-person delivery of applications with an appointment. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 DECEMBER 2024 �OSG Inland Crews Ratify Contract Seafarers have approved a new three-year contract with the inland division of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Members unanimously ratified the agreement in mid-August; the pact covers approximately 40 Seafarers employed by OSG. The SIU negotiating committee included Delegate AB/Tankerman Edmund Putro, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. The contract includes substantial wage increases in each year of the agreement, which is retroactive to April 1, 2024. The pact also includes an additional holiday, plus increases to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and other benefits, all while maintaining existing health benefits and 2-for-1 pension contributions. Reflecting on the bargaining and the contract itself, Baselice said, "We are pleased with the outcome of negotiations. Through cooperation, a concerted effort and the flexibility of extending our discussions, we were able to remain focused on our intended outcome. With the support of all of the SIU members working aboard OSG vessels, we were able to achieve a beneficial agreement that best addressed their stated needs." The crew onboard the OSG ATB Horizon (from left to right): Kelly Marsh, Dan Doherty, Ed Putro (who also served on the negotiating committee) and Grant Fedukovich. Mariners, Jones Act Tankers Commended for Relief Efforts Editor’s note: The following news item is from the Apostleship of the Sea: The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (AOS-USA) through its administrative board wishes to recognize and commend the heroic and dedicated service of our U.S. Merchant Mariners and our Jones Act tanker fleet in support of our nation’s hurricane relief and response efforts. Captain George McShea, President of AOS-USA commented, “Our U.S. seafarers and our U.S.-flag companies have always answered the call in times of national emergencies and the recent devastating storms impacting the southern US are no exception. Time and time again U.S. seafarers deliver the needed and vital aid and energy resources in both national emergencies and in war time.” AOS-USA supports and recognizes these valiant efforts and actions. AOS-USA calls on and encourages Americas youth to consider continuing this long and great American tradition of seagoing service to our country by pursuing a career in the maritime industry. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are U.S.-crewed, built, flagged and owned. More than 90 nations across the globe maintain some form of cabotage law. In the U.S., the Jones Act helps maintain more than 653,000 American jobs while contributing billions of dollars each year to the economy. Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: - Equal rights to participate in union activities - Freedom of speech and assembly - Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments - Protection of the right to sue - Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: - Nominate candidates for office - Run for office - Cast a secret ballot - Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an DECEMBER 2024 elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: - File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. - Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: - Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. - Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. - Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. - Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. - Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). - Permit candidates to have election observers. - Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol. gov SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $409,808,426 as of December 31, 2023 compare to $344,518,301 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $65,290,125. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $166,797,007. This income included employer contributions of $128,145,151, employee contributions of $417,800, realized losses of ($2,461,714) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $37,775,294 and other income of $2,920,476. Plan expenses were $101,506,882. These expenses included $15,567,478 in administrative expenses and $85,939,404 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,676,447. These expenses included $1,389,816 in administrative expenses and $14,286,631 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,376 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $154,590,307 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $147,590,346 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $6,999,961. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $22,676,408, including employer contributions of $10,813,248, employee contributions of $133,974, gains of $1,024,807 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $10,704,379. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $34,614,407 as of December 31, 2023 compare to $32,110,526 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $2,503,881. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $81,286,747. This income included employer contributions of $77,494,851, realized losses of ($160,772) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $3,490,022 and other income of $462,646. Plan expenses were $78,782,866. These expenses included $8,166,436 in administrative expenses and $70,616,430 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,309,981. These expenses included $149,658 in administrative expenses, $5,049,974 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $110,349 in deemed distributions. A total of 16,178 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $67,191,180 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $55,489,159 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $11,702,021. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $17,012,002, including employee contributions of $7,291,179, other contributions of $215,142 and earnings from investments of $9,505,681. 8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof for any or all of these employee benefit plans, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 6. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 10312 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs for full reports will be (respectively) $12 for SHBP, $16.50 for SVP, $5.50 for 401(K), and $8.75 for SMPPP. The cost for any individual page or portion of a page (from any report) is 25 cents. You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. DECEMBER 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST COAST CONGRATS ‒ QEP Abasiama Essien-Ete (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Wilmington, California. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. MILESTONE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ AB Donald Desir (center) recently received his A-seniority book. Congratulating him are longtime friends Bosun Damon Anderson (left) and Patrolman Brian Guiry. TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Hurricane Milton bumped back the October membership meeting in Jacksonville by one week, so these photos were taken Oct. 17 at the hall. Being sworn in (and facing the podium) are (from left) GUDE Latoria Fairley (B seniority), GUDE Zion Taylor (B seniority), ABM Malcolm Campbell (A seniority), Storekeeper Sean Outlaw (A seniority), OS Denis Moskalenko (B seniority) and Chief Cook Nyasa Henry (B seniority). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at the podium. ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the APL Marine Services ship are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, Chief Cook Lawanda Sloan, ACU Amad Kassem, and Recertified Steward Emanuel Spain. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL ‒ AB Felix Rivera (left) recently received his B book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with close friend and fellow Seafarer AB Erick Toledo. WITH SEAFARERS IN CHARM CITY ‒ A couple of noteworthy moments recently occurred at the hiring hall in Baltimore. AB Joseph Toth (left in photo above, left) received his A-seniority book, while Seafarer Sandra Norato (left in remaining photo) shared that she has completed her certified chief cook training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Safety Director Jose Argueta is at right in both photos. He and Norato have crossed paths in Jersey City, Piney Point and Baltimore, with Argueta offering professional guidance as needed along the way. TALKING MARITIME IN TACOMA ‒ Pictured at ABOARD MISSOURI EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are QEE Jetaime Mays, AB Darnell Jordan, and ABM Abubakr Quraish. the October membership meeting are (from left) Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. GRASSROOTS ACTION ‒ Houston-area Seafarers helped get out the vote for pro-labor, pro-maritime candidates leading up to (and on) Election Day. In three photos above, SIU personnel team up with other volunteers from the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, for block walking and phone banking. DECEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9 SEAFARERS LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PRESIDENT ADAMS – Displaying their favorite monthly periodical aboard the APL Marine Services ship are (from left) Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz, ACU Moosa Mohamed, and Steward/Baker Roberto Coronado. ABOARD USNS JACK LUMMUS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley-operated vessel are Bosun Jonathan Haefner, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, and Chief Steward Masha Blas. AS SEEN IN THE COMMONWEALTH ‒ In the photo above, right, Bosun Eric Thor Young (right), who sailed with the SIU for 37 years, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. SA Maria Legier is at right in the other photo, receiving her full book. Both members are pictured with SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. ABOARD PATRIOT STATE – SIU members recently helped deliver the new training ship to Mass Maritime. SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson met with the crew Oct. 21 and thanked them for a job well done (he also submitted this photo of many of the Seafarers on board). TOTE Services operates the vessel when it is activated. RECRUITING NEVER STOPS – SIU personnel remain active across the country in promoting career opportunities with the union. In photo above, far left, Tacoma Safety Director Danielle Woodward (second from left) welcomes attendees at a recent career fair in the Pacific Northwest. In the snapshot above, far right, Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) and Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active Seafarer) man a table at an event in Port Arthur, Texas. Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis (above, second from right) is ready to discuss the SIU and the maritime industry during a recent career fair in Jacksonville, Florida, while Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick (left in remaining photo) speaks to a guest at a gathering in Pasadena, Texas. TOY DRIVE GOING STRONG – As previously noted, the SIU is teaming up with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) in Puerto Rico for a toy drive benefiting local schoolchildren. Several rank-and-file contributors along with hiring hall personnel are pictured above, delivering and gathering donations. Look for an event recap in a future edition. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2024 10 DECEMBER �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD OCEAN GLORY ‒ Safety MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS ‒ QEE Kyle Williamson receives his A-seniority book at the Joliet hall. Director Danielle Woodward (left) is pictured with Paul Hall Center Apprentice Lamonica Daniels at the gangway of the Patriot Shipping vessel last month in Tacoma, Washington. ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS ‒ Pictured during a payoff aboard the vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (from left) GUDE Jose Palacios, SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Chief Cook Wilson Palacios. Jose and Wilson are brothers. Members Vote in SIU Election ABM Thyron Dy wraps up his voting aboard TOTE’s Perla Del Caribe. Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco votes at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GUDE Raenell Brewster (left) casts his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico. At right is Safety Director Ricky Rivera. Voting in Norfolk, Virginia, on the first day of balloting is Bosun James Gregory. Chief Cook Thomas Smith (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman are pictured at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. DECEMBER 2024 Chief Cook Samone Alston arrives at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall to vote in the union election. QEE Michael Papaioannou (right) and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson are pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall, where Papaioannou voted on Nov. 4. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11 SEAFARERS LOG • 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 13, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2024. 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 St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 12 3 3 12 3 7 6 34 33 26 2 6 14 10 2 0 8 3 12 12 13 5 3 7 2 4 3 12 23 9 2 3 12 1 2 3 2 1 8 6 2 0 1 4 1 2 0 10 8 6 3 2 6 1 0 0 2 1 5 1 10 3 3 13 0 6 2 18 28 15 4 6 11 8 1 0 4 0 13 18 9 0 2 3 1 3 0 15 17 6 1 2 8 1 0 2 2 1 4 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 3 3 2 5 1 0 0 2 0 4 2 6 1 2 6 0 3 0 15 17 13 2 5 8 2 0 1 3 0 3 8 22 2 3 22 4 11 8 48 44 28 1 5 31 14 3 1 9 4 16 47 12 5 2 14 2 4 4 22 37 11 3 5 10 3 3 3 4 4 9 14 2 0 1 5 2 7 1 15 7 7 1 3 8 2 0 0 1 1 3 1 TOTAL 208 121 55 163 80 31 95 323 171 67 3 0 3 3 0 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 6 2 2 3 2 0 4 6 47 5 1 3 9 1 2 8 12 30 8 2 1 21 6 2 1 6 2 8 14 142 4 1 2 7 0 3 3 8 16 4 2 1 17 7 0 1 2 2 4 6 90 0 0 1 5 1 3 0 8 7 0 0 1 7 3 0 0 1 1 4 7 49 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 3 12 3 1 0 6 4 0 0 1 0 10 9 55 4 0 1 10 3 2 10 17 23 15 1 6 15 12 2 2 4 2 7 35 171 0 2 2 6 1 7 2 10 28 5 0 3 14 8 1 3 12 1 3 10 118 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 19 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 5 3 1 1 4 0 0 7 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 12 1 3 7 0 3 1 17 46 21 0 1 10 12 0 4 0 0 9 17 22 1 4 16 1 2 5 29 75 34 2 4 63 13 1 10 3 2 9 21 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. December & January Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Dec. 2, Jan. 6 Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 16 Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Thursday: Dec. 19, Jan. 23 Honolulu Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Houston Monday: Dec. 9, Jan. 13 Jacksonville Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Joliet Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: Dec. 11, Jan. 15 Tuesday: Dec. 10, Jan. 14 Tuesday: Dec. 3, Jan. 7 Norfolk Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10 Oakland Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Philadelphia Wednesday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8 Port Everglades Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 San Juan Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 St. Louis Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Tacoma Friday: Dec. 20, Jan. 24 Wilmington Monday: Dec. 16, Tuesday: Jan. 21 Wilmington change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Engine Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 5 6 1 1 4 11 12 5 0 2 16 4 1 1 3 1 7 10 95 2 1 0 2 0 3 1 4 11 2 0 1 10 6 1 3 1 0 2 4 54 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 4 5 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 26 4 1 2 7 1 0 2 4 6 7 1 2 17 4 1 1 3 2 6 11 82 1 0 3 2 0 2 1 1 10 1 1 1 7 0 1 3 0 0 2 4 40 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 12 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 0 9 2 2 7 10 15 12 0 3 9 10 2 2 5 3 6 20 122 0 2 3 4 0 5 1 11 14 8 0 0 9 5 2 3 5 2 4 4 82 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 5 0 0 6 1 3 2 5 14 5 1 0 10 8 1 1 6 3 9 9 89 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 1 3 4 0 1 0 15 32 12 1 1 6 7 1 4 1 0 7 11 11 0 4 11 0 3 2 12 39 16 0 2 37 9 1 10 2 2 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 3 0 2 0 5 20 3 0 0 9 3 0 4 4 1 5 7 71 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 5 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 19 Entry Department 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 14 17 10 1 2 2 4 1 1 1 0 5 6 2 1 3 3 1 5 2 3 25 5 0 0 14 5 0 10 0 0 1 10 TOTAL 13 114 175 7 71 90 30 14 164 317 GRAND TOTAL 371 274 341 262 152 227 650 543 452 12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG 438 DECEMBER 2024 �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. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 13 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Jose Outeiral, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Christopher Smith, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Members discussed considerations for future contracts. Committee requested an MOU to be created between headquarters and company to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday and seek retroactive holiday pay differential for hours worked on Juneteenth 2024. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep an eye on credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New washing machines installed. Members requested cost-of-living pay increases. Chairman emphasized the importance of SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation) and how impactful donations are with helping protect the Jones Act. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), August 28 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary David Johnson, Educational Director Agusto Rosales, Deck Delegate Loukas Fragkias, Engine Delegate Angel Aranda Gamboa, Steward Delegate Simone Smith. Chairman reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and to keep documents up to date. He encouraged everyone to vote in the November elections. Secretary asked crew to maintain cleanliness in the dining areas and return all plates to the galley. Educa- tional director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like new furniture for crew lounge, new pillows, new comforters and new movies. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS SANTORINI (Overseas Ship Management), August 31 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Mathew Palmer. Linens, galley equipment and Wi-Fi are all taken care of. Bosun thanked everyone for their professional attitudes and made plans to post new Seafarers LOGs when they become available. Secretary reiterated the importance of renewing documents early as well as participating in monthly union meetings. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Cold water fountain installed on each deck. Members discussed definition of “break in service” and how it may affect pension. Crew requested increases in vacation days and asked about purchasing Britta water filters. Members expressed gratitude for internet connectivity but noted some room for improvement in its daily duration of service. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 3 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Delbra Singleton-Leslie, Educational Director Joshua Zelinsky, Deck Delegate Modival Cagaoan, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Rey Chang. New washing machine installed in crew laundry. Chairman discussed shipping rules and insisted members get an early start on renewing documents. He instructed crew to defrost refrigerators for shipyard layup and reminded everyone to clean their cabins. Educational director talked about ROS status and how it affects wages and vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members went over port agent’s report, SIU election information and the upcoming proposed dues increase in 2025. Members were thanked for all of their hard work, especially the steward department for providing great meals. Members requested increases to shoe reimbursements and vacation pay. Next port: Singapore. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), September 15 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Educational Director Michael Robinson, Deck Delegate Christopher Dickens, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. New ice machine in crew mess. Chairman expressed gratitude for everyone’s hard work maintaining and improving the vessel. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, new pillows, high-definition cable channels and a higher food budget. Members would like increases to medical and dental care coverage. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), September 21 – Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary Melvin Cooper, Educational Director Christopher Edwards, Deck Delegate Kevin Chan, Engine Delegate Lytrese Morton, Steward Delegate Jordan Griffin. Chairman underscored the importance of renewing medical certifications early. Educational director reminded members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators in each room, shorter rotary jobs, more vacation, better Wi-Fi and a videogame system. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations), September 23 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Jody Owens, Engine Delegate Henry Cacal, Steward Delegate Norma Baucan. Chairman encouraged members to vote in upcoming SIU election and provided information on acquiring absentee ballots. He advised everyone to keep current on union dues. Secretary reminded crew to wash full loads when doing laundry rather than washing one or two items. Sanitary inspection went well, per secretary’s report. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and warned against waiting too long to renew Coast Guard credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like 25 for 30 vacation. Next port: Oakland, California. 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 Seafar- DECEMBER 2024 ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return 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. Conse­ quently, 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 • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 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 Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns. Question: What was one of your favorite or otherwise most memorable voyages, and what made it so? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Adiener Alfaro Recertified Bosun Edward Tennyson Recertified Bosun I have to say it was a trip when we ended up going to Africa, on a grain ship. We went to maybe 15 different ports. For me, that country is unique. I went to Sierra Leone one time, and it’s so sad. You see little kids with no arms. Running to South America, Brazil. The weather, the people. It was a nice, beautiful voyage. Julio Alvarez Recertified Bosun BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 One that stands out is 2003, in the middle of Operation Enduring Freedom, I worked on the SS Cape Inscription. We were loaded with ammunition, although we didn’t know exactly what it was. We got to Kuwait and the energy was electric. We were doing our part – we saw our soldiers on the dock and it was very fulfilling to be part of something so big. We were bringing stuff that they needed. GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 John Walsh Recertified Bosun JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 One of my favorite voyages was on the Sealand Crusader. It was nice taking work to the West Coast, from Puerto Rico to Hong Kong. It was one of the last voyages with some of my crew, because some of them retired after that trip. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Mario Ordonez Recertified Bosun A trip to Singapore back in 2002. I was able to spend a lot of time in the city, which was beautiful, and the food was so good. There is also zero tolerance for drugs and crime, so it was safe and crime-free. Alfie Cicat Recertified Bosun Being based in Tacoma, I really like doing the Alaska run. I really like how it is closer to home and I don’t have to be far from my family. Kelvin Johnson Recertified Bosun My favorite voyage was probably Guam. It’s a U.S. territory, which made it feel like home. We worked hard but there was always something to look forward to after work. You could go to the beach, swim, scuba dive, and enjoy the nightlife. It was a nice work-life balance. 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 Getting into the holiday spirit in 1981 aboard the Ogden Champion are Seafarers Richard Ward, John Fitzgerald, Peter Gonzalez, Ralph Maldonado, Herbert Boudreaux, James Baudoin, Silvio Marano and Charles Howell. 14 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS LOG • DECEMBER 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ROBERT ALLEN Brother Robert Allen, 69, signed on with the union in 1974 when he sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Allen’s final vessel was the Duchess. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. GREG ALVAREZ Brother Greg Alvarez, 66, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Alvarez most recently sailed on the Ocean Freedom and lives in Miami. MICHAEL BRISCO Brother Michael Brisco, 65, joined the SIU in 2001. He first shipped on the Chelsea and sailed in the deck department. Brother Brisco upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Missouri Express and makes his home in Newport News, Virginia. HERMAN CASTRO Brother Herman Castro, 67, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Castro most recently sailed on the Maersk Denver. He lives in Ocala, Florida. ISRAEL CORONEL Brother Israel Coronel, 66, joined the union in 2012 when he sailed aboard the President Polk. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Coronel last shipped on the Maersk Chicago and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ALBERT ELLIS Brother Albert Ellis, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1990. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Cape Flattery. Brother Ellis upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He concluded his career on the Chemical Explorer and resides in Biloxi, Mississippi. SCOTT GETMAN Brother Scott Getman, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the El Paso Arzew. Brother Getman sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was last employed with Sealand. Brother Getman lives in Venice, Florida. 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. CRAIG HOLDREDGE SAMUEL SINCLAIR Brother Craig Holdredge, 65, became a member of the union in 1978. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with Orgulf Transport. Brother Holdredge upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Sealand Express and settled in Santa Maria, California. Brother Samuel Sinclair, 71, embarked on his SIU career in 1989, first sailing aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Sinclair was a member of the steward department. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career on the Jean Anne. Brother Sinclair lives in Eudora, Kansas. INLAND SHIRLEY JENKINS JOHN DEAN Sister Shirley Jenkins, 73, joined the union in 2007. She was a member of the steward department, and initially shipped on the Energy Enterprise. Sister Jenkins upgraded her skills often at the Piney Point school. She concluded her career aboard the USNS Impeccable and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. Brother John Dean, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dean was employed by OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career. He settled in Fairfield, Connecticut. JOHN DIMEGLIO Brother John Dimeglio, 62, joined the SIU in 1983. Sailing as a deck department member, he worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Dimeglio calls San Pedro, California, home. TONI JOHNSON Sister Toni Johnson, 70, became a member of the union in 1996 when she sailed on the Independence. Sister Johnson worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. She most recently shipped on the USNS Dahl and resides in Keaau, Hawaii. BEN JOHNSON Brother Ben Johnson, 57, started sailing with the union in 1992 when he shipped on the Gemini. A deck department member, Brother Johnson upgraded his skills on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Pride and resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida. ALEXANDER MIRAGLIA Brother Alexander Miraglia, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1987. He first sailed with Orgulf Transport and worked in the deck department. Brother Miraglia upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Anchorage and is a resident of St. Charles, Missouri. ROBERT NOLE Brother Robert Nole, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he was employed with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Nole lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. DONALD SINCLAIR ALDO SANTIAGO Brother Aldo Santiago, 65, started his career with the union in 1980 and initially sailed aboard the Portland. Brother Santiago shipped in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Santiago was last employed with World Crane Services and settled in in Hallandale Beach, Florida. CLIFFORD SIMRIL Brother Clifford Simril, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1998 when he shipped on the Little Hales. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Simril most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DECEMBER 2024 Brother Donald Sinclair, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Sinclair was employed with G&H Towing for most of his career. He makes his home in Palacios, Texas. WILLIAM ULCH Brother William Ulch, 63, joined the union in 1986. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Ulch worked with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He settled in Sandia, Texas. TROY WILLIAMS Brother Troy Williams, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Cape Isabel. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Williams was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALOA AGOSTINO Pensioner Aloa Agostino, 97, died September 13. She became a member of the SIU in 1964. A steward department member, Sister Agostino first sailed aboard the Santa Magdelena. She last shipped on the Mahimahi and retired in 1999. Sister Agostino made her home in Corona Del Mar, California. JORGE BONELLI In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. Pensioner John Picciolo, 68, died August 20. He became a member of the SIU in 1973. Brother Picciolo initially sailed with Waterman Steamship. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Antares in 1994. Brother Picciolo went on pension in 2021 and resided in North Miami Beach, Florida. EDWARD PORTER Brother Jorge Bonelli, 61, has passed away. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Ohio. Brother Bonelli sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the El Yunque and lived in Kensington, Maryland. Pensioner Edward Porter, 66, passed away September 29. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first sailed aboard the H Atlantic. Brother Porter sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Maersk Pittsburgh and retired in 2019. Brother Porter lived in Jacksonville, Florida. CARLOS CASTILLO PETER RICE Brother Carlos Castillo, 52, died September 24. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Castillo worked in all three departments and most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He resided in Houston. Brother Peter Rice, 53, died September 3. He joined the union in 1992 and initially shipped on the American Merlin. Brother Rice sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Harry Martin. He was a resident of Callahan, Florida. MILTON ISRAEL Pensioner Milton Israel, 74, passed away September 20. He joined the SIU in 1968 and first shipped on the Monticello. Brother Israel sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Sealand Eagle and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Israel made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. ERNEST LACUNZA Pensioner Ernest Lacunza, 86, died September 11. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially working on the Long Beach. Brother Lacunza was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He began collecting his pension in 2000 and resided in Sun Valley, Nevada. MICHAEL SCINTO Brother Michael Scinto, 69, passed away September 9. He became a member of the SIU in 1974 and first sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Scinto worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Maersk Iowa. He made his home in New York. THOMAS TAYLOR Pensioner Thomas Taylor, 86, died September 10. An engine department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1965. Brother Taylor’s first vessel was the Globe Carrier; his last, the Sam Houston. He went on pension in 2004 and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. SAUNDRA LEONARD Pensioner Saundra Leonard, 82, passed away September 19. She donned the SIU colors in 1992. A steward department member, Sister Leonard first shipped on the Independence. She last sailed aboard the Integrity and became a pensioner in 2013. Sister Leonard lived in Reno, Nevada. CHARLES PARMAN Pensioner Charles Parman, 67, died September 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1975 when he sailed aboard the Van Defender. Brother Parman was a deck department member and last shipped on the Liberty Star in 1998. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and settled in New Orleans. NMU JOHN PICCIOLO INLAND FRANK MARTINE Pensioner Frank Martine, 62, passed away September 13. He joined the union in 2003 when he worked with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Martine shipped in the deck department. He was last employed with G&H Towing and retired in 2021. Brother Martine resided in Livingston, Texas. HENRY WHITE Pensioner Henry White, 87, died August 30. He joined the union in 1976 and first sailed with Marine Contracting and Towing. A deck department member, Brother White remained with the same company until his retirement in 1988. He lived in Townville, South Carolina. 16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS LOG JOSE ADAMES Pensioner Jose Adames, 85, died August 18. A deck department member, Brother Adames last shipped on the Green Harbor. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in Manati, Puerto Rico. HANNAH BLAZEWICK Pensioner Hannah Blazewick, 81, passed away September 25. Sister Blazewick worked in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Stella Lykes. She went on pension in 1997 and settled in Luning, Nevada. WARD BOURSAW Pensioner Ward Boursaw, 89, passed away August 22. Brother Boursaw worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Green Lake before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Boursaw called Concrete, Washington, home. ALEJANDRO CRUZ Pensioner Alejandro Cruz, 97, died September 26. Brother Cruz began sailing in 1956. He concluded his career aboard the American Michigan and retired in 1986. He lived in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. KEVIN GASAWAY Pensioner Kevin Gasaway, 68, passed away September 16. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Maersk Maryland. Brother Gasaway became a pensioner in 2007 and made his home in Houston. ARNOLD JOHNSON Pensioner Arnold Johnson, 76, died September 3. He started sailing in 1967, initially aboard the Dolly Turman. A deck department member, Brother Johnson last shipped on the Marine Duval before retiring in 2003. He was a New Orleans resident. EARL JONES Pensioner Earl Jones, 94, passed away September 21. Brother Jones last sailed aboard the Texas Trader. He went on pension in 1982 and settled in Beaumont, Texas. WALTER JONES Pensioner Walter Jones, 99, died September 20. He began sailing in 1944. A steward department member, he first shipped on the St. Maheal. Brother Jones’s final vessel was the African Planet. He became a pensioner in 1973 and lived in Baltimore. JAMES POLLETTE Pensioner James Pollette, 97, passed away September 26. Brother Pollette last sailed aboard the Gulf King. He began collecting his pension in 1986 and resided in Nacogdoches, Texas. WALTER ROSE Pensioner Walter Rose, 92, died September 16. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Stella Lykes. Brother Rose became a pensioner in 1995 and called Blue Springs, Mississippi, home. DECEMBER 2024 �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 SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 10 April 14 February 21 April 25 Basic Training February 3 April 7 February 7 April 11 RFPNW January 13 January 31 Basic Training Revalidation Able Seafarer - Deck January 20 February 10 March 17 February 7 February 28 April 4 January 6 January 10 January 27 January 31 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 January 6 January 10 January 27 January 31 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18 Government Vessels January 27 February 24 March 17 April 7 January 31 February 28 March 21 April 11 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES RFPEW January 13 February 7 FOWT January 27 March 17 April 21 February 21 April 11 May 16 Welding January 13 February 24 April 21 January 31 March 14 May 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations January 13 February 10 March 10 April 7 February 7 March 7 April 4 May 2 Certified Chief Cook February 17 April 28 July 7 April 25 July 4 September 12 ServSafe Management February 10 April 21 June 30 February 14 April 25 July 4 Advanced Galley Operations February 3 March 3 March 31 February 28 March 28 April 25 Chief Steward January 6 April 28 June 23 January 31 May 23 July 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE 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  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  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. DECEMBER 2024 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 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #913 – Pictured above: Jasmine Brockington, Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Sherlyen Gedeon, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-Johnson, Javion Riley-Medlock, Deandre Ryan, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. RFPEW – Graduated September 20 (not all are pictured): Justine Headen, Christopher Holmes, Joshua Mair, Denise Parker, Lakisha Perry, Caleb Rawls, Kenneth Watts Berry, Conor Westbrook and Benjamin Wilkinson. RFPNW – Graduated September 27: Mathew Bolanos, Benjamin Brown, Tristan Chavers, Austin Gass, Richard Holland, Antoine Kozel, Corey Lopez, Lionel Packnett Jr., James Randall III, Raymond Richards, Sarah Silverleaf, Leondre Stevenson, Connor Stratton and Trent Valentine. RFPNW – Graduated September 13: Vensen Suguitan and Nature Torrey. WELDING – Graduated September 6: Francois Doucet III, Jylnn LeCounte, Alton Simpson, Ian Tarwater and Nashell Williams. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated September 20: Jontae Allen, Zyon Anderson, Adam Atterberry Jr., Paul Conlon, Alexandria DeAtley, Gennaro Dimatteo, Nadia Forester, Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Nainoa Goodwin, Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Samaria Harper, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Ashton Luuloa, Kenny Nguyen, Shania Panton, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Nathan Tissaw, Daniel Valentine and Allan Willingham. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated September 20 (above, not all are pictured): Omar Alshami, Marissa Armstead, Justin Bodnar, John Garrett, Nasir Harrell, Jamari Harris, Donna Hickman, Alan Hollinger, Quincy Howard, Kaden Ketcham, Hyun Kim, Demir Koksal, Darea McCarthy, Alyssa Ray, David Rexrode Jr., Maurice Roberts Jr., Jayden Smith, Nature Torrey, Wilfredo VelezMendez, Ronald Williams and Tyler Williams. 18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos BASIC SAFETY – Graduated October 4: Phillip Adams, Tyler Allen, Corey Ambrose, Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas, Jeremy Fazio, Alex Greco, Kristopher Henny, Chifhon Hogan, Shatavia Ingram, Michael Johnson, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Robert McMahon, Tylan Meekins, Nathaniel Orff, Justice Rodriguez and Charles Vanderpool. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): John Adarayan, Mahmoud Fares, Samyra Gardner, Jerome Johnson Jr., Nikita Johnson, Maria Legier, Ramon Lino, Sandra Norato, Kevin Watson Jr. and James White Jr. RFPEW – Graduated October 18: Robert Bergstedt Jr., Daqwuan Cleveland, Eric Davidson, Andre Dixon Jr., Yetiani Fernandez, Adam Hassebrock, David Jackson and Chad Peters. October 4: Joseph Tier (left), Brandon Jordan (right) and Aaron Wood (not pictured). WELDING – Graduated October 11: Tre Scott (above, left) and Jessica Valentin (not pictured). Instructor Chris Raley is at right. VESSEL OPS – Graduated October 18: Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston MejiaJohnson, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 4 (not all are pictured): Moath Alsharif, Debra Bright, Peter Burroughs, Jeffrey Corpstein, Sharoneca Currelley, Simona Evans, Luis Fernandez, Takiyah Francis, Timothy Franklin Jr., Noel Gemo, William Harris, Paul Hudgins, John Long, Tomas Merel, John Roberson II, Angela Robertson, Deja Taylor, Jasean Tomlin, Guillermo Villegas, Steven Whiting, Michael Williams, Al Yandoc and Mehdi Youssef. DECEMBER 2024 BASIC SAFETY - UPGRADERS – Graduated COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated October 11: Zachary Cartwright, Jessica Clark, Brian Guiry, Crystal Higgs, Essam Hussein and Nicholas Simoneaux. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Crews, Exec. VP Tellez Honored at AOTOS Event U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips discusses the industry’s future. The Hon. Elaine L. Chao, longtime backer of the U.S. Rev. Fr. Sinclair Oubre (at podium) gives the invocation. At left Merchant Marine, prepares to present the Honored is retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle. Seafarer Awards. T he SIU enjoyed some time in the spotlight Oct. 25 in New York City, as personnel from throughout the U.S. maritime industry gathered for the 55th Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards, hosted by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Receiving the AOTOS Awards were SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; and Fairwater CEO Daniel J. Thorogood. SIU crews from the G&H Towing boat George M and the USNS William R. Button (Crowley) received Honored Seafarer Awards for heroic actions on the job, as did SIU CIVMARS from the USNS Brunswick. A Special AOTOS Recognition Plaque was awarded to ILWU Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division for their heroic response to the Maui wildfires. The well-attended dinner brought together nearly 800 of the who’s who in maritime, plus special guest Elaine L. Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and longtime friend of the SIU. “This event underscores the strength and unity of our maritime community. We are proud to honor those who work tirelessly to advance our industry and protect our seafarers,” said USS President Edward Morgan. The cover of this year’s program features honorees Augie Tellez, Dan Thorogood, and Tim Nolan. The program began with a welcome and introduction from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle and the presentation of the colors by the SUNY Color Guard. Following that, Reverend Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active SIU member) led the invocation. Major Gen. Daniel H. Tulley, USAF, followed with remarks about the USTRANSCOM and commercial maritime industry partnership. Then, U.S. Maritime Administrator and retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, USN, took the stage to discuss opportunities for the maritime industry. She emphasized a focus on improving shipboard life, which would help attract and retain mariners over time and build a stronger more sustainable workforce. She went on to cite legislation in the works that would help strengthen the maritime industry. “The maritime industry … and maritime policy are indeed the focus of a tremendous amount of positive, bipartisan, and bicameral work and action on the bill in Congress,” said Phillips, referring to the Ships for America Act. “We thank the many Congress members and senators who are involved in this legislation and other activities and across a range of stakeholders. We know this assessment of the critical role and the understanding of that role that the maritime transportation system plays in the lives of all Americans. We now have an opportunity to carry this industry forward into the future to build our national security and to ensure our economic security. So collectively, let’s seize the day.” Chao, herself a 2019 AOTOS Award recipient, presented the Honored Seafarer Awards, which recognized the mariners’ acts of heroism and highlighted inspiring stories of bravery and courage. The honorees each received AOTOS Mariner Plaques for their achievements. Among the recipients were SIU boatmen Master Jordan Ward, Mate Stayton Sartor, Mate Trainee Tyler Walker, Chief Engineer Richard Zyvloski, and Wiper Hunter Legge. Tellez thanked his family and his mentors, while also challenging his industry peers and colleagues to work tirelessly to promote and grow the U.S. maritime industry. He described the SIU’s successful, ongoing recruiting efforts and noted the industry-wide manpower challenges that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military members overseas. SIU President David Heindel was this year’s dinner chairman. � 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 December 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU HELPS WELCOME NEW DREDGE VOTING CONTINUES IN SIU'S 2024 ELECTION ELECTION DAY PROVES FRUITFUL FOR SIU-BACKED CANDIDATES REP. DINGELL HONORED BY GREAT LAKES GROUP NMC: REJECTION OF INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS IMPORTANT NOTICE: UPDATED MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL AND MMC-RELATED DOCUMENTATION E-MAIL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS OSG INLAND CREWS RATIFY CONTRACT MARINERS, JONES ACT TANKERS COMMENDED FOR RELIEF EFFORTS UNION MEMBER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT SIU CREWS, EXEC. VP TELLEZ HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2024 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. 86, No. 12 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log