the lookout fall 2015

7/24/2019 The Lookout Fall 2015

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Founded in 1834, the

Institute is a voluntary,

ecumenical agency

affiliated with the

Episcopal Church that

provides pastoral care,

maritime education, and

legal and advocacy

services for mariners.

In this issue

The Seamens Church Institute seamenschurch.org

PFALL 2015 VOLUME 107/NUMBER 3

Preparing for the Unknown?People have explored a lot of places in boats. The Vikings came to America thanks tospecially designed vessels that allowed them to go long distances. In 2013, fishermen off thecoast of Japan found three baby giant squidsmysterious, almost mythical creatures we knowso very little about. New terrains, new species things wed never have found if not for theway of the sojourning mariner.

Our planets waterways set a stage for adventure, but with adventure comes risk. News of thedisappearance ofMV El Farobrought this fact home to millions of Americans. People whowork on maritime vessels operate at the worlds extremes and face the formidable forces ofnature. A journey to unknown parts of the earth means mariners dont always know wheretheyll wind up or what theyll encounter.

Mariners must expect the unexpected. But is that possible? How can you prepare forthe unknown?

Mariners start with training, drilling emergencies on board over and over again so that whensomething does happen, theyre prepared. Mariners travel with stores of reservesfood, freshwater and emergency generators. And when the ultimate test of endurance comes, safe vesselscontain lifeboats that allow mariners to abandon a sinking ship as a last resort.

Yet even with taking every precaution, one cannot guarantee safety.One simply cannot prepare for every eventuality on the water, and

mariners can only do so much on a boat. When things dont goaccording to plan, mariners need a safeguardone based in theshelter and security of dry land.

Service agencies like the Seamens Church Institute (SCI)anchor mariners to the shore-side assistance that makes discovery

and exploration possible. We offer a pastoral care network thatmakes it manageable for mariners to put on hold home and family life

for months at a time. We use computer simulators to give mariners experiences of dangeroussituations, without risking their own personal safety. And when things at sea need improving,SCI advocates for mariners rights in courts and to governments on land.

This world needs mariners to continue going on adventures. Their journeys bring us so much.To enable them to do that safely and effectively, wemust equip them with a system that helps anddefends them on land. So when marinersbrave new uncharted waters or run intochallenges theyve never encounteredbefore, theyll knowexactlywhat toexpect:our support.

Use the encloseddonation envelope

to make a financialcontribution to SCI, andsupport mariners on theirunpredictable adventuresaround the world.

Directors Log

2Shore

Leave Survey

3Seafarers

Health

4Houstons

New Simulator

5

Rising tothe Challenge

6Port Newark

Director

7Stevenson

Honored

8
http://www.seamenschurch.org/http://www.seamenschurch.org/


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2 The Seamens Church Institute The Lookout Fall 2015

Fall 2015 Volume 107/Number 3

Published by

The Seamens Church Institute

seamenschurch.org

212-349-9090

fax: 212-349-8342

[email protected]

Richard T. du Moulin

Chairman, Board of Trustees

The Rev. David M. Rider

President and Executive Director

Editor, Oliver Brewer-Lennon

Design & Production, Bliss Design

The Lookout is printed on recycled paper.

SCI SUSTAININGSPONSORS

Executive Directors Log

Dear Friends,

Batten down the hatches! Give a wide berth! Go by the board!

We probably hear or use phrases like these regularly. At the very least, we know whatthey mean. But do wereallyknow? Do we really understand where these phrases havetheir roots?

The truth is we can trace a lot of our words and catchphrases to the sea. Nautical termcome from a time when the maritime world shaped many peoples way of life. Hold on! I hearsay. Surely, the maritime world has just as much influence on our lives today!

Indeed, more than ever, our economyour way of liferelies on international maritime trade

It underpins our modern lifestyles. The trouble? We dont always make the connection. We donalways trace the origins of phrases or items we use on a daily basis back to the source.

