http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/b6d4ac7fe114bbcd20221128e5ca3659.pdf 1c96e8a01085b5958b2b7edc5f4f9c69 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SHIPS for America Act Introduced The most comprehensive maritime revitalization bill in more than half a century has been reintroduced in Congress. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center were well-represented at the related press event April 30 across from the Capitol; some Seafarers and apprentices are shown in photo at lower left. Directly below are co-sponsors (from left) U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). Pages 2, 7. Maritime Trades Department Convenes in Nation’s Capital Labor and maritime issues were at the forefront as the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board met May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Below, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) addresses the board; MTD/SIU President David Heindel is at right. Pages 3-5. SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN FUNDING NOTICE • PAGE 6 // CAPE KNOX SHINES • PAGE 20 �President’s Report Progress and Challenges Whether you’re reading this column in print or online, you likely know that the SHIPS for America Act has been reintroduced in Congress. It happened a few weeks earlier than anticipated, but in this case, the sooner the better. As mentioned in my formal report to the membership for our May meetings, although shipbuilding is a primary focus of the legislation, there are also significant sections that aim to boost the manpower pool of United States mariners. We recognize the importance of revitalizing our shipyards and growing the fleet, but our main focus is shipboard jobs (and cargo), and that’s why we’ve David Heindel been so active in helping craft and publicize the bill. Additionally, for those of you who may be newer to the industry or who otherwise may be wondering about a possible timeline, these things can take years. For example, I’m sure most of us are very familiar with the Maritime Security Program. What you may not immediately recall is that the MSP was mandated by the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The Maritime Security Act originally was introduced in 1992, by another name. The Merchant Marine Act of 1970 was slightly before my time, but that legislation traces its roots to a 1968 campaign promise from Richard Nixon. During the SHIPS Act press conference on April 30, the senators and congressmen acknowledged that a bill of this size and scope doesn’t get enacted overnight. That’s not to say it won’t happen during the current session of congress, but, again, I think the historical context is important. With all of that said, the bill does indeed enjoy strong bipartisan support in addition to largely aligning with the maritime executive order issued recently by the White House. We will continue working with our allies across all sectors to get the SHIPS Act passed as soon as possible. Message to CIVMARS Many of you have asked how to maintain good standing with your union in light of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s failure to deduct and remit dues as it has done in the past – and as required by law. We are actively exploring all available options to resolve this issue and are already taking steps to address it. We will keep you informed as more details become available. To continue receiving email updates from your union, send your personal email address to tacoma@seafarers.org and we will add you to our Government Services Division email list. In the meantime, if you wish to remain in good standing, we encourage you to remit dues directly via check or money order to: SIU Attn: Government Services Division 3411 South Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98409. Alternatively, you may submit dues at any of our halls. A full list of hiring halls is available at www.seafarers.org and in every issue of the LOG. We also encourage you to keep an eye on our website for other updates (there’s a “CIVMAR RESOURCES” box that’s prominently displayed on the home page). As the saying goes, there are lots of moving parts in response to the executive order that canceled collective bargaining for many federal-sector workers. The order is being challenged in court, and although the Military Sealift Command’s initial request for an exemption was denied, we are nowhere near the point of having exhausted our resources. We’ll continue evaluating all potential remedies and actively working with allies on Capitol Hill and throughout the industry. In the meantime, the SIU continues representing all dues-paying members in grievances and other matters as permitted or required by law. This situation is frustrating and complicated, but I’m cautiously optimistic we’ll achieve a desirable outcome. If nothing else, the initial court decisions are favorable. While none of those cases dealt directly with CIVMARS, we are monitoring them all closely and will get involved if necessary. Stay tuned. SIU Helps Celebrate SHIPS Act Reintroduction The most comprehensive U.S. maritime legislation in more than a half-century has been reintroduced in Congress – and the SIU prominently helped mark the occasion. Shortly after the bipartisan bill formally landed on April 30, SIU members, officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) attended a Capitol Hill press conference featuring the legislation’s initial co-sponsors: Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), and Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi). PHC apprentices – holding signs promoting the legislation, the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act – stood behind the legislators and other invited speakers, across from the Capitol building. Also among the SIU contingent were several members, President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, and Chris Holloway, assistant commandant of the apprentice program. “I’m very excited about what’s happening,” said Bosun Lucas Tiderman, one of the attendees. “This is momentous for Seafarers.” Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 6 Chief Cook Marilou Toledo also attended the news conference. “It’s a privilege to be here,” she said. “It’s great to hear that we’ll be getting more ships and more job opportunities.” Legislators first introduced this bill, with overwhelming support from industry stakeholders, in December of 2024. While much of the legislation focuses on domestic shipbuilding, substantial components aim to grow and sustain the shipboard manpower pool. The SIU actively worked on the bill for more than a year, providing input and collaborating with other interested parties from throughout the industry. As noted at various points during the news conference, there are currently 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce, while China has 5,500. The SHIPS for America Act “aims to close this gap and boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention,” according to a joint news release from the aforementioned legislators. “After decades of dangerously neglecting our shipbuilding industry, we’re finally doing something about it,” said Sen. Kelly, a former mariner, Navy veteran and graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “The SHIPS for America Act is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and counter China’s dominance over the oceans. Building and staffing more U.S.-flagged ships will create good-paying American jobs, make our supply chains more resilient, lower costs, and strengthen our ability to resupply our military at times of war. We’ll keep working with our colleagues in Congress, this administration, and our partners in the industry to make our country safer and more competitive by passing the SHIPS for America Act.” Young, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, said, “America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion...” Continues on Page 7 June 2025 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 © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers, SIU officials, officials from other unions, and additional supporters are pictured with U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (fourth from left in front). JUNE 2025 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting MTD Charts Courses for Bolstering Maritime, Protecting Workers’ Rights Convening for the second straight year at AFL-CIO headquarters, the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board had no shortage of red-hot topics to address on May 7 in Washington, D.C. SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as MTD president, summarized the conflicting emotions felt by many MTD affiliates. In his opening remarks, he pointed out that although the U.S. maritime industry seems on the verge of exceptionally noteworthy gains, the labor movement is battling against unprecedented attacks on federal-sector unions. “I’ve been part of the maritime industry and the labor movement for a lot longer than I care to admit, and through all those decades, I’m not sure there’s been another moment that has held so much promise on the maritime industry side while simultaneously carrying so many threats to workers’ rights,” he said. The MTD is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. Formed shortly before the General Strike of 1946, the MTD currently includes 25 affiliated unions (the SIU is one) and a network of 21 port maritime councils in the U.S. and Canada. Guest speakers addressing the board during its most recent meeting were, in order, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (via video); AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler; American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Jennifer Carpenter; Michael Wessel, maritime advocate and head of The Wessel Group; U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York); and Eric Bunn Sr., national secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The board approved statements backing the SHIPS for America Act; the Jones Act; cargo preference laws; maritime-related recommendations from the United States Trade Representative (USTR); and federal workers’ rights. The SIU had a strong turnout for the meeting. In addition to Heindel, Seafarers attendees included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents George Tricker, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi, Joe Vincenzo, Hazel Galbiso, Pat Vandegrift, and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Sam Spain, Todd Brdak, and Michael Russo, and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Kelly had been scheduled for an in-person appearance but was called away on other business. In the video, he thanked the MTD and its affiliates for supporting the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which had been reintroduced in Congress a week earlier. Continues on Pages 4-5 MTD/SIU President David Heindel (left) and MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Brittanie Potter convene the meeting. SIU VP Hazel Galbiso presents a report about port council activities. AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Eric Bunn Sr. updates the board on his union’s latest efforts. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) gives his regards in a video message. The meeting takes place at AFL-CIO headquarters in the nation’s capital. JUNE 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting MTD Executive Board Defines Future Priorities Continued from Page 3 Shuler provided a comprehensive review of the AFL-CIO’s efforts to stand up for workers’ rights, particularly in the face of an executive order that, at least for now, has removed collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including some members of the SIU Government Services Division. She also answered several questions from meeting attendees. Carpenter offered an overview of AMP’s ongoing work to promote and protect the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, while Wessel reported on the most recent plans unveiled by the USTR to curb China’s maritime dominance. Following a midday break, Suozzi reinforced his support for the American maritime industry and for workers’ rights. He also stressed the importance of clearer pro-worker communication from Democrats, along with the benefits of respectful dialogue. Bunn wrapped up the guest speaker remarks with a sobering recap of the effects of the aforementioned executive order. He also explained how AFGE and other unions are pushing back, including through the courts. The MTD is scheduled to conduct its next quadrennial convention June 4-5, 2025, in Minneapolis. MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Daniel Duncan asks a question of one of the guest speakers. Mike Wessel discusses the recent plans unveiled by the U.S. Trade Representative. Congressman Urges Pro-Worker Platforms, Cooperative Dialogue U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York) firmly reiterated his complete support for the U.S. maritime industry during his May 7 address to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board in the nation’s capital. Most of his remarks, however, focused on bigger-picture issues facing America’s working families as well as the Democratic Party. Suozzi, whose district includes the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, has an outstanding voting record on both maritime and labor issues. “I’m with you guys 100%,” he said. “But we have got a problem in our country, and the problem is that working men and women are not making enough money.” He continued, “If you’re in a union, thank God; you’re doing good. You’ve got a good wage and good health benefits. You have good pensions. But the rest of the country, the people who aren’t in unions are in a lot of trouble.” Suozzi said one of the nation’s goals should be “to get back to a place in our country where the American Dream is a real thing for everybody. I’ll work hard and in return for working hard, I make enough money so I have a good life. That’s it. I work hard, I make enough money, I can buy a house, I can educate my kids, I can pay for health insurance. I can retire without being scared. Too many Americans don’t have that anymore, and that’s why they're [upset].” After touching on last year’s election results and current messaging that seems well-received by working families, Suozzi stated, “My party has got to get back to a place where working men and women say, those are the guys looking out for me. Those are the people looking out for my interests.” He credited the labor movement for helping build the foundation of the American Dream, then offered a brief history lesson beginning in the 1970s. Suozzi gave examples of how, starting during that period, ownership management in numerous industries began prioritizing shareholder profits far more than employee or community wellbeing. In terms of generating income, “it worked. We made a ton of money in America from the end of the 70s to now,” he said. “The Dow Jones has gone up 2,500%, the GDP has gone up – but 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Pictured from left are UA Metal Trades Director Patrick Dolan, Congressman Tom Suozzi, and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. workers wages have not gone up (correspondingly). They’ve been stuck. So, we made all this money, but it was only for a certain group of people.” Looking ahead, Suozzi said that Democratic legislators and candidates “have to lay out our platform that says very clearly our main focus is raising people’s wages and benefits and retirement security. That’s our number one priority. We’ve got to get back to that basic message, and then we have to have the vehicles to communicate the message.” The congressman concluded by appealing for more open communication between people and organizations at every level, from individuals to legislators to businesses and more. “People are just fighting with each other, and you can’t solve complicated problems with everybody yelling and screaming at each other,” he said. “You can’t do it in your family. You can’t do it in your business. Can’t do it in negotiating a contract. You need people who may disagree with each other to sit down across from each other and say, I think this. Well, I think that. Well, how about this? Well, how about that? And you try and find some common ground so you can move us all forward together. That’s not happening in an environment where everything’s attack and counter-attack, punch and counter-punch. “One of the things I’m doing is, I’m the co-chair of a group called The Problem Solvers Caucus,” he continued. “We just had a meeting today…. Fifty members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans. The Republican co-chair is going to be Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), who’s a pro-labor Republican. We’re working to try and find common ground…. If you agree with what I’m saying, tell people the same thing and encourage this. Spread the word with your friends and your neighbors and your colleagues.” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (left) outlines his pro-worker message to the board. At right is MTD/SIU President David Heindel. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 JUNE 2025 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting Federation President Shows the Way Forward AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is realistic about the challenges facing the labor movement – and she’s also determined to help lead a strong recovery as the federation battles against a number of recent anti-worker developments. Shuler spoke to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters, located in the nation’s capital. She thanked MTD/SIU President David Heindel for his leadership and reiterated the federation’s unwavering support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. “The attacks on the Jones Act are constant, and I’m so glad to work with Dave and all of you to really keep that front and center and educate people,” Shuler stated. “I feel like we’re always behind the curve when these attacks come – that people have a knowledge deficit, and we wring our hands and say, how could they do this? Well, mostly it’s because we have a lot of people that are retiring. We have turnover on the Hill, and it’s this constant education. But we’re going to fiercely defend the Jones Act with everything we have, at all times, because it’s bedrock. It is a fundamental right that that we will fiercely stand by as a labor movement.” She also commended the MTD and its affiliates for their work promoting the SHIPS for America Act, which is considered the most comprehensive maritime revitalization legislation in more than half a century. Shuler pointed to the MTD’s decades of solidarity as a guide for overcoming current challenges. “Solidarity is a word that really means something with the Maritime Trades,” she said. “You show up. You show up for those who aren’t even necessarily adjacent to your industry…. The OPEIU was born out of the solidarity you showed. In the 1960s and 1970s, when the public AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler sector was trying to organize, you showed up…. We could use that solidarity more than ever.” The federation president described some recent executive orders as “a full-frontal assault on our labor movement writ large. With the stroke of a pen, eliminating collective bargaining rights for federal union members…. It is the biggest attack on our labor movement in our history. People like to point back to PATCO, the air traffic controllers, which was a moment in time that was seminal. This is that moment on steroids.” She continued, “No matter what industry you’re in, there’s an executive order for you, and it’s coming a mile a minute. But we’ve been here before. The labor movement endures. It’s a matter of the fierceness and the speed we probably haven’t dealt with before, but we have definitely been here before and gone through hard times and come back stronger. So that’s our objective. We’re going to continue to organize. We’re going to continue to fight back, make our voices heard.” Shuler has been traveling across the country, mobilizing for various grassroots outreach. Among other messages, she has used the meetings and rallies to promote the AFL-CIO’s Department of People Who Work for a Living – a resource aimed at countering misinformation from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In starting the mobilization, “we said, we’ll tell you from our perspective what efficiency looks like, but we also use it as a platform to show the impacts of what these (DOGE) cuts look like on real people. The hearings we did were all across