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Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006

Aloha, Pride of Hawaii! Newest NCL America Ship Signals More SIU Jobs

Seafarers welcomed the third ship in NCL America’s fleet—the Pride of Hawaii —at the vessel’s christening May 20 in Los Angeles. SIU President Michael Sacco (far left) was one of the featured speakers at the event. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) (left in photo at immediate left, with Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay) sponsored and named the SIU-crewed ship at the pierside event. The official naming is shown in photo at upper left—pic- tured from left to right are NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch, Father Kahu Kordell Kekoa, Senator Inouye, Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay and Pride of Hawaii Capt. Kjell Nesheim. Pages 3, 12, 13. Seafarers Honored on National Maritime Day

SIU members were honored during National Maritime Day ceremonies May 22 in Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, the union participated in events hosted by the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Propeller Club. The SIU also took part in other Maritime Day ceremonies elsewhere across the country, including in San Pedro, Calif., where SIU President Michael Sacco was the keynote speaker. Pictured above, SIU officials and apprentices from the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are joined by Rear Admiral Robert Reilly Jr., MSC commander, and Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson. At right, SIU Bosun Thomas Moore (center) receives recognition for sailing in hurricane relief operations from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Acting Deputy Administrator Nelson. At left, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao reinforces her sup- port for a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Coverage starts on page 24 and continues on page 10. It’s also men- tioned in President Sacco’s column on page 2.

Scholarship Winners Announced USNS Spica in Rescue Operation Pages 2, 7 Page 9 36210p01_24X2.qxp 6/1/2006 9:21 AM Page 2

President’s Report Labor Secretary Announces Training Grant U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Mariners’ Heroism, Then and Now L. Chao early last month an- nounced a grant of almost $2.5 For National Maritime Day this year I was invited to speak in San million to train workers for mar- Pedro, California before members of the American Merchant Marine itime occupations within the Veterans and others who support the U.S. Merchant transportation industry. Accord- Marine. As usual, I appreciated the opportunity to formally ing to the U.S. Department of discuss our industry’s proud past and bright future. Labor (DOL), “The grant to the Also as usual, it was even more enjoyable afterward, education and training affiliate of when I informally met with a number of old salts in the Seafarers International Union the audience. Those types of meetings are the best is part of almost $6.3 million kind, especially when they involve U.S. Merchant invested to date in the transporta- Mariners from the “greatest generation.” tion sector through the Presi- Michael Sacco One of the points I emphasized to the entire group dent’s High Growth Job Training is that the passage of time tends to sanitize parts of our Initiative, a strategic plan to pre- history. We simply cannot let that happen to U.S. Merchant Mariners who pare workers for jobs in vital made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. industries.” When we memorialize our mariners, we should consider not only their “There are many career oppor- fates, but also the incredible challenges they faced, most notably during tunities in the maritime industry World War II. For younger generations, those challenges probably seem for workers with the right skills,” distant and maybe even limited on the pages of history books, or in the said Secretary Chao. “This $2.5 The school features state-of-the-art equipment including a full mission grainy footage that was shot more than 60 years ago. million grant under the Presi- bridge simulator. But for the mariners of World War II, the odds weren’t good. The fear dent’s High Growth Job Training was real. The enemy was deadly. And yet the mission was essential. Initiative will help thousands of In San Pedro, some of the audience members knew from experience new and incumbent workers to to upgrade their skills.” security. The U.S. Merchant that the seafarers of World War II were attacked from every angle. They acquire or upgrade their skill-sets Paul Hall Center Director of Marine continues to serve as our were bombed from enemy airplanes, fired upon by enemy ships and torpe- and knowledge base to access Training Bill Eglinton stated, nation’s fourth arm of defense in doed by enemy submarines. “This grant is going to advance Operations Enduring Freedom Many did not survive. They died in blazing explosions, in icy waters, in and retain good paying jobs on board merchant vessels.” our technology to improve and Iraqi Freedom, just as they lifeboats that drifted away to nothing. They died defending their country. apprenticeship training, including have done throughout American Yet the mariners of that era also pulled off the greatest sealift operation In announcing the grant, the in history. They sailed in every theater, regardless of the danger. They Labor Department noted that the competency-based training. It history.” moved more than 300 million tons of materiel. They absolutely earned the Paul Hall Institute of Human will give students a jump-start in The DOL reported that “indus- title of America’s fourth arm of defense. Simply put, they delivered when Development (a component of their vocational education and try partners in this project include their nation and indeed the rest of the free world needed them the most. As the Paul Hall Center for Maritime training.” Alaska Tanker Company, General Dwight Eisenhower said during the early stages of World War II, Training and Education, based in Eglinton also noted that in American Steamship, Crowley “When final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit Piney Point, Md.) “Will take on 2003, Secretary Chao reported Liner, Horizon Line, Liberty more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.” this nationwide project to devel- that she along with the Seafarers Maritime, NCL America, OSG Of course, the U.S. Merchant Marine’s heritage covers much more than op curriculum and learning tools International Union and Paul Hall Ship Management, and Pacific World War II. Our mariners have been there literally since Revolutionary for a variety of seafaring occupa- Institute leadership developed Gulf Marine. Additional partners times, right up to today as we sail in support of our troops in Operations tions, including the various logis- and approved the first-ever include workforce investment Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The seafarers’ names and faces have tical skill sets required of military National Apprenticeship Stand- boards, One-Stop Career Centers, changed, and the ships look a lot different nowadays too, but our commit- sealift command storekeepers, as ards for the maritime industry. Job Corps Centers, faith-based ment never wavers. Our reliability never lessens. Our message to our well as those needed in shipboard This led to new programs offered and community organizations, troops and to the rest of our countrymen is the same: You can count on us! security and sanitation. Also an for mariners in all three ship- community colleges and high Equally important is the fact that America still needs to maintain a Apprenticeship Certificate of board departments: deck, engine schools.” strong U.S.-flag fleet to help protect national and economic security. Training Program for cruise ship and steward. Without exception, “As the seafaring sector History has taught us, again and again, that when America is involved in hospitality will be created. Some those programs meet U.S. Coast evolves, maritime occupations conflicts, it depends on the sealift provided by a strong merchant marine. Guard certification requirements. demand workers with greater There is no other reliable, practical alternative. 4,000 new workers will be trained for positions as entry- Eglinton concluded, “I believe skills,” said Assistant Secretary Before the Maritime Day events in San Pedro, I spent time at the chris- this grant is an investment in of Labor for Employment and tening of NCL America’s new cruise ship, the Pride of Hawaii. As you level mariners, and 1,000 incum- would expect, it’s a beautiful ship. It offers every luxury a passenger could bent workers will receive training America’s national and economic Training Emily Stover DeRocco. want. “This nearly $2.5 million grant But when I look at a ship like the Pride of Hawaii, I tend to look past under the President’s High the bells and whistles. What I see is the American flag flying proudly from Growth Job Training Initiative the stern. What I see are American men and women working aboard that will train thousands of workers ship. What I see is one more reason why the U.S. Merchant Marine has a across the country for successful bright future. careers in the water transporta- The deep sea cruise industry is a newly revitalized part of the merchant tion sector.” marine, but it most definitely is an important part. In fact, thousands of In a press release, the DOL new jobs have been created aboard NCL America’s three U.S.-flag cruise pointed out, “The President’s ships— a development that helps maintain a pool of well-trained American High Growth Job Training mariners who can sail on military support vessels when needed. Initiative is a strategic effort to So in a way, I think the Pride of Hawaii pays tribute to the U.S. better prepare workers to take Merchant Marine of years past. I also believe it symbolizes the ongoing advantage of new job opportuni- truth that the best way we can honor the mariners of yesterday and confirm ties in high growth sectors of the that they did not die in vain is to keep the American flag flying on the high American economy. Through seas. executive forums with leaders of For all the right reasons, the SIU continues helping lead the fight to expanding industries, critical maintain and revitalize all segments of the U.S.-flag fleet. It’s a battle we workforce gaps and issues are are winning, as evidenced by the recent and current construction of new identified. Solutions are then cre- cruise ships and tankers, new containerships and RO/ROs and ATBs. It’s also evident in the continued strong support from the administration, ated in cooperation with employ- Congress and the military for key programs including cargo preference, the ers, educational institutions and Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program, which are nothing short of The Paul Hall Center offers comprehensive training for mariners. the public workforce system.” vital to the U.S. maritime industry. As I said in San Pedro, the U.S. Merchant Marine has a lot to be proud of. We also have a lot to look forward to, and you better believe the SIU will continue living up to the high standards of our brothers and sisters 4 Seafarers, 5 Dependents Selected for Scholarships throughout history who never failed to deliver. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has This year’s selection committee, meeting in St. announced this year’s scholarship recipients. Croix, V.I., was appointed by the Board of Trustees Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 Selected by a panel of professional educators last of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. month were four Seafarers and five dependents of The panel was composed of the following schol- The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org SIU members—for a total monetary value of ars and academicians: Dr Michael Glaser, St Mary’s $132,000. College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly Rahul Bagchi of Ansonia, Ct. is the Seafarer University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes selected for a $15,000, three-year scholarship. Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Receiving $6,000 stipends are Ken Stathos of College (retired); Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899- Hollywood, Fla. and Karen Domerego of Mesa, Association of Colleges and Universities; Father 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland Calif. Brian McLarnon of Wilmington, N.C. has David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; Dr. 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. been awarded a $5,000, one-year scholarship. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio; and The five dependents of SIU members are Renee Professor Louis Fernandez, provost and vice presi- Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Dunham-Jones, wife of Recertified Steward dent of academic affairs, California State (San Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Raymond Jones; Ryan Kirby, son of deep sea Bernardino). Dobry. member Michael Kirby; Suci Madjidji, daughter of Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD QMED Sjamsidar Madjidji; Shaval Stewart, See page 7 for brief descriptions of the back- All Rights Reserved. daughter of AB Mark Stewart; and Kayla Watson, grounds and educational goals of the nine college- daughter of AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. bound students. 2 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:08 PM Page 3