Threads of maritime commerce weave throughout ourlivesfrom consumer electronics to American grainexports. Day in and day out, mariners are at work in

our world, and we take advantage of theirfrequently unrecognized labor. Like thelanguage weve inherited from mariners,the origins of the goods and essentials wereceive can go unnoticed.

Its worth taking a look at how themaritime world affects our land-based

one. Next time you use a colloquialmaritime phrase, think about where itcame from. And next time you use animported good or see a towboat headingup river, think about its origin, too.

Give thanks for ourmaritime connections.

Yours faithfully,

Look for some

interesting word

histories in your

email inbox over the

coming months, as

SCI uncovers some

of the maritime

phrases that shape

our modern language. Not on

our email list? Send a note to

[email protected], and

well make sure you receive timely

communication from SCI.

El FaroRelief FundIn response to the tragic loss oftheMV El Farowith all hands iOctober 2015, SCI establishedtheEl Faro Relief Fundto

provide financial assistance tothe families and dependents ofthe seafarers lost at sea from theEl Faro and other U.S. merchanvessels that may be lost at seain the future. Thanks to thegenerous support of financialcontributors like you, SCI canadminister this fund withouttaking any fees.
http://www.seamenschurch.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.seamenschurch.org/


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seamenschurch.org The Lookout Fall 2015 3

C

2015 Seafarer Shore Leave SurveyA 2015 survey reveals why some seafarers cannot obtain shore leave in US ports.

by David C. Gibbons, Intern, Center for Seafarers Rights

SCIs Center for Seafarers Rights, with the assistanceof the North American Maritime MinistryAssociation (NAMMA) and other seafarer ministries

throughout the United States, conducted its fourteenthannual Seafarer Shore Leave Survey during the week ofMay 2329, 2015. The survey aimed to identify difficultiesencountered by seafarers in accessing shore leave. Surveyadministrators recorded data from nearly9,500seafarers onover400vessels in27ports, reporting that1,642seafarers(17.3%) from128vessels (29%) were denied shore leave.An overwhelming majority (79%) of these seafarers weredenied shore leave because they did not have valid visas.Other reasons for shore leave denials included seafarerswho remained on their vessels in UnitedStates waters for more than29days(7%), vessel operations (5%), terminal

restrictions (4%), Customs and BorderProtection (CBP) restrictions (1%), andseafarers who entered the United Stateson C-1 transit visas and were detained onboard after joining their vessels (1%).

Compared to last years survey, this yearsdata shows an increase in shore leavedenials for both percentage of ships withat least one seafarer denied shore leaveand in the percentage of seafarers deniedshore leave. In2014, approximately23.3%of the ships had at least one crewmember

denied shore leave, and11.2%of seafarerson the surveyed ships were deniedshore leave.

The United States requires non-Americanseafarers to obtain crewmember visasin order to apply for shore leave. Thisdirectly conflicts with the Conventionon Facilitation of International MaritimeTraffic (FAL)of which the United States is a memberwhich prohibits visa requirements for seafarers. Of the1,642seafarers denied shore leave in this years survey, 1,300(79%) did not have a valid visa. The Maritime Labour

Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), which came into effecttwo years ago, requires shipowners to pay for seafarersvisas. Of the 1,300 seafarers denied shore leave for lack of avalid visa, at least418(32%) were from countries that haveratified the MLC, 2006 and have an obligation to ensureseafarers have visas. The survey also reveals flag stateswho have not held shipowners accountable. Of the1,300seafarers without visas,1,044were on vessels registered inMLC, 2006 member states.

Currently, terminal restrictions present an obstacle forseafarers looking to obtain shore leave. The ability of

seafarers to transit through a terminala necessity toutilize shore leavevaries from terminal to terminal. Forsafety reasons, many terminals do not permit pedestrian

traffic. Some terminals rely on seafarer welfare organizationsto provide shuttle transportation through the terminal;however, if chaplains are not available, seafarers mightnot have any other options. Other terminals allow privatesecurity companies to escort seafarers through the terminalat a cost anywhere from$50to$500. Some terminalsallow seafarers to use the same shuttles as longshoremen;however, if there are no longshore operations, seafarers maynot be able to leave or return to their vessels. And someterminals continue to deny transit to seafarers and chaplains

altogether. On December 29, 2014, the United StatesCoast Guard proposed a new rule, which, if implemented,would require terminals to provide timely transit throughthe terminal at no cost to seafarers. If the Coast Guards

proposed rule is implemented, it will significantly improvethe quality of life for seafarers, while allowing individualterminals discretion on how best to implement the rule attheir location.

