seafarers to the...

Volume 67, Number 6 June 2005

Seafarers to the Rescue!USNS Seay, Lykes Motivator Crews Help Save Lives at Sea

In the finest tradition of the Brotherhood of theSea, SIU members from the USNS Seay andthe Lykes Motivator recently helped rescue sev-eral civilian boaters who were involved in sepa-rate mishaps at sea. The Seay rescue is pic-tured in the two photos at left and the one direct-ly below; the Motivator operation is shown in thethree photos at right, including the group photoof the crew. Pages 4, 5.

‘4th Arm of Defense’ HonoredRepresentatives from the administration, Congress and the military underscored the value and heroictradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine during National Maritime Day ceremonies May 19 in Washington,D.C. Above, Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, shakeshands with Unlicensed Apprentice Victor Malave Jr. following the observance at MSC. Dozens ofapprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education attended the cere-monies—and Admiral Brewer personally greeted each of them. Pages 12, 13.

Pride of AmericaChristening Set

The Seafarers-crewed Pride of America is scheduled forchristening this month in New York. NCL America’s newestvessel signifies more new jobs for SIU members along withthe continued rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise shipindustry. Page 3.

Matson Ship ChristenedPage 3

More Benefits ConferencesPages 8, 9

Family Photos1

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2 Seafarers LOG June 2005

Top oof tthe CClassFirst-time visitors to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training

and Education often are surprised at how much the school has tooffer.

Located in Piney Point, Maryland, the PaulHall Center truly is a world-class facility. Thecampus and buildings are beautiful, the equip-ment cutting-edge. Most importantly, the instruc-tors and staff are extremely knowledgeable, sup-portive and dedicated to the school’s mission ofdelivering the world’s best-trained mariners.

I have worked in conjunction with the schoolsince its founding in 1967. Throughout the years, I’ve been mostimpressed by how the Paul Hall Center not only embraces changebut seeks it, as a means of constantly staying ahead of our indus-try’s needs. Through that approach—always asking, “How can weimprove?”—the Paul Hall Center has become, in my view, secondto none.

With a strong emphasis on hands-on training, the school offerseverything from entry-level programs to upgrading classes tolicense preparation to academic support and more. In recent years,the center has answered America’s heightened security needs byimplementing comprehensive maritime safety and anti-terrorismtraining for every student who passes through the front gate. Forexample, the school added a small-arms range approved by the U.S.Military Sealift Command (along with accompanying curriculums)and then in early 2005 became the first facility to offer a vesselsecurity officer course approved by the U.S. MaritimeAdministration.

Those are just two examples among many that illustrate the PaulHall Center’s commitment to offering the most useful, important,up-to-date training anywhere in our industry. The school also hasbeen a leader in providing STCW-mandated training, and was thefirst to publish a Coast Guard training record book to meet interna-tional shipping regulations.

Similarly, the school was among the first maritime facilities toprovide shiphandling simulators for training, and it was the first tooffer an oil-spill prevention and containment class. Additionally, thePaul Hall Center was the first to institute an EPA-certified refriger-ant handling class both on and off campus. It also was the first toestablish a culinary institute dedicated to food preparation aboardship.

With the rebirth of the American-flag deep sea cruise ship indus-try, the school has developed new courses and built additional facil-ities specifically to help meet the manpower needs of this importantcomponent of the U.S. fleet. Here again, it’s another example ofhow the Paul Hall Center unfailingly fulfills its purpose.

As you can tell, I’m proud to be associated with the school,which is a joint trust between the Seafarers International Union andits contracted employers. (The school is funded and maintainedthrough joint contributions of signatory employers. Jointly appoint-ed trustees then manage the contributions to most effectively oper-ate the school.) The Paul Hall Center has trained tens of thousandsof students, helping them begin and sustain productive, rewardingcareers.

Honoring a strong sentiment of the school’s founder, the late SIUPresident Paul Hall, the center also offers plenty of academic studyfor those who are interested. This includes everything from basictutoring all the way to a college degree program. In between, stu-dents can earn a GED at the Paul Hall Center and also earn collegecredits by completing any number of the dozens of curriculumsoffered.

Still, the heart of the school is maritime training—and on thatscore, the Paul Hall Center remains at the head of the class.

President ’s Report

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthlyby the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakesand Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 AuthWay; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to theSeafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; ManagingEditor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, JimGuthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, MistyDobry.Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWDAll Rights Reserved.


The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

Delta Mariner TransportsBooster Cores for Delta IV

A committee of rank-and-filemembers, elected by their fellowSeafarers during the May unionmeeting in Piney Point, Md., hasreviewed the SIU’s financialrecords for the year 2004 andfound them in good order.

Serving on the committee wereGerard Costello, MelvinGrayson Sr., Nina McFall, ChrisNardone, John Reid, FrancisWashington Jr. and RachelWashington.

In its reports, the committeestated, “All records used in con-nection with the Union’s financialoperations were reviewed fully….We find that the Headquarters ofthe Union is taking all steps possi-ble to safeguard Union funds andto see that the disbursements ofthe Union are in accordance withthe authority delegated to themand that, at the same time, there isa striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.”

The use of an annual financialcommittee is required by ArticleX, Section 15 of the SIU Con-stitution. It reads: “The AnnualFinancial Committee shall make

an examination for each annualperiod of the finances of theUnion and shall report fully ontheir findings and recommenda-tions.”

Sheila McNeill, president of the Navy League ofthe United States and a strong supporter of theU.S. Merchant Marine, recently visited with SIUmembers aboard the government-owned tankerPetersburg in Saipan. At left, McNeill receives aSeafarers jacket from SIU Representative JeffTurkus. Pictured below are (left) ABs Chris Dionioand Sam Lloyd and (right) more crew membersfrom the Petersburg.

Seafarers Greet Navy League President

Members of the financial committee and SIU officials are pictured lastmonth at union headquarters. Standing left to right are SIU AssistantVP Ambrose Cucinotta, Francis Washington Jr., Rachel Washington,Melvin Grayson Sr., John Reid, Chris Nardone, Nina McFall, SIUSecretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Gerard Costello.

Financial Committee Okays Records

The Seafarers-crewed Delta Mariner last monthtransported three components known as commonbooster cores for use on a Delta IV Heavy rocket.The ship delivered its cargo of 150-foot cores May11 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. after sailing fromDecatur, Ala.

A spokesperson for Boeing said the cores will beused in a Delta IV Heavy rocket launch that isscheduled for October. The mission will involveplacement of defense satellites for the U.S. AirForce.

The booster cores weigh about 60,000 poundsapiece and are 16 feet in diameter.

Last month’s assignment highlighted the DeltaMariner’s uniqueness. The 312-foot vessel, in ser-vice since 2000, specifically was designed to trans-port rocket boosters and other space hardware. Itmainly sails between Alabama, Florida andCalifornia.

Thanks to a variable ballast design, the ship oper-ates on rivers as well as oceans. Its top speed is 15knots.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket made its first flight inDecember 2004.

Photo courtesy of BoeingThe SIU-crewed Delta Mariner loads a Delta IV com-mon booster core at the John C. Stennis SpaceCenter, Miss.

Michael Sacco

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June 2005 Seafarers LOG 3

Say It with Pride: ChristeningSet for 2nd NCL America Ship

The Seafarers-crewed Pride ofAmerica—the second vessel inNCL America’s fleet—is sched-uled for christening June 17 inNew York City, signaling morenew jobs for SIU members.

The ship has been in the newsa lot lately, largely because it isthe first new deep sea U.S.-flagcruise ship in half a century and isthe biggest passenger ship everbuilt for U.S. registry (921 feetlong, with 15 decks and a passen-ger capacity of more than 2,100).But the Pride of America alsograbbed headlines when NCLAmerica announced that the pop-ular television show “Live withRegis and Kelly” would broad-cast a full week of shows (airingJune 20-24) from aboard the ship.

Last month, the vessel suc-cessfully was floated out at aGerman shipyard. It subsequentlywas scheduled for four days ofsea trials, which in part were tofocus on testing this ship’s diesel-electric propulsion system.

As previously reported, Sea-farers who are filling the unli-censed positions aboard the NCLAmerica vessels are completingcourses at the Paul Hall Centerfor Maritime Training andEducation in Piney Point, Md.and at its affiliated SeafarersTraining Center in Hawaii. Thesefacilities offer a range of key

classes including fire fighting andsafety training.

A recent article about NCLAmerica training on the con-sumer web site Cruise Criticnoted, “The facility at Piney Pointmay look like a summer camp,with ponds, wooden signs, treesand grass. But a look beyond thesurface will reveal an environ-ment that’s all business, with anoperational culinary lab, andstate-of-the-art bridge and enginesimulators…. And I’ve got to saythat knowing my cabin steward orfavorite bartender could save mylife certainly puts my mind atease.”

A third NCL America ship—the Pride of Hawaii—is on sched-ule for a 2006 launch, joiningboth the Pride of America and thePride of Aloha, which began sail-ing in 2004.

In a news release announcingthat the morning talk show withRegis Philbin and Kelly Ripa willtake place aboard the Pride ofAmerica, NCL America notedthat the TV personalities “havecommandeered the whole ship,and are giving away free cruisesto 1,000 contest winners andfans….”

Contest details are availableon the internet at www.livereg-isandkelly.com.

Matson Adds Another ShipSIU members and others in

the maritime industry who sailedaboard the Manulani over athree-day period of sea trials,found the ship seaworthy andready for service.

The Manulani is the thirddiesel-powered containershipbuilt for Seafarers-contractedMatson Navigation Company atKvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard.The new vessel is similar incapacity, speed and operatingefficiency to Matson’s Seafarers-crewed Manukai and Maunawili.Those two ships also were built

at Kvaerner Philadelphia; theyentered service in 2003 and2004, respectively. A fourth shipis expected to be placed in ser-vice in June 2006.

These new vessels are part ofa planned $354 million invest-ment in ship, container and ter-minal assets that will be used tolaunch a new Guam and Chinaservice, which is scheduled tostart in February 2006.

Matson has the option to timecharter these vessels in lieu ofpurchasing them. It also willhave options with the shipyard to

build up to four other container-ships of similar design that aredeliverable before June 2010.

Before the Manulani couldhead out west to begin service, anumber of checks needed to beperformed on all aspects of thevessel’s operations. “We basical-ly cause the ship’s systems tohave issues,” stated Capt. TomCasey of the Coast Guard. “Wedo a blackout test. We do enginetests. We check the vital systems,life supports and differentspeeds.”

The May 6-9 sea trials tookplace on the Delaware River,which was fairly smooth. The712-foot ship did hit a smallstorm, however, but it was noth-ing compared with what the crewcould encounter on the openseas. Compliments abounded forthe ship’s cafeteria and crew’srecreational room, and someproblems with the hot and coldwater regulators were noted foradjustment.

Matson officially took deliv-ery of the Manulani May 20,with christening ceremonies thefollowing day.

SIU members sail in the stew-ard department aboard Matsonships, although for the sea trials,the complement of marinersincluded AB Phillip Yaros,Chief Cook Jose Guzman, ABLaurentis Colbert and ABVictor Cooper.

SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be

closed Monday, July 4, 2005 for the observance of

Independence Day (unless an emergency arises).

Normal business hours will resume

the following workday.

Built at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, the Manulani recently wentthrough sea trials before being officially delivered to Matson NavigationCompany. It is the third containership to be completed for Matson atKvaerner. A fourth is expected to be placed in service in June 2006.

The SIU-crewed Pride of America means additional jobs for Seafarers in the growing U.S.-flag deep seacruise ship industry.

New Jobs Aboard Sea Venture

The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs as the coast-wise tanker Sea Venture (below) came under SIU contract.From the left (front row) are AB Dean Diaz and GSU HomerNobles; (second row) AB Alejandro Aldaiz, Oiler Ron Fields, ABKerry Bodden, Bosun Curt Peacock and AB Harry Elwin-Jones.Standing are Oiler James Hudson, Steward Earl Higgins, ABRobert Smith and SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly. The vesselis operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, Inc.

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The Seafarers-contracted Merlin recently was renamed in memo-ry of a U.S. Air Force sergeant who was killed in action in March2002 during an operation in the eastern highlands of Afghanistan.The TSgt. John A. Chapman was christened April 8 in Southport, N.C. The vessel is a 670-foot containership withRO/RO capability that is part of the U.S. Military SealiftCommand’s prepositioning fleet. Tech. Sgt. John A. Chapman,the ship’s namesake, is one of only three enlisted airmen sincethe Vietnam era to receive the Air Force Cross.

Vessel Named for USAF Hero

Lykes Motivator Crew Rescues 3 Swedish MarinersA trio of Swedish boatmen

recently dodged almost certaindoom in the Atlantic thanks to themariners from a Seafarers-crewedvessel.

Kenneth E. Lind, 54; hisbrother Daniel, 19; and Jan G.Lindholm, 44, during the earlymorning hours of March 29 wererescued from the sea some 218miles northwest of Bermuda bySeafarers aboard the SIU-con-tracted Lykes Motivator. Thethree liberated sailors earlier haddeparted Bermuda and chartedtheir course for the Azores. Theirultimate destination was Sweden.

Not long after weighinganchor and reaching the open sea,they found themselves at themercy of the deep. Their vessel,the 37-foot S/V Aurora, lost itsability to maneuver due to a badlydamaged mast. Seas at the time

reportedly were 12-15 feet and thewinds were squalling in excess of30 knots. The vessel eventuallybegan taking on water and, tomake matters worse, two of thethree men on board became ill.

“A strong fontal line also wasforecasted to pass through thearea within the next four to sixhours,” stated AB Brett Sun-derland, one of many Motivatorcrew members who would figurein the Swedish mariners’ fatebefore the following day’s end.

After assessing their situationas ominous and their chances forsurvival lean without timelyassistance, the troubled sailorsshortly before midnight March 28radioed a distress message to theNational Rescue Control Center(RCC) Goteborg back in theirhomeland (Sweden). Around 2a.m. March 29, the Swedish res-cue officials made contact withtheir American counterparts at theU.S. Coast Guard RCC Norfolk.Minutes later and following athorough exchange of informa-tion, the situation officially washanded off to the Americans foraction.

Officials at RCC Norfolk at2:10 a.m. contacted the Motivatorwith instructions to changecourse and hasten to the assis-tance of the Aurora. The dis-tressed vessel at the time waslocated at position 343.897N0608.981W. The Motivator,which was returning to the U.S.after making its usual run toNorthern Europe, was situatedsome five hours away from theAurora’s location when the order

to change course was received.Other vessels in the area, espe-cially those that might be closerthan five miles to the S/VAurora’s position, also weretasked to keep sharp lookouts andassist if possible.

Motivator Capt. RichardJohnson immediately altered hiscourse and steamed toward theAurora. Some five hours later atdaybreak, the sailboat was spot-ted and the captain readied hiscrew for rescue operations. Atthis juncture, the Aurora report-edly was listing badly on its star-board side, still taking on waterand its fragile mast steadilyabsorbing supplementary dam-age.

When the endangered sailorssaw the Motivator, they beganpreparing themselves to abandonship. Clad in rain suits, they man-aged to lower their small rubberdinghy into the water and secureand start its engine. Next, theybegan to shuttle some of their per-sonal gear and equipment to theMotivator where it was winchedaboard by the crew. Following thelast run, the three sailors camealong side the Motivator forextraction. At this point, becauseof the rough seas, the smalldinghy nearly capsized, throwingone of the passengers (Lindholm)overboard.

“He swiftly drifted aft,” saidSunderland. “By the quickresponse of the crew, we wereable to retrieve him by using theships’ crane before he slippedunder.”

“We almost lost him,” CaptainJohnson noted. “He was havingtrouble staying afloat because hissuit was filling up with water.”Reacting instantly, the Motivatorcrew lowered a basket into thewater by crane and hoistedLindholm to safety. The Lindbrothers later were broughtaboard without further incident.

After the three sailors safelywere aboard, examined and

attended to, the Lykes Motivatorresumed its course for the UnitedStates. As it departed the area, theAurora’s mast could be seenbeing ripped completely off, andit soon succumbed to the sea.

Seafarers aboard the Motiv-ator during the rescue were:Bosun James McRevy; ABs

Michael Weber, John Saturday,Jerome Williams, RichardObrien and Brett Sunderland;Electrician Chavalier Maycock;DEMAC Alcido Lopes; WiperWillie Clemmons; Chief StewardWalter Darensbourg; ChiefCook Francisco Da Cruz andGSU Clifton Washington.