Great Day for the American-flag Cruise Ship Industry Pride of Hawaii Christened Amid much fanfare and cele- Aloha….Like Colin (Veitch) has much more challenging and less bration, the Seafarers-crewed said, Senator Inouye truly is the developed model of U.S-flag Pride of Hawaii—the largest and father of this project.” cruising,” he said, noting that most luxurious U.S.-flagged pas- Sacco stated, “You all see the NCL has consistently been at the senger ship ever built—was results: New ships. New Jobs. A forefront of innovative develop- christened May 20 at a pierside boost to the United States econo- ments and breaking with tradition. ceremony in the port of Los my. Brothers and sisters, I’d call Angeles by Sen. Daniel Inouye that a win-win situation.” See pages 12-13 for (D-Hawaii). In concluding his remarks, photos of the crew and ship Inouye, who was selected as Sacco said, “Last but not least, I the first-ever “godfather” of a want to offer a special welcome when the vessel docked contemporary cruise ship, “is the to the union members who are in Baltimore. father of this project and its most working aboard the Pride of steadfast supporter,” stated NCL Hawaii. That goes for the mem- Bosun Victor Mariano signed America President and CEO bers of my union—the Sea- aboard the ship in March when it Colin Veitch in announcing the farers—as well as the officers was still being completed in selection earlier this year, “and from the MEBA. Brothers and Germany. Mariano has sailed the introduction of the Pride of sisters, keep up the great work. with the SIU for 15 years, includ- Hawaii is its crowning event. So Aloha!” ing voyages on the old cruise there can be no one more fitting Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay said, ships, the Independence and than he to name our newest U.S. Crew members and guests enjoy the ceremony as SIU President “Today marks the culmination of Constitution. He found sailing on Michael Sacco conveys the union’s enthusiasm for the NCL America flagship.” (The senator’s wife, fleet. our effort. This is the third and a brand new cruise ship a totally Margaret, who passed away earli- largest ship in a planned three- different experience, even though er in the year, christened the ship U.S.-flagged fleet. We have most of the initial work consisted Pride of Aloha in 2004.) and indirect jobs, including thou- ence were Star Cruises Chairman invested over $1.2 billion build- of cleaning and maintenance. “The christening of Pride of sands of U.S. seafarer jobs and Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay; U.S. ing these three world-class mega “Things are going pretty well. Hawaii is the capstone of nearly $1 billion in annual U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Paul Wieden- ships, purposely built for our We’ve been very busy,” he noted. America’s return to the passenger economic activity. I am very hoeft; Julie Nelson, Acting unique Freestyle Cruising and Carpenter Scott Paxton cruise industry,” noted the senator proud to serve as Pride of Deputy Maritime Administrator outfitted to reflect the spirit and agreed that the crew had been at the official ceremony. “In addi- Hawaii’s sponsor.” and Chief Counsel of the Aloha of the Hawaii Islands.” extremely busy getting the vessel tion to the significant economic Inouye was joined by six Maritime Administration; and benefits to the visitor industry in female crew members from the SIU President Michael Sacco. my state of Hawaii, Pride of vessel—all Hawaiian natives— “What a great day for the Hawaii and her sister ships will who christened the ship with the American-flag cruise ship indus- have a broad economic impact traditional bottle of champagne. try,” Sacco stated. “We are proud throughout the United States by In addition to Veitch and to be here today with NCL creating as many as 20,400 direct Inouye, also addressing the audi- America to celebrate this historic event. These U.S.-flag cruise ships create thousands of American seafaring jobs and rep- resent a real partnership between NCL America, the shipboard workers and their unions.” Sacco congratulated NCL America for its confidence, com- mitment and partnership in the cruise ship project. “Most of all,” he continued, “I Little room was left on either side of the Pride of Hawaii as the vessel want to thank Senator Inouye and went through the Panama Canal. The new U.S.-flag cruise ship has a the entire Hawaii delegation for beam of 105 feet. The largest the canal can accommodate is 108 feet. their strong leadership and their complete support of the NCL Veitch added his pride in hon- ready for its debut as the newest America fleet. In particular, oring the development of the lat- U.S.-flag cruise ship, but said that Senator Inouye has been an extra- est SIU-crewed vessel. “I’m very spirits were good and everyone The christening in Los Angeles is celebrated by (from right to left) SIU proud to celebrate the completion was doing their part. President Michael Sacco, NCL President & CEO Colin Veitch, U.S. ordinary ally and a determined, Coast Guard Capt. Paul Wiedenhoeft (Commander of Coast Guard powerful voice in leading the of a daring project to convert a The voyage has been a “dream Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach), U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D- effort to deliver the Pride of large part of our business from come true” for Colette DiMarco, Hawaii), Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Councel Julie Hawaii along with the Pride of the traditional model of the inter- a waiter from Glenwood Springs, Nelson, Star Cruises Chairman Tran Sri Lim Lok Thay and his wife, America and the Pride of national cruise industry to the Colo. “Not only was I being paid Puan Sri. to learn [in Piney Point], but I’ll also be spending my birthday tra- versing the Panama Canal. How exciting is that!” she exclaimed in late April, when the ship stopped in Baltimore, its first U.S. port following the transatlantic voy- age from Europe. After a week in Baltimore, the Pride of Hawaii set sail for Miami (NCL headquarters), through the Panama Canal, and on to San Francisco and Los Angeles for the christening. Its first port of call in Hawaii (at LOG press time) was scheduled for Nawiliwili, Kauai and then on to Hilo, Kahului and Kona before arriving in Honolulu June 3. The vessel is expected to enter service Monday, June 5, where it will join its SIU-crewed sister ships, the Pride of Aloha (which began sail- ing in 2004) and the Pride of America (christened last summer) in offering seven-day interisland The pierside ceremony May 20 in Los Angeles officially signaled the entry of the Pride of Hawaii into NCL America’s SIU-crewed fleet. cruises. June 2006 Seafarers LOG 3 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 4