Shore leave is not only critical for the health and well-being of seafarers but also for productive and safe vesseloperations. Seafarers live out their professional lives onboard a ship; they work, live, eat, sleep and socialize withthe same twenty-some other crewmembers for the durationof their contract. Their only respite from these confinescomes at the opportunity for shore leave.


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Advocating for Seafarers Health

A new Seafarer Wellness Program, made possible by a grant from the New York Community Trust,continues the Institutes efforts of providing seafarers with exceptional support services in port.

In 2014, SCI began collaborating withtwo prominent American medical

institutions to focus on preventativemedicine and healthy lifestylesfor seafarers. At the InternationalSeafarers Center in Port Newark,students from Rutgers UniversitySchool of Nursing provide healthassessments, preventative medicine andhealthy living advice for seafarers. Datacollected from their measurementscontributes to a Yale University Schoolof Medicine study on seafarers health.

Many jobs present challenges and

hazards to their employees. Living andworking on board an internationalcargo ship affects seafarers health invarious ways. Like any job, seafarersmust take certain precautions,combating vulnerabilities that resultfrom the type of work they do. Whenarmed with the right know-how,seafarers lead normal, healthy lives, butnot all seafarers have the informationthey need. That comes as no surprise,as knowledge about seafarers healthremains largely undocumented and

under-evaluateda fact SCI seeksto change.

Seafarers must take care ofthemselvesmentally and physicallyin ways that match their busywork schedule and isolated workenvironment. SCI, along with otherseafarer welfare agencies around theworld, recognizes the importance ofmaking sure seafarers feel supportedand stay knowledgeable about issuesrelated to their wellbeing. SCI aimsto give seafarers a safe place to consulta health professional about questions

or areas of concern. In addition, theInstitute seeks to collect data thatcould give a clearer picture of seafarershealth worldwide.

Everything seafarers do is for someoneelse, notes nursing student JackieBundock, pointing out why seafarersmight need advocates. Jackie workedas part of a team of student nurseswho set up shop at SCIs Port NewarkInternational Seafarers Center onTuesdays this year. Student nurses

like Jackie help seafarers obtaininformation on their weight, blood

pressure, BMI and blood glucosethings not easily monitored whilealone at sea for months on end.Student nurses also give informationon medical issues like hypertension,hyperglycemia and insomnia. Fortimes outside of clinic hours, SCI hasinstalled a HealthCENTER Kiosk,which seafarers can use to obtainstandard health screenings anytime.As part of this program, SCI offers itsfitness center free of charge to seafarers.

Yale University uses the medical datacollected by the nursing students andthe health kiosk to conduct valuableresearch on seafarers health. MartinSlade, MPH and Dr. Rafael Lefkowitzfrom Yale University Medical SchoolsDepartment of Occupational andEnvironmental Medicine are leadingthe study. SCI anticipates thiscollaborative effort will yield newinsights, increase seafarer wellness andhelp support the industry as a whole.

Below: Students from Rutgers University School of Nursing consult with seafarers at SCIs Port Newark International Seafarers Center



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SCIs Houston Center for Maritime Education prepares for upgrades to provide innovativeeducational opportunities for professional mariners.

After major refurbishment of SCIs simulator training facility in Paducah, KY, the Institute turns its attentionto the sister facility in Houston, TX. Over the coming months, construction teams will transform theinterior of SCIs Gulf Coast Center for Maritime Education (CME) campus to prepare for the installation of newsimulator technology.