The Lykes Motivator plows through the rough seas en route to the dis-tressed S/V Aurora.

After being thrown overboardfrom the dinghy during rescueoperations, one of the Swedishmariners is hoisted to safetyaboard the Motivator deck in abasket.

Swedishmariners, left toright, Daniel Lind,Jan Lindholm andKenneth Lind areall smiles afterbeing rescued atsea by the crewof the LykesMotivator.

The disabled sailboat sank shortly after its crew members were rescued.

The Greater St. Louis Area Port Council in late April commemorated its 25th anniversary during theorganization’s annual awards dinner. More than 500 guests attended the event, including high-rank-ing U.S. military officers, executives from U.S.-flag shipping companies, pro-maritime governmentofficials and members of the labor community. Pictured at the dinner are (from left) SIU St. Louis PortAgent Becky Sleeper; St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Feldhaus; St. Louis Port Council VP Jack Martorelli; SIU President Michael Sacco, afounding member of the council; U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.); St. Louis Port Council PresidentDick Mantia; St. Louis Labor Council President Bob Soutier; and Missouri AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Herb Johnson. This year’s honorees were Sacco, Carnahan, Mantia and Martorelli.

St. Louis Port Council Celebrates 25 Years

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Both houses of the U.S.Congress in late April approved acompromise $2.57 trillion budgetresolution that allows safe oilexploration on the coastal plainof the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge (ANWR).

The resolution, H. Con. Res.95, is a nonbinding plan thatestablishes federal spending forfiscal year 2006, revises the bud-get for fiscal year 2005, and sets

forth appropriate budgetary lev-els for fiscal years 2007 through2010. The measure emerged fromconference April 27 and passedthe House of Representatives in a214-211 vote during the earlyevening of April 28. It was near-ly midnight the same day, how-ever, before the Senate concludedlengthy debate on the budget res-olution and took a 52-47 vote.

The measure moved through

Congress with considerable ease,but ANWR proponents as well asa number of Washington insidersstill think it’s too early to begin avictory march.

“We are now one step closerto opening up ANWR, which willunleash the potential of NorthAmerica’s greatest oil reserve,”said Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the SenateCommittee on Commerce,

Science and Transportation.“Clearly, we’re pleased that theConference Report passed boththe House and the Senate,” hecontinued. “This is a good sign,but we need to keep on working.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) also applauded the reso-lution, noting that “opening upANWR is an important part ofour long-term efforts to reduceour dependency on foreign oil,and I am pleased that the budgetincludes the possibility of reach-ing this goal. It’s one more hurdlein the long fight to openANWR.”

Representative Don Young(R-Alaska) concurred: “I applaudthe good work of both the Houseand Senate in passing this impor-tant resolution. This bill indicatesa willingness and intent to keepthe country on a strong fiscaltrack, while also improving ourenergy security.”

The budget plan does notspecifically mention ANWRdrilling by name, according toseveral reports. But Judd Gregg(R-New Hampshire), who headsthe Senate Budget Committee,indicated that the plan’s languagewas carefully crafted to ensure

that Senate legislation to give oilcompanies access to the Alaskanwildlife refuge would not be sub-ject to a filibuster.

The fate of exploration inANWR now is in the hands of theSenate’s Energy and NaturalResources and the House’sEnergy and Commerce Com-mittees. Both bodies on May 9began their challenging tasks ofcrafting legislation that ultimate-ly will establish the actualprocess for ANWR leasing andexploration, which, in turn, willallow lawmakers to come up withthe almost $2.5 billion includedin the budget from expectedANWR revenues. This legisla-tion will then be turned over tothe House and Senate budgetpanels, and included in the over-all budget reconciliation mea-sure. That measure possiblycould see final action this fall.

ANWR, about the size ofSouth Carolina, sprawls acrossmore than 19 million acres innortheastern Alaska. The govern-ment has estimated energy com-panies would find it cost-effectiveto recover at least 6 billion barrelsof oil from ANWR, if prices wereat or above $35 a barrel.

ANWR Exploration Clears Another Hurdle

The Seafarers-crewed USNSSeay on May 8 and 9 helped assistin the rescue of four individualswho were caught in a Nor’easterabout 400 miles off the coast ofVirginia Beach.

In a communication to thecrew and officers of the Seay,U.S. Coast Guard Vice AdmiralVivien S. Crea noted, “Your quickresponse and expert seamanshipduring a severe Nor’easter helpedsave four lives. Thank you for ajob well done.”

Operated by SIU-contractedAMSEA, the Seay was diverted toassist after a 45-foot sailboat (theAlmeisan) became disabled in the50-mph winds and 25-foot seas.Before the Seay and another shipas well as Coast Guard personnelreached the scene, one of theboaters drowned. The other fourwere saved.

AB William “Buzz” Brownsaid, “Our ship was designated asthe command vessel for thesearch. Everyone did a good joband we were all glad to help. Itwas an amazing experience.”

SIU members sailing aboardthe Seay during the rescue includ-ed Recertified Bosun John Wells,ABs Brown, Peter Wojcikowski,Richard Otto, Kyle Bloom,John Kamara and RobertJoyce, STOS Rodolfo Zena,QMEDs Robert Lee and MonroeMonseur, Oiler Adam Begleiter,Recertified Stewards Roger

Griswold and Andrew Austin,Chief Cook John Bukowsky andSA Kenneth McKinley.

Tom Madden, the Seay’s mas-ter, said in a communication toAMSEA that the crew “did a verygood job under severe weatherconditions.”

In a separate note to the com-pany, Madden noted that the Seayinitially was contacted by theCoast Guard and told to proceed“to a search area for the sailboatand two crew in a life raft. Enroute, we were informed that thelife raft did not contain any peopleand we were directed to the sail-boat’s position. We arrived inforce 6 weather to provide a lee tothe sailboat and await the arrivalof the rescue helicopter.

“At one point the yacht waswithin five feet of the vessel, but aline could not be made fast to theyacht by those on board her,”Madden continued. “We contin-ued to give a lee and the copterput a rescue swimmer in the waterto retrieve the three souls aboard.After this, we were made on-scene commander of the searchand rescue portion for the missingtwo crew. Two C-130s (airplanes)were directed to put markers inthe last known site and these ledto the search grid being adjusted.At 0345 the missing seamen werefound.”

The surviving man wasbrought aboard a different ship, as

was the body of the deceased indi-vidual.

The boaters were caught off-guard by the sudden storm, andsubsequently spent 14 hoursadrift. According to newspaperreports, they activated the boat’semergency radio beacon and thentried to make ready the lifeboat. Awave then washed two of theboaters overboard along with theraft.

Skipper Thomas Tighe, 65, anexperienced boater, perished.

One of the survivors describedeveryone involved in the rescue as“the utmost professionals,”according to the WorcesterTelegram & Gazette.

The family of the late ChiefSteward Eddie Dunn stopped bythe SIU hall in Brooklyn, N.Y. onApril 25 to donate an Americanflag and a U.S. Merchant Marineflag. Those flags now are flowndaily in front of the hall. BrotherDunn passed away Feb. 28 at age48. SIU VP Atlantic Coast JosephSoresi told Dunn’s family, “Eddiewas a great SIU member. He wasa credit to his union and his pro-fession.” Pictured by the hall are(from left) Brother Dunn’s childrenMichael, MaryEllen and Meagan;his father, Howard; his mother,Mary; SIU Representative JackSheehan; Soresi; Marie Sacco,secretary at the Brooklyn hall; andSIU Representative RandySenatore.

Remembering Brother Eddie Dunn

Following more than threeyears of grassroots efforts by theNew Jersey State AFL-CIO andits affiliates, including the SIU,New Jersey Acting GovernorRichard J. Codey on May 5signed Senate bill 494 to protectNew Jersey jobs from being out-sourced to foreign countries byrequiring that all services understate contract or subcontract mustbe performed within the UnitedStates.

“Today New Jersey is takingan important step to protect ourworkers and keep jobs fromgoing overseas,” Codey said.“With this bill, we are sending aclear message that if a companywants to take jobs from our hardworking families and send themoverseas, then it will not do busi-ness with the state.”

SIU Vice President AtlanticCoast Joseph Soresi serves as a

vice president on the New JerseyState AFL-CIO. The federation’spresident, Charles Wowkanech,sent a letter to affiliates followingthe signing that thanked “all theunions that lobbied in support ofthis law via membership letterwriting campaigns, district officevisits and appeals to legislativeleadership. Without your supportthis could not have been accom-plished.”

Thomas Carver, commissionerof the state’s Department ofLabor and Workforce Develop-ment, noted, “It is shameful somecompanies have sought to profitoff of shipping jobs across theAtlantic. The practice of out-sourcing deteriorates the veryfabric of our workforce in NewJersey.”

The bill requires that onlyAmerican citizens and personsauthorized to work in the United

States shall provide servicesunder a state contract or subcon-tract. Only when it can be certi-fied that a service cannot be per-formed within the United Stateswill an exemption be made. Thisbill applies to the ExecutiveBranch of state government, theLegislature, and any independentstate authority, commission oragency authorized to enter into acontract on behalf of the state.

In a news release announcingthe signing, Codey’s office point-ed out, “As the state and thenation have grown reluctantlyaccustomed to the disappearanceof manufacturing jobs, the newreality is that ‘knowledge jobs’are just as susceptible. The sec-tors being hit by outsourcinghave been the main engine of jobgrowth. With the growing trendof outsourcing becoming morecommonplace, the largest occu-pational groups at risk includeadministrative support services,information technology, businessand financial operations andhealthcare.”

New Jersey is the fifth state inthe nation to enact legislation orexecutive action on outsourcing.

N.J. Governor SignsUnion-Backed BillBanning Offshoring

USNS Seay Helps Save 4 Lives

The USNS Seay provided a lee for the distressed boaters aboard theAlmeisan.

USNS Seay crew members assisted in rescue operations which result-ed in four lives saved.

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Union President Congratulates Graduates

SIU President Michael Sacco (right) spoke with new graduates of the unlicensed apprentice programApril 22 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Hecongratulated the students and encouraged them to return to the school for upgrading coursesthroughout their maritime careers, noting that the Paul Hall Center is structured to benefit virtually anyeligible student who is willing to take advantage of the opportunity. More information about the appren-tice program and the school in general is available in the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafar-ers.org. The school is a trust fund maintained jointly by labor and management representatives.

Watson Seafarers Back Our Troops

SIU Representative Jeff Turkus submitted these photos ofSeafarers aboard the prepositioning ship USNS Watson inSaipan. The vessel is part of the U.S. Military Sealift

Command’s LMSRfleet—and the SIUmembers who sailaboard the ship arepart of our nation’sfourth arm of defense.Pictured in the topphoto are (standing,from left) Chief CookRoy Warren, Turkus,Electrician DukeBryan, QMEDKenneth Hamilton,(front) Chief StewardRobert Greenwoodand SA MarcoCayetano. At left areCayetano and OSFermin Baltazar;below are Greenwood,SA Charles Davis,Warren and Cayetano.

John Mason was taken by surprise at the May mem-bership meeting in Piney Point, Md. when he was calledup to the podium to receive an award from theDepartment of Defense, which was presented to him bySIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez.

Mason is CEO of American Service Technology, Inc.(ASTI), a maritime consulting group which, among otherthings, provides training at the Paul Hall Center.

The award certificate read: The National Committeefor Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves recog-nizes John Mason, American Service Technology, Inc., asa patriotic employer for contributing to national securityand protecting liberty and freedom by supportingemployee participation in America’s National Guard andReserve Force.

Mason noted that over the years, a number of hisemployees have been able to satisfy their reserve dutyrequirements while continuing their training professionsat the Paul Hall Center.

One of the more recent instructors to take advantage of

the policy is Bradford Wheeler, who went through thetrainee program in 1977 (class #239).

Now a commander in the Naval Reserve, Wheelerspent the first two months of this year on board theIndependence (a training vessel for the MassachusettsMaritime Academy). During his yearly reserve commit-ments, he also has worked with U.S. Army reservistsgoing to the Persian Gulf, boarded ships to inspect crewsand cargoes and conducted drills at MSC headquarters inWashington, D.C. His teaching assignments at the PaulHall Center include tanker familiarization, ARPA, bridgeresource management, crisis management, electronicchart display information systems (ECDIS), radar,advanced fire fighting, fast rescue boat, GMDSS andcrane operations—among many others.

Wheeler sees ASTI’s policy as additional support forthe maritime operations that are important to the securityof our country. “It all ties in to what we do here at theschool,” he said.

Dept. of Defense Honors MasonFor Support of Guard/Reserves

John Mason (right), CEO, American Service Technology,Inc., is presented with a certificate from the Department ofDefense for supporting employee participation in the U.S.National Guard and Reserve Force. SIU Vice PresidentContracts Augie Tellez announced the award at the Maymembership meeting in Piney Point, Md.

More than $140 million in port security grants onMay 13 were announced by the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security (DHS).

According to a DHS news release, $140,857,128will be allocated in funding to various ports aroundthe nation under the FY 2005 Port Security GrantProgram (PSGP). The PSGP uses a risk-based for-mula to allocate funds to protect U.S. ports fromacts of terrorism.

The new risk-based formula considers three ele-ments: threat, vulnerability and consequence. Aspart of this risk-management approach, the portsecurity grant program is intended to ensure feder-ally regulated ports, terminals and U.S.-inspectedpassenger vessels receiving the funds representassets of the highest national strategic importance.

Sixty-six port areas have been identified as eligi-ble applicants for inclusion in the FY 2005 program.Successful applicants will be awarded through acompetitive process.

“Our nation’s ports are centers for commerce,trade and travel—areas our enemies could seek toattack in their attempts to defy freedom and liberty.These grants will help prepare and protect ournation to minimize risk and to win the war on ter-rorism,” said Matt A. Mayer, acting executive direc-tor of the DHS Office of State and LocalGovernment Coordination and Preparedness.

According to Congressional Information Bureaureports, the American Association of PortAuthorities (AAPA) welcomed the news that theDHS has opened up the funds to help America’s sea-ports pay for hardening security at their terminalsand making other needed infrastructure upgrades inan effort to prevent terrorist acts. However, consid-ering Coast Guard estimate in 2002 that ports wouldneed to spend $5.4 billion over 10 years to complywith new mandated Maritime TransportationSecurity Act (MTSA) enhancements, the AAPAcontinues to seek a much higher level of securitygrants for U.S. seaports.

In the fifth round of its Port Security Grant pro-gram, the DHS has given eligible port areas until

June 10 to apply for available grant money, which inthe past has been used to help pay for fencing, light-ing, truck gates, patrol boats and terminal accesscontrols. As a way to prioritize funding for seaportshaving the greatest degree of perceived risk, theDHS is now limiting the number of eligible portareas to 66, stating in its fact sheet, “…the FY 2005program will direct all available funds to thenation’s highest risk ports, thereby ensuring federal-ly regulated ports, terminals and U.S.-inspected pas-senger vessels receiving PSG funds represent assetsof the highest strategic importance nationally.”

Also in its fact sheet, the DHS places strongemphasis on prevention and detection of improvisedexplosive devices, as well as chemical, biological,radiological and nuclear devices.

Another change the DHS has made in this grantround is to require private businesses seeking grantmonies to provide a 50 percent match. This is inresponse to recent criticism from the InspectorGeneral that privately owned companies, such aspetroleum and chemical terminals, are vying withpublic entities, such as port authorities, for moneyfrom the federal program.

In the proposed FY’06 federal budget, theadministration recommended eliminating the PortSecurity Grant program, which Congress createdafter 9/11 to reimburse U.S. maritime facilities forpre-approved projects required by federal regula-tions to enhance national security. In its place wouldbe the newly created Transportation InfrastructureProtection (TIP) program that would lump grantproposals from ports together with requests from ahost of other transportation-related industries.

In a related development, Sen. Barbara Boxer(D-Calif.) has introduced legislation (S.1032) thatwould improve security at the nation’s ports byincreasing the DHS’ port security grant funding.

“Securing our ports is critical to our national andeconomic security,” Boxer said. “We need to investin securing our ports to keep this country safe. Wecannot afford the consequences of doing other-wise.”