Legislature Honors Alaska Tanker Co. SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker with a declaration commending Association (MEBA). Company (ATC) recently added the company for its safety-related Based in Beaverton, Ore., ATC to its well-earned collection of efforts and achievements. Joining operates six Seafarers-crewed safety awards when the Alaska them at the May 4 ceremony in vessels including three of the four State Legislature honored the the Territorial Senate Chamber in new Alaska Class tankers built in organization for its consistently Juneau, Alaska were Alaska San Diego (the Alaskan Frontier, outstanding record. Commissioner of Labor Greg Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Alaska State Rep. Vic O’Claray, Alaska House Minority Navigator). The fourth of the new Kohring, State Senate President Leader Ethan Berkowitz, SIU ships is scheduled for delivery Ben Stevens and Speaker of the Representative Tracey Mayhew near the end of this year. House John Harris presented ATC and representatives from the The commendation from the President and CEO Anil Mathur Marine Engineers’ Beneficial legislature “honors ATC and its employees for achieving the highest levels of safety and envi- ronmental performance while carrying Alaska North Slope Pictured at the presentation in Juneau, Alaska honoring SIU-contract- crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to ed Alaska Tanker Company are (from left) Commissioner of Labor Greg refineries in Washington, Califor- O’Claray, Senate President Ben Stevens, House Minority Leader Ethan nia and Hawaii. This outstanding Berkowitz, SIU Representative Tracey Mayhew, ATC President and record is unsurpassed,” notes the CEO Anil Mathur, State Representative Vic Kohring, MEBA certificate. Representatives Joe Geldhof and Ben Goldrich, and Speaker of the The document also points out, House John Harris. “ATC is the first tanker operator in the Alaska trade with its fleet “Since 2002, ATC ships have beyond mere compliance with comprised entirely of double- safely carried 43.6 billion gallons industrial and regulatory stan- hulled ships…. ATC has also of crude oil with just 27.2 gallons dards.’ The Osprey is the highest strongly supported an Alaskan of hydraulic oil escaping to the environmental award given by The double-hulled tanker Alaskan Legend is under construction in San hire policy since its inception in sea (as a consequence of storm the Coast Guard. Diego. It is scheduled for delivery to ATC later this year. 1999. damage),” the award text contin- “ATC maintains a single focus ues. “Furthermore, ATC has com- on operational excellence and for pleted nine million man-hours of this has been recognized by its operation without anyone being stakeholders including BP, its Abercrombie Receives ‘Salute to Congress’ so hurt that they were unable to unions, the Prince William Sound return to work the next day (zero Citizens Advisory Council, and Propeller Club Award Recognizes Maritime Advocate lost time injuries). This covers the every environmental regulatory U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie period from January 2002 agency in the State. (D-Hawaii), a passionate and out- through February 2006 and is “The members of the Twenty- spoken friend of the U.S. Mer- based on OSHA reporting stan- fourth Alaska State Legislature chant Marine, recently received dards. extend their appreciation to the 2006 “Salute to Congress” “The United States Coast Alaska Tanker Company for its award, presented by the Propeller Guard recognized ATC’s out- superb record of safe operation, Club of the United States. standing performance in 2004 environmental stewardship, and Abercrombie garnered the 22nd when the company was awarded its community outreach program annual award during a dinner cer- the Benkert ‘Osprey’ Gold in Alaska.” emony May 2 in Bethesda, Md. Award. This award was given in Harris, Stevens and Kohring “This is the maritime indus- recognition of ‘outstanding signed the document, while try’s premier award, and I’m hon- achievement in marine environ- dozens of additional cosponsors’ ored to receive it,” said Aber- mental protection that goes names also are listed. crombie. “When everything is said and done, the U.S. maritime industry is a critical component of U.S. national security. I’m very Amendment Aims to Maintain RRF grateful for this recognition of my An amendment contained in stated plans from earlier this year efforts on behalf of the working the House version of the National to possibly begin a reserve fleet men and women who make up U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) uses a local newspaper to Defense Authorization Act of for the Federal Emergency the backbone of our nation’s mer- make a point during Maritime Trades Department meetings earlier this year in San Diego, as MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco listens 2007 calls for fully maintaining Management Agency. chant marine in peace and war.” along with the rest of the audience. the U.S. Ready Reserve Force One thing that is readily The SIU was well-represented (RRF). apparent, however, is the RRF’s at the ceremony, as President Jointly sponsored by U.S. key role in America’s national Michael Sacco, Executive Vice of all interests of the maritime being honored for his consistent Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D- and economic security. The U.S. President Augie Tellez, Secre- community, nationally and inter- and strong support of the United Hawaii) and U.S. Rep. Candice Maritime Administration, which tary-Treasurer David Heindel, nationally. The organization ag- States maritime industry.” Miller (R-Mich.), the amendment owns the RRF fleet, describes Vice President Contracts George gressively promotes the maritime Frank Baptista Sr., internation- stipulates that the “Secretary of those vessels as having greatly Tricker and Assistant Vice Presi- industry through many of its pro- al president of the Propeller Club Defense, in consultation with the aided U.S. military operations dent Ambrose Cucinotta attended grams and partnering with similar of the United States, said, “Being Secretary of Transportation, shall along with relief efforts following on behalf of the union. Overall, organizations. from Hawaii, Congressman Aber- submit to Congress by not later last year’s devastating hurricanes an estimated 400 people were in Abercrombie first served in crombie knows the importance of than March 1, 2007, a report in the Gulf. the audience, including a number the U.S. House of Representa- trade and supports those that describing a five-year plan for “The RRF made a major con- of U.S. senators and congress- tives in 1986 and has backed the work in the maritime industry maintaining the capability of the tribution to the success of men. U.S. maritime industry through- both ashore and at sea.” Ready Reserve Force of the Operation Desert Shield/Desert The Propeller Club of the out his career. He was a member Past recipients of the Salute to National Defense Reserve Fleet Storm from August 1990 through United States is a grassroots, non- of the now-defunct Merchant Congress award include Senator necessary to support Department June 1992, when 79 vessels were profit organization dedicated to Marine and Fisheries Committee Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Sen- of Defense wartime missions and activated and operated to meet the enhancement and wellbeing and currently serves on both the ator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and support to civil authority mis- military sealift requirements,” the Committee on Armed Services Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) sions.” agency notes on its web site. The amendment requires that “The RRF has rightfully been and the Committee on Resources and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). as well as several subcommittees. the RRF be maintained at a mini- called ‘American Seapower’s During the most recent meet- In accepting the award, Aber- mum of 58 vessels until the afore- Reliant Partner.’ crombie noted that he is a strong ings of the AFL-CIO Maritime mentioned report is submitted. “During Operations Enduring supporter of the Jones Act. He Trades Department executive The House passed the and Iraqi Freedom, the combined also pointed out that he helped board earlier this year in San National Defense Authorization strategic sealift operation provid- secure House passage of legisla- Diego, Abercrombie pointed to Act on May 11, by a vote of ed more than 80 percent of all tion in 2003 that facilitated the the Jones Act as a potential foun- 396–31. The legislation now cargo transportation to the theater successful efforts of Norwegian dation for an expanded national moves to the Senate. of operations. Led by the U.S. Cruise Lines to launch a U.S.-flag maritime policy. He said he is Before the Abercrombie- Transportation Command, this component (SIU-contracted NCL carrying the message in Congress Miller amendment had been joint effort included the Military America). Abercrombie also has that “maritime has to be the num- introduced, the maritime industry Sealift Command, the Military backed programs which provide ber one security interest of this newspaper Trade Winds pub- Traffic Management Command, loan guarantees and other forms nation. Not just port security, but lished a story indicating that the and the Maritime Administration. of support for the U.S. shipping shipbuilding and a merchant RRF unexpectedly may face sig- Forty RRF vessels supported SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez marine owned and operated under (left) congratulates U.S. Rep. Neil and shipbuilding industries. nificant cuts of up to 26 vessels. It Army and Marine missions dur- Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) on In a news release announcing the Jones Act must become a fun- wasn’t immediately clear how ing the operations providing up to receiving this year’s Salute to the 2006 award, the Propeller damental premise of American those potential cuts would be in 20 percent of the total combined Congress Award. Club noted that Abercrombie “is policy.” accord with the government’s surge sealift capacity.” 4 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 5