the country, and mainly purple districts…. We invited workers to come in and testify, and we invited small-business people. We invited farmers, we invited veterans to talk about what these cuts mean. And it was so compelling.” A lifelong trade unionist and longtime backer of the SIU, Shuler said that during her travels, “What I heard was that people want common sense. No matter if you’re Democrat, Independent, Republican, people want common sense. And what they’re starting to see (from the administration) is not that.” She pointed out that income disparity remains a significant issue in the U.S. For example, a CEO rakes in an average of 238 times more money than a worker at their company. Shuler also said the many people who attended those meetings expressed fear about potential cuts to Social Security and Medicaid. “It’s up to us as a labor movement to be that place where you connect that anger and that frustration to action,” Shuler said. “Now is our time, and unions have never been more popular…. We have a real opportunity for organizing and to continue to stay on that front foot.” AMP President Sees Great Promise for Maritime Industry The head of the nation’s leading domestic maritime coalition sees great opportunities for the industry – and is committed to helping capitalize on them. Jennifer Carpenter serves as both the newest president of the SIU-affiliated American Maritime Partnership (AMP), as well as president and CEO of the American Waterways Operators. She addressed the Maritime Trades Department’s Executive Board meeting May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Speaking immediately after AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Carpenter noted, “Labor was absolutely essential to the formation of AMP way back in 1995 when it went by the inelegant name Maritime Cabotage Task Force. We decided we needed to work on the nomenclature a little bit, but the purpose has been consistent for the last 30 years, and that is single-issue focused on defending the Jones Act, the law that really is the statutory foundation of the domestic maritime industry.” The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. The law requires that cargo moving between two points in the U.S. is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. “The case for the Jones Act has never been stronger or more relevant to issues that Americans care about,” Carpenter stated. “Everybody is focused on working-class American jobs, and that is the Jones Act through and through. We’re talking 650,000 American jobs, direct and indirect, that rely on this industry….” She pointed out that the general public gained a new appreciation for the maritime industry during the COVID 19 pandemic, when people “realized that empty shelves are a thing that can JUNE 2025 happen. Supply chains don’t just work miraculously; they work because people make them work.” The domestic maritime industry shined during that period, particularly compared to the “wild swings in international commerce” that took place, Carpenter recalled. “We didn’t see that domestically, because we had American control of our supply chain,” she said. “We had American workers, American owners committed to this trade. I think that that resonates with people in a way that it didn’t five or six years ago.” Carpenter then focused on a sometimes-underappreciated aspect of the nation’s freight cabotage law. “Somebody asked me not long ago, what does America without the Jones Act look like? And I said, borderless. Our coastline is our longest border, and the Jones Act is absolutely essential to maritime border security. We know that it is a very dangerous world. Maritime is a critical domain in which geopolitical tensions are being played out, whether we’re talking about the Middle East, whether we’re talking about the Taiwan Strait, whether we’re talking about Russia and Ukraine. So, I think that there is a relevance to our arguments that was always there, but that maybe folks didn’t recognize in the same way that they do now.” Turning her attention to politics, Carpenter said, “I think there is an emerging bipartisan consensus that growing our maritime industry is essential to economic and homeland and national security. In just the last two months, we’ve seen the president’s executive order on restoring American maritime dominance. We’ve seen the reintroduction of the SHIPS for America Act by that wonderful bipartisan coalition of Senator (Mark) Kelly, Senator (Todd) Young, AMP President Jennifer Carpenter (left) addresses the board. Also pictured is MTD/SIU President David Heindel. Congressman (Trent) Kelly and Congressman (John) Garamendi. These two important initiatives are focused primarily on growing the U.S.-flag international fleet. That is absolutely essential, because that’s where we’ve got quite a bit of catching up to do, but I think it’s significant that they take the Jones Act as a foundation.” Carpenter noted that it remains critical for industry representatives to promote American maritime. In particular, and notwithstanding the current strong bipartisan backing, she noted that there are dozens and dozens of new members of Congress along with new staff on Capitol Hill. “Let’s get out there and let’s educate them,” she said. “Let’s not assume that they understand what the Jones Act is. Let’s not assume that if they think they know what the Jones Act is, they’re right about what the Jones Act is.” She concluded, “The Jones Act is critical to a strong American workforce, economy, supply chain, and border security. Now more than ever, we need to amplify the voice of all workers in support of the Jones Act.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice provides key details about your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”) for the plan year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024 (“Plan Year”). Investment Policy Pension plans also have investment policies that provide guidelines for making investment management decisions. The Plan’s investment policy is a follows: This is an informational notice. You do not need to respond or take any action. This notice includes: • Information about your Plan’s funding status. • Details on your benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. What if I have questions about this notice, my Plan, or my benefits? Contact your plan administrator at: • Margaret Bowen • Phone: 301.899.0675 • Address: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 • Email: map@seafarers.org To better assist you, provide your plan administrator with the following information when you contact them: • Plan Number: 001 • Plan Sponsor Name: Seafarers Pension Plan • Employer Identification Number: 13-6100329 1) What if I have questions about PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees? Visit www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer for more information. For specific information about your pension plan or pension benefits, you should contact your employer or plan administrator as PBGC does not have that information. Federal law requires all traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit pension plans, to provide this notice every year regardless of funding status. This notice does not mean your Plan is terminating. 2) How Well Funded Is Your Plan? The law requires the Plan’s administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The chart below shows the Plan's funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan's assets and liabilities for those years. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Target Range Domestic Equities 50% 40% - 60% Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents 40% 30% - 50% Real Estate 10% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. 3) Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets To provide further insight into the Plan’s financial position, the chart below shows the fair market value of the Plan’s assets on the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years. Market values fluctuate based on investment performance, providing a more immediate snapshot of the plan’s funding status. As of the end of the Plan Year, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following investment categories as percentages of total assets: 4) Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan’s funding status determines the steps a plan must take to strengthen its finances and continue paying benefits: • Endangered: The plan’s funded percentage drops below 80 percent. The plan’s trustees must adopt a funding improvement plan. • Critical: The plan’s funded percentage falls below 65 percent or meets other financial distress criteria. The plan’s trustees must implement a rehabilitation plan. • Critical and Declining: A plan in critical status is also designated as critical and declining if projected to become insolvent—meaning it will no longer have enough assets to pay out benefits—within 15 years (or within 20 years under a special rule). The plan’s trustees must continue to implement the rehabilitation plan. The plan’s sponsor may seek approval to amend the plan, including reducing current and future benefits. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the Plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2025, a separate notification of that status has or will be provided. 5) Participant and Beneficiary Information The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. The numbers for the latest Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate. For information about the Plan's investment in any of the following types of investments common-/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities - contact Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: SPP Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. The average return on assets for the Plan Year was 12.3%. 7) Events Having a Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities By law, this notice must include an explanation of any new events that materially affect the Plan’s liabilities or assets. These events could affect the Plan’s financial health or its ability to meet its obligations. For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2025 (i.e., the year after the notice year) and ending on December 31, 2025, there was no amendment, scheduled benefit increase or reduction, or other known event taking effect in the current plan year and expected to have a material effect on plan liabilities or assets for the current plan year. The above table reflects actual year-end demographic data for the preceding two plan years. 