Government Announces Upcoming Port Grants

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There’s a world of differencebetween learning about theSeafarers International Unionfrom other mariners and actuallytalking to the leaders of the unionface-to-face. That’s what the 11graduates of the bosun recertifica-tion course found out during theirmonth-long course and which willnow shape their own leadershiproles aboard ship.

The bosuns emphasized thatthe class will help enable them todo a better job at sea

The 11 Seafarers—KelvinCherington, Thomas P. Flana-gan, Alvin T. Martin, Willie M.Marsh, Eric A. Berry, Konstan-tino Prokovas, Timothy Burke,Aristeo M. Padua, Homar L.McField, Robert J. Colemanand Christopher K. Pompel—each gave their impressions of thebosun recertification course inremarks delivered after receivingtheir certificates of graduation atthe May membership meeting inPiney Point, Md.

Rumors and innuendos canspread like wildfire, but these stu-dents—who completed the high-est level of education available tomembers of the deck departmentat the Paul Hall Center forMaritime Training and Educationin Piney Point—learned the factsdirectly from the union’s presi-dent, vice presidents and depart-ment heads—officials who guidethe SIU to make it strong and suc-cessful.

The 11 students were exposedto many different facets of bosuntraining, including meeting withdepartment representatives atPiney Point, headquarters and atthe offices of the Maritime TradesDepartment in Washington, D.C.They found themselves amazed athow much they learned about thebehind-the-scenes workings of theunion and now believe they are ina better position to take what theyhave observed and disseminatethe information to their fellowshipmates.

Cherington, who hails from theHonduras Bay Island of Roatán,has been sailing for 20 years, thelast four of which have been withthe SIU following its merger withthe NMU. He has traveled all overthe world and is extremely proudto be part of the union, which hebelieves turned his life around.

Now sailing from PortEverglades, Fla., Cherington wasexcited by the classes he took aspart of the bosun recertificationprogram, particularly the smallarms course. But above all, hestated he now has a more conciseunderstanding about the workingsof the union and how contracts arenegotiated, and feels better able toanswer any questions other mem-bers may pose to him.

To the unlicensed apprenticesin the audience, Cheringtonstressed the need to study hard,

get educated, ask questions, workas a team and always rememberthat safety comes first.

Flanagan agreed that themonth-long course afforded him abetter understanding of how theunion works. He said he neverrealized the scope of the politicsinvolved and the commitmentrequired on the part of union offi-cials and representatives to securea better future for the member-ship. At the same time, he wasmade aware of how contributingto SPAD is an investment in thefuture.

Flanagan, who sails from theport of New York, also started hisseafaring career in the NMU. Heis “proud to sail with such quali-fied people,” he noted in hisremarks at the graduation ceremo-ny, and found his experience atPiney Point a pleasant one, partic-ularly being able to talk with otherbosuns on what they are doingand how they deal with certainproblems and activities aboardship.

Martin began sailing with theNMU in 1975 and ships from theport of New Orleans. He wasaboard a Keystone vessel inSeattle when the proposedSIU/NMU merger was an-nounced, and he said there weresome negative rumors associatedwith the merger. After completingthe bosun recertification course,he now believes he has the infor-mation needed to help reinforceothers who started in the NMU ofthe benefits of being part of theSIU family. This, in turn, willbring strength and unity to theunion.

Martin, who was accompaniedto Piney Point by his wife, statedhe is humbled by the leadershipwithin the union. He stressed tothe unlicensed apprentices that

what they learn at the school willhelp prepare them for a greatcareer at sea—or as a springboardto almost anything else they wantto do. “Just apply yourselves;nothing comes easy.”

Shipping from the port ofHouston, Marsh joined the SIU in1975 at the age of 22. He has beenaround the world, sailing as anAB, and said it’s been a greatexperience.

The SIU is like a family, “andyou’re an important part of thisorganization,” Marsh said. He sin-gled out SIU Assistant VicePresident Jim McGee, his portchaplain and the secretaries at theHouston hall for their help inkeeping him headed in the rightdirection.

“Take advantage of all thetools you have here at the PaulHall Center,” he told the trainees.“You can go as far as you want.”

Berry also joined the SIU in2001 as a result of the SIU/NMUmerger. He has been sailing 18years from the port of Wil-mington, Calif.

The recertified bosun found hisexperiences at Piney Point to beinformative, interesting andinspiring, particularly learning thepolitical aspects of promoting theindustry.

To the unlicensed apprentices,he said, “Never forget who camebefore you. They sacrificed agreat deal for us to be where weare today.” He concluded bystressing the importance of SPADcontributions to “help us staystrong for those who follow.”

Although he has been sail-ing since 1968, Prokovasjoined the SIU in New York in1992. He said the union hasbeen good to him and his fam-ily, and was grateful for theopportunity to be part of therecertification class.

Prokovas was amazed ateverything he learned. “FromPiney Point, to SIU headquar-ters, to the Maritime TradesDepartment, we found out justhow hard our union officialsare working to secure thisindustry.”

He remarked to the traineesand other upgrading Seafarersthat every time they enhance theirskills, they are “one step ahead.”He concluded by thanking

“everyone for making this unionnumber-one.”

“This is a proud moment in myseafaring career: an accomplish-ment that has taken me quitesome time,” stated Burke. Nowsailing from Algonac, he was atrainee right after high school in1968. His father is a retired SIUmember; a brother, who was alsoa trainee, is now on the WestCoast working for Crowley; andhis nephew, who went throughthe unlicensed apprentice pro-gram four years ago, now ships asan AB.

Burke has sailed deep sea,Great Lakes and inland and hasreturned to the school a numberof times to upgrade his skills.

Having been in their positionbefore, Burke told the traineesthat he knows what it’s like beingaway from home, probably forthe first time. He explained thattheir training at Piney Point is justa beginning, and that once theyget aboard a ship, it is their job toexpand that base. “Try to remem-ber there are those who will teachyou if you will let them,” he said.“Every ship is different, and peo-ple are different. Your first ship iswhat makes you, so if you learnthere, the rest is easy.”

Now armed with the knowl-edge to be a better leader, Burke’sintention is to share what he haslearned. “Just ask,” he said, andhe dedicated the day to all whohave helped him along the way.

Born in the Philippines, Paduahad a background in nautical sci-ence before he began shipping in1977 around his native islands.Two years later he started sailingon foreign-flag ships until hecame to America in 1990. Hejoined the NMU and began sail-ing and upgrading his skills.Following the merger, he got hisSTCW certification—and hasbeen sailing with the SIU since.He gave his personal thanks to theSIU and its officials, the PaulHall Center staff and instructorsas well as to Wilmington PortAgent John Cox and his staff.

His message to the trainees isto study hard and work hard. “Askquestions when you are out at sea.Make a habit of writing downthings you are not familiar with.Listen to your supervisors. Work

together as a team.” Padua realizes that graduating

from a course or completing a pro-gram is just a beginning—theopening of a door to new opportu-nities, and he urged the trainees todo the best they can and alwayswork safely. “Be proud of your-selves as trained, qualifiedSeafarers,” he said.

McField was excited abouteverything he learned during thefour-week recertification course.A member of the SIU since August1996, McField now wants to takehis new knowledge about how theunion works directly to others whohave not had the opportunity to seeand hear it for themselves.Speaking directly to the union’spresident and other officials anddepartment heads was a highlightof the experience for him.

McField advised the traineesthat the only way they can learn isby asking questions.

Coleman agreed that being ableto talk directly with the union offi-cials has given him a better under-standing of the politics involved inthe maritime industry. “I neverrealized the extent politics playedin the whole system,” he said.“We’re really one big voice, andSPAD is so important.”

Coleman, who has sailed fromthe port of Houston since 1988,thanked the staff at the school fortheir time and patience. Headdressed the trainees by remind-ing them of their role as mariners.“You’re going to have a chance togo out and see the world,” he toldthem. “Keep in mind that any-where you go, you’re a merchantseaman. And not only do you rep-resent the SIU, you also representAmerica. Give us a good name.”

After spending the first part ofhis career as a commercial fisher-man, Pompel joined the SIU in1991 in the port of Seattle. Havingworked in another part of theindustry, he now has a better senseof the benefits and job securityenjoyed by Seafarers.

Sailing with the SIU hasallowed him to live where hewants, enjoy a comfortableincome and, when he wants tosail, he knows he has a job.

He thanked the SIU and thestaff and instructors at the schoolfor the opportunity to upgrade,and also thanked all the old-timerswho taught him how to live andwork at sea.

He told the trainees, “You’vegot brothers and sisters on theships willing to teach you. Justshow a good attitude and somehard work, and the payoff foryour time here will be rewarded.”

11 Recertified Bosuns Learn ‘Up Close and Personal’

Following their graduation ceremony at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, the new recertifiedbosuns pose for a group photo with some of the union officials who helped educate them about workings ofthe SIU during the month-long course. From the left are: Christopher K. Pompel, Willie M. Marsh, ThomasP. Flanagan, Timothy Burke, Eric A. Berry, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Robert J. Coleman, Valerie Martin(wife of Alvin Martin), Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Alvin T. Martin, Homar L. McField, KonstantinoProkovas, SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Aristeo M. Padua, Kelvin Cherington, SIU VP Atlantic CoastJoseph Soresi, SIU Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.

RecertifiedBosun RobertColeman offerspointers tosome unli-censedapprentices intying the cor-rect knot forthe job.

Valerie Martin joins her husband,Alvin, in steering the Osprey.

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SeafSeaf arerarer s Ps Parar tt icipaticipat e in Benee in Bene ff itit s Conferencess Conferences

Representatives from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) in late April wrappedup a series of conferences that took place at SIU halls across the country.

Hundreds of Seafarers, pensioners and their families attended the benefits conferences inWilmington, Calif.; San Francisco; Tacoma, Wash.; Houston; New Orleans; and Jacksonville,

Fla.Earlier in April, conferences were conducted in Piney Point, Md.; Philadelphia;

Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Norfolk, Va. Those meetings were covered in the May issue ofthe Seafarers LOG.

The more recent conferences had the same basic structure as the first ones.During the meetings, SHBP representatives and spokespersons discussed adjust-ments approved by the trustees to the costs of various SHBP coverage. Details werereviewed at the conferences and they also were specified in a letter mailed to indi-vidual SHBP participants. Generally, the most significant adjustments are the imple-mentations of deductibles and co-payments.

At each of the conferences, a lot of time was spent in question-and-answer peri-ods, with Seafarers, pensioners and their families interacting with SHBP panelists.Among those speaking on behalf of the SHBP were Carolyn Gentile, counsel to theSeafarers Plans; Bill Dennis, Plans administrator; Basil Castrovinci and Matt

Castrovinci, actuaries for the Plans; and ColleenBaker, representative from First HealthNetwork.

SIU officials also took part in the meetings,including President Michael Sacco, ExecutiveVice President John Fay, Secretary-TreasurerDavid Heindel, Vice President Contracts AugieTellez, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgeyand Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone.

Panelists emphasized the advantages of uti-lizing First Health Network. They also pointedout that there still is no out-of-pocket cost forSeafarers to maintain their coverage through theSHBP. By contrast, most Americans with healthbenefits have to pay part of their premium.

Similarly, eligible Seafarers are part of asmall minority of Americans who don’t have topay all or part of the premiums for dependent

coverage.Additionally, SHBP representatives explained the Plan’s structure and operations; talked

about the health care crisis from a national standpoint; and cited examples of how those withinsurance actually bear the cost of providing treatment to the more than 45 millionAmericans who have no health coverage.

Across the nation, health care costs (including the price of prescription drugs) are increas-ing by double-digit percentages each year. Credible, high-profile sources from differentindustries have warned that if the current trend doesn’t improve, health care could ruin thenational economy.

Behind the many statistics reflecting this crisis are working families and retirees—manywith insurance, many without—who remain at risk of financial devastation from one accidentor injury.

Last month, results from the Harvard ConsumerBankruptcy Project—believed to bethe first comprehensive study ofmedical bankruptcy—found that 1million Americans per year arebankrupted by medical bills or ill-ness. Of those, more than three-quarters had health insurance whenthey became ill or were injured.

SAN FFRANCISCO

On hand in San Francisco to answer questions from Seafarers,pensioners and their families about the change in health carecoverage are (from left) Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel,Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Plans AdministratorBill Dennis and Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans.

Right: SIU member Sam Garrett askedabout getting more medications for

longer voyages.

Prescription coverage was on themind of retiree Jim Saxton.

Right: Questions wereraised about time

needed for eligibility.

There was a goodturnout at the SanFrancisco hall of thosewishing to learn moreabout their health bene-fits.

Concerns were expressedabout medication refills

while aboard shuttle ves-sels.

How the changeswill affect retireeswas the question onon the minds ofmany pensioners.

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SeafSeaf arerarer s Ps Parar tt icipaticipat e in Benee in Bene ff itit s Conferencess ConferencesHHOUSTON

NEW OORLEANS

WILMINGTON

A good number of SIU members and their familiesattended the benefits conference at the New Orleanshall including, from left, Bosun George Price III,Electrician Robert Joyce and AB Ricardo Legorreta.

AB Randy Bolling (left) has an opportu-nity to chat with SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.

Chief Cook Joe Brooks (left) and ChiefSteward Connie Gaines appreciatedhearing from the Plans officials. Withthem is SIU Secretary-Treasurer DavidHeindel.

Everybody was very interested in how their medicalbenefits were going to be affected. Husbands andwives of Seafarers as well as current members andretirees were on hand to familiarize themselves withthe new conditions. At left is Penny Adams, wife ofRay Adams.

A large group was on hand at theHouston hall to listen as the SHBPrepresentatives and spokespersonstalked about the medical care crisis inthis country and how the plan is tryingcontain costs while still providing qual-ity health care coverage.

Plans Administrator Bill Dennis (in near rightphoto) addresses the crowd. Members John Cain(center) and Tom Arriola ask questions regardingtheir health care coverage.

Even with the adjustment to

deductibles and co-payments,

there still are no out-of-

pocket costs for Seafarers to

maintain their coverage

through the SHBP. By con-

trast most Americans with

health benefits have to pay at

least part of their premiums.

After learning more about the adjustmentsmade to their health and benefits plan,Seafarers in Wilmington, Calif. had theirquestions answered by the Plans officials.

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Some 200,000 visitors fromup and down the Pacific North-west Coast recently turned out tothe Oregon Convention Centerin Portland to witness and enjoythe varied attractions on exhibitduring the 2005 AFL-CIO UnionIndustries Show.

Themed “Good Jobs BuildStrong Communities” and spon-sored by the AFL-CIO UnionLabel and Service TradesDepartment, the show took placeApril 29 to May 2. Showcasedwere the latest in union-made-in-the-USA products includingautos and accessories, motorcy-cles, hardware, clothing, sport-ing goods and furniture. Alsofeatured were baked goods and

groceries, appliances and house-wares.

Visitors were afforded infor-mation on how to acquire train-ing for union jobs.

Although a newcomer to theannual AFL-CIO event, SIU-contracted NCL America was ahuge participant in the show. Forthe event’s SIU/UIW grandprize, the deep-sea cruise shipcompany donated an all-expens-es-paid 7-day cruise of theHawaiian Islands for two.

UIW-contracted companiesthat participated included: BronShoe and Franklin International,both of Columbus, Ohio; Church& Dwight, London, Ohio;Kroger, Delaware, Ohio; Sealy

Mattress, Williamsport, Md.;Juanita’s Foods, Wilmington,Calif.; Cott Beverages, USA,San Bernardino, Calif.; DelMonte, Terminal Island, Calif.;the Queen Mary, Long Beach,Calif,.; La Victoria Foods, Rose-mead, Calif.; and Chicken of theSea Inc., Terminal Island, Calif.

Other major prizes and theirrespective union donors were:UAW-made autos from GM(2005 Chevy Cobalt) and Ford (a2005 2X4 Focus); a Harley-Davidson motorcycle; hospitali-ty from Portland’s Benson Hotel;appliances made by members ofthe UAW, IUE-CWA and USW-PACE; and a John Deere Tractormade by Machinists and USW-

PACE members. Giveawaysincluded dry goods, USW-PACEpaper products, canned goods,and snacks courtesy of TeamsterDairy Division workers and gro-ceries courtesy of the Bakery,Confectionery, Tobacco Workersand Grain Millers (BCTGM).