Proposed Rules Issued for New Credentials Union Examining Potential Content, Methods for Issuing TWIC The implementation of the published in the Federal Register nouncement last month by DHS proposed rulemaking represents a plans. highly anticipated Transportation in the coming days. The public Secretary Michael Chertoff that significant milestone towards The Merchant Mariner Cre- Workers Identification Credential will have 45 days to comment, his agency will begin conducting putting TWIC on the fast track.” dential (MMC) rule proposes the (TWIC) now is one step closer to and four public meetings will be name-based background checks The TWIC rule proposes the following: becoming reality. hosted by the TSA and Coast on approximately 400,000 port following: „ A new MMC would com- Two Department of Homeland Guard to solicit input. workers within the United States. „ TSA would collect worker’s bine the elements of the Security (DHS) Agencies—the In a closely related matter, the These checks are being presented biographic information including Merchant Mariner’s License, Transportation Security Admin- Coast Guard also will publish a as an immediate measure to safe- 10 fingerprints; name; date of MMD, Certificate of Registry, istration (TSA) and the U.S. proposed regulation that works in guard the nation’s ports while the birth; address and phone num- and STCW Endorsement into Coast Guard—on May 10 issued conjunction with the TWIC to DHS expedites the rollout of the ber; alien registration number, if one qualification credential. proposed regulations for a bio- streamline the current credential- TWIC. applicable; photo; employer; and „ Although the format in metric-based identification cre- ing process for merchant marin- “TWIC is designed to ensure job title. which the mariner’s qualifica- dential for port workers. The ers. It will publish on the same that individuals posing a security „ All individuals with un- tions and the application process notice of proposed rulemaking day as the TWIC NPRM. threat do not gain access to our escorted access to secure areas of itself would change, the training, (NPRM), which lays out specific The publication of these two nation’s ports,” said Kip Hawley, port facilities and vessels regu- experience and other require- details on the program, will be rulemakings follows an an- TSA assistant secretary. “Today’s lated under the Maritime Trans- ments necessary to obtain a portation Security Act would be mariner’s service qualifications required to have a TWIC. This would not change. Dept. of Homeland Security Issues includes longshoremen, port „ Merchant mariners would no operator employees, truck dri- longer be required to visit a Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan vers and rail workers. U.S. Regional Exam Center to submit Merchant Mariners who hold an fingerprints and identification or The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the form of a National Recovery Plan, according to active Merchant Mariner’s to take an oath when they obtain May 1 released a 63-page Maritime Infrastructure the DHS. Document (MMD), Merchant or renew their credentials, poten- Recovery Plan (MIRP). Mariner’s License, Certificate of tially resulting in substantial The plan provides a standardized procedure for Key Elements of the MIRP Registry or an STCW En- time and travel savings. the restoration of maritime transportation systems Within the context of container cargo and pas- dorsement also would be following an incident of national significance. It senger vessels, the MIRP’s primary goal is to pro- required to obtain a TWIC. „ The MMC would appear in tect the U.S. economy from the effects of a maritime certificate form with many fraud includes a readiness plan aimed at promoting and „ Background checks would transportation security incident (TSI). In support of protection measures. Although maintaining preparation in the U.S. maritime com- include a review of criminal his- munity. this goal, the MIRP will guide individuals designat- the actual format of the MMC is ed by the Secretary of Homeland Security to help tory records, terrorist watch lists, still in development, it is expect- What is the MIRP? make decisions on maintaining or restoring trans- legal immigration status and out- ed to look much like the recently standing warrants. „ The MIRP is intended to protect the American portation capabilities, in the event of a TSI. released STCW Endorsement, as economy by facilitating the restoration of passenger „ The MIRP will be activated when a TSI occurs „ The TWIC would utilize so- well as contain many of the secu- and cargo flow, specifically container cargo, in the in or near U.S. waters. The MIRP is employed called “smart card” technology rity features used in that new cer- event of an attack or similarly disruptive event. when the Secretary of Homeland Security declares and include a worker’s photo, tificate. Container cargo is more likely to hold perishable that an actual or threatened TSI under, in, on, or name, biometric information and TSA laid the foundation for items in immediate need of unloading, or items that adjacent to waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction is an multiple fraud protection mea- the establishment of the universal are key components in the production of consumer “Incident of National Significance,” in accordance sures. The card would be consis- credential through a technology goods. with National Response Plan criteria. tent with Homeland Security evaluation and prototype test. „ The MIRP reflects National Response Plan Presidential Directive-12 and During the prototype test of the „ The MIRP includes an exercise plan to maintain Federal Information Processing a level of preparedness within maritime field. This organizational structures and incident command credential last year, TSA issued system and unified command procedures. As such, Standards Publication 201-1. It more than 4,000 TWICs to work- plan recommends periodic tabletop and field exer- would be interoperable with cises, which align with existing related plans such the plan can be used for other similarly disruptive ers at 26 sites in six states. incidents requiring maritime infrastructure recov- other federal credentials built to All Seafarers are reminded as the National Response Plan and the Top Official those standards. program. ery management. that the foregoing points about „ The MIRP describes public- and private-sector „ The program is expected to the TWIC and the MMC are pro- What the MIRP is not: roles according to relevant functional responsibili- cover 750,000 workers and posals only; nothing has been would be funded through user „ The MIRP does not address long-term interrup- ties. Recovery management takes place at the finalized with respect to either fees. TSA anticipates workers tions for conveyances that carry primarily non-per- national, regional and local levels. Therefore, the credential. A great many issues would pay approximately $139 ishable cargo. In addition, certain commodities, plan describes recovery management considera- have to be addressed and resolved to receive a TWIC. Workers with such as liquefied natural gas and oil offer very lim- tions for the incident site and non-incident support by all stakeholders, including the current, comparable background ited options for cargo diversion, as there are just sites, as well as for the national maritime trans- SIU, which currently is examin- checks would pay approximately four LNG ports, and oil refineries are already oper- portation system. ing the 277-page advanced copy $105 for the credential. A TWIC ating at 97 percent capacity. „ The MIRP provides for private-sector participa- of the NPRM to ascertain its tion in decision making at all levels. The private card would be valid for five input on behalf of merchant „ The MIRP is not a plan for the physical recov- sector owns and operates the vast majority of mar- years. mariners. Therefore, it would be ery of a port that has been impacted by a natural or itime transportation infrastructure assets, and it will „ Port facility and vessel own- premature to speculate on what man-made incident. Rather, the MIRP protects the decide whether to repair, replace or rebuild private- ers and operators would be the final regulations will entail. economy by providing guidance for redirecting ly owned physical assets after a TSI. However, fed- required to implement the TWIC Future editions of the Seafarers container cargo traffic away from the impacted port eral assistance may be needed to help restore criti- into their existing access control LOG, as well as the union web- to an appropriate alternate port. cal cargo-handling infrastructure. systems and operations, purchase site (www.seafarers.org) will Hurricane Katrina and the MIRP and utilize card readers, and carry this information as it Critical Issues The eight supporting plans to the National update their approved security becomes available. Strategy for Maritime Security were submitted— Seven critical issues were identified as the MIRP depending on ownership of each plan—to the White was developed, which must be addressed. The fol- House, the Department of Homeland Security or the lowing are considered high priority, according to the Lewis and Clark Set for Delivery Department of Defense for approval in June 2005, DHS: 180 days after National Security Presidential „ Port cargo-handling capacity information is Directive 41 was signed. unknown or not readily available for use in delib- While the plans were in review, Hurricane erations regarding recovery of the maritime trans- Katrina struck. Although the National Strategy for portation system following a national TSI. Maritime Security was approved for release on „ There is no national communications network Sept. 20, after which the supporting plans would be or information exchange between the federal gov- releasable at the discretion of their departments, the ernment and the private sector focused on maritime MIRP was held back for an additional 90-day recovery management. review for lessons learned after Katrina. „ The Area Maritime Security (AMS) Plans do not adequately and uniformly address critical MTS Katrina Findings recovery management planning elements. According the DHS, New Orleans is not current- „ Salvage capability specific to national and ly a key player in the nation’s container cargo trade regional recovery is unknown. since it handles just 1 percent of the nation’s con- Section VI of the MIRP offers recommendations tainer cargo. However, it represents 18 percent of for further evaluation or implementation of these the nation’s reserve cargo capacity. In the short and the remainder of the seven issues of concern. term, Hurricane Katrina compromised the nation’s The MIRP and other plans under the National The USNS Lewis and Clark (above), the first ship in the T-AKE ability to divert container traffic in the event of a Strategy for Maritime Security are available to the class, completed sea trials April 25-29 off the San Diego coast transportation security incident on the East Coast. public and may be found on the Department of and is slated for delivery to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift To address disruptions similar to Katrina, which Homeland Security website. Feedback on this plan, Command by the end of June. Crewed by members of the SIU do not affect nationwide cargo or passenger flow as well as the Commerce Security and Trans- Government Services Division, the Lewis and Clark is a dry cargo to a great extent, the MIRP must either be expand- and ammunition ship. It is 689 feet long, has a beam of 106 feet portation Systems Security plans may be submitted and can sail at 20 knots. The vessel was built at the National Steel ed to an all-hazards recovery plan or a sister plan through the website or by e-mailing maritimesecuri- and Shipbuilding Company yard in San Diego. to the National Response Plan must be created in [email protected]. June 2006 Seafarers LOG 5 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:02 PM Page 6