6) Funding & Investment Policies Funding Policy Every pension plan must establish a funding policy to meet its objectives. The funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The Plan’s funding policy to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers' contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan's Actuary. 8) Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file an annual report, called the Form 5500, with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Form 5500 includes financial and other information about these pension plans. You can get a copy of your Plan’s Form 5500: • Online: Visit www.efast.dol.gov to search for your Plan’s Form 5500. • By Mail: Submit a written request to your plan administrator. • By Phone: Call (202) 693-8673 to speak with a representative of the U.S. Depart ment of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room. The Form 5500 does not include personal information, such as your accrued benefits. For details about your accrued benefits, contact your plan administrator. Continues on Page 11 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JUNE 2025 �SHIPS Act Will Bolster Industry Continued from Page 2 “...Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.” Rep. Kelly noted, “Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to national security and economic resilience. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re prioritizing these vital sectors. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to help safeguard our maritime future.” Longtime maritime champion Garamendi stated, “With China's growing influence in the global maritime sector, the United States can no longer afford to overlook our maritime industries. The SHIPS for America Act will give our shipyards and merchant mariners the tools they need to rebuild America’s maritime industry and create good-paying American jobs. I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly to strengthen America’s national security, economic strength, and global leadership on the high seas.” Other cosponsors in the Senate include Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania). Murkowski stated, “Because of our vast geography, the maritime industry is uniquely vital to Alaska, with many of our coastal communities relying on a strong U.S.-flagged fleet for everything from everyday logistics to commercial fishing and homeland defense. I am proud to cosponsor the SHIPS Act, which advances common-sense solutions that will invest in the workforce and revitalize our nation’s shipbuilding, increasing Alaska’s resilience and security.” Fetterman said, “When it comes to maintaining our competitive edge against China, failure is not an option. The SHIPS for America Act will help the United States compete with China’s production of ships while creating new manufacturing jobs in shipyards across the nation. Not only will this strengthen our national security, but it’ll also grow our local economies and support working families right here in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help us build more ships in America and stand up to China.” Among many other achievements, the SHIPS for America Act would: • Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce. • Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American-crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce. • Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to “cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, modify duties to make cargo on U.S.-flagged vessels more competitive, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels starting in 2030.” • Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair. • Make historic investments in the maritime workforce by supporting a Maritime Workforce Promotion and Recruitment Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes “long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.” Schoeneman, in addition to his SIU duties, also serves as chair of the coalition USA Maritime. In the latter capacity, he commented, “The USA Maritime coalition supports the SHIPS for America Act and has been honored to work with Senators Kelly and Young, and Congressmen Garamendi and Kelly as the bill has taken shape over the last two years. This bill represents the most comprehensive maritime policy initiative in more than half a century. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong, vibrant and growing U.S. Merchant Marine, capable of carrying a substantial portion of our foreign commerce and supporting our military in time of war. This initiative will ensure our country has the U.S.-flag ships and American mariners needed to preserve, protect and defend America and our economic security. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this legislation.” Among those taking in the speeches are (far left) SIU President David Heindel, (fourth from left in front) SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, (far right in front) AMO President Willie Barrere, and (far right, rear) Bosun Lucas Tiderman. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center show up in force for the pro-maritime event. Immediately after the press gathering, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (left) asks Paul Hall Center Apprentices about their training and their aspirations. JUNE 2025 U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) (nearest person facing camera) chats with Paul Hall Center Apprentices prior to the news conference. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA DARREN BATES Brother Darren Bates, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. He first sailed on the Cape Hudson and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bates was a deck department member and most recently shipped aboard the Resolve. He calls Magnolia, Mississippi, home. 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. WILLIAM LEACHMAN FRANK KOSARICK Brother William Leachman, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1993 and first worked on the Sealift Arabian Sea. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Leachman concluded his career on the USNS Fisher. He resides in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Brother Frank Kosarick, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 2008. A member of the deck department, he originally sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Kosarick upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career with Penn Maritime and settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GEORGE SCHUMPP RODOLFO CALDO PAUL MCDONELL Brother Rodolfo Caldo, 65, joined the union in 2005 and initially sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Caldo last shipped on the Horizon Spirit. He makes his home in Lathrop, California. Brother Paul McDonell, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Leo. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McDonell last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake. He is a resident of Lake Placid, Florida. ROBINSON EROMOSELE Brother Robinson Eromosele, 76, started sailing with the SIU in 2003 and first worked on the Wilson. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Eromosele last shipped on the Liberty Glory. He resides in Richmond, Texas. BONIFACIO FORTES Brother Bonifacio Fortes, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Fortes most recently shipped aboard the Alaskan Navigator and settled in Stockton, California. PABLO GARCIA Brother Pablo Garcia, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Garcia last sailed aboard the Maersk Sentosa. He lives in the Bronx, New York. TIMOTHY HOLMES Brother Timothy Holmes, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996. He initially sailed on the USNS Bob Hope and worked in the steward department. Brother Holmes upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. His final vessel was the USNS Henson. Brother Holmes resides in Chemung, New York. LUMUMBA LASANA Brother Lumumba Lasana, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1997. He first sailed aboard the USNS Able and worked in the deck department. Brother Lasana last sailed on the SBX and settled in Chesapeake, Virginia. HUSSEIN MOHAMED Brother Hussein Mohamed, 49, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Mohamed concluded his career aboard the Maersk Kensington and settled in Melvindale, Michigan. MICHELLE WATERS Sister Michelle Waters, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1983 and first shipped on the Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the steward department. Sister Waters last sailed on the Cape Gibson and settled in Merritt Island, Florida. INLAND LESLIE HOLLOWELL Brother Leslie Hollowell, 62, signed on with the union in 1994, initially working with Penn Maritime. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hollowell was last employed with Allied Transportation. He makes his home in Greenville, North Carolina. DAVID JOHNSON Brother David Johnson, 63, joined the union in 1999. A deck department member, he worked with G&H Towing for the entirety of his career. Brother Johnson lives in Tool, Texas. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 Brother George Schumpp, 66, joined the union in 1994. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Schumpp was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He lives in Fairlawn, New Jersey. MARIA SMITH Sister Maria Smith, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Smith sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat for the duration of her career, most recently aboard the Mississippi Queen. She resides in Kenner, Louisiana. ROBERT THORNE Brother Robert Thorne, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2008. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. An engine department member, Brother Thorne worked for G&H Towing for most of his career. He lives in Kingwood, Texas. PHILIP WRIGHT Brother Philip Wright, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1993 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wright most recently sailed aboard the Courage. He makes his home in Key Largo, Florida. NMU REYNALDO DEL MUNDO Brother Reynaldo Del Mundo, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Keystone Texas. Brother Del Mundo lives in Alhambra, California. PAUL RICHARD Brother Paul Richard, 66, signed on with the union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and last sailed on the Cape Horn. He resides in Post Falls, Idaho. JUNE 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONES IN MICHIGAN ‒ Three Seafarers recently picked up their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan. Pictured at left, starting with photo at far left, are AB Mohammed Obad, Steward/Baker Ammar Sailan, and AB Zaid Mesleh. Safety Director Jason Brown is at right in each snapshot. CATCHING UP IN HOUSTON ‒ SIU ABOARD MATSON ANCHORAGE ‒ Pictured from left are Chief Cook Christopher Hopkins, SA Nasser Hajaji, and SIU Patrolman Dennison Forsman. pensioner Arthur Ross (center) stops by the hiring hall to grab a copy of his favorite periodical and to chat with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. Ross recently turned 81. His last vessel was the Sulphur Enterprise, in 2006. HONORING THE GREATEST GENERATION ‒ SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain helped salute the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II during this year’s American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) Convention, which took place in early April in Norfolk, Virginia. He’s pictured at right in photo above, left, with Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.), one of the keynote speakers. Pictured from left in photo above, right, are AMMV National Secretary (and former SIU member) Chris Edyvean, Spain, and SIU pensioner Michael Pooler, while the remaining snapshot includes (also from left) Sailors Snug Harbor Executive Director Jay Brooks, SIU pensioner Clay Brown, and AMMV President Dru DiMattia. JUNE 2025 SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ABOARD ‒ Crescent Towing Wheelman Cody Nelson (right) receives his full book. He’s pictured at the New Orleans hall with SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. (Nelson also just earned his Master of Towing.) WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS ‒ Crowley ATB Capt. Darren Bates (right) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He sailed with the SIU for 35 years. Congratulating him on the milestone is SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. FAMILY TRADITION ‒ Seafaring often runs in families. At left is GUDE Matthew Lehnen aboard the Mariner (Eco-Tankers), with his uncle, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. “I am very proud of him,” Krick noted, “and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience walking up the gangway with him.” ABOARD FLORIDA ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid tanker are (larger group photo) SA Naila King, Recertified Bosun Samuel Duah, ABG Daniel Flanagan, and ABB Lucas Anderson. From left in the other non-ship photo: Chief Cook Crystal Cobbs, SA Naila King. CLASSMATES RECONNECT ‒ Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson and Chief Mate/Hawsepiper Mark Holman were Piney Point classmates back in 1980, and they ran into each other earlier this year while working for Pacific Gulf Marine. Jackson (left in the recent photo, with Holman) said they “shared many sea stories.” In the class photo, Holman is barely visible in back, near the center, while Jackson is easier to spot (front, far left). TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Being sworn in during the April membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left, facing camera) ABM Markham Campbell (B book), AB Campbell Busbey (B book), Storekeeper Carl Bascara (A book), STOS Dion Bonner (B book) and OS Samuel Hall (B book). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. ABOARD SLNC YORK ‒ ACU Ryan Hatch is pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in Indian Island, Washington. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJUNE 2023 2025 10 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELL-EARNED KUDOS ‒ SA Hyun Kim (right) recently ABOARD PACIFIC TRACKER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the TOTE vessel are ABMs Theodore Swift and Joey Benosa, and Bosun Leroy Reed. won the monthly recognition aboard the Alliance Fairfax (Maersk Line, Limited) for outstanding shipmate and cleanest room. Celebrating the occasion with her is Chief Mate Chuck Hendricks. Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw said Kim “is by far the best SA I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Along with her work ethic, she has great attention to detail.” SHARING A SPECIAL MOMENT ‒ Talk about versatility: FULL BOOK IN PINEY POINT ‒ OS Marlon Gayle (left) receives his B book. He’s pictured at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, with SIU Patrolman Josh Gail. Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb. Sr., who earned a Doctor of Religious Education degree, recently was installed as an assistant pastor with his local church in Oakland, California. Celebrating the occasion are (standing, from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU pensioners Donald Benjamin, Larry Toston, and Perry McCall, Webb, SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester, SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers, and (in front) pensioner Gerald Archie. PROMOTING SIU CAREERS ‒ The union’s efforts to attract the next generation of mariners never stops, as evidenced by this recent snapshot of (from left) Recruiting Director Ryan Covert and SIU Asst. VP Todd Brdak at a career expo in Detroit. Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan (Continued) Continued from Page 6 9) Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan's available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC, below), the plan must apply to PBGC for financial assistance. PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan's financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. 10) Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC Only vested benefits—those that you’ve earned and cannot forfeit—are guaranteed. What PBGC Guarantees PBGC guarantees “basic benefits” including: • Pension benefits at normal retirement age. • Most early retirement benefits. • Annuity benefits for survivors of plan participants. • Disability benefits for disabilities that occurred before the earlier of the date the plan terminated or the sponsor’s bankruptcy date. What PBGC Does Not Guarantee PBGC does not guarantee certain types of benefits, including: • A participant’s pension benefit or benefit increase until it has been part of the JUNE 2025 plan for 60 full months. • Disability benefits in non-pay status. • Non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, or death benefits. Determining Guarantee Amounts The maximum benefit PBGC guarantees is set by law. Your plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. The maximum PBGC guarantee is $35.75 per month, multiplied by a participant's years of credited service. PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit based on the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate and your years of credited service. The guarantee is calculated as follows: 1. Take 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan's monthly benefit accrual rate. 2. Take 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate. 3. Add both amounts together. 4. Multiply the total by your years of credited service to determine your guaranteed monthly benefit. Example 1: Participant with a Monthly $600 Benefit and 10 Years of Service. 1. Find the accrual rate: $600/10 = $60 accrual rate. 2. Apply PBGC formula: a. Take 100 percent of the first $11= $11 b. Take 75 percent of the next $33 = $24.75 3. Add the two amounts together: $11 + $24.75 = $35.75 4. Multiply by years of credited service: $35.75 x 10 years = $357.50 In this example, the participant's guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50. Example 2: Participant with a $200 Monthly Benefit and 10 Years of Service. 1. Find the accrual rate: $200/10 = $20 accrual rate. 2. Apply PBGC formula: a. Take 100 percent of the first $11= $11 b. Take 75 percent of the next $9 = $6.75 3. Add the two amounts together: $11 + $6.75 = $17.75 4. Multiply by years of credited service: $17.75 x 10 years = $177.50 In this example, the participant's guaranteed monthly benefit is $177.50 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �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 members of the most recent SIU Tallying Committee. Question: If you could change anything about the maritime industry, what would you change? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Jason Powell Chief Electrician Mubarek Ahmed Bosun I would like to [decrease] the regulations on seafarers so we can go to sea and be less encumbered by the Coast Guard. Being able to hit the shore faster, without getting held up for hours. Your time off is limited already, depending on what your position is on the ship. Hitting a port and just giving your ID, like you were at a domestic port, would be a lot easier. Ronald J. Davis Recertified Steward Richard Benoit AB Bring back more American-flag ships. We need increased trade. We’ve got to start building more ships, catch up with China and pass them. Try to [reduce] some of the Coast Guard regulations. There are way too many. I liked it back in the old days, when you got your documents and you were good until you retired or you upgraded. Chandler Williams AB Anthony Jacobson Recertified Steward Just how slowly things change in the industry. It can be a slog. Keep up with what seafarers are saying, so we have more input. From a steward’s point of view, these companies need to look again at the food budgets and make them realistic. Because of all the inflation that’s been happening, they’re not in line with inflation. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 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) 549-4000 Wiper Nick Farinaccio checks out the engine room control board on the LNG carrier El Paso Sonatrach (El Paso Southern Tanker Co.) in late 1979. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2025 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice Important Reminder for Seafarers and Pensioners Seafarers and SIU pensioners are strongly encouraged to make sure that their beneficiary designations are up to date and accurate. If outdated beneficiary information remains on file, it may result in benefits being paid to one or more individuals no longer intended by the member or pensioner to receive those benefits. Unintended consequences may arise if, for example, a designated beneficiary has passed away, or if a member’s or pensioner’s marital status has changed. Seafarers and pensioners can update their designated beneficiaries by contacting the SIU Member Assistance Program (MAP) by phone: 1-(800) 252-4674 Option 2, or by email: map@seafarers.org in order to obtain beneficiary forms. “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 14 - May 13, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 14, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 12 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 14 Guam 2 Harvey 5 Honolulu 6 Houston 27 Jacksonville 31 Jersey City 26 Joliet 0 Mobile 10 Norfolk 27 Oakland 8 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 5 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 18 Wilmington 25 9 1 4 8 2 4 2 17 21 7 4 1 14 4 1 4 3 2 10 3 2 0 1 7 0 3 0 9 12 3 0 2 9 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 21 0 2 13 0 4 2 26 23 13 1 8 17 3 2 1 4 1 17 18 4 0 5 5 0 6 0 13 16 6 1 1 11 2 1 3 3 2 5 2 1 0 1 4 0 3 0 7 10 4 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 10 0 6 0 18 17 11 0 2 8 2 1 1 5 0 8 5 17 5 6 29 6 12 12 44 59 31 6 13 28 12 2 2 8 1 26 59 12 2 3 7 2 7 4 30 36 10 7 4 17 7 1 4 2 2 10 6 4 0 0 7 0 4 0 19 7 5 1 4 16 1 0 0 1 2 3 8 TOTAL 226 121 53 176 86 38 103 378 173 82 Algonac 2 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 2 Harvey 3 Honolulu 1 Houston 10 Jacksonville 21 Jersey City 6 Joliet 1 Mobile 4 Norfolk 10 Oakland 4 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 7 TOTAL 101 0 0 6 5 1 4 2 9 26 1 1 0 14 4 1 1 1 0 2 3 81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 5 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 27 2 0 2 5 0 3 1 3 9 3 0 1 5 2 0 0 1 0 2 3 42 5 1 5 9 1 2 7 15 29 11 1 3 15 4 1 3 3 2 7 15 139 4 0 3 10 1 2 2 13 21 4 1 0 15 5 0 0 1 0 6 5 93 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 6 6 2 0 1 8 3 1 1 2 0 2 10 48 Algonac 4 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 2 Harvey 2 Honolulu 4 Houston 12 Jacksonville 23 Jersey City 8 Joliet 0 Mobile 4 Norfolk 23 Oakland 9 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 3 Wilmington 23 TOTAL 131 1 0 2 3 1 4 1 7 21 7 2 0 9 2 1 4 7 0 1 2 75 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 4 4 1 0 0 5 1 0 2 3 0 4 3 33 3 0 0 5 1 1 5 7 18 4 0 3 13 12 0 3 3 1 4 11 94 0 0 2 2 0 5 3 8 11 3 0 1 6 4 1 3 1 0 0 6 56 6 0 0 9 1 3 5 19 33 14 1 5 23 14 1 1 6 0 8 31 180 0 0 1 5 0 8 3 10 27 5 2 0 19 2 1 3 12 0 2 5 105 1 0 0 3 1 0 1 7 6 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 2 0 4 4 37 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 4 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 1 6 2 3 4 0 0 2 17 25 18 0 0 7 11 0 1 0 0 4 16 13 0 1 10 5 2 3 14 55 15 1 0 40 22 0 3 0 0 11 23 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 1 2 1 1 0 3 7 3 0 0 5 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 2 1 5 0 1 2 26 50 22 0 1 11 12 0 3 0 0 11 14 17 1 1 16 3 6 4 28 108 26 1 2 52 22 0 3 0 0 14 31 Engine Department 2 1 3 5 1 3 4 3 11 4 1 2 11 3 2 0 2 1 6 7 72 1 1 5 1 1 4 1 5 13 2 1 1 13 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 60 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 16 Steward Department June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: June 2, July 7 Thursday: June 12, July17 Thursday: June 5, July 10 Friday: June 20, Thursday: July 24 Honolulu Friday: June 13, July 18 Houston Monday: June 9, July 14 Jacksonville Thursday: June 5, July 10 Joliet Thursday: June 12, July 17 Mobile Wednesday: June 11, July 16 New Orleans Tuesday: June 10, July 15 Jersey City Tuesday: June 3, July 8 Norfolk Friday: June 6, July 11 Oakland Thursday: June 12, July 17 Philadelphia Wednesday: June 4, July 9 Port Everglades Thursday: June 12, July 17 San Juan Thursday: June 5, July 10 St. Louis Friday: June 13, July 18 Tacoma Friday: June 20, July 25 Wilmington Monday: June 16, July 21 Schedule change due to holiday observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JUNE 2025 0 1 1 4 1 6 2 7 10 2 1 1 4 2 0 3 4 0 2 4 55 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 20 Entry Department 3 0 1 5 1 1 1 13 17 10 1 1 3 6 0 1 0 0 4 6 6 1 2 2 2 1 3 3 24 10 0 0 14 7 1 1 1 0 4 8 TOTAL 9 116 218 8 74 90 29 19 165 335 GRAND TOTAL 393 331 350 275 164 230 716 536 502 467 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN ALICEA Pensioner John Alicea, 69, passed away February 22. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Independence. An engine department member, Brother Alicea last shipped on the Ocean Jazz in 2021. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Port St. Lucie, Florida. DONALD BOATRIGHT Pensioner Donald Boatright, 73, died March 24. He started shipping with the union in 1970, initially working with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Boatright was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Spirit. He went on pension in 2010 and resided in Pinole, California. CARLOS BONEFONT Pensioner Carlos Bonefont, 83, passed away March 13. He joined the SIU in 1960 when he sailed on the Evelyn. Brother Bonefont sailed in all three departments and last shipped on the Horizon Hawaii. He became a pensioner in 2008 and made his home in Amsterdam, New York. ARNULFO CALDERON Pensioner Arnulfo Calderon, 76, died February 6. He signed on with the union in 2001. Brother Calderon first shipped on the Bernard F. Fisher and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Harry Martin and went on pension in 2013. Brother Calderon resided in the Bronx, New York. DELFINO CASTRO Pensioner Delfino Castro, 79, passed away March 30. He donned the SIU colors in 1995 and first shipped on the Independence. A member of the steward department, Brother Castro concluded his career aboard the Chemical Pioneer and retired in 2012. He was a Houston resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. CRAIG CROFT PAULA KALEIKINI Pensioner Craig Croft, 58, passed away February 2. He joined the SIU in 1985, initially sailing with G&H Towing. Brother Croft worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Louisiana in 2021. Brother Croft went on pension in 2023 and made his home in Hitchcock, Texas. Pensioner Paula Kaleikini, 75, died February 11. She became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992. Sister Kaleikini first sailed aboard the USNS Adventurous. She was a steward department member and last shipped on the North Star. Sister Kaleikini retired in 2015 and lived in Kapolei, Hawaii. ALFREDO CUEVAS Pensioner Alfredo Cuevas, 78, died December 4. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Wyman. Brother Cuevas was an engine department member. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Missouri and became a pensioner in 2015. Brother Cuevas made his home in the Philippines. JUANITO DANSALAN Pensioner Juanito Dansalan, 83, has passed away. Sailing first aboard the USNS Harkness, he donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Dansalan worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Charger. He went on pension in 2011 and resided in the Philippines. DANIEL GAMBOA Pensioner Daniel Gamboa, 73, died March 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2002. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Cape Farewell. Brother Gamboa last sailed on the Liberty Glory. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Houston. MICHAEL GAY Pensioner Michael Gay, 73 passed away March 3. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. Brother Gay worked in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Ocean Freedom. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and lived in Tallahassee, Florida. GEORGE HOLLAND Pensioner George Holland, 83, died February 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1963. Brother Holland first shipped with Moore-McCormack Lines. A deck department member, he last sailed aboard the Navigator. Brother Holland retired in 2002 and called Lacey, Washington, home. LEON CATLIN CHRISTIE JOHNSON Pensioner Leon Catlin, 79, died February 22. He became a member of the union in 2001. Brother Catlin worked in the steward department. He sailed aboard the Delaware Trader for his entire career before going on pension in 2012. Brother Catlin lived in Mobile, Alabama. Pensioner Christie Johnson, 88, passed away February 3. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1958. Brother Johnson first worked on the Beaugard. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Wave in 2000. Brother Johnson went on pension the following year and made his home in Eupora, Mississippi. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JOEL LECHEL Pensioner Joel Lechel, 66, passed away March 29. Brother Lechel embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the Indiana Harbor. He worked in the deck department. Brother Lechel’s final vessel was the Walter J. McCarthy. He began collecting his pension in 2010 and resided in Estero, Florida. ROMUALD LOS Pensioner Romuald Los, 91, passed away March 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1963 and first worked aboard the Transeastern. A member of the deck department, Brother Los concluded his career aboard the Freedom. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in the United Kingdom. PIOTR MLYMARCZYK Pensioner Piotr Mlymarczyk, 65, died January 21. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003. Brother Mlymarczyk first shipped on the Gus Darnell. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Matson Tacoma. Brother Mlymarczyk became a pensioner in 2024 and made his home in Burien, Washington. ROSINDO MORA Pensioner Rosindo Mora, 100, passed away February 11. Sailing first aboard the Yaka, he donned the SIU colors in 1951. Brother Mora worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Crusader. He retired in 1990 and resided in New Port Richey, Florida. GUILLERMO QUINONES Pensioner Guillermo Quinones, 71, died March 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1969. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Quinones last sailed on the Value in 1994. He became a pensioner in 2018 and settled in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. TOMMIE SANFORD Pensioner Tommie Sanford, 86, passed away February 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1958, initially sailing aboard the La Salle. Brother Sanford worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Overseas Ohio in 1986. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and lived in Colmesneil, Texas. JUNE 2025 �JOSE SIALANA RONALD HALBERG FELTON BERCY Pensioner Jose Sialana, 72, died February 16. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Sialana first shipped on the Independence. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Freedom. Brother Sialana retired in 2018 and called Pico River, California, home. Pensioner Ronald Halberg, 75, died March 12. He signed on with the SIU in 1971. Brother Halberg worked in the steward department and was employed with Arnold Transit Company for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Saint Ignace, Michigan. Pensioner Felton Bercy, 76, died February 2. A deck department member, Brother Bercy last shipped on the Green Cove. He became a pensioner in 2009 and lived in New Orleans. WARREN WRIGHT Pensioner Warren Wright, 71, passed away March 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed on the Mohawk. Brother Wright sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 2018 and made his home in Newark, Delaware. ROGELIO YBARRA Pensioner Rogelio Ybarra, 67, died March 19. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978. Brother Ybarra first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Overseas Chinook. Brother Ybarra began collecting his pension in 2016 and settled in Texas City, Texas. GREAT LAKES RONALD DANDREA Pensioner Ronald Dandrea, 80, passed away February 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 and first worked aboard the CL Austin. Brother Dandrea sailed in the deck department. He became a pensioner in 2009 after concluding his career on the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Dandrea made his home in Duluth, Minnesota. DONALD DEVLIEGER Pensioner Donald DeVlieger, 73, died February 13. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 and initially worked aboard the JA Kling. Brother DeVlieger last sailed aboard the JAW Iglehart and retired in 2005. He resided in Redford, Michigan. INLAND MEDFORD AUSTIN Pensioner Medford Austin, 85, passed away March 22. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968. A deck department member, Brother Austin first was employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation. He concluded his career with Mariner Towing and went on pension in 2011. Brother Austin called Frisco, North Carolina, home. DONALD AUTERY Pensioner Donald Autery, 72, died March 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1989 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Autery worked with Allied Transportation until he became a pensioner in 2011. He resided in South Mills, North Carolina. Pensioner Joseph Costa, 94, passed away March 6. Brother Costa began sailing in 1950. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Islander. Brother Costa concluded his career aboard the Eagle and retired in 1995. He resided in Northborough, Massachusetts. JOHN DORSEY Pensioner John Dorsey, 81, died March 2. Brother Dorsey sailed as a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the Denali and began collecting his pension in 2003. Brother Dorsey made his home in Rincon, Georgia. PHILIP HAWES DAVID KEEFE Pensioner David Keefe, 65, passed away March 8. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Gulf Trader. Brother Keefe was a deck department member and concluded his career working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. WAYNE PROUDLOVE Pensioner Wayne Proudlove, 79, died February 28. He began sailing with the SIU in 1969 when he was employed with Berg Towing Company. Brother Proudlove worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the American Eagle in 1989. Brother Proudlove started collecting his pension in 2014 and called Rogersville, Tennessee, home. Pensioner Philip Hawes, 78, passed away March 5. Brother Hawes sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Energy Enterprise before becoming a pensioner in 2005. Brother Hawes lived in Harahan, Louisiana. JAMES HOCKING Pensioner James Hocking, 75, died February 26. Brother Hocking worked in the deck department. He retired in 2014 after concluding his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Hocking resided in East Falmouth, Massachusetts. RICHARD JOHNSON Brother Richard Johnson, 93, has passed away. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Chesapeake Bay and lived in Goose Creek, South Carolina. LOUIS SMITH Pensioner Louis Smith, 84, passed away February 21. A deck department member, he joined the union in 1967 when he worked with National Marine Service. Brother Smith was last employed with OSG Ship Management and retired in 1993. He resided in Riverview, Florida. NMU ANDREW EGRESSY Pensioner Andrew Egressy, 87, passed away March 4. Brother Egressy signed on with the SIU in 1999. He first sailed aboard the Sam Laud and shipped in the engine department. Brother Egressy concluded his career aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger and retired in 2008. He lived in East Concord, New York. JOSEPH COSTA AGUEDO SABINO Pensioner Aguedo Sabino, 81, died January 19. Brother Sabino was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Energy Enterprise. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in Portugal. CAROL ALLEN Pensioner Carol Allen, 70, died March 28. Brother Allen shipped in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Chesapeake and began collecting his pension in 2010. Brother Allen called Milton, Massachusetts, home. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2025 ERNESTO SALANO Pensioner Ernesto Salano, 97, passed away March 28. Brother Salano worked in the deck department. He sailed on his final vessel, the Delaware Trader, before retiring in 1996. Brother Salano resided in Isabela, Puerto Rico. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �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. CALIFORNIA (Fairwater Tanker Management), February 23 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Dante Cruz, Educational Director Demarkus McNabb, Deck Delegate Leonard Ajoste, Engine Delegate Latiffe Brooks, Steward Delegate Rey Chang. Chairman discussed the upcoming change of ownership. SIU contract agreement to stay in place. He reminded members to clean rooms before signoff. Educational director encouraged crew to renew documents as early as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed the latest union constitutional changes, including dues increases and four new constitutional halls, as approved by rank-and-file members during the most recent balloting period. Crew asked for tour of duty forms to be forwarded to ship. Vote of thanks given to all for working great together and special thanks given to steward department for providing excellent meals. Members requested increases in both safety boot allowances and vacation days to 18 for 30. Next port: Long Beach, California. TORM TIMOTHY (Eco-Tankers Crew Management, LLC), March 2 – Chairman Troy Glatter, Secretary Jeremias Luenzo, Educational Director Abasiama Essien-Ete. Members welcomed new steward/ baker and reported excellent morale on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed ship launches and ship restrictions as well as the Eco Tankers contract. Bosun requested new pillows and fitted sheets. Captain is trying to get them in Singapore. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 6 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Bruce Johnson, Deck Delegate Dwuan Reed, Engine Delegate Melgar Daguio, Steward Delegate Andrew Miller. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, and to renew documents early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was commended for a job well done. Chairman instructed crew to keep TVs connected so they work for the next member and reminded everyone to be considerate of those who are sleeping when closing doors. Members were reminded about phone use and shipboard safety. LIBERTY PASSION (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 6 – Chairman Duane Frosburg, Secretary Jessica Davis, Deck Delegate Efren Guerrero Cordova, Engine Delegate Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Steward Delegate William Johnson. New Wi-Fi routers to be installed once ship returns to U.S., per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents up to date. Members requested online access for job boards and/or fuel reimbursement for those who travel long distances. Crew asked for completion of duty to not be deemed a quit in instances where they do not get a relief. Members suggested adding a larger TV, gaming systems, better books and DVDs to improve crew lounge. Seafarer at Work Bosun Kemer Rojas is pictured aboard the Maersk Durban. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, 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 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 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 JUNE 2025 �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 Latest Course Dates Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 30 Sept. 29 July 11 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Dec. 1 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Welding July 14 Aug. 25 Oct. 6 Aug. 1 Sept. 12 Oct. 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 ServSafe Management June 30 Sept. 8 Nov. 17 July 4 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations July 21 Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Nov. 10 Aug. 15 Sept. 12 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward Oct. 13 Dec. 8 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 Engineers Needed OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Basic Training Revalidation June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Aug. 15 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 Chief Engineer/Engine Instructor (full- or part-time) The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has opportunities for qualified individuals to come ashore and use their seagoing experience to help prepare the next generation of mariners. Our instructors’ professionalism helps sustain a unique and dynamic environment throughout our campus in Piney Point, Maryland. If you’re potentially interested in applying to be an instructor, please email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential. 