“The show was a resoundingsuccess,” noted SIU TacomaPort Agent Bryan Powell, whohelped set up and staff theSIU/UIW booth. “It is such agreat public relations opportuni-ty for labor to showcase ourproducts and services as well asinteract in a very positive andfriendly way with the generalpublic.”

“This show has traveledthroughout the country thesepast 60 years to underscore theimportance of supporting goodunion jobs, purchasing uniongoods and services and keepingunion jobs in American commu-nities,” declared Charles Mercer,

president of the AFL-CIO UnionLabel and Service TradesDepartment.

Mercer was joined by mem-bers of the department’s execu-tive council and Oregon Gov.Ted Kulongoski to cut the ribbonformally opening the show.Although scores of candidatesand celebrities have participatedin the show during its long andrich history, Kulongoski was thefirst host-state governor to jointhe show’s ribbon-cutting cere-monies.

The governor praised thelabor movement’s contributionsto American culture and society.“The American quality of life isbecause of the American labormovement,” he said, urgingworking families to “take pridein what you see here. No countryin the world can compete with usif we recognize the efforts ofAmerica’s working people.”

Bill Eckles, who retired lastsummer after decades of serviceas the clinical director of theAddictions RehabilitationCenter (ARC) in Piney Point,Md., died May 12, reportedlyfrom heart failure. He was 62.

“Bill was a positive influenceon so many people,” noted DonNolan, vice president of the PaulHall Center for MaritimeTraining and Education, whichis affiliated with the ARC. “Hewas committed to his work andhe remained a friend to both theschool and the ARC even inretirement.”

John Gallagher, director ofthe ARC, stated, “He’s going tobe missed. His contributions tothe program here were immea-surable. Really, he’s one of thearchitects of the program thatexists today. That’s one reasonhe won’t be forgotten.”

Eckles joined the SIU in1965 in his native Philadelphia.He sailed as a recertified bosun

and later earned a second mate’slicense before coming ashore in1985 to work as a counselor atthe ARC. He became the cen-ter’s clinical director three yearslater.

Last year, in an interview for

his retirement article in theSeafarers LOG, Eckles said hegot started as a counselor be-cause he had gone through theARC when it opened (in 1975)and he “had a desire to putsomething back into it.”

Previously, in a 1992 pieceabout the school, Eckles wrote,“I wouldn’t have worked in thisfield if it wasn’t with merchantmariners. I wasn’t looking foranother profession, but goingthrough the ARC program hadturned my life around, and I feltI could contribute.”

Eckles retired to SilverSpring, Md.

Funeral services took placeMay 17 in Philadelphia. In lieuof flowers, contributions in hismemory may be made to theAmerican Heart Association,625 W. Ridge Pike, Building A-100, Conshohocken, PA 19428or the Caron Foundation, 17Camp Road, Wernersville, PA19565.

Seafarers-Crewed CarterReaches Safety Milestone

Seafarers who work aboard a Maersk Line Limited (MLL) operat-ed vessel recently established a safety milestone of which the entiremaritime community can be proud.

As of April 30, the SIU-contracted SSG Edward A. Carter Jr.marked 1,000 days of accident-free operations, a significant achieve-ment. MLL Director of Maritime Operations Capt. Jerry Eker, in cor-respondence dated May 1 to the captain and crew of the Carter, saidin part: “Please note our congratulations and express our thanks andappreciation to the crew for their continued focus on safety. [Onethousand] days is a major accomplishment and one that is not achiev-able by every vessel. This devotion to the safe working environmentis acknowledgement that everyone on board has taken pride in the ves-sel, their job and the safe working practice of each and every crewmember seriously…. This positive accomplishment will confirm toour customer the focus toward safety by each crew member and MLLas a whole.”

Owned by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Carteris one of the command’s eight containerships. It also is part of the 36ships in MSC’s prepositioning program.

Based in Norfolk, Va., MLL has provided the U.S. governmentwith transportation and maritime services for more than 40 years,including every major military operation from the Vietnam War tothose now underway in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Seafarers-crewed SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. helps boostAmerica’s sealift capabilities.Retired Clinical Director Bill Eckles Dies at 62

Recertified Bosun Bill Ecklesearned respect and influencedlives as clinical director of theARC from 1988-2004.

Notice to CIVMARS Re: 2005-2006 WagesMSC CIVMARS’ wages are determined each year through a series of administrative steps.

One of the first steps required by federal law is that each year the union must provide MSC

with data for private sector maritime wages for seafarers sailing on American-flag vessels.

To do this, the union provides MSC with a letter containing the wages reflected in collective

bargaining agreements. MSC uses this information and other types of information to devel-

op the wage scales that apply to CIVMARS. Generally CIVMARS receive increases in July.

This year however, because some collective bargaining agreements are being renegotiated

there may be a delay in analyzing the wages and the need for retroactive payment for CIV-

MARS. The union will keep CIVMARS advised as to the status of these negotiations and the

impact of the new collective-bargaining agreements on CIVMARS’ wages.

Update Regarding CMPI 610 Negotiations

As has been previously reported, the union has been waiting for MSC to schedule negotia-

tions regarding CMPI 610. Last year APMC submitted a revised version of CMPI 610 for

negotiation. Prior to developing counter-proposals, the union submitted a list of questions

requesting information and explanations in November 2004. The union has not received

responses as of yet. The union will continue to update CIVMARS periodically about the sta-

tus of these discussions.

Trade Show a SuccessNCL America Is New ParticipantIn Union Industries Show

The SIU/UIW booth at the 2005 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show, justas in years past, was very popular among those who attended the four-day event. SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell, left, is joined for a photo byOregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, UIW National Director John Spadaro andMaritime Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex.

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Tommy Flynn and his wife, Melody, show off theirnew son, Justus, who was five months old inthis pphoto (he is now eight months old). Tommycurrently sails as an electrician on the HorizonConsumer, shipping out of Long Beach, Calif.Proud grandmother, Annette Flynn, who sentthis photo to the LOG, works as a programmer atSIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md.

Daniel J. Teichman and his family weelcomed a newbaby girl Sept. 1, 2004. Jeanette joins three sisterswho are doting on her. Daniel maakes his home inRutland, Vt. and currently sails as bosun on the SLLiberator.

SIU member Nick Payneis a serious mountain

biker. Here he is during arace in Colorado (below)

wheree he finished in 3rd

place, and in Austin,Texas (right), where he

came in 2nd. When notbiking, Nick works for

G&H Tug Co. as quarter-master and mate. He is

the son of SeafarerJJimmy “Indiana” Payne.

At right is a recent portrait ofAB Paul Riley of Jacksonville, Fla.and his bbeautiful family — wifeMarion, daughter J’cyra and sonPaul Anthony Riley III.

Port Agent JohnCox and his wife,Tausha, are onceagain the proud par-ents of a healthy babygirl. Born March 15,2005 aat 10:17 a.m., AshleyMarie Cox weighed in at 7 lbs.15 oz.

Left: Jeremy “J.J.” Evansentered a beautty contest inWilmington, Calif. last yearwhen she was 10 years old. Shewas first runner-up. Her pprouddad, Shawn Evans, is the recer-tified bosun on the Green Dale.

Seafarers and their families: These are some of theimages we all look forward to seeing—and sharing withour brothers and sisters of the sea.

If you have a family-related photo you would like to beincluded in the next family photo page, please send it tothe Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested.

If e-mailing digital images, please send them [email protected]. The higher the resolution, thebetter.

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“The importance of

U.S. mariners is

being reinforced

every day in the war

in Iraq.”

— John JamianActing Administrator,

Maritime Administration

“We are here today

to pay special tribu

to all merchant

mariners.”

— Elaine LU.S. Secretary of

“The professionalism

and expertise of

America’s merchant

mariners . . . has been

their hallmark and

their creed.”

— Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USNMSC Commander

“Thank you for your

contribution to keep-

ing this nation a

great, free country.”

— Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett(R-Md.)

Listening to the grim statistics of U.S. Merchant Marine losses duriand World War II are (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, MM&Brown, Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, MEBA President Ron DavisMichael Sacco and Maria Cino, deputy director of the Department of

Following an afternoon memorial ceremony at the Washington Naval Yard, Vice Adm. David L. Brewthe Paul Hall Center. In the front row are (from left) SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU SeCrumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.

U.S. Secretary ofLabor Elaine L. Chaodelivered the keynoteaddress at a ceremo-

ny at the US. NavyMemorial in

Washington, D.C.,sponsored by the U.S.

MaritimeAdministration.

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oday

ribute

ine L. Chao ary of Labor

SIU members, officials and a large contingent of unlicensedapprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Trainingand Education in Piney Point, Md. on May 19 joined scores

of dignitaries who attended and participated in a pair of NationalMaritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and theU.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the two events were held atthe U.S. Navy Memorial and the Washington Naval Yard, respective-ly.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a strong supporter of theU.S. Merchant Marine, delivered the keynote address at the MarAdceremony.

“We are here today to pay special tribute to all merchant mariners.It is a time for us to reflect and honor the rich history of the UnitedStates Merchant Marine,” she stated. “Even before the United Stateswas born, the U.S. Merchant Marine then and now is vital to support-ing the twin pillars of our country’s strength, and that is economicprosperity and national security.

“In peacetime, a patriotic mariner keeps America working by trans-porting our imports and exports,” she continued. “They crew the shipsthat conduct our country’s worldwide commerce. And that’s so impor-tant because as many of you in this audience know, 95 percent of our

trade is moved by sea.”Secretary Chao also noted the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag

cruise ship industry. “We’ve had the introduction of two new cruiseships to enter the American-flag passenger trade and they are pro-viding thousand of good-paying jobs for American workers,” shestated. “The Pride of Aloha has been operating in the Hawaiiantrades now for almost one year. And the Pride of America is expect-ed to reach New York Harbor in early June … and that should bevery exciting.

“This administration and the maritime community work togetherto further strengthen the industry by supporting flexibility….. As aresult, the American maritime industry is expected to invest moreinto strengthening our fleet and creating more jobs for our Americanmariners.”

Finally, she observed, “In times of war, our nation is especiallygrateful for the special role that merchant mariners play in support ofnational defense. And that realization is never more keen than now.Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners crew auxiliary vesselfor the United States Navy to support our troops in Afghanistan andIraq. They have delivered more than 92 percent of the equipment andsupplies needed by our troops. It is in part due to the service of theU.S. Merchant Marine that America has gained the strongest militaryforce the world has ever known.

“When the history of this era is written, the United States MerchantMarine will be remembered as vital to toppling a brutal regime and helping to

build a stable and democratic Middle East. The U.S. Merchant Marine servesour country during times of peace and war with distinction and often at person-al risk. So today, I am so pleased to be with all of you so that we together canhonor their sacrifices which will ensure that freedom and opportunity will for-ever be a beacon of America’s hope.”

At the conclusion of Secretary Chao’spresentation, awards were given to thefamily of the late Walter Oates and Capt.George Bark, U.S. Merchant Marine (ret.).Despite being the nation’s oldest service,the U.S. Merchant Marine until recentyears did not have anofficial flag or seal.Oates and Bark in 1994put an end to thisabsence of a rallyingsymbol and made histo-ry in the process whenthey created the U.S.Merchant Marine Flagand Seal. Both menattended the U.S.Merchant MarineAcademy. Oates gradu-ated in 1942 while Barkfinished in 1944.

Congressman RoscoeG. Bartlett (R-Md.)served as the principalspeaker during the MSCceremony which wasconducted at theWashington Navy Yard.Representative Bartlettpaid tribute to genera-

tionsof U.S. merchant mariners by not-

ing the roles they played in America before it officially was anation. The congressmen reflected on the extreme sacrifice of the merchant marineduring times of war when he said, “Your service had the highest casualty rate duringWorld War II except for the Marine Corps… Thank you for your contribution tokeeping this nation a great, free country.”

Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, MSC’s commander, declared, “The pro-fessionalism and expertise of America’s merchant mariners, their dedication to free-dom and democracy, and their willingness to sail wherever needed when duty callshas been their hallmark and their creed.”

Following the ceremony, Admiral Brewer took time out to meet and greet each ofthe unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center who were on hand for theobservances. Afterward, the apprentices expressed great appreciation for AdmiralBrewer’s warmth and sincerity.

National Maritime Day, 2005

A Proclamation by

The President of the United States of America

America's merchant mariners make our Nation more secure and our economy

stronger. Throughout our history, they have promoted commerce and protected our

freedom. On National Maritime Day, we honor the dedicated service of the United

States Merchant Marine.

Each year, the men and women of the U.S. maritime transportation system

move more than 2 billion tons of cargo along our waterways and across the open

seas. Many of the raw materials Americans purchase are transported by merchant

vessels, and merchant mariners ship agricultural products and finished goods in

and out of the United States every day.

Merchant mariners have also served in every conflict in our Nation's history.

The U.S. Merchant Marine helps provide our Nation's Armed Forces with cru-

cial supplies and equipment. These brave men and women demonstrate courage,

love of country, and devotion to duty, and we especially honor those who have

made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. The United States is safer

and the world is more peaceful because of the work of our merchant mariners, and

we are grateful for their service.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress,

by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May

22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has authorized and requested

that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate obser-

vance.NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United

States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2005, as National Maritime

Day. I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate this observance and

to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities.

I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day

of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of

the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

The unlicensed apprentices stood at parade rest during Maritime Day observances at the WashingtonNaval Yard as guests applauded the remarks of Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III.

s during World War IMM&P President TimDavis, SIU Presidentent of Transportation.

Brewer III greeted each of the unlicensed apprentices fromU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Brewer and Padraig

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This is a summary of the annual reportof the SIU Pacific District SeafarersMedical Center Plan, EIN 94-2430964 forthe year ended June 30, 2004. The annualreport has been filed with the Department ofLabor, as required under the EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act of 1974(ERISA).

The plan has committed itself to pay allmedical exam claims incurred under theterms of the plan.

Basic Financial StatementThe value of plan assets, after subtract-

ing liabilities of the plan, was $(453,765) asof June 30, 2004, compared to $(442,370) asof July 1, 2003. During the plan year, theplan experienced a decrease in its net assetsof $11,395. During the plan year, the planhad a total income of $548,558 includingemployer contributions of $527,179, earn-ings from investments of $153 and otherincome of $21,226.

Plan expenses were $559,953. Theseexpenses included $457,949 in administra-tive expenses and $102,004 in benefits paidto or for participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights to AdditionalInformation

You have the right to receive a copy ofthe full annual report, or any part thereof, onrequest. The items listed below are includedin that report.

1. An accountant’s report;2. Financial information and informa-

tion on payments to service providers; and3. Assets held for investment.To obtain a copy of the full annual

report, or any part thereof, write or call theoffice of SIU Pacific District SeafarersMedical Center Plan, P.O. Box 191086, SanFrancisco, CA 94119, (415) 392-3611. Thecharge to cover copying costs will be $2.75for the full annual report, or $.25 per pagefor any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive fromthe plan administrator, on request and at nocharge, a statement of the assets and liabili-ties of the plan and the accompanying notes,or a statement of income and expenses ofthe plan and accompanying notes, or both. Ifyou request a copy of the full annual reportfrom the plan administrator, these two state-ments and the accompanying notes will beincluded as part of that report. The charge tocover copying costs does not include acharge for the copying of these portions ofthe report because these portions are fur-nished without charge.

You also have the legally protected rightto examine the annual report at the mainoffice of the Plan, at 49 Drum Street,Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111-4805, and at the U.S. Department of Laborin Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copyfrom the U.S. Department of Labor uponpayment of copying costs. Requests to theDepartment should be addressed to PublicDisclosure Room, Room N5638, EmployeeBenefits Security Administration, U.S.Department of Labor, 200 ConstitutionAvenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE SIUPACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND

Around the PortOf Philadelphia

These three photos show crew members on the Integrity as they gather for a shipboard union meeting.

SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (center) andSIU Representative Rob Wisler (left) greet AB KyleBloom en route to the USNS Seay. SIU-contractedAMSEA began operating both the Seay and theUSNS Mendonca April 22 in Philadelphia.

Discussing the latest union news areSIU Philadelphia Port Agent JoeMieluchowski, Recertified StewardEkow Doffoh and SIU VP AtlanticCoast Joseph Soresi at the union hall.

Seafarers recently rallied in support of fellow union membersfrom UNITE/HERE Local 274 while those members were in con-tract negotiations with a dozen or so hotels.