12 SIU Bosuns Complete Recertification Mariners Say Course Will Help Them Hone Work Aboard Ship A dozen SIU members on May Seafarers Political Action Dona- 8 realized significant milestones tion and the Maritime Defense in their respective careers when League. “Through your dona- they earned status as recertified tions, our union leaders will bosuns. remain strong in their ongoing The mariners completed the fight for political success for the highest level of vocational educa- merchant marine.” tion available to members of the Shappo thanked the union deck department at the SIU-affili- leadership for its hard work over ated Paul Hall Center for the years and the Paul Hall Maritime Training and Education Center staff for outstanding in Piney Point, Md. During the accommodations and providing month-long course, the 12 Sea- superb training during his classes. farers—Bosuns Reginald Wat- “I was a trainee here back in kins, Rufino Giray, Daniel 1971,” said the newly recertified Teichman, Richard Barnes, bosun, who sails from the port of Winfred Itima, Robert Nativi- Jacksonville, Fla. “I got a job out dad, Mike Shappo, Amante of here and they sent me to San Gumiran, Scott Palen, Paul Wade, Francisco on a containership that Timothy Jackson and William took me to Honolulu and then Richards—learned more about back to Oakland.” the industry in which they work. Shappo over the years has Each now is better equipped to sailed to many foreign countries assume leadership roles by taking SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive VP Augie Tellez join other SIU officials and members of the including Egypt where “I got to recertified bosuns class aboard the Seafarers-contracted Pride of Hawaii when the vessel docked in this knowledge back to their ship- Baltimore in late April. go to the Pyramids and to the mates at the hiring halls and Cairo Museum. I also saw King aboard individual vessels. Tut’s treasures and the mummies. The course included a mixture Hawaii and initially went to sea Contracts) George Tricker who Itima, who previously upgrad- That was very rewarding. of classroom and practical train- aboard an American Hawaii used to be my port agent in Los ed in 2001, sails out of the port of “When you go on the ship, the ing as well as visits to the union’s Cruises vessel. Angeles and Augie Tellez who Houston and has been going to old-timers can tell you a lot,” headquarters building in Camp “In addition to working as a gave me an awful lot of informa- sea for more than a quarter-centu- Shappo told the trainees. “Don’t Springs to meet with representa- mariner in the cruise industry, I tion in the time we had together. ry. He joined the NMU in 1989. think you know everything; tives of the various departments also have sailed as a bosun And to Mike Sacco, thank you Reflecting on his recent train- instead, listen to them because and to the Maritime Trades aboard commercial ships, cable very much.” ing, Itima stated that small arms these guys have been at it a long Department at the AFL-CIO ships and container ships,” he Turning to the trainees, training and other safety-related time and they worked hard to building in Washington, D.C. told his union brothers and sis- Teichman said, “You need to components of the course will learn what they have. Pay atten- After being presented with ters. remember all of those who have help him do a better job aboard tion and try to learn from them. their graduation certificates dur- “I learned a great deal during gone before you and always think ship. You can make some money out ing the May membership meeting the course, and it is an honor to of those who will come after you “I am grateful for the opportu- there, have plenty of time off and at Piney Point, the recertified be a part of this class,” Giray con- and take care of you. Just do your nity to have attended this bosun see the world.” bosuns approached the podium to tinued. “I’m very grateful to the jobs when you go to sea and recertification course,” he contin- Gumiran thanked the voca- address union officials, members people who made it possible for everything will be fine for you.” ued. “The school is well-orga- tional staff for providing him and and guests in attendance. All gave me to have this opportunity— Spending time at the Paul Hall nized and well-staffed, and the classmates with a very informa- a few words of thanks for the President (Michael) Sacco, Center is becoming a regular course content was thoroughly tive training experience. A mem- opportunities they were afforded Executive VP Augie Tellez and occurrence for Barnes, who has explained.” ber of the SIU since 1990, he at the Southern Maryland-based the other members of the upgraded his skills at the institu- To the trainees, Itima said, sails out of the port of San school and emphasized that the staff….thank you all very much.” tion twice in the past. He sails out “You must listen, respect those Francisco. class will help enable them to do He also expressed his gratitude to of the port of Tacoma, Wash. and above you, study hard and work He lauded union officials for a better job at sea. They also Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. together.” the fine job they are doing in imparted a few personal words of and Patrolman Frank Iverson for “I joined the SIU in 1992 and Natividad sails out of San leading the organization. insight to the unlicensed appren- their unwavering support. have seven years in the U.S. Francisco and previously has Gumiran was direct and tices who are following in their Giray applauded the school’s Navy and a stint in the oil patch,” upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. extremely matter-of-fact in his footsteps. vocational department and its Barnes said. “I’ve sailed with “I have been shipping for 28 remarks to the trainees. “Do what Watkins sails out of the port of instructors for “a job well done” various companies on tankers, years, three years with the Navy, you are told and do not be lazy, Mobile. Ala., and has been going and expressed gratitude “to the bulkers, containerships and in seven years MSC SIU Govern- lazy and lazy.” to sea since the early ’80s. entire Paul Hall Center staff for capacities from AB to bosun. ment Services Division,” Nativi- Palen is no stranger to the Paul The course was a lot of fun their accommodations and supe- “I’ve been to three different dad shared during his turn at the Hall Center. Prior to entering and very informative for Watkins, rior service while I was here.” countries during my career,” he podium. “I’ve sailed 18 years in bosun recertification training, he who “really enjoyed the small “Study hard and ask ques- continued, “but my most memo- the deep sea division as an OS, upgraded his skills twice at the arms, CPR and firefighting class- tions,” Giray told the trainees. rable was South Africa where I AB and bosun. I’ve sailed to institution. es.” “You should always listen, pay met my wife of seven years.” Australia, Japan, India and South He joined the SIU in 1992 and “I joined the union in 1980 attention to your superiors and Commenting on his recertifi- Africa.” sails out of the port of Norfolk, when I was 22 years old,” Wat- work as a team. Go out there and cation instruction, Barnes He said that the course was Va. Palen thanked the union for kins told those in attendance. do the very best you can, and no offered, “I gained good insights very informative and beneficial providing him with the opportu- “The union has changed my matter what, never give up.” about contracts and benefits dur- and recognized several individu- nities he has had so far in his life a great deal, and I thank all of Teichman is a highly seasoned ing my training. This was a real als who played key roles in his career. He indicated that his train- the union officials for the tremen- veteran of the seas, having sailed help to me because on the ships, career to date. “I’d like to thank ing was very beneficial, and he dous job they have done over the for more than 43 years—the last you don’t want to give wrong the SIU and its officers, my praised the school and its voca- years in keeping our jobs secure. 18 or so with the SIU. He noted answers to questions. friend (SIU Assistant Vice tional staff for their professional- “A winner never quits and a that in addition to working as a “The instructors were very President) Nick Celona, and the ism. quitter never wins,” he continued. member of the unlicensed crew, knowledgeable and just great to late SIU Executive Vice President He told the trainees, “The SIU “I wanted to be a bosun for a long he previously had sailed as a be around,” he continued. “I’d Joseph Sacco for their support,” will supply you with the skills time. A lot of people told me that mate and a chief engineer. like to thank the school staff for a Natividad said. “I also thank the you need succeed.” I could not, but I did not quit He lauded the officers and very memorable stay here and I Paul Hall Center and its staff for “I joined the SIU in 1979 because I knew if I kept knocking staff of the school and throughout salute the union’s officials for their education, training, jacket, when I was 18 and have been then the door would be opened. the SIU, as well as those at the their hard work during the 2006 hat and briefcase.” shipping for 28 years,” said Well that door has opened for me various ports “for their work and negotiations. “To the trainees,” said Wade. “It seem like it was just today,” Watkins said. consistent efforts to keep union “To the trainees, as a bosun, I Natividad, “study hard, ask ques- yesterday that I was in Bungalow “To the trainees, work hard jobs going here in the United want to tell you to always be tions and always have a reference 9 getting my head shaved (as part and pay attention while you are States. Going to sea has enabled ready to give 100 percent without book handy, or know where you of the entry requirements for the here so that you can learn,” he me to enjoy complete financial a squabble,” Barnes said. And can get the correct information trainee program).” concluded. “When you go to sea, independence. when you are at sea, “there’s that you will need. During phase He sails out of the port of always be sure that you are loyal, “I learned a lot during this never a wrong question, so don’t two when you are at sea, listen to Houston and has visited ports in hard-working and dedicated to class,” continued Teichman, who be afraid to ask it. We’re all out your supervisors and be proud to Africa, Northern Europe, the your jobs. That way, you’re sure sails out of San Francisco. “My there to make a living for our work together as members of the Philippines and Japan, among to be successful.” eyes were opened to a great many families, ourselves and to safe- SIU team.” other places. Giray proudly has worn the facts about the work that goes on guard the future of the SIU. So Natividad concluded his Commenting on his training, SIU colors for some 20 years. He behind the scenes. I’d especially always give your best,” he con- remarks by encouraging those sails out of the port of Honolulu, like to thank (SIU Vice President cluded. present to contribute to the Continued on page 10 6 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:02 PM Page 7