Since 2001, CMEHouston hastrained over 10,000 mariners

with a unique mix of classroomteaching, peer learning andinteractive simulations. Each year,hundreds of US mariners bolster

their leadership, navigation andsafety skills in order to reduce

risk to life, property and themarine environment.

Major remodeling of SCIs Centerin Houston began September 8

with the startof a series ofupdates thatwill transformtraining forprofessionalmariners for yearsto come. These

renovationsprecede thereplacementof the existingsimulators.MaritimesimulatormanufacturerKongsberg plansto install newequipment in

December, with full operationscheduled for the end of the first

quarter of 2016.With the upgraded technology,mariners can engage in simulationswith high-definition visuals,andfor the first time at SCIparticipants can gain experiencerunning nighttime simulations. Thesystem features new boat modelsand tow configurationsincludinga model with Z-Drive capabilityin addition to the extensive list ofvessel models already in place.

The simulation infrastructureand facility refurbishment budgettotals $2.95 million, including newsimulator equipment, civil works,and upgrade of the adjacent Transassimulator for individual instructionand assessment. All this helpsmariners advance their professionalskills and enhances safety onAmericas waterways.

Houston Gets Ready for New Simulator


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F


SpecialEvents DatesThe 16th Annual River BellAwards LuncheonThursday,December 10, 2015

The Paducah McCrackenCounty Conventionand Expo CenterPaducah, KY

Check-In & Networking11:00 am

Awards Luncheon12:002:00 pm

Christmas at Sea GalaDecember 2016*

New York, NY

* Event alternates years withSCI Mountain Challenge;no Christmas at Sea Gala

in 2015

The 39th Annual Silver BellAwards DinnerThursday, June 9, 2016Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers

New York, NY

Cocktail Hour6:007:00 pm

Awards Dinner

7:30 pm

Rising to the ChallengeSCIs recent outdoor adventure race, the SCI MountainChallenge, raised over $500,000 in support of theInstitutes valuable services to mariners. The event poseda test of endurance inspired by mariners, with competitorsfacing unpredictable elements, isolation and physicallydemanding work to complete the challenge over two days.

Forty-five teams drawn from various sectors of the maritime industry vied for the top spots. Thcontended in a race through 25 miles of wilderness, ascending over 3,000 vertical feet each day

A major component of the event included fundraising for SCIs mariner support services. crossing the finish line with the fastest time and with the largest payload of donation dollaranked highest in the standings.

To see the complete list of finish times and philanthropy, visit scimountainchallenge.comto view photos from the event, check out SCIs Flickr account at http://smschur.ch/sci-alb

2015 Race ResultsVARSITY AWARDS

Course Completion & Philanthropy, Varsity

1. Team #42Baere Maritime: Warren Hansen,Nils Hansen and Murat Koksel

2. Team #38Cooper/Consolidated: WendellLandry, Erik Cooper and Chris Blanchard

3. Team #22 AWO 2: Jennifer Carpenter, BrianVahey and Anne Fazzini

Fastest Course Completion, Varsity

1. Team #42 Baere Maritime: Warren Hansen,Nils Hansen and Murat Koksel

2. Team #5Teekay Spirit: James Pippard, ColinGray and Paul Roberts

3. Team #25 ACL 2: Scott Poindexter, MattKazunas and Brian Patterson

JUNIOR VARSITY AWARDS

Course Completion & Philanthropy, JV

1. Team #29 AWO 3: Mark Wright, CaitlynStewart and Mary Anastacio

2. Team #17 DNB 2: Jim Cirenza, EdwardDe Castro and Henrik Ullner

3. Teams #16 and #19DNB 1: Ole Martin Bsen,Christian Astrup and Linnea Munthe &DNB 4: Tor Ivar Hansen, Kristoffer Braaten,Phil Kurpiewski

Fastest Course Completion, JV1. Team #16 DNB 1: Ole Martin Bsen,Christian Astrup, Linnea Munthe

2. Team #17DNB 2: Jim Cirenza, EdwardDe Castro and Henrik Ullner

3. Team #19DNB 4: Tor Ivar Hansen, KristofferBraaten, Phil Kurpiewski

FUNDRAISING AWARDS*

Top Team Fundraisers(Top fundraising teams)