SIU officials and Seafarers from theSeay and Mendonca are picturedaboard the latter ship after viewing avessel familiarization videotape.

From left, Recertified Steward BobMensching, Oiler Ben Stanley, SIURepresentative Rob Wisler and SIUVP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi talkabout the contract covering theLMSRs operated by AMSEA.

The old newspaper article isunderstandably worn, havingbeen published during theVietnam War.

The photo really isn’t legibleanymore.

But the story of the lateSeafarer Terry Mayes is just ascompelling today as it was whenit appeared in the Sunday editionof the Mobile, Ala. PressRegister back in March 1967.

Terry’s mother, Delores CainMayes, wanted to share thataccount with other readers of theSeafarers LOG.

It’s a story of patriotism aswell as an SIU legacy. TerryMayes made two voyages toVietnam before his 17th birthday;the start of the latter trip waschronicled in the Mobile news-paper.

“I want to go to Vietnambecause I know that I might bedoing something patriotic for mycountry,” he told the paper. “I amvery proud of being in the mer-chant marine.

“Some of the boys over thereare not much older than I am,” hecontinued. “I know they need allthe help they can get. And theyalso are depending upon ourmerchant fleet for many things.

“We are all good Americansand we love the United States ofAmerica. In a way, I guess weare all brothers.”

Mayes’youth and nationalismweren’t the only noteworthyaspects portrayed in the article.He was signing on board theFree America as an ordinary sea-man—a vessel that his father, thelate SIU member John Mayeshad sailed on 17 years earlier. (Atthat time, the ship was named theMonarch of the Sea.)

In fact, the elder Mayes madehis final voyage on that sameship—and it was there that helearned via radio of Terry’s birthin 1949.

Terry joined the SIU and firstsailed aboard the Alcoa Trader to

Vietnam. He thensailed on thetanker OceanPioneer to France before makinghis second voyage to the warzone.

He passed away Nov. 23,2003 at age 54.

His uncle John Cain is anactive SIU member and anotheruncle, Hubert Cain, sailed withthe union for almost 50 years.

“Terry stood for all the thingsthat are good about the SIU andthe U.S. Merchant Marine asAmerica’s fourth arm ofdefense,” stated John Cain.“Even though he didn’t make acareer out of sailing afterVietnam, he loved the SIU untilthe day he died.”

Remembering Seafarer Terry Mayes

An article from 1966 notes that Terry Mayes (rightin 1994) made two voyages to Vietnam beforeturning 17.

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July & August 2005Membership Meetings

Alek Turko would like to hear from any former ship-mates. Please e-mail him at [email protected] to getin touch.

DEBORAH SUTTONPlease contct Tim Robert at (504) 628-9007.

DONALD HOODPlease contact Leon Fountain at (253) 581-2099.

Leon, who retired in 1998, saw your photo in lastmonth’s LOG and would like to hear from you.

Piney Point .............Tuesday: July 5*................................Monday: August 8............................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday)

Algonac ..................Friday: July 8, August 12

Baltimore ................Thursday: July 7, August 11

Boston.....................Friday: July 8, August 12

Duluth .....................Wednesday: July 13, August 17

Guam ......................Thursday: July 21, August 25

Honolulu .................Friday: July 15, August 19

Houston ..................Monday: July 11.................................Tuesday: August 16*.................................(*change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday)

Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 7, August 11

Joliet .......................Thursday: July 14, August 18

Mobile ....................Wednesday: July 13, August 17

New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 12, August 16

New York................Tuesday: July 5, August 9

Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 7, August 11

Philadelphia ............Wednesday: July 6, August 10

Port Everglades.......Thursday: July 14, August 18

San Francisco .........Thursday: July 14, August 18

San Juan..................Thursday: July 7, August 11

St. Louis..................Friday: July 15, August 19

Tacoma ...................Friday: July 22, August 26

Wilmington ...............Monday: July 18, August 22.................................

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

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep SeaAPRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2005

*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACHAll Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C

Port DECK DEPARTMENTAlgonac 1 2 1 1 2 0 3 1 6 2Anchorage 0 5 3 0 4 2 0 0 6 7Baltimore 2 7 1 4 2 1 0 6 10 2Guam 1 4 2 3 3 1 0 2 11 4Honolulu 2 4 2 5 3 1 0 11 6 3Houston 33 19 17 17 14 9 6 56 30 38Jacksonville 33 35 14 26 26 8 18 56 59 32Joliet 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 2Mobile 8 14 7 8 8 2 4 13 21 10New Orleans 13 14 11 13 11 2 5 27 24 26New York 27 20 17 15 13 4 10 51 42 33Norfolk 6 15 11 13 12 3 4 15 31 18Philadelphia 1 3 2 5 4 0 0 3 4 7Piney Point 1 25 0 0 11 1 1 2 21 0Puerto Rico 3 11 0 3 7 0 3 9 20 1San Francisco 13 13 5 16 10 4 8 31 15 8St. Louis 2 3 2 2 4 2 0 1 4 5Tacoma 27 31 14 20 17 5 6 54 52 32Wilmington 21 24 15 13 15 5 11 37 35 25Totals 194 250 124 164 166 51 79 375 400 255

Port ENGINE DEPARTMENTAlgonac 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3Anchorage 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2Baltimore 5 4 0 3 4 0 1 4 5 0Guam 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0Honolulu 7 1 2 7 4 1 3 9 7 3Houston 14 13 9 7 9 6 3 23 15 9Jacksonville 16 21 9 9 15 7 11 26 35 18Joliet 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1Mobile 4 5 4 9 2 0 1 9 7 6New Orleans 7 5 1 6 9 1 2 14 13 5New York 11 4 4 9 6 2 5 20 18 13Norfolk 6 11 4 4 12 3 6 16 16 3Philadelphia 1 2 2 1 1 0 1 4 3 2Piney Point 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 0Puerto Rico 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 9 1San Francisco 10 7 2 10 5 0 4 13 10 3St. Louis 1 5 1 0 3 0 0 3 5 1Tacoma 11 21 6 7 16 6 5 12 24 6Wilmington 4 8 6 8 3 3 4 11 20 9Totals 101 113 52 81 93 31 49 172 194 85

Port STEWARD DEPARTMENTAlgonac 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Baltimore 4 1 0 4 1 0 2 3 4 0Guam 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0Honolulu 7 6 3 5 4 3 3 15 8 1Houston 15 5 4 11 3 3 5 30 9 7Jacksonville 18 16 6 7 12 5 7 30 30 8Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0Mobile 5 3 0 2 3 0 2 6 8 0New Orleans 9 6 3 6 2 3 1 14 8 2New York 11 7 2 11 4 0 8 30 15 5Norfolk 7 7 2 4 7 2 2 16 16 4Philadelphia 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 2 0Piney Point 2 3 1 1 1 1 0 7 5 1Puerto Rico 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 0San Francisco 18 5 0 14 3 0 7 45 9 1St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1Tacoma 10 6 0 11 3 0 5 21 13 4Wilmington 24 5 2 18 7 1 10 41 15 7Totals 132 73 24 98 51 19 52 264 152 42

Port ENTRY DEPARTMENTAlgonac 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 3Anchorage 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 2 12Baltimore 0 3 3 0 3 1 0 0 3 6Guam 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 4Honolulu 6 10 7 2 7 7 0 8 17 12Houston 3 16 16 2 10 6 0 5 35 36Jacksonville 3 22 26 0 8 12 0 8 35 44Joliet 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1Mobile 0 8 1 0 9 0 0 2 8 3New Orleans 1 5 8 1 3 3 0 4 13 21New York 4 32 25 7 17 13 0 7 57 67Norfolk 0 11 15 0 6 7 0 0 21 29Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2Piney Point 0 17 28 0 8 28 0 0 20 17Puerto Rico 1 3 0 1 1 1 0 2 4 1San Francisco 4 9 4 3 11 9 0 6 12 11St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0Tacoma 6 19 12 0 7 7 0 11 32 31Wilmington 3 2 11 1 2 5 0 4 10 23Totals 31 160 163 17 95 101 0 57 279 323

Totals AllDepartments 458 596 363 360 405 202 180 868 1,025 705

*“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port.**“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port.

Personals

The Gateway of India, pictured on page 16 of theMay Seafarers LOG, is located in Bombay.

Correction

MV Ascension Honored with StampThe Ascension Island Post

Office recently honored the SIU-crewed MV Ascension with theissuance of a postage stamp bear-ing its likeness. It is one in a set offour stamps that feature merchantshipping and is in the amount of15p.

Ascension Island is located in the South Atlantic Oceanand is part of the St. Helena Group that is made up of St.Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. The islandwas settled by the British with a garrison of Royal Marines in1815. The French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiledon St. Helena, and the British did not want the French to useAscension Island as a staging post to rescue him.

The MV Ascension is owned and operated by Sealift, Inc.It serves as the re-supply ship for “Wideawake Airfield,” theAmerican Air Force Base on Ascension Island.

Capt. Dana Haff sent a copy of the stamp to the SeafarersLOG and notes that the vessel sails from Port Canaveral, Fla.and re-supplies the island every 60 days. Since there is nodock at Ascension Island, the ship discharges cargo from anopen anchorage onto motorized barges.

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Seafarers International UnionDirectory

Michael Sacco, President

John Fay, Executive Vice President

David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer

Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts

Tom Orzechowski,Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast

Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast

Kermett Mangram,Vice President Government Services

René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large

Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large

HEADQUARTERS5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746

(301) 899-0675

ALGONAC520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001

(810) 794-4988

ALTON325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002

(618) 462-3456

ANCHORAGE721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

BOSTONMarine Industrial Park/EDIC

27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210(617) 261-0790

DULUTH324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 722-4110

GUAMP.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242

125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-ETun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911

(671) 647-1350

HONOLULU606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206

(904) 353-0987

JOLIET10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NEW YORK635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232

(718) 499-6600Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767

NORFOLK115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

PHILADELPHIA2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

(215) 336-3818

PINEY POINTP.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994-0010

PORT EVERGLADES1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

(954) 522-7984

SAN FRANCISCO350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 543-5855Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400

SANTURCE1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16

Santurce, PR 00907(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116

(314) 752-6500

TACOMA3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

WILMINGTON510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744

(310) 549-4000

NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration ReportAPRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2005

TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED REGISTERED ON BEACHAll Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Group I Group II Group III Group I Group II Group III Reliefs Group I Group II Group III

Port DECK DEPARTMENT

Boston 5 3 0 4 1 0 1 12 4 0

Houston 20 0 5 18 0 5 11 31 7 13

Jacksonville 1 2 7 1 2 5 1 13 5 2

New Orleans 1 3 5 2 2 0 3 12 5 20

New York 10 3 2 7 3 2 5 29 5 2

Norfolk 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 6 1 0

Tacoma 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 0 5

Wilmington 4 1 0 5 1 0 2 7 5 0

Totals 41 13 21 37 10 15 25 112 32 42

Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT

Boston 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 1 0

Houston 6 3 2 6 0 3 2 14 3 8

Jacksonville 1 1 8 2 0 7 2 6 8 4

New Orleans 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 7 1 12

New York 6 0 1 3 0 1 2 11 4 1

Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Tacoma 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1

Wilmington 2 1 2 1 1 2 4 5 1 0

Totals 19 6 14 15 2 13 11 54 18 27

Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT

Boston 4 1 0 1 1 0 1 7 1 0

Houston 3 1 3 4 0 4 1 7 3 8

Jacksonville 0 1 2 1 2 3 1 8 3 0

New Orleans 1 2 3 1 2 0 0 5 0 16

New York 3 2 0 4 0 0 1 14 15 0

Norfolk 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 1

Tacoma 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

Wilmington 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 3 1 1

Totals 12 8 11 13 5 9 6 46 23 28

Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT

Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Jacksonville 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New Orleans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals AllDepartments 72 27 46 65 17 37 42 212 73 97

PIC-FROM-THE-PASTThis photo was sent to the Seafarers

LOG by Arthur K. Johannessen ofStavanger, Norway. His previous sub-mission of the steward department onthe SS Mariposa was included in theApril 2005 issue.

This photo was taken aboard thePresident Wilson in 1962,Johannessen’s first trip to the FarEast. “It was a heavenly trip,” he statedin a note accompanying the photo, and“an experience I’ll never forget. Thecrew in the dining room was like theUnited Nations. We all got along verywell.”

Seated on the floor is a crew mem-ber named Joe. Johannessen saysJoe was a very special, kind personwho wanted nothing more than to go tosea. “I think about him a lot,” the for-mer room steward/waiter wrote.

After his sailing career, Johan-nessen, now 80, returned to his nativeNorway and ran a mink farm until hetook a well-deserved retirement.

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she wouldlike to share with the LOG readership, please send it to theSeafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Photographs will be returned, if so requested.

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Welcome AshoreEach month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their

working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or

Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently

retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job

well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead.

DEEP SEAGERONIMO BARENG, 52,began his seafaring career in1980, initially sailing aboard theOceanic Independence. BrotherBareng worked in the stewarddepartment and was a frequentupgrader at the Paul Hall Centerfor Maritime Training andEducation in Piney Point, Md.His last ship was the USNSPetersburg. Born in thePhilippines, Brother Bareng nowlives in Honolulu.

IVAN CAPOWSKI, 65, joinedthe SIU in 1990 in Piney Point,Md. Brother Capowski workedaboard American OverseasMarine vessels, including theUSNS Wright and the PFCDewayne T. Williams. In 1991,the steward department memberupgraded his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point,Md. Brother Capowski was bornin New York and calls Florence,Vt. home.

EDWARDDeSOUCEY,43, became anSIU memberin 1979 inPiney Point,Md. BrotherDeSoucey wasborn in Red

Bank, N.J. and first workedaboard the LNG Leo in the enginedepartment. He enhanced hisskills on numerous occasions atthe Seafarers-affiliated school inPiney Point, Md. Prior to retiring,Brother DeSoucey shipped on theHorizon Enterprise. BrotherDeSoucey lives in San Francisco.

MIGUELHERNAN-DEZ, 70,started sailingwith the unionin 1999 fromthe port ofFortLauderdale,Fla. Brother Hernandez sailedprimarily aboard vessels operatedby Dyn Marine, including theUSNS Pathfinder and the USNSBowditch. He attended the PineyPoint school in 2000 and again in2004. Brother Hernandez workedas a member of the deck depart-ment. Born in California, he nowresides in Miami, Fla.

PANAGIOTIS KANAVOS, 60,was born in Greece. BrotherKanavos joined the SIU in 1968in New York. His first ship wasthe Mankato Victory. BrotherKanavos sailed in the enginedepartment. His last voyage wasaboard the Commitment. BrotherKanavos makes his home inBrooklyn, N.Y.

ALIGI PELLICCI, 64, beganhis SIU career in 1982 in the portof Honolulu. Brother Pellicci wasborn in Italy and shipped in theengine department. His first voy-age was aboard the Independ-ence. Brother Pellicci is a resi-dent of Auburn, Wash.

JIM SAXTON, 65, hails fromLouisiana. Brother Saxton joinedthe MC&S in 1965 in the port ofSan Francisco. He was a member

of the stewarddepartmentand firstshippedaboard thePresidentWilson.BrotherSaxton

upgraded his skills on many occa-sions at the union-affiliatedschool in Piney Point, Md. Hemost recently went to sea on theDefender. Brother Saxton callsHayward, Calif. home.

INLANDDALTONDESLATTE,65, became amember of theSIU in 1963.BoatmanDeslatte wasborn in Texas.He shipped inthe deck department, primarily onMoran Towing of Texas vessels.Boatman Deslatte resides in PortArthur, Texas.

THOMAS GUIDRY, 57, joinedthe ranks of the SIU in 1979 inPort Arthur, Texas. BoatmanGuidry initially sailed with HvideMarine in the deck department.The Texas-born mariner last wentto sea aboard the Titan. BoatmanGuidry makes his home inHemphill, Texas.

ROGER HORTON, 62, com-menced his seafaring career in1971 in the port of Houston, ini-tially shipping with MoranTowing of Texas. BoatmanHorton was a member of the deckdepartment. He upgraded hisskills in Piney Point, Md. in2000, 2001 and again in 2002.Boatman Horton, who was bornin Ohio, now lives in Ft. Myers,Fla. His final ship was Harrah’sWinstar.