9 Scholarships Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents hopes to go into business with his brother, who is current- SEAFARERS our SIU members and five dependents of ly studying for his master’s degree in architecture. Rahul Bagchi of Ansonia, Ct., who Seafarers were selected by a panel of profession- Kirby is the son of Lois and Michael Kirby, a deep sea joined the SIU in 1996, is the recipi- al educators to receive scholarships provided by F member since 1970, who presently is working as a second ent of a $15,000, three-year scholar- the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. pumpman aboard the Seabulk Power. ship for SIU members. His goal is to A total of $132,000 is being offered in this year’s attend SUNY Maritime College in program. One Seafarer was awarded a $15,000 schol- Her love for school has led Suci New York or the Massachusetts arship for study at a four-year college or university; Madjidji to consider a career in edu- Maritime Academy and become a two were given $6,000 stipends; and one was present- cation, and she would like to have marine engineer. ed with $5,000 to complete his mate’s license. The five the same impact on others through Born and raised in India and com- dependents each were awarded a $20,000, four-year teaching that her teachers had on her. pleting high school there, he relocat- scholarship. Madjidji’s parents, who always ed to the United States and served in the U.S. Navy for One this page are brief descriptions of the back- stressed to her the importance of edu- two years, sailing on SIU’s Government Services Division grounds and educational goals of the nine college- cation, moved to the United States ships and retiring with an honorable discharge and numer- bound students. ous awards. He then graduated with a 3.54 GPA from a 9- from Indonesia when she was a year month certificate program in marine engineering offered old. As the 17-year-old graduates this month from Pocono Mountain West High School in by the Maritime Training Center in Seattle, which is a Brian McLarnon of Wilmington, branch of Seattle Central Community College. Pocono Summit, Pa., she has definitely taken their words N.C. is passionate about his seafaring to heart. For the past 10 years with the SIU, Bagchi has sailed as career and is thankful to the SIU for a QMED. He has furthered his education by upgrading at In addition to her heavy academic load, she was a the opportunities he has been given. member of the student council for three years, a member the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education He believes, however, he could in Piney Point, Md. while continuing to learn as much as of the public relations committee, helped write a student advance his career and better repre- council newsletter, among other activities, and was con- possible on the job. He received the United States sent the union and the maritime Merchant Marine Expeditionary Award for his contribu- sidered “a valuable team player.” industry as a licensed officer. His Madjidji understands how fortunate she is to be able to tions supporting American and international coalition mil- $5,000, one-year scholarship will itary forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi attend college and hopes to use her $20,000 scholarship to help him attain that goal by studying earn a degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Freedom while working on the Cape John and Gus for his mate’s license at the Pacific Maritime Institute in Darnell. She is the daughter of Cut Zurnita and Sjamsidar Seattle, Wash. Madjidji, a QMED who joined the SIU in 1981. Bagchi hopes his scholarship winnings will allow him With a bachelor of arts degree in history from the to complete the education he wants for the career he loves. University of North Carolina in 1995 and a 1999 honor- It has been quite an adjustment for able discharge from his two years in the U.S. Navy Shaval Stewart this year, graduating Ken Stathos of Hollywood, Fla. has Reserve, McLarnon has been sailing as a tankerman with from Apopka High School in been a member of the SIU since the SIU since 2000. Apopka, Fla. after she and her fami- 1993, graduating at the top of his Since then, he has upgraded his skills a number of ly were forced to move from New class from the trainee program at the times at the Paul Hall Center, and is now ready to go the Orleans during Hurricane Katrina at Paul Hall Center. His first ship was extra step to further his career. the beginning of her senior year. But the Sealift Arctic. After sailing in all she kept her spirits high and did not three departments, he upgraded to allow the Katrina disaster to prevent AB in 1998. DEPENDENTS her from achieving her goals in life, Stathos graduated from Evergreen It’s been a long and somewhat diffi- foremost of which is to attend college. Park High School in Illinois and also cult road for Renee Dunham-Jones of At her school in New Orleans, Stewart had participated has a certificate from Sheridan Technical in Hollywood, Jacksonville, Fla., but today she Fla. and a number of credits from Governors State knows what she wants, and her in the marching band, concert band and New Orleans all University and Moraine Valley Community College (both $20,000, four-year scholarship will star marching band. While at Apopka, she was in Junior in Illinois). He now has been accepted into an 18-month help her get it: an undergraduate ROTC and a member of the National Honor Society. program at Sanford-Brown Institute in Ft. Lauderdale, and degree and then a master’s degree in The 17-year-old would like to be the first person in her will use his $6,000 scholarship to earn an associate’s human services, so she can continue family “to attend college and to make a difference in the degree in diagnostic medical sonography. to counsel teenagers and young world.” She plans to use her $20,000 grant to study busi- In an autobiographical statement accompanying his adults. ness administration and finance, and has applied to Xavier scholarship application, Stathos states he will always be As a child growing up in the inner city, Dunham-Jones University in New Orleans, Northwestern State University grateful to the SIU for enabling him to do and see so many aspired to be a journalist. After losing out on an opportu- in Louisiana, and Jackson State University in Jackson, things. But now with a wife and new baby boy, he feels it’s nity for a scholarship, she dropped out of high school Miss. time for him to come ashore and spend more time with his (although she later earned her GED) and had four children Stewart is the daughter of Tracy and Mark Stewart, an by the time she was 26. She worked her way up in a law family. Stathos put a lot of thought into his new career and inland member since 1987, who currently is working as an is excited about going to school to be an ultrasound tech- firm to the position of supervisor of the deposition depart- AB aboard Crowley Marine Service’s tug Gauntlet. nician. ment (from which she is now retired), but along the way got mixed up in the drug scene. With a lot of hard work Having just graduated this month For AB Karen Domerego of Costa and self-reliance, she pulled herself up and began going from D.H. Conley High School in Mesa, Calif., the $6,000, two-year out on street ministry, talking to people about God, faith Greenville, N.C., Kayla Watson is scholarship award will take her into and life, in general. now ready to tackle the demands of the nursing field at Goldenwest She started college in 2004 in the field of human ser- college. Her four-year, $20,000 College in Westminster, Calif. vices, counseling and addictions and will earn her A.S. scholarship will certainly help her as Domerego graduated in 1987 degree this summer from Florida Community College in she pursues a career in the nursing from Silverado High School in Jacksonville. She then will continue her higher education field at East Carolina University in Mission Viejo, Calif. She got a in the fall at Springfield College in Tampa, working Greenville. After receiving a bache- receptionist job straight out of high toward her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. lor’s degree in nursing, she hopes to school and proceeded to learn the job Dunham-Jones is the wife of Raymond Jones, a recer- further her education by obtaining a master’s degree as a from top to bottom—everything from accounting, filing, tified steward, who has been an SIU member since 1969. family nurse practitioner. benefits administration, customer service, payroll and He most recently worked on the Richard G. Matthiesen. Watson has always been interested in a career in the union submittals. With that experience, she became con- medical field and believes she has the compassion, loyal- troller at another company and then moved to Hawaii at Ryan Kirby, 18, graduated this month age 30, where she took a job on the Independence, an from Paul VI High School in ty and dependability needed to be successful in her chosen American Hawaii Cruise Ship. That was her introduction Haddonfield, N.J. Inducted into the profession. into the merchant marine. National Honor Society in 2004, The 17-year-old has an exceptional high school acade- She has upgraded numerous times since then at the Kirby also played soccer and base- mic record and was one of the top students in her class. Paul Hall Center, and most recently sailed as an AB ball throughout his high school She was involved in many school and community events, aboard the Sea-Land Lightning. career, earning varsity letters in both. including participation in the Beta Club, Latin Club and At a 2003 Maritime Day ceremony in Washington, He also was a member of the Spanish numerous honor societies. She also received several out- D.C., Domerego received a Merchant Marine Ex- Honor Society, the Spanish Club, standing awards such as being named a Health Science peditionary Medal from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ambassador’s Club and Hospitality Academy Ambassador, National Society of High Schools Norman Y. Mineta and a certificate from U.S. Maritime Club. Scholar and National Honor Roll Inductee. Watson also Administrator Captain William Schubert for her service as Along with his rigorous academic and extracurricular was a member of the volunteer program at Pitt County an AB aboard the Cape John during Operation Iraqi activities, Kirby also found time to volunteer outside of Memorial Hospital. She volunteered at a local therapeutic Freedom. school, including involvement with the Knights of horseback riding program and participated in community Domerego wants to continue her education, aspiring to Columbus and other charitable works. volunteer work with her church youth group. In her spare earn a degree in nursing. She believes a nursing degree In the fall, Kirby plans to use his $20,000 scholarship time, she enjoys cooking, tap dancing and water skiing. would be a wonderful career move, especially with her to pursue his studies in civil engineering, heavily favoring Watson is the daughter of Candace and AB/Tankerman love of helping people. But, she notes, she intends to keep the University of Maryland at College, Park, Rensselaer Randy Watson. Her father, an inland member, joined the sailing, and expressed her gratitude to the SIU for all it has Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. or Drexel University in SIU in 1978. He currently works aboard Maritrans’ tug done for her. Philadelphia. After getting his engineering license, he Navigator.