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. JUNE 2025 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 •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #919 – Recently graduating: Fuad Ali, Sincere Davenport, Dominick Davis, Ralpheal Evans, Travis Flippin, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Harry Hurley, Reon James, Tomeria Kendrick, Karen Lira, Eric Nieves Jr., Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Demetrius Soto, Ishay Thomas, Trey Traughber, Noah Welch and Timothy Wheeler. FOWT – Among those graduating April 11: Ismael Andriamasy, D'Angelo Brown, Robert Crain, Luke Eastman, Joshua Higdon, Brandon Jordan, Harry McKever II, Cristian Salazar and Decontee Saypoh. DECK OPERATIONS – Graduated April 4: Raheem Ali, David Henneken, Darren Joseph, Robert Kitchen III, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Stephen Pagan Laureano, Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott and Jacob Watson. FIRST AID – Graduated April 11 (not all are pictured): Abdulhak Ahmed, Tajle Johnson, Anthony Pace, Yoali Salcedo and Justin Shepler. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated April 4: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris, Joseph Prather and Ayinde Richards. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduating April 11 (not all are pictured): Wajdi Ali, Sequoya Anderson, Thomas Bateman, Torina Brooks, Milton Buelto Fernandez, Dean Diaz Sr., Joy Eady, Casey Frederick, Daniel Hanback, Ardeccia Hill, Marquis Hill, Richetta Jackson, Ekaterina Jansone, Christian Jones, William Kilbuck, Arthur Kinsman, Steven Laubach, Angela Lewis, Kharon Mitchell, Ali Qasem, Ta'tiyana Roberts, Kassem Salem Sr. and Benjamin Wilson. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARINE ELECTRICIAN – Graduated April 18: Micah Champion, Sherrod Frazier, Danielle Gore, Eric Hondel, Damon Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Zion Lyons, Dennis Malaran, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Tyson Richardson, Marcelino Santos Bermeo and Sean Wilson. JUNE 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated April 4: Frank Balitewicz, Averey Branch, Hunter Buster, Jadreanna Charleston, Jayvon Clayborn, Abdelhamid Dika, Charles Evans Jr., Cayden Foster, Austin Gottschlich, David Hebb, Nasir Hinton, Savonce Jackson, Christopher Johnston, Joshua Jordan, Tristan Kinsella, David Levin, Michael Saputo, Tyrone Scott Jr., Terrell Slater, Natalia Smith, Jermerish Standberry, Alayla Tilley and Darius Washington. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Among those graduating April 18: Lekeano Babb, Tristan Casarez, Genesis Diaz Jimenez, Jonathan Gil Paul, Kier Hansen, Joshua Harrell, Kevin Johnson, Keith Jordan III, Freedom Le, Heaven McInnis, Alec Neace, Eric Nieves Cortes, Tyler Singletary, Charles Stratton, Mirela Sutter, Leon Thompson-Repole, Jeffery Vega, Maxwell Walsh, Tre'von Warren and Isaiah Wells. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated April 25: Ronzell Collins, Grayson Goodwin, Raheem Joseph, Kassidy Mays, Unique Owens, Kendric Payne, Kyunjre Randall, Brittney Sharp and Natanael Velez Cordero. RFPNW – Graduated April 25: Sincere Davenport, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Tomeria Kendrick, Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Deandre Ryan and Timothy Wheeler. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated April 11 (not all are pictured): Ahmed Ali, Scott Brainard, Kyra Buggs, Joshua Collins, John Edwards Jr., Jermie Francis, Bobbie Gibbs, Mohammed Gir, Carlos Gomez Hernandez, Deon Greenidge, Ja'von Harvey, Raphael Henson, Olivier Kozel, June Margaja, Jeffrey Phillips, Erwin Renon, Saleh Saeed and Wilma Smith. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated May 2: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason SERVE SAFE MGMT – Graduated April 25, from left to right: Emma DiGennaro and LaToya Sanford-Leggs. JUNE 2025 Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris and Joseph Prather. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �JUNE 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 6 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Cape Knox Gets It Done The SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel MV Cape Knox, operated by Keystone Shipping Company, recently mobilized under a no-notice turbo activation – and the crew exceeded all performance expectations, according to vessel master Capt. Darin L. Huggins. The ship on Feb. 3 started transforming from reduced operating status (ROS) to full operating status (FOS) for a 10-day sea trial. Huggins noted that, hours after the initial contact from the U.S. Maritime Administration, a follow-on communication came from the Military Sealift Command: load up and deploy. “The SIU and MEBA answered that call, rapidly preparing the mighty Knox for an overseas deployment supporting multiple surge sealift missions,” Huggins stated. “Over the course of 90 days of exceptional operational performance, the crew delivered consistent results, earned multiple Bravo Zulus, and enjoyed some legendary BBQs.” The SIU members who participated in the Cape Knox activation included Bosun Ivan Vargas, ABM Terry Jackson, ABM Chester Pickens, ABM Edward Copeland, ABM Willie Dawston, ABM Saleh Almatari, OS Jason Pierce, QEE Jurgen Gottschlich, Oiler Joseph McClam, Oiler Jeremiah Anderson, Oiler Christopher Fisher, Steward/Baker Kenisha Neal, Chief Cook Zion Bradford, SA Latianah Griggs, SA Mohamed Diallo, GUDE Kimcherria Henry, GUDE Benito Chief Cook Zion Bradford grills some chicken for the crew. Figueroa, and GVA Dion Sanchez Cubas. “When I got on the ship on Feb. 5 in New Orleans, it was ROS at that time. We were supposed to do a 10day activation, and it turned into an actual mission,” said Pierce. “I was in New Orleans for Super Bowl weekend, so that was pretty cool, and then we took the ship up to Charleston, South Carolina. After that is when we got activated for the mission.” Pierce, who began his journey as a Seafarer only a year ago, was aboard the Cape Knox completing his first full mission, outside of doing sea trials. This was also Pierce’s first time out of the country. “It was pretty exciting,” he said. “I can't wait to do another one.” Similarly, Gottschlich, a seasoned Seafarer with decades of experience, was content to have what might be his final voyage before retirement aboard the Cape Knox. “This might be my last trip as a merchant seaman so, fortunately, we ended up with a great captain,” he said. “When we were out anchor, he made sure we had a launch to be able to go to shore to release some of this stress from working on the ship, 24/7. He made the trip very pleasurable for us.” “The last time this ship was activated was two years prior, and they did a round-the-world trip,” added Gottschlich. Transitioning a ship from ROS to FOS creates a host of opportunities, said Bosun Vargas. “ROS is great for us. I'm a married man who has bills, and a wife and kids, and this has been AB Sal Almatari and 2M Liam Reddan pose for a quick photo. Pictured above are many of the SIU members who sailed aboard the Keystone vessel during its recent activation. Kneeling in the front row (left to right) are AB Saleh Almatari and Electrician Jurgen Gottschlich. Standing behind them, from left to right are Bosun Ivan Vargas, AB Chester Pickens, QMED Jeremiah Anderson, GUDE Kimcherria Henry, AB Willie Dawston, AB Terry Jackson, AB Edward Copeland, QMED Christopher Fisher, OS Jason Pierce, and GUDE Benito Figuero. helpful financially for us,” he said. mission goes, there were no incidents He continued, “ROS is less or anything like that.” demanding, with less activity and less Huggins said that the Cape Knox pressure. The responsibility with FOS “stands as proof: When the call comes, is higher, because we do have more the U.S. Merchant Marine – with SIU work to do. We have to perform to and MEBA on board – will always the very best of our abilities, which is deliver. The mariners aboard the Cape always the case, but you could say we Knox stepped up and demonstrated have to do our jobs even more. Because once again that the U.S. Merchant the ship is at sea and because we have Marine remains a vital asset in support cargo, we have a higher responsibility.” of our nation’s warfighters.” When a vessel is in ROS, the Vargas said he was thankful the mariners aboard the ship comprise mission went smoothly. a skeleton crew, with only a handful “We went to some dangerous places of mariners working while the vessel where we were restricted to the ship, waits for its next military support but that was beneficial to us because voyage, Gottschlich explained. “There I feel that the union, the company are 11 of us…. We maintain the ship and and the government were concerned get it ready and make sure it's prepared about our safety,” said Vargas. “It went for its next activation,” he said. great. We have a great captain and “It was a pretty smooth transition crew. Nobody got hurt, which is the from ROS to FOS,” said Pierce. “There main thing, and everybody is safe. We were some long days, but we also will make it back home safely to our had some short days after we got families.” everything secured for sea. As far as the Electrician Jurgen Gottschlich Bosun Ivan Vargas The vessel (three photos directly above) upheld the United States Merchant Marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense. � 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 JUNE 2025 Description An account of the resource SIU HELPS CELEBRATE SHIPS ACT REINTRODUCTION MTD CHARTS COURSES FOR BOLSTERING MARITIME PROTECTING WORKERS RIGHTS EXECUTIVE BOARD DEFINES FUTURE PRIORITIES CONGRESSMAN URGES PROWORKER PLATFORMS COOPERATIVE DIALOGUE FEDERATION PRESIDENT SHOWS THE WAY FORWARD AMP PRESIDENT SEES GREAT PROMISE FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY SHIPS ACT WILL BOLSTER INDUSTRY CAPE KNOX GETS IT DONE 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 06/01/2025 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. 87, NO. 6 Periodicals Seafarers Log