RONALD LeBLANC, 72,launched his seafaring career in1994 in New Orleans. BoatmanLeBlanc sailed mainly onWestbank Riverboat’s Boomtown.He was born in Louisiana andworked in the deck department.Boatman LeBlanc makes hishome in New Orleans.

ROBERT MAZYCK, 61,embarked on his SIU professionin 1977 in the port of Houston.Boatman Mazyck shipped primar-ily aboard Marine Contracting &Towing vessels. He was born inSouth Carolina. Boatman Mazyckenhanced his skills at the PaulHall Center in 1986. He residesin the Bahamas.

MARIONPEOPLES,62, began sail-ing with theunion in 1988in the port ofHouston.BoatmanPeoples

worked for G&H Towing duringhis career. A native of Ft. Worth,Texas, he is now a resident ofSeabrook, Texas.

JOHN SALMON, 55, startedshipping with the SIU in 1979 in

the port ofJacksonville,Fla. BoatmanSalmon is aveteran of theU.S. Navy. Heworked forCrowleyTowing hisentire seafaring career. BoatmanSalmon’s first boat was the tugWarrior; his last was the tugGauntlet. He makes his home inBonifay, Fla.

CADAMUSTREAKLE,62, became aSeafarer in1972 in theport ofNorfolk, Va.For the dura-tion of his

career, Boatman Treakle shippedon Allied Towing vessels. He wasborn in Virginia and sailed as amember of the deck department.Boatman Treakle upgraded ontwo occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point,Md. He lives in his native state.

GREAT LAKESRICHARDDHOLS, 65,began sailingwith the unionin 1971 in theport of Duluth,Minn. BrotherDhols’ initialtrip to sea wasaboard the George Steinbrenner.He was a member of the deckdepartment. Brother Dholsattended the Piney Point school in2002. Born in Wisconsin, he mostrecently sailed on the Joseph H.Frantz. Brother Dhols callsWisconsin home.

EUGENEHAYES, 64,launched hisSIU career in1958 in theport of FortLauderdale,Fla. BrotherHayes was

born in Michigan and sailed as amember of the engine depart-ment. In 2003, he attended class-es at the union-affiliated school inPiney Point, Md. Brother Hayesmainly shipped aboard InlandLakes Management vessels. Heresides in Alpena, Mich.

HAROLDNEAL, 64,became aSeafarer in1963 in Dania,Fla. BrotherNeal originallysailed withAmericanSteamship Company. Born inTennessee, he sailed in the deckdepartment. Brother Neal’s lastship was the Saint Clair. Heenhanced his seafaring abilities atthe Paul Hall Center in 1980.Brother Neal calls Pall Mall,Tenn. home.

WAYNEPORTICE,61, was bornin Michigan.He joined theunion in 1972in Alpena,Mich. BrotherPortice’s first

vessel was the Steel T. Crapo,where he worked in the enginedepartment. His final trip was onthe Saint Clair. Brother Porticeresides in his native state.

SALEHRASHID, 64,began ship-ping with theSIU in 1964 inFortLauderdale.BrotherRashid’s ini-tial trip on the Lakes was aboardan American Steamship Companyvessel. He was born in Arabiaand worked as a member of thesteward department. BrotherRashid most recently shipped onthe Richard J. Reiss. He callsRochester, N.Y. home.

LARRYSMITH, 57,hails fromGeorgia.Brother Smithjoined the SIUin 1968 inDetroit.Throughout

his seafaring career, he sailedaboard vessels operated byAmerican Steamship Company.Brother Smith attended classes atthe Paul Hall Center in 2002. Thedeck department member lives inThornton, Ill.

Editor’s Note: The following for-mer members of the NationalMaritime Union (NMU) and par-ticipants in the NMU Pension andTrust, recently went on pension.

Name Age EDPAlicea, Angel 65 May 1Ballestar, Gerardo 62 April 1Bynum, Samuel 72 April 1Gonzalez, Fernando 60 May 1Morgan, Joe 67 May 1Wallerson, Donald 70 April 1Watson, Charles 65 May 1Wells, Henry 63 April 1

Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG.

1939The new agreement with Colonial Navigation wascompleted and the membership voted over-whelmingly to accept the agreement. The con-tract provided amongother things a two-weekannual vacation, closedshop provisions and allhiring to be donethrough the union hall.

1950On June 15, the SIU Atlantic and Gulf Districtsigned an agreement with the bulk of steamshipcompanies under contract to the union, theterms under which the Seafarers Welfare Planwould operate. The signing paved the way forthe plan to begin functioning as soon as theBureau of Internal Revenue and the NLRB gavetheir approval to the plan.

Under the terms of the Welfare Plan as agreed toby the shipowners committee, Seafarers willreceive $500 in death benefits and $7 per weekin hospital benefits. The plan provides for thetrustees to set up additional benefits as the fundgrows. The plan will be supervised by a six-manboard of trustees, three from the union andthree from the companies.

1971The jobs of Seafarers are on the line in therenewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of lawsthat demands that all domestic shipping be movedon American-flag vessels. The heavy assault on theJones Act is being led by the oil industry, which

wants oil from the richAlaskan fields carried onrunaway-flag tankers.They would rip the heartout of the Jones Act sothey could transportAlaskan oil from oneU.S. port to another inforeign-built, foreign-manned tankers—payingslave wages and at the

same time escarping the taxes that must be paidby American-flag operators…. The SIU is leadinga campaign to muster Congressional support tostrengthen the Jones Act.

1994The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training andEducation has been approved by theEnvironmental Protection Agency for certifyingSeafarers and other personnel involved in therepair and servicing of refrigeration equipment.Late last year, the federal government issued reg-ulations under which anyone involved in therepair and servicing of refrigeration equipmentmust pass an EPA-approved course by November14, 1994. This affects QMEDs and any otherSeafarers who sail in the engine department andwho handle reefers.

This Month

In SIU History

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DEEP SEA

GLENN BAKER SR.Brother Glenn Baker, 60, died Feb.28. He began sailing with the SIU in1988 from the port of Mobile, Ala.Born in Florida, Brother Baker wasa U.S. Army veteran. He firstworked aboard the Falcon Princessin the deck department. BrotherBaker’s last trip to sea was on theUSNS Sisler. He was a resident ofAlabama.

NECOLA BATHIAPensionerNecola Bathia,79, passedaway Jan. 30.Brother Bathiastarted his sea-faring career in1944 in NewYork. His firstship was the

Robin Kettering. Brother Bathia wasborn in Dorothy, W.Va. and sailed inthe engine department. Prior to retir-ing in 1984, he worked aboard theDel Viento. Brother Bathia resided inhis native state.

RONALD BURTONPensionerRonald Burton,85, died Jan.23. BrotherBurton joinedthe SIU in 1943in New York.His first trip tosea was on theArlyn. Brother

Burton worked as a member of thedeck department. He last sailed onthe Osprey. Brother Burton lived inJacksonville, Fla. and started receiv-ing his retirement compensation in1985.

SAW CHENGPensioner Saw Cheng, 88, passedaway Jan. 8. Brother Cheng wasborn in China and joined the MC&S(Marine Cooks & Stewards) in SanFrancisco. He worked as a memberof the steward department. BrotherCheng went on pension in 1969 andcalled San Francisco home.

EDWARD DUNNBrother EdwardDunn, 48, diedFeb. 28. Hejoined the SIUin 1977 in NewYork, initiallysailing on PennTanker’sChampion.Brother Dunn

shipped in the steward department,most recently aboard Maersk LineLimited’s Constellation. He wasborn in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made hishome in Portugal.

MARK EVANGELISTABrother MarkEvangelista, 52,passed awayFeb. 23. Hestarted sailingwith the Sea-farers in 1994in NewOrleans.Brother

Evangelista, who was born inMassachusetts, worked in the enginedepartment. His first vessel was theUSNS Regulus; his last was USNSAltair. Brother Evangelista was aresident of Marrero, La.

HARRY HUSTON JR.Pensioner Harry Huston Jr., 88, diedNov. 23. Born in St. Louis, BrotherHuston embarked on his SIU careerin 1944 in the port of New York. Hisfirst ship was an Alcoa SteamshipCo. vessel. A member of the steward

department,Brother Hustonlast sailed onthe HorizonConsumer. Hebegan receivinghis pension in1982 andresided in Brenham,Texas.

DAVID LONGANECKERBrother DavidLonganecker,83, passedaway Feb. 11.He started sail-ing with theMC&S in 1967from the port ofWilmington,Calif. Brother

Longanecker’s first voyage was onthe Santa Magdelena. The stewarddepartment member was born inCalifornia. Brother Longaneckermost recently worked aboardAmerican Ship Management vessels.He lived in Los Angeles, Calif.

Editor’s Note: The following brothersand sisters, all former members of theNational Maritime Union (NMU) andparticipants in the NMU Pension andTrust, have passed away.

NORBERTO AYALAPensionerNorberto Ayala,100, passedaway Feb. 27.Brother Ayalajoined theNMU in 1936,initially ship-ping from SanJuan. His first

vessel was the Yucatan. Born inYabucoa, P.R., Brother Ayala was amember of the engine department.His last voyage was aboard theMormacisle. Brother Ayala startedcollecting retirement stipends in1966.

PEDRO DAVILAPensionerPedro Davila,81, died Nov.10. BrotherDavilalaunched hiscareer with theNMU in 1951.He first shippedfrom the port of

New York on the Cherry Valley.Brother Davila was born in PuertoRico and worked in the enginedepartment. His final trip to sea wasaboard the Export Champion.Brother Davila went on pension in1974.

JOSE DIASPensioner JoseDias, 85, passedaway March 4.Born inPortugal,Brother Diasfirst donned theNMU colors in1945 in the portof New York.

He sailed as a member of the enginedepartment and began receiving hispension in 1981.

THOMAS GANDYPensionerThomas Gandy,81, died Feb.13. BrotherGandy startedshipping withthe NMU in1965 in SanFrancisco. Heinitially worked

aboard the James Lykes. TheAlabama-born mariner started col-lecting his retirement compensationin 1991. Brother Gandy last went tosea on the Marine Duval.

RICHARD GREENPensionerRichard Green,83, passedaway Feb. 19.Brother Greenwas born inJacksonville,Fla. andembarked onhis seafaring

profession in 1939 in that port. Hisfirst ship was the Shawnee; his lastwas the United States. Brother Green began receiving his pension in1966.

KARL KARLSSONPensioner KarlKarlsson, 87,died Jan. 31.Brother Karls-son started sail-ing from theport of NewYork in 1946.The Swedish-born mariner

went on pension in 1968.

ALFRED KRUEGERPensionerAlfred Krueger,88, passedaway March 9.BrotherKrueger beganshipping withthe NMU in1958. His firstvoyage was on

the Monte Pascoale. BrotherKrueger was born in Germany andworked as a member of the stewarddepartment. He went on pension in1981.

JORGE LOZA

Pensioner JorgeLoza, 91, diedMarch 4.Brother Lozajoined the ranksof the NMU in1943 in the portof New York.He was a mem-ber of the

engine department. Prior to retiringin 1971, Brother Loza worked on theMormacisle.

JAMES POWDRILL

PensionerJames Powdrill,64, passedaway March 26.BrotherPowdrill startedsailing with theNMU in CorpusChristi, Texas.His earliest trip

to sea was on the Richmond, wherehe worked in the engine department.Brother Powdrill most recentlysailed aboard the Sheldon Lykes. Hebegan collecting retirement stipendsin 1997.

GENARO RODRIGUEZ

PensionerGenaroRodriguez, 72,died March 8.The PuertoRico-bornmariner joinedthe NMU in1963 in the portof New York.

Brother Rodriguez first sailed on theAfrican Moon. He was a member ofthe steward department. BrotherRodriguez retired in 1989.

MANUEL RUMIONPensionerManuelRumion, 76,passed awayFeb. 18.Brother Rumionlaunched hisNMU career inHonolulu, firstshipping aboard

the USAT Comet in the stewarddepartment. He was born in Hawaiiand last went to sea on the StarRhode Island. Brother Rumion start-ed collecting his retirement pay in1991.

JOSEPH WILLIAMSPensionerJosephWilliams, 79,died March 3.BrotherWilliams begansailing with theNMU in 1946in the port ofNew York. His

first ship was the Wilson Victory; hislast was the Spirit of Liberty.Brother Williams was born in NorthCarolina. He worked in the stewarddepartment and went on pension in1974.

THEODORE WILLIAMSPensionerTheodoreWilliams, 82,passed awayMarch 11. Bornin Gainesville,Fla., BrotherWilliams joinedthe NMU in theport of New

York. The engine department mem-ber’s first voyage was on the John E.Schmeltzer. Before retiring in 1972,Brother Williams sailed on theExporter.


Final Departures

Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listedabove, the following NMU members, all of whom werepensioners, passed away on the dates indicated.Name Age DOD

Almeida, Edward 79 Feb. 3Aponte, Benjamin 85 April 8Araya, Albert 87 March 13Ballard, James 93 Feb. 18Beckles, Lionel 77 March 22Billett, Raymond 77 March 19Blackwell, Abraham 91 April 11Carrion, Emiliano 64 Dec. 21Dallas, Thomas 76 April 15De Bettencourt, Lawrence 83 April 8DeGroot, Ralph 82 April 1DeSantos, Cesar 75 Dec. 31Diaz, Luis 74 April 5Doctor, Nehemiah 76 March 16Dunagan, Richard 82 April 1Ellis, Alfonso 98 March 18Ellis, Elijah 84 Feb. 25Eng, Land 96 March 26Faller, Marcelino 91 March 17Felice, Joseph 86 March 7Fleming, Fitz 88 Feb. 12Gannaway, Robert 78 Jan. 30Georges, Assoumany 82 April 8Gobin, Albert 78 March 25Gonzalez, Lester 88 April 3Graulau, Juan 87 March 21Gutierrez, Paul 90 March 31Ham, Roy 81 March 3Hayes, Ronald 72 April 4Izquierdo, Anthony 71 March 27Jaros, Raymond 82 Dec. 4Jennings, Kent 82 Jan. 11Jones, Floyd 76 March 24Kirkpatrick, Charles 79 Feb. 1LaSalle, Angel 90 Dec. 13Lewis, Gideon 95 March 27Lopez, Julio 80 March 7

Name Age DOD

Maresh, Jerry 77 March 16Martinez, Faustino 99 March 28Mathis, Mason 73 March 7Medich, Ray 81 Dec. 29Medina, Bolivar 89 Feb. 20Melone, Ernest 86 Dec. 17Mendez, Pablo 76 Dec. 8Murphy, Michael 82 March 23Negron, Felipe 80 April 19O’Boyle, Anthony 70 June 26, ’04Ocksterwoicz, Edward 80 Jan. 4Pineda, Sergio 93 Nov. 18Pollard, James 75 March 1Pritchard, Louis 87 March 28Raines, James 81 April 27Ratleff, Maurice 75 March 16Razza, Alfred 80 March 9Rivera, Juan 69 March 5Roan, Thomas 76 April 2Rosa, Juan 92 Jan 16Rosenberg, Abraham 89 Dec. 19Ruiz, Juan 87 April 6Said, Mohsein 71 Oct. 15Sierra, Ramon 94 March 2Snyder, Robert 77 April 14Sorrensen, Gunnar 88 Feb. 4Sumerlin, John 79 April 13Sumlin, Rufus 81 Feb. 25Tollefsen, Sverre 86 March 8Toms, Edward 92 March 25Tripp, Lee 75 March 30Turnquest, Woodrow 79 April 9Vesik, Michael 83 April 17Watkins, Charles 79 March 4White, Winston 80 March 5

Wilmore, Clarence 79 March 12

Wilson, Leslie 86 March 5

Wong, Dock 95 March 22

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ATLANTIC FOREST (WatermanSteamship Corp.), March 20—Chairman Michael Borders,Secretary Demont A. Edwards,Educational Director Melvin L.Kerns, Deck Delegate ScottHeginbotham, Engine DelegateJosh A. Kilbourn, StewardDelegate Terry N. White.Chairman announced upcomingpayoff in New Orleans. Hereminded crew to check in withpatrolman and not to forget pass-ports and other paperwork whenleaving ship. Secretary noted needto order more food. Educationaldirector encouraged crew membersto upgrade at Paul Hall Center inPiney Point, Md. He also advisedthem to keep a close eye on expi-ration dates of z-cards and cliniccards. Plumbing problem in pantryneeds repair. Clarification request-ed on daymen working aboardbarges. No beefs or disputed OTreported. Crew expressed concernabout gas possibly escaping intoengine room.