June 2006 Seafarers LOG 7 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 8

Union Industries Show Attracts 200,000 Guests Annual Event Showcases Union-Made Goods and Services More than 200,000 visitors with the men and women who extremely friendly and courteous. from the Great Lakes region serve as instructors in dozens of “A lot of visitors stopped by recently converged on Cleve- union apprenticeship and training our booth and asked questions land’s I-X Center to see and hear programs. about the unions and the SIU- and how the nation’s union workers More than $1 million in prod- UIW-contracted companies produce the goods and services ucts and services were given away where many of our brothers and that make life better for all during the three-day show. sisters work,” Spadaro continued. Americans on a daily basis. Among big-ticket products and “Hopefully the responses we pro- The event was the 2006 AFL- services that were handed out to vided someday might influence CIO America at Work Show. visitors as prizes was the them to become involved in the Sponsored by the AFL-CIO SIU/UIW grand prize—an all- union movement.” Union Label and Service Trades expense-paid seven-day Hawaii “It was truly an extraordinary Department, the May 5-7 event cruise for two, which was donated show,” said Charles Mercer, pres- showcased the latest in union- by SIU-contracted NCL America. ident of the AFL-CIO Union made-in-the-USA products in- Other high-priced prizes included Label and Service Trades cluding autos and accessories, a top-of-the-line Harley Davidson Department. “Attendance was motorcycles, hardware, clothing, motorcycle; new cars from Ford good all three days, but we really sporting goods and furniture. and DaimlerChrysler; groceries, were surprised by the turnout we Also featured were baked goods tools, household goods and refrig- had on Sunday. It was a beautiful and groceries, appliances and erators, freezers, washers and dry- day in Cleveland, the NBA play- housewares. ers. offs were on television, but Visitors had an opportunity to UIW-contracted companies throngs of people still came out. interact with airline pilots and that provided products to be We all were very pleased.” travel professionals, air traffic placed on display and for give- Mercer added that the event’s Just as in years past, the SIU/UIW booth was very popular among controllers, makeup artists, cake aways during raffles were: Bron exhibitors were amazed by the show visitors. Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland (D), fourth decorators, heavy equipment Shoe and Franklin International high level of interest visitors dis- from left, joined the SIU/UIW contingent for a photo. With Strickland are operators and others from a myri- of Columbus, Ohio; Church and played at this year’s event. “The (from left) AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary- ad of different professions. Dwight from London, Ohio; exhibitors I spoke with said this Treasurer Frank Pecquex; UIW West Coast Region VP Herb Perez; UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Ellis; UIW National Director John The SIU and its affiliated Kroger of Delaware, Ohio; Sealy show was perhaps the best we’ve Spadaro and UIW Great Lakes Asst. VP Bob Love. United Industrial Workers (UIW) Mattress of Williamsport, Md.; had in recent years,” Mercer said. shared a booth promoting both Juanita’s Foods of Wilmington, “According to them, visitors real- organizations as well as their Calif.; Cott Beverages, USA of ly got involved in the activities respective contracted companies. San Bernardino, Calif.; The this year. They stopped by Overall, hundreds of exhibits— Queen Mary Hotel of Long booths, asked exhibitors thought- which together covered more Beach, Calif.; La Victoria Foods provoking questions and general- than 400,000 square feet of floor of Rosemead, Calif. and Del ly demonstrated a keen interest in space—were available to afford Monte of Terminal Island, Calif. what was going on. This made for visitors an up-close look at a wide “In my view, the show was a a unique experience for the range of union occupations and total success,” said UIW National exhibitors.” the skills and training required to Director John Spadaro, who perform those jobs. Show-goers worked the event from start to also talked with skilled workers finish. “Turnout was impressive UIW National Director John Spadaro, right, calls out the in various crafts and trades along each day and the people were name of a winner, while UIW Great Lakes Asst. VP Bob Love, left, draws another tick- et. Looking into the crowd to spot the previous winner, cen- Members of the ter, is UIW Great Lakes SIU/UIW booth Region VP Bill Ellis. crew, right and behind tables, keep the guests happy as another raffle takes place. St. Louis PMC Honors 4

Aloha from Aboard the Aloha

Four pro-worker individuals were honored May 6 at the St. Louis Port Maritime Council’s 26th annual dinner. Pictured in the top photo are Jack Martorelli, vice president of the port council; Vergil Belfi, president of Operating Engineers Local 2 and the port council’s Labor Man of the Year; Mark Lamping, president of the St. Louis Cardinals (Management Man of the Year); The Honorable Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County executive (Government Man of the Year); Angelo Russo, retired vice presi- dent, Chemical Workers (Joseph Sacco Friend of Labor); Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-trea- surer, St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council; and Michael Sacco, president, AFL-CIO Mari- time Trades Department as well as president of the SIU. Pictured at right (from left) at the event are Lt. Col. Todd Robbins of the U.S. Transportation Com- Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio (center) submitted this photo of mand (TRANSCOM); SIU crew members aboard the Seafarers-contracted NCL America Executive VP Augie Tellez; cruise ship Pride of Aloha. Also pictured are (from left) Assistant Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, dep- Carpenters Arturo Orcino Jr., Wilfredo Lansangan, Mike Tadlip uty commander, TRANS- and Carlos Velasquez. Remetio included a note thanking the LOG COM; and Captain Robert staff and encouraging fellow mariners to stay up-to-date on the Johnston, senior vice pres- latest SIU news. (We would have published the photo anyway. ident of SIU-contracted Honestly.) Overseas Shipholding Group. 8 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 9

Spica Locates Downed Marine Helicopters The U.S. Military Sealift that Djiboutian military members “The list of heroes that night Command recently reported that near the impact site pulled two on the ship is essentially every- the combat stores ship USNS survivors from the water. one,” Flanagan said. “I saw Spica—crewed by members of “The entire crew came alive on Boatswain Vergilio Dizon, the SIU Government Services this. I mean the entire crew,” exhausted, sleeping next to the Division—conducted search and Flanagan added. “Everyone want- RHIB cradle waiting for the crew rescue operations off the coast of ed to find these young Marines.” members to return.” Djibouti, Africa on Feb. 17 after Shortly after 1 a.m., the Spica’s Chief Steward Wojciech two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 rigid hull/inflatable boat (RHIB) “Ski” Wiatrowski stayed up to heavy transport helicopters was launched with Deck ensure all crew members involved crashed. Machinist Keith M. Larsen, had a late-night meal. The accident occurred during a Cargo Mate Raymond D. Barnett The Spica carries a crew of routine training mission off the and SK3 James K. Stiles aboard. 103 civilian and 26 military per- coast of Djibouti, a small east At the time, it was unclear sonnel and is one of MSC’s five African country bordering the whether the helicopters had combat stores ships. These ves- Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, crashed on land or at sea. sels provide underway replenish- between Eritrea and Somalia. The They approached the peninsula ment of supplies to U.S. Navy two Marine helicopters were car- very cautiously using night vision combat ships at sea. rying 12 people. Two individuals equipment. Within 20 minutes, The ship is 524 feet long, has a survived. they located a large piece of beam of 72 feet and displaces The combat stores ship USNS Spica participates in an underway Both the Spica’s master and its wreckage, rotor blades and the 16,792 tons. replenishment with aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. officer-in-charge credited CIV- main body of one aircraft. No sur- MARS for their professional, vivors were found. brave response throughout the Puma pilots Don Willey and sentative Kate Hunt and Rear mission. Greyson Morrow flew the second Cooperative Efforts Result Admiral Behn and his staff (espe- From the Spica’s perspective, search and rescue mission. cially Dale North, Mary Berk- the ordeal began at 10:20 p.m. Additionally, another RHIB In NOAA Wage Gains lund and Capt. Jack McAdams) while the vessel was about 53 got under way to look for more conducted several highly produc- nautical miles from the reported wreckage, which again included Pay Schedules Announced for Mariners tive meetings. The meetings sup- crash site. At that time, Spica Barnett as well as the Spica’s ported development of a very The SIU Government Services government to review private cooperative relationship between Capt. Michael Flanagan received Radio Electronics Technician Division has been informed by industry pay practices when the call to help. Brian Cottle and Deck Machinist NOAA allowing the parties to the National Oceanic & Atmos- establishing pay rates for the reach an outcome benefiting all “We turned around and headed Jose Rodriguez. pheric Administration that new crews of the NOAA and the at maximum speed to Bab el The guided-missile cruiser NOAA unlicensed crew mem- pay schedules for NOAA unli- Military Sealift Command bers. Mandab on the Djibouti side,” USS Vicksburg arrived next along censed mariners have been calcu- (MSC) fleets. Admiral Behn reviewed the Flanagan said. with an Italian vessel. U.S. Navy lated and forwarded to the Every year, U.S. maritime submission and indicated his ini- The Spica’s Puma helicopter divers then entered the water and National Finance Center (NFC) unions including the SIU, the tial approval of the proposal to pilots Dari Khosrovschahi and pulled the victims from the for approval and implementation. Marine Engineers’ Beneficial increase unlicensed wages across Wade Huddleston got airborne wreckage. This means that NOAA unli- Association (MEBA) and the the board by 10 percent. Once right away, scouring the ocean for “The crew members’ ability to censed crew members will soon International Organization of any sign of survivors. The Puma stay calm under pressure and act receive significant wage increas- Masters, Mates & Pilots that approval was made, the wage relieved a French helicopter that professionally and courageously es. (MM&P) provide MSC with pri- submission began making its way had arrived earlier. on short notice and in darkness, in The pay for federal service vate-sector contracts to demon- through the NOAA’s authorizing The Spica was the first coali- a fast and furious operational mariners is established by federal strate the pay adjustments made process. tion ship to arrive on site, MSC tempo, was second to none,” said law Title 5, Sec. 5348. It is a sys- by various U.S.-shipping compa- SIU representatives believe reported, anchoring about two the Spica’s Officer-in-Charge tem unique to the Federal Service nies. MSC reviews this informa- the result has been worth the miles off shore. Flanagan learned Cmdr. Sidney J. Kim. and basically calls for the federal tion and then submits the changes wait. Within the next few pay to the Navy Wage Fixing periods, NOAA mariners will be Authority for approval. By regu- receiving an approximately 3.6 lation, NOAA follows MSC’s percent (depending on locale) Union Plus Offers Discount for lead in establishing pay practices. increase on base wages and over- This process takes a lot of time in time, retroactive to July 10, 2005 a normal payroll year and in 2005 (this is the FY05 adjustment) and Consumer Reports Web Site took longer than usual. a 10 percent increase on base The SIU’s Government Ser- wages and overtime retroactive to Group also Promotes Union-Made Checks, Other Services vices Division worked diligently Jan. 8, 2006. The union’s initiatives regard- Because of the SIU’s participation in Union Plus, (www.unionplus.org/checks) bearing pro-labor and engaged in ongoing discus- ing all aspects of pay policies and Seafarers and their families are eligible for a new messages. sions with NOAA to implement a discount program offered through the non-profit The checks are part of a larger service called the different methodology for estab- work rules are meant to support organization which was founded by the AFL-CIO. Union Shop, which offers many other union-made lishing wages that better reflects improvement in the economic The new program applies to Consumer items including notepads, tote bags, mugs, shirts modern shipboard conditions and lives of unlicensed mariners and Reports.org, the online presence of the Consumers and more. duties. The SIU’s formal propos- their families. The union believes Union. By signing up for an online subscription “One of the best parts of the offer is that you gain al and a detailed wage analysis that NOAA will benefit from through Union Plus, union members and their fam- the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping to were sent to Rear Admiral these wage adjustments because ilies save 27 percent off the usual price. The dis- protect American union jobs,” noted Union Plus Richard R. Behn, director of competitive earnings in this fleet counted rate for an annual online subscription is Representative Valerie Lilja. “All the products are NOAA’s Marine and Aviation will result in NOAA becoming a $19; the normal price is $26. union-made, and workers at Union Shop are mem- Operations Centers, and to other premier employer in the maritime According to Union Plus, an online subscription bers of the Communications Workers of America.” NOAA staff in late August 2005. industry—and more shipboard to ConsumerReports.org includes web access to all Union Plus was founded by the AFL-CIO as During this process SIU personnel will be willing to con- of the content of the current issue of Consumer Union Privilege in 1986. It is a non-profit entity Government Services Repre- sider positions with this agency. Reports magazine; all Consumers Union product which develops and manages programs that utilize reports; online discussions with Consumer the combined buying power of America’s union Reports.org representatives; and side-by-side com- members to obtain top quality goods and services at Full Book for Seafarer Dumlao parisons of various product models. competitive prices. Among many others, Union Plus The Consumers Union itself is a union shop—its programs open to Seafarers include those covering employees are represented by the Communications car rentals, education services, Dell computers, Workers of America. credit cards, online tax services, life insurance, In announcing the Consumer Reports discount Cingular Wireless phone service, and mortgage and program, Union Plus described the Consumers real estate services. Union as “the nation’s most trusted source of con- sumer advice. Consumers Union operates the largest nonprofit educational and consumer product Union Plus testing center in the world. With over 100 testing experts—and feedback from consumers like you— For general information about Union ConsumerReports.org gives you impartial buying Plus programs, union members may call recommendations that have helped millions of con- 1 (800) 452-9425 or (202) 293-5330 in sumers protect their families from shoddy products the Washington, D.C. metro area. and get the most for their money.” Detailed program information is avail- For more information, visit the following web able online at www.unionplus.org. First- address: www.unionplus.org/ConsumerReports. time visitors to the site will be prompted Seafarer Dominic Dumlao (center) received his SIU full book dur- Through the main Union Plus web site ing the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Dumlao, (www.unionplus.org), Seafarers may view the to select their union from a list so that who sails in the steward department, was given the oath by SIU numerous other discount programs and services for they may view all programs for which Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and was congratulated by SIU which they are eligible. One such program offers they are eligible. Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) along with other offi- competitively priced union-made checks cials. Dumlao first sailed with the SIU in 2003.