1. Team #42 Baere Maritime: Warren Hansen,

Nils Hansen and Murat Koksel, $45,8502. Team #45 Ridgebury Tankers Team Burk

Robert Burke and John Burke, $21,4263. Team #7 Bernhard Schulte Summiteers:

Alers, Ron Young and John Nee, $17,48

Top Individual Fundraiser

1. Warren Hansen, Baere Maritime, $22,82. Robert Burke, Ridgebury Tankers Team

$20,8003. Jens Alers, Bernhard Schulte Summitee

$7,525

Top Corporate Fundraiser(Top fundraisers from an overall organizatio

1. Team #42Beare Maritime, $45,8502. Teams #6, 22, 29Team AWO, $35,0003. Teams #23 and #45Ridgebury Tankers, $

PEAK AWARDS

Moran Towing Peak Award: Knot TieRelay Challenge

Team #21Q88/Chembulk: Catherine MaMarlene Boyer and Beau Campfield

Tidewater Peak: Geocache Challenge

Team #18 DNB 3: David Lawrence, MarRuud Dingstad and David Zazula

Genesis Marine Peak: Peak-to-Peak Challenge

Team #42 Baere Maritime: Warren Hans

Nils Hansen and Murat Koksel

Navios Maritime Holdings Peak: King ofMountain Challenge

Team #42 Baere Maritime: Warren HansNils Hansen and Murat Koksel

Cargill Peak: Peak-to-Peak Challenge

Team #5 Teekay Spirit: James Pippard, CGray and Paul Roberts

* Calculations based on Sep 26 standings at no
http://scimountainchallenge.com/http://smschur.ch/sci-albumshttp://smschur.ch/sci-albumshttp://scimountainchallenge.com/


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SCIannounces the appointment of a new head of itsInternational Seafarers Center in Port Newark,an 18,000-square-foot hospitality center for maritime workersin the Port of New York and New Jersey. On August 7, 2015,Stephen Lyman became the Centers Director, after four

years of working with SCI, most recently as the CentersOperations Manager. Stephens expanded role includes portrelations, facility management and coordinating services forthe thousands of seafarers, truckers and port workers who useSCIs Center each year.

Lyman brings a 14-year tenure in not-for-profit work. Hegraduated in May from Montclair State University witha degree in Operations Management and Sociology andcurrently pursues a Masters in Public Administration fromRutgers University in Newark. Lyman describes a crossroadsof passions: an interest in business and the people doingbusiness. This combination positions him as an ideal

candidate for SCIs Center, where the trillion-dollar industryof maritime commerce comes together, with men and womenfrom all over the world.

Added to his background and training, Lyman has soakedup port life and maritime industry operations during histime at SCI. Working in a variety of capacities at theInstitutes Centerfrom dealing one-on-one with seafarers tocoordinating complex port relationsLyman has his fingeron the pulse of activities. Responding to requests from portworkers, he played a major role in establishing a popular newfitness center on the first floor of SCIs renovated Center.

Lyman oversees a critical point of intersection for seafarerscoming into the Port of New York and New Jersey. Many turnup for free Wi-Fi, computers, wellness counseling and easy,quick access to services available only on land. In 2014, SCIprovided free in-terminal transportation to 16,242 seafarers.

The Center also serves as the means by which the land-basedside of the industry connects with port operations. Truckersand port workers use business services offered at the Center(e.g., fax, money orders and wire transfers), as well as thefacilities for rest and relaxationlike SCIs basketball courtsand the ports only green space. Additionally, maritimeindustry companies and organizations use SCIs centrallylocated conference facilities for meetings and other events.

An ideal place to introduce non-maritime folk to the worldof global commerce, SCI welcomes hundreds of shore-side visitors each year. The Center hosts individuals andgroups, including volunteers, community organizations and

businesses. Under Lymans leadership, SCI anticipates anincreased engagement with the area surrounding the port,building a local community in the midst of an enormousglobal one. Although our buildings name says it, saysLyman, it isnt just for seafarers. We welcome all the playersin maritime commerceeveryone who benefits from the workof mariners.