CLEVELAND (Sealift), March16—Chairman Fareed A. Khan,Secretary Miguel E. Vinca,Educational Director Oliver L.Celestial, Deck DelegateDonovan McCants, StewardDelegate Janet Joseph. Chairmanthanked everyone for good trip andpraised deck department for excel-lent job cleaning cargo area.Secretary asked those seafarersgetting off to clean rooms andmake sure fresh linen is availablefor next person. Educational direc-tor advised crew members toenhance skills at union-affiliatedschool in Piney Point, Md. Nobeefs or disputed OT reported.Request made for new washingmachine. Crew thanked stewarddepartment for great meals andbarbecue. Next port: Houston,Texas.

COAST RANGE (Intrepid),March 28—Chairman Terry D.Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A.Lopez, Deck Delegate Travis L.Stringer, Engine Delegate Scott S.Fuller, Steward Delegate Jorge L.Ellis. Chairman encouraged every-one to read Seafarers LOG andstay current on important issuesconcerning maritime security.Educational director encouragedcrew members to enroll in upgrad-ing courses at Piney Point facilityand informed them of need for avalid clinic card to attend. No dis-puted OT reported. Steward askedthat all food be ordered in Englishoff food line. Suggestion made toincrease monthly pension.

COMET (Maersk Line, Limited),March 14—Chairman Gerry AGianan, Secretary Jaime Castillo,Educational Director James P.Meyers, Deck Delegate FelicianoGimutao, Steward DelegateCarlito S. Navarro. Chairmanannounced payoff March 15 uponarrival in Los Angeles. He remind-ed those departing to leave roomsclean and supplied with freshlinen. Secretary thanked Seafarersfor keeping lounge and crew messclean. Educational directorinformed crew of benefits ofupgrading skills at the Paul HallCenter. He recommended that allshipping papers be kept up to date.No beefs or disputed OT reported.

Thanks given to Chief CookNavarro and galley gang for excel-lent food. Next ports: Los Angelesand and Oakland, Calif.

DILIGENCE (Maritrans), March31—Chairman Roan R.Lightfoot, Secretary Amy K.Rippel, Educational DirectorArthur K. Outlaw, DeckDelegate Thomas Komenda,Engine Delegate Patrick D.Carroll Jr., Steward DelegateJohn Bennett. Chairmanannounced payoff April 2 inTampa, Fla. Educational directortold crew to give themselves araise by increasing their skills andabilities at the union-affiliatedschool in Piney Point, Md. Nobeefs or disputed OT reported.Request made for new washingmachine in crew laundry room.Suggestions given for items to benegotiated into next contract.

GREAT LAND (InteroceanUgland Management), March 14—Chairman Ernest J. Duhon,Secretary Antoinette M. Amato,Educational Director EddieAlmodovar, Deck DelegateRobert E. Stenehjem, EngineDelegate Joseph I. Laguana,Steward Delegate Karen K.Fensel. Chairman discussed com-munication received regardingchange in cash allowance amountper month. Treasurer stated $10 inship’s fund. No beefs or disputedOT reported. Recommendationmade to give Seafarers option tohave direct deposit. Next port:Oakland, Calif.

HORIZON DISCOVERY(Horizon Lines), March 3—Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr.,Secretary Joseph A. Laureta,Educational Director WilliamPayne, Deck Delegate WilfredoVelez, Engine Delegate Hector J.Ginel, Steward Delegate MiguelA. Barbosa. Chairman announcedpayoff April 4 in Jacksonville, Fla.He noted five mattresses on orderfor crew members. Secretary urgedmariners to take advantage ofopportunities available at Paul HallCenter—and always check thatshipping documents are current.No beefs or disputed OT reported.Recommendations made concern-ing pension and medical plans.Everyone asked to help keep shipclean. Special thanks and job welldone to Steward Laureta for exoticmenus and great food. Next port:Puerto Rico.

HORIZON HAWAII (HorizonLines), March 13—Chairman BillyG. Hill, Secretary Joseph J. GalloJr., Educational Director Roy S.Frett, Deck Delegate Isaac V.Mercado, Steward DelegateAnselmo Lopez. Chairmanannounced payoff March 18 inJacksonville, Fla. When in port, hestated AB/Watch to check IDs ofall visitors boarding vessel. Ship isin great shape after period in yard.Chairman expressed gratitude toall departments for good teamworkand working safely. Secretarythanked Chief Cook Sanchez &SA Lopez for outstanding food.Educational director encouragedmembers to contribute to SPADand keep documents current,allowing plenty of time for renew-al. No beefs or disputed OT report-

ed. Suggestion made to lowerseatime requirements to qualify forfull pension benefits. Requestmade for new furniture in crewlounge and new mattresses forbedrooms. Thanks given to stew-ard department and bosun for set-up & service at frequent barbe-cues.

HORIZON PRODUCER(Horizon Lines), March 10—Chairman Joel A. Lechel,Secretary William J. Bunch,Educational Director Douglas D.Greiner, Engine Delegate PabloAlbino. Chairman reported onPatrolman Jack Sheehan’s visit onaboard ship in Elizabeth, N.J. toattend to union business. Hereminded crew of USDA regula-tions regarding separation of plas-tic items and trash bags. Educa-tional director advised crew toallow sufficient time when renew-ing MMDs. Treasurer reported$2,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs ordisputed OT reported. Crew dis-cussed contract regarding 120-daylimit on seatime and subsequentamendment to this rule. Recom-mendation made pertaining to wayin which pension is calculated.Bosun expressed appreciation tocrew for taking care of laundry. Healso thanked steward departmentfor great barbecues and fantasticmeals each day.

INNOVATOR (Maersk Line,Limited), March 6—ChairmanMark S. Lance, Secretary JessyG. Sunga, Educational DirectorRichard G. Williams, DeckDelegate Eric Lund, EngineDelegate David Parker, StewardDelegate Timothy A. Laird.Chairman announced crew changeApril 22 in Tacoma, Wash. andthanked everyone for helping keepship clean. Secretary wished goodluck to all. Educational directorencouraged Seafarers to attendupgrading classes at Paul HallCenter for job security. Treasurerstated $504 in ship’s fund. Nobeefs or disputed OT reported.Communication regarding MMLtakeover & tentative reflaggingread and posted. Suggestion madeto review criteria for selecting par-ticipants for bosun recertificationcourse. Thanks given to stewarddepartment for job well done. Nextport: Los Angeles, Calif.

PUGET SOUND (OSG ShipManagement), March 24—Chairman Joseph G. Humphrey,Secretary Donald F. Dwyer,Educational Director Jose M.Ramirez, Deck Delegate StanleyA. Gurney, Engine DelegateDavid E. Switzer, StewardDelegate Cleto S. Lindong.Secretary asked crew members toleave copies of OT sheets forreliefs. Educational directoradvised mariners to keep docu-ments current. Beefs noted in deckand steward departments; disputedOT reported in deck department.Crew requested slop chest anddirect deposit. It was suggestedthat everyone check pay vouchersfor any errors. Vote of thanksgiven to steward department. Nextport: Wilmington, Calif.

SBX-1 (Interocean UglandManagement), March 6—Chairman James D. Crate,Secretary Thomas M. Wybo,Educational Director KirkBenton, Deck Delegate Joey A.Pauley, Engine DelegateChristopher Schneider, StewardDelegate Angelo Golden.Chairman talked about strength ofSIU, with possible contracts onmore ships. Secretary went overprocedures for dealing with prob-lems aboard ship, from communi-cating with immediate supervisorfirst for resolution. He askedeveryone to leave rooms clean andturn keys in when departing ship.Steward will provide list of allneeded repairs. Educational direc-

tor encouraged mariners to donateto SPAD and upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point,Md. Treasurer stated no moneyavailable in ship’s fund. Crewrequested profits from slop chestbe given to the fund. Other sugges-tions for generating money for thefund are welcome. No beefs or dis-puted OT reported. Clarificationrequested on compensation forshipyard subsistence pay. Concernsalso expressed about Coast Guarddischarges. Request made fordirect deposit to bank accounts.

USNS HENSEN (Horizon Lines),March 13—Chairman ArthurCross, Secretary Henry Manning,Educational Director Roy W.Dunaway, Deck Delegate BrianRobison, Engine Delegate RobertJ. Guilmette, Steward DelegateMary Whatley. Educational direc-tor stressed importance of upgrad-ing skills at Paul Hall Center.Treasurer reported no money inship’s fund. New fund to be startedsoon. All those going ashoreadvised to be careful and usemetered cab. Crew informed any-thing white or black on deck “isprobably wet paint.”

LIBERATOR (Maersk LineLimited), April 9—ChairmanEdward J. O’Conner, SecretaryBrandon D. Maeda, EducationalDirector Hardin D. Chancey,Deck Delegate Roy Payne, EngineDelegate David Terry Jr., StewardDelegate Sukirman Suraredgo.Chairman announced payoff April13 in Newark, N.J. USSM shipsnow operated by Maersk, andchairman reminded everyone tocontinue same professionalism andexpert seamanship that SIU isknown for. Educational directortalked about upgrading at PaulHall Center and suggested allaboard read SIU constitution. Nobeefs or disputed OT reported.Bosun reviewed several documentsreceived from headquarters andtalked about temporary suspensionof shipping rules. Suggestion madeto increase retirement scale and

reduce time needed for basic pen-sion. Crew members asked toclean rooms before leaving ship.Vote of thanks given to stewarddepartment for great meals. Nextports: Newark; Baltimore, Md.;Newport News, Va.; Charleston,S.C.

SULPHUR ENTERPRISE(Sulphur Carriers), April 1—Chairman Sonny Pinkham,Secretary Darryl K. Goggins,Educational Director Michael L.

Williams. Educational directoradvised Seafarers to upgrade skillsas often as possible. No beefs ordisputed OT reported. Crew mem-bers discussed suggestions for newcontract, including pay increase,improved medical, dental and opti-cal plans. Crew requested refriger-ator in each room. Next port:Galveston, Texas.

USNS GILLILAND (3PSC),April 3—Chairman Louis F.Sorito, Secretary Danelle M.Harvey, Educational DirectorPeter R. Donat, Deck DelegateMichael T. Murner, EngineDelegate James G. Sloan,Steward Delegate Derrick R.Moore. Bosun commended crewon patience solving engineeringproblems on board. Educationaldirector told all mariners to givethemselves a raise by upgradingskills and ratings at Piney Pointschool. Treasurer stated $142 inship’s fund. Deck delegate notedthat deck department memberswho were on board during ROSneed to make copies of pay vouch-ers and have wages adjusted.Steward urged fellow crew mem-bers to make menu suggestionsand stated that requests would behonored if items were on board.No beefs or disputed OT reported.Additional washing machinesneeded. E-mail from captain readregarding imminent danger pay forMarch and April. Next ports:Kuwait; Newport News, Va.

Digest of ShipboardUnion Meetings

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboardminutes as possible. On occassion, because of space

limitations, some will be omitted.

Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’s contract department.Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union

uupon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwardedto the Seafarers LOG for publicatiion.

With Seafarers on the Alaskan Explorer

The photos above were taken in late April when the SIU-crewedAlaskan Explorer stopped in Juneau, Alaska en route to Valdez.That same week, Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski interviewedAlaska Tanker Co. (ATC) President and CEO Anil Mathur for aradio program that touched on job opportunities for Alaskans inthe U.S. Merchant Marine. GUDE Luke Bradley (photo at lowerright), for instance, is a displaced Alaskan fisherman who foundemployment via a state program that directs students to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.Also pictured aboard the ATC tanker are (top, from left) ChiefCook David Vaughn and AB Zaid Muthala and (below, left) GUDETeresa Ward.

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Know Your Rights

HOME ADDRESS FORM(Please Print)

Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Book No.: ________________

� Active SIU � Pensioner � Other ____________________________________

This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings.This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 6/05

FINANCIAL REPORTS. TheConstitution of the SIU Atlantic,Gulf, Lakes and Inland WatersDistrict/NMU makes specific provi-sion for safeguarding the member-ship’s money and union finances. Theconstitution requires a detailed auditby certified public accountants everyyear, which is to be submitted to themembership by the secretary-treasur-er. A yearly finance committee ofrank-and-file members, elected bythe membership, each year examinesthe finances of the union and reportsfully their findings and recommenda-tions. Members of this committeemay make dissenting reports, specificrecommendations and separate find-ings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds ofthe SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes andInland Waters District/NMU areadministered in accordance with theprovisions of various trust fundagreements. All these agreementsspecify that the trustees in charge ofthese funds shall equally consist ofunion and management representa-tives and their alternates. All expendi-tures and disbursements of trust fundsare made only upon approval by amajority of the trustees. All trust fundfinancial records are available at theheadquarters of the various trustfunds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’sshipping rights and seniority are pro-tected exclusively by contractsbetween the union and the employers.Members should get to know theirshipping rights. Copies of these con-tracts are posted and available in allunion halls. If members believe therehave been violations of their shippingor seniority rights as contained in thecontracts between the union and theemployers, they should notify theSeafarers Appeals Board by certifiedmail, return receipt requested. Theproper address for this is:

Augustin Tellez, ChairmanSeafarers Appeals Board

5201 Auth WayCamp Springs, MD 20746

Full copies of contracts as referredto are available to members at alltimes, either by writing directly to theunion or to the Seafarers AppealsBoard.

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIUcontracts are available in all SIUhalls. These contracts specify thewages and conditions under which anSIU member works and lives aboarda ship or boat. Members should knowtheir contract rights, as well as theirobligations, such as filing for over-time (OT) on the proper sheets and inthe proper manner. If, at any time, amember believes that an SIU patrol-man or other union official fails toprotect their contractual rights prop-erly, he or she should contact thenearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THESEAFARERS LOG. The SeafarersLOG traditionally has refrained frompublishing any article serving thepolitical purposes of any individual inthe union, officer or member. It alsohas refrained from publishing articlesdeemed harmful to the union or itscollective membership. This estab-lished policy has been reaffirmed bymembership action at the September1960 meetings in all constitutionalports. The responsibility for Sea-farers LOG policy is vested in an edi-torial board which consists of theexecutive board of the union. Theexecutive board may delegate, fromamong its ranks, one individual tocarry out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. Nomonies are to be paid to anyone in

any official capacity in the SIU unlessan official union receipt is given forsame. Under no circumstances shouldany member pay any money for anyreason unless he is given such receipt.In the event anyone attempts torequire any such payment be madewithout supplying a receipt, or if amember is required to make a pay-ment and is given an official receipt,but feels that he or she should nothave been required to make such pay-ment, this should immediately bereported to union headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTSAND OBLIGATIONS. Copies ofthe SIU Constitution are available inall union halls. All members shouldobtain copies of this constitution soas to familiarize themselves with itscontents. Any time a member feelsany other member or officer isattempting to deprive him or her ofany constitutional right or obligationby any methods, such as dealing withcharges, trials, etc., as well as allother details, the member so affectedshould immediately notify headquar-ters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All membersare guaranteed equal rights inemployment and as members of theSIU. These rights are clearly set forthin the SIU Constitution and in thecontracts which the union has negoti-ated with the employers. Conse-quently, no member may be discrimi-nated against because of race, creed,color, sex, national or geographic ori-gin.

If any member feels that he or she isdenied the equal rights to which he orshe is entitled, the member shouldnotify union headquarters.

SEAFARERS POLITICALACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD.SPAD is a separate segregated fund.Its proceeds are used to further itsobjects and purposes including, butnot limited to, furthering the political,social and economic interests of mar-itime workers, the preservation andfurthering of the American merchantmarine with improved employmentopportunities for seamen and boat-men and the advancement of tradeunion concepts. In connection withsuch objects, SPAD supports andcontributes to political candidates forelective office. All contributions arevoluntary. No contribution may besolicited or received because of force,job discrimination, financial reprisal,or threat of such conduct, or as a con-dition of membership in the union orof employment. If a contribution ismade by reason of the above improp-er conduct, the member should notifythe Seafarers International Union orSPAD by certified mail within 30days of the contribution for investiga-tion and appropriate action andrefund, if involuntary. A membershould support SPAD to protect andfurther his or her economic, politicaland social interests, and Americantrade union concepts.