June 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:03 PM Page 10

Seafarers Honored on Maritime Day Continued from page 24 ships support our troops in “Merchant mariners have been a cru- Afghanistan and Iraq. They deliver cial part of our security and prosperi- luncheon sponsored by the Propeller our troops and the combat gear, fuel, ty since the beginning of our nation, Club, saluted the accomplishments of MSC’s tradi- and other supplies all that they need part of a tradition of service and merchant mariners and paid tribute to tional wreath- to complete the liberation and recon- patriotism, an unbroken circle of numerous sacrifices over the years. laying struction of Iraq. All told, merchant heroes. From the veterans and the In making the appearance, ceremony mariners have delivered more than fallen that we honor today, to the Secretary Chao became the first sec- drew a large 76 million square feet of cargo. cadets who represent those that we retary of labor to address the crowd to the “In war, and in peace, the men will honor in the future, each and Propeller Club’s National Maritime Washington and women of the Merchant Marine every mariner, from the able seaman Day luncheon. Navy Yard. serve their nation today with the standing watch to the CEO of the The secretary emphasized the same professionalism as they have in ship operating company—all are a merchant marine’s critical support the past. vital part of that circle of service.” role in the war on terror and for U.S. “The contributions that merchant Admiral Reilly said that for more Armed Forces throughout history. mariners make to this nation are than half a century, the Military “Today we reflect upon the immeasurable, and we all recognize Sealift Command has benefited from tremendous contributions merchant the sacrifices they make so we can the professionalism and expertise of mariners have made to ensuring that the maritime industry. the United States Merchant Marine enjoy our freedom here at home and America’s merchant mariners. our country is strong, safe and free,” “The Paul Hall Training Center in and to remember those merchant abroad. So on National Maritime Day “Whenever, wherever, when duty said Secretary Chao. “When the his- Piney Point which I visited will mariners who have made the ultimate 2006, a grateful nation gives its called, they delivered. tory of the war on terror is written, develop curriculum and learning sacrifice and given their lives in the thanks to the merchant mariners who “They’ve been out there, and are the U.S. Merchant Marine will be tools for a variety of seafaring occu- service of our country. sacrificed for us in the past and who still out there today,” Admiral Reilly remembered—as it has been in every pations,” Secretary Chao said. “The “This was a nation founded and honor us today with their committed continued, “standing strong behind war—as vital to our victory.” DOL and Seafarers also will create built through the contribution of mer- service.” our war fighters, out at the pointed In her remarks, the labor secretary an apprenticeship training program chant mariners. They have served in end of the spear, where combat readi- noted that 8,000 merchant for cruise ship hospitality jobs.” every American war since the Wreath-Laying Ceremony ness means survival as well as suc- mariners—including members of the In the commercial arena, American Revolution. In every con- Joshua M. Smith, Ph.D., assistant cess, and where combat readiness SIU—are crewing auxiliary vessels Secretary Chao noted the three new flict, America’s merchant mariners professor, U.S. Merchant Marine depends on us and our promise to for the U.S. Navy that supports U.S.-flag cruise ships that will cruise have stood by this great nation. They Academy, served as the guest speak- deliver; wherever, whenever. American troops in Iraq and Hawaii. She pointed out that the continue to inspire their fellow er at the National Maritime Day cer- “MSC’s merchant mariners are Afghanistan. Seventy-six million Pride of America, one of those ships, Americans. emony at the Washington Navy Yard. delivering today, aboard more than square feet of cargo have been deliv- “is the first brand new U.S.-flag, “The nation is grateful for the In his remarks, Rear Adm. Robert 110 Military Sealift Command ships oceangoing passenger ship in 50 ered by the merchant marine to United States Merchant Marine’s D. Reilly, Jr., commander, Military around the world,” he concluded. years.” Another vessel, the Pride of American troops serving in support of our Armed Forces. Today, Sealift Command, welcomed those in “We’re proud of our mariners, so it is Hawaii, recently was christened in Operation Iraqi Freedom. more than 8,000 brave merchant attendance and expressed his appre- fitting that today we express the great Los Angeles. “As they have in every war in our mariners serve in the Military Sealift ciation for the large turnout. debt of gratitude we owe to them, the “Together they will create about nation’s history, merchant mariners Command, crewing auxiliary vessels Paying tribute to past and present dedicated men and women of the 20,000 American jobs, of which are delivering the troops and supplies for the United States Navy. These mariners, the MSC commander said, U.S. Merchant Marine.” needed by our armed forces. The about 3,000 to 4,000 will be seafar- cargo they transport is precious— ers’ jobs,” Secretary Chao said of the some of the most expensive and com- three NCL America vessels. plex equipment in the world,” “Let me conclude by expressing Bosun’s Newsletter a Secretary Chao said. “It takes the our country’s gratitude for the