To inquire about the Center and make arrangements to visit,contact Stephen Lyman, Director of SCIs InternationalSeafarers Center, at +1 973-589-5828.

New Directorfor PortNewark CenterSCIs Port Newark facility

gains new leadership atthe gateway into andout of the East Coastslargest port.

Stephen Lyman, newly appointed

Director of SCIs International

Seafarers Center in Port Newark


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SCIThe Seamens Church Institute50 Broadway, Floor 26New York, NY 10004

seamenschurch.org

SCI CENTERS: Port Newark, Paducah, Houston, Bay Area

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #99

NEW HAVEN, CT

T H E S E A M E N S C H U R C H I N S T I T U T E

Ways to Give to SCISupport the people who deliver the

goods that make our modern wayof life possible.

DonateRemember:Many companies match employeedonations to eligible nonprofits.Ask your employer aboutincreasing the value of your giftto support mariners.

Donate online atdonate.seamenschurch.org.

Use the envelope in thisedition of The Lookout or mail

your check to The SeamensChurch Institute,50 Broadway, Floor 26,New York, NY 10004.

Call 212-349-9090and makea contribution over the phonewith your credit card.

SponsorSCI provides prominent recognition toits underwriters. Become a corporatesponsor and link your companysphilanthropy with North Americas

largest and most comprehensivemariners service agency.

Volunteer

SCI offers many ways volunteerscan contribute to the work ofthe Institute. Call one of ourcenters or email [email protected].

CollectIn addition to handknit scarvesand hats, SCIs Christmastime giftto mariners includes items foundat most ordinary supermarketsdonated by people like you. Tofind out more, contact cas@

seamenschurch.orgor visitour website.

Follow

Go to http://facebook.com/seamenschurchandclick like.Follow @seamenschurchon Twitter.

Check out our photosat http://www.flickr.com/photos/seamenschurch.

And, watch videos from ourwork at http://vimeo.com/channels/scitv.

Remember SCI in your estate

plans. Email [email protected] moreinformation.


Stevenson Honored by AMCby Chester D. Hooper, Esq., BoardMember (Honorary)

American Maritime Cases (AMC)has dedicated its 2014 volumes ofmaritime cases to Douglas B. Stevenson forhis work with SCIs Center for Seafarers

Rights. AMC has published maritimecases since 1923. Its familiar yellow-boundvolumes can be found in maritime lawoffices around the world, as well aselectronically on the AMC website.Each year, its publishers laud adistinguished industry leader.

AMC honored Doug at their annualluncheon at the Century Associationin New York City on May 1, 2015.

There they presented him with copies ofmaritime court cases from 2014, a set ofhardbound volumes dedicated to him.

With this dedication, AMC recognizes thework Doug has accomplished and is stillaccomplishing for the benefit of seafarers.

Although the Center for Seafarers Rightsis based in the United States, its work hasglobal impact. Doug assists seafarers with

a variety of legal issues and works withport chaplains who encounter seafarers inneed of information across the globe. Dostrives to improve the laws that protectseafarers by playing an active role withthe International Maritime Organization(IMO), an agency of the United Nationswhich negotiates regulations to improvethe safety and security of shipping and th

seafarers welfare.

We are pleased that Dougs workhas been recognized and honoredby AMC.

Left: Douglas B. Stevenson, Esq., Director of

SCIs Center for Seafarers Rights
http://donate.seamenschurch.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://facebook.com/seamenschurchhttp://twitter.com/seamenschurchhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/seamenschurchhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/seamenschurchhttp://vimeo.com/channels/scitvhttp://vimeo.com/channels/scitvmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://vimeo.com/channels/scitvhttp://vimeo.com/channels/scitvhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/seamenschurchhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/seamenschurchhttp://twitter.com/seamenschurchhttp://facebook.com/seamenschurchmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://donate.seamenschurch.org/

the lookout fall 2015

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