NOTIFYING THE UNION—If atany time a member feels that any ofthe above rights have been violated,or that he or she has been denied theconstitutional right of access to unionrecords or information, the membershould immediately notify SIUPresident Michael Sacco at headquar-ters by certified mail, return receiptrequested. The address is:

Michael Sacco, PresidentSeafarers International Union

5201 Auth WayCamp Springs, MD 20746.

Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail?In order to help ensure that each active SIU

member and pensioner receives a copy of theSeafarers LOG every month—as well as otherimportant mail such as W-2 forms, pension andhealth insurance checks and bulletins or notices—acorrect home address must be on file with the union.

If you have moved recently or feel that you arenot getting your union mail, please use the form onthis page to update your home address.

Your home address is your permanent address,and this is where all official union documents will

be mailed (unless otherwise specified).If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG

delivered to you, if you have changed your address,or if your name or address is misprinted or incom-plete, please fill out the form and send it to:

Seafarers International UnionAddress Correction Dept.5201 Auth WayCamp Springs, MD 20746

or e-mail corrections to [email protected]

(Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOGreserves the right to edit letters forgrammar as well as space provi-sions without changing the writer’sintent. The LOG welcomes lettersfrom members, pensioners, theirfamilies and shipmates and willpublish them on a timely basis.)

Support HH.R. 223I am calling on our SIU broth-

ers to contact their local U.S.Congressional representatives toco-sponsor the Belated ThankYou to the Merchant Mariners ofWorld War II Act of 2005, H.R.23. Seafarers did a great job lastyear generating support for thisbill, but we had to start over againthis year. By early April, we had120 co-sponsors.

President Franklin D. Roose-velt said during the signing of theGI Bill in 1944, “I trust Congresswill soon provide similar oppor-tunities to the members of themerchant marine who have riskedtheir lives time and time again forthe welfare of their country.”

General Dwight D. Eisen-hower said, “The truly heroicman of this war is the GI Joe andhis counterpart of the air, Navyand merchant marine.”

Finally, Fleet Admiral ChesterW. Nimitz pointed out, “Thefighting fleets and Marines of ourNavy, the ground forces of ourArmy, and the aircraft of bothwould have been helpless topound the enemy into defeatoverseas had it not been for thesteady stream of personnel,equipment and supplies of everycharacter brought into the rear ofthe combat areas, and oftendirectly into those areas, by theships of our own merchantmarine and those of our allies.”

There are many more quota-tions from WWII-era leaders, yetI’ve found that most Americanstoday don’t know about us.Maybe after we get this billpassed, the U.S. MerchantMarine will not be the forgottenservice of World War II.

Thanks again for your supporton this matter.Richard WigginsKansas City, Missouri

New CCenter iinBaltimore

The port of Baltimore has anew full service seafarer center inDundalk named Stella Maris,Latin for Star of the Sea. It isindeed a bright star for merchantseafarers calling in Baltimore,since it has all the bells and whis-tles.

Located in the old DundalkShopping Center on ShippingPlace, the center has its own thriftstore of high quality used cloth-ing. It features plenty of recre-ational facilities and equipment,two big-screen TVs and a library.Foreign-language magazines andnewspapers are provided. A bankof computers offer internet andemail access. Discounted tele-phone cards and telephones makeit possible to call home.

Many of the local eateries pro-vide discounts to the seafarers.We also provide doctor, dentistand pharmacy visits. Three vanstransport seafarers to the centerand around town for shopping,sightseeing, emergency trips toBWI Airport and help in crisis sit-uations.

As the center’s director, Iemphasize that this is a fully non-denominational ministry. Wehave scriptures and the holybooks of all faiths and in manylanguages.

All of the staff members arevolunteers. In fact, I welcomeand need additional volunteers todrive vans and work at the center.

Of course, donations also arewelcome, as the whole operationdepends 100 percent on such con-tributions. (Now I really knowwhat the term “non-profit”means.)

I may be contacted at (410)

889-0351 or at [email protected].

I hope to announce an earlyfall date for a formal ribbon-cut-ting ceremony in the park in frontof the center.Monsignor John L. FitzgeraldBaltimore, Maryland

Memorial oon ttheDelaware

A memorial on the banks ofthe Delaware River for the U.S.Merchant Marine Veterans andU.S. Navy Armed Guard Veteranswho served on the merchant shipsand manned the guns duringWorld War II is scheduled to bededicated on June 11 at 10 a.m.near the battleship New Jersey, inthe historic area of the Camden,N.J. waterfront.

A large bronze propeller hasbeen donated and will serve asthe focal point of the memorial.Landscaping, six flag poles, eightbenches for seating and a brickpromenade are in place.

Donations to the project arestill needed and are fully tax-deductible. They may be madedirectly to the Merchant MarineVeterans of America, Inc., 455Timberline Trail, West Chester,PA 19382. All donors will receiveproper recognition. Donations oftime, talent, materials and equip-ment will also be gratefullyappreciated.

Many of our World War IImerchant marine veterans arerapidly approaching their “finalvoyage.” Now is the time to rec-ognize and honor these forgottenheroes.Charles MardigianMt. Laurel, New Jersey

Letters to the Editor

The Seafarers LOG would like to hear from you. If you

have a letter to the editor—or an article, story, poem,

photo or diary of your life at sea—that you think other

Seafarers would be interested in reading, send them to

the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way,

Camp Springs, MD 20746.

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SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTERUPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE

The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for MaritimeTraining and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. All pro-grams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote theAmerican maritime industry.

Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the mem-bership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security.

Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday beforetheir course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on themorning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva-tions should be made for Saturday.

Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered atthe Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.

Deck Upgrading CoursesStart Date of

Course Date Completion

Able Seaman July 11 August 5

August 22 September 16

October 3 October 28

November 14 December 9

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* June 20 June 24

(ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 22 August 26


Bridge Resource Management November 14 November 18

(Unlimited)

Celestial Navigation July 18 August 11

GMDSS (Simulator) June 27 July 8

August 29 September 9

October 31 November 11

Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 27 July 8

August 8 August 19

September 19 September 30


Radar June 6 June 15

August 8 August 17


Radar Renewal (1 day): June 27, August 29, October 31

Steward Upgrading CoursesGalley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week.Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning April18 , 2005.

Engine Upgrading CoursesStart Date of


FOWT June 13 August 5

September 19 November 11

QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8

Welding August 22 September 9

September 19 October 7



Safety Specialty CoursesStart Date of


Advanced Fire Fighting* July 18 July 29

(*must have basic fire fighting)

Fast Rescue Boat June 6 June 10

Government Vessels July 4 July 8

August 8 August 12

August 22 August 26

September 26 September 30


November 14 November 18

Medical Care Provider August 1 August 5

Tankerman Familiarization/ June 6 June 17

Assistant Cargo (DL)* August 1 August 11

(*must have basic fire fighting) September 26 October 7

Tankerman (PIC) Barge* June 27 July 1

(*must have basic fire fighting) October 17 October 21

Academic Department CoursesGeneral education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basicvocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one weekprior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistantand Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study.

UPGRADING APPLICATIONName ________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________

Deep Sea Member � Lakes Member � Inland Waters Member �

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not beprocessed.

Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________

Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________

U.S. Citizen: Yes � No � Home Port _____________________________

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? � Yes � No

If yes, class # __________________________________________________________

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? � Yes � No

If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________

Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement?

� Yes � No Firefighting: � Yes � No CPR: � Yes � No

Primary language spoken ________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty(120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the dateyour class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi-cating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it isCoast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S.Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a moneyorder only, payable to LMSS.

BEGIN ENDCOURSE DATE DATE

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

____________________________ _______________ _______________

LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________

Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________

SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if youpresent original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques-tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point.

RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education,Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training andEducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qual-ified, of 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.

�

6/05

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P a u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e s

Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (CL) — Completing this courseApril 15 are (in alphabetical order) George Ashbridge, Robert Austin, Timothy Brock,Daniel Carman, Thanh Duong, Christopher Edyvean, Jerry Guglielmello, Corey Hann,Joselier Itaralde, Michael Kirby, Christian Nikunj, Miguel Pizarro, Steven Randle, BurkeSamuels and DeIsraelWilliams.

Celestial — Students in the celestial navigationcourse ending April 8 are (in alphabetical order) BrentAnderson, DeGutenberg Poitevien, Ovidio Santos,Jennifer Senner and David Steinberg. Their instructor,Stacey Harris, is at far left.

Radar — Instructor Michael Smith (right) joins his radarclass for a graduation picture April 13. They are Ato Aikins,Gregory Brunson Sr., Shannon Smith and MichaelWorthington.

Water Survival — April 15 graduates of the watersurvival course include (from left, front row) Robert Scott,Robert Lee, Nazeh Nasser, Erin O’Toole, InstructorBernabe Pelingon, (second row) Jerry Stillman, Al Zapata-Nicholls, Matthew Nuñez, Michael Sykes, (in the boat)Jamar Reed and Alfredo Drake III.

Government Vessels — The 11 recertified bosuns and other students complet-ed this course April 15. They are (in no specific order) Robert Coleman, Michael Lulley,Francis Burke, Willie Marsh, Aristeo Padua, Konstantino Prokovas, Fernando Guity,

Ronald Felton, Rosita Livermon, Douglas Perry Jr.,German Maximo, Thomas Flanagan, Simplicia Twohie,Christopher Pompel, Eric Berry Rogoberto Boggeano,Jullian Woods, Timothy Burke, David Hudgins, HomarMcField, Kelvin Cherington and Alvin Martin.

Academics —Jason Simonrecently completedtwo academiccourses whileupgrading at theschool: Math 099(developmentalmathematics) andHistory 102 (theU.S. from 1877).Presenting him withhis certificates isInstructor PeggyDensford.

Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this courseApril 8 include (in no specific order) Elliott DelAguila, Louis Kramm, Patrick Ryan, AnthonyRoca, Audania Bomar, Timothy Littles, Adam Ramey, Steven Cedres, Michael Rodriguez,Billie Munoz, Jon Silveira, Steve Hurden, Nelson Smith, Karberto Ramos, Norman Dize,Perry King, Samuel Miller, Calvin Andrews Jr. and David Dinan.

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 661 — Graduating from thewater survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 661 (in alphabetical order)Andre Anderson, Ian Babcock, George Berkovich, Phillip Brant, Eric Dorsey, EdwinFeliciano, Cory Gardner, Thomas Guthrie IV, Hussain Hafid, Pedro Hernandez,Graham Jones, William Little, Marc Maffia, Jimmy McCall, Gulifer Oyao, Holly Pattison,Abede Reda, Lloyd Riddick, Edwin Rivera, Cortney Sacks, Devin Savoie, TysonSherman, David Spangler and Mikel Tittsworth.

Left: On April 8, students receive their certificatesof achievement for completing various computercourses. They are Rigoberto Boggeano, DanielLink, Lisa Harewood, Craig Burmeister, TrentEnoch, Fernando Guity, Robinson Eromosele,Douglas Perry Jr., Francis Burke and Edward C.Fore. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in thefar back.

Left: March 30:Instructor RickPrucha (left)congratulatesMichaelMcErlean forhis achieve-ments in mas-tering two com-puter pro-grams.

Computer Lab Classes

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P a u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e sBasic Safety Training Classes

Above and Below: STCW — NCL, April 8: Rachel Alarcon, Kuponohiipoi Aweau,Yoko Bearg, Joycelyn Camacho, Diane Clark, Patrick Cruz, Joseph D’Ambra, ShanelleDragomanavich, Steven Fannin, Yevgeniy Flit, Luis Germosen Jr., LaweranceGonsalves, Curtis Goodman, Rodrigo Grandison, Jessica Grill, Tierra Harris, JessicaHawk, Brandon Hiroe, Heather Holmes, Cara Horibe, Walter Intriago, Yoori Kim,Elizabeth Kribble, Doo Eung Lee, Kevin Lynk, Randy McCalip, Meredith McCombs,Damsel Mendoza, Jordan Ofoia, Jacqueline Olmstead, Orlando Ortega, Jeremy Payton,Ramjo Pendon, Joseph Penn, Sabrina Ponciano, Alma Porquez, Ronald Puaza, MelissaRapp, Jerri Reed, Jerome Robinson, Jairo Sanchez, Jose Sandoval, Dantis Sims,Shonna Sorrell, Elustrious Spikes, Marconi Tuliao, Christopher Ubinger, Alicia Vela-Bailey, Jonathan Veles and Ashley Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

STCW — NCL, April 1:David Acosta, Michael Adair,

Lawrence Aflague II, MariquaAlfague, Joy Armstrong,

Brandy Baeza, PedritoBathan, Paul Bennett, Steven

Blank, Banjamin Cohen,Edison Crucena, Dana Davis,

Jaroslav Dvorak and BenitoGarcia-Vale.

STCW — NCL, April 15: Doug Ford, Denolia Hunter, Jack Edwards, FesuiaiLeupolu, Evelyn Lumpkin, Curtis Marshall, Michael Hadley, Angela Kunkle, TamiLambert, Brent James, Endra Hartanto, Tierra Harris, Patricia Graham,Stephanie Ford, Melissa Kelly, Kathie Gallo, John Elliott, Ann Kelchner, AbbyMardile, Josh Jensen, Paul Hager, Thomas Jordan, Candace Hight and KevinKeller. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

STCW — NCL, April 15: Cale Brehio, Tegnear Butler, Daniel Bryan, David Cing, Donald AmosJr., Angela Coleman, DeCarlos Curry, Phillip Botts, Ramy Atienza, Joshua Evans, ChristinaClogston, Judith Audie, Scott Bertholf, Katherine Bentzen, Sunshine Brown, Juanita Bautista,Frank Cedeño, Omar Deleon, Wes Burkholder, Joseph Boyle, Andrew Davidsburg and EricAtkinson.

STCW — NCL, April 1: Marline Kahanaoi, Edward Kryzanekas Jr., Mark Layne, PeterLerma Jr., David Lewis, David Lillis, James Long, Robert Martinez Jr., Brian Musgrove,Meredith Myers, Bridget Oshita, David Owens, Ernesto Ramirez, Talia Rozensky, PaulRamirez, Edward Resendez, Michael Taijeron, Elvira Tizon, Jaime Vallejos, DavidVanWart, Adrian White and Grant Yates. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

STCW — NCL, April 15: Orva Shaffer, Marlo Roberts, Lakeshia Stephens, RuneRetterholt, Kevin Washington, Jeff Scotty, Brian Wright, Barbara Shapiro, IanNapier, Raymond Santiago Jr., Johanna Quenga, Miguel Mendez, Justin Thulien,Sterling Nolen, Sonia iranda, Morris Wilkes, Clint Wells, Ronald Perdue, JensenNguyen and Brian Pagnotti.

STCW— April8: John Kolodziej,Kenneth Johnson,

Rudy Lopez,Michael Manekas,

MichaelMcErlean, Victor

Nunez, JavierReyes and Jullian

Woods. (Note:Not all are pic-

tured.)

STCW — Alaskan Fishermen, April 15: Stephen Cooper, ChristopherDemmert, Oliver Fronteras, Tracy Hanson, Nicolas Macaraeg Jr., RobertMobert, Michael Moody, Dannis Parsons, Richard Pelkey, William Sanbornand Garry Smock. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right.

27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:12 PM

AA RR PP DD

MM CC FF 11

Chief CookCesar Macias-Ortiz

Chief CookJulio Arzu

AB Edgar Stanley

AB James Clark

AB Jim McCarthy

SA Dante Dizon (left)and SA Yahya Munasser

DEU David Simpson

Electrician Roger Phillips

Bosun Boyce Wilson

AB Francis Coakley

Below:AB Jose Tagle,Electrician Juan

Dansalan, SA DanteDizon and SA Yahya

Munasser

Left: Recertified StewardJim Battista loading

stores in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania

Recertified Steward Jim Battistawith the Rock of Gibraltar in the

background

The Maersk Constellation is a combination breakbulk and roll-on/roll-offship, 598 feet long, that carries its own cranes so the vessel does not haveto rely on shore-based cranes for off-loading cargo.

The photos appearing on this page were taken aboard the Maersk Line,Limited Constellation during voyages 59 and 60 to Africa and Bangladesh.They were sent to the LOG by Recertified Steward BB .


27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 5:30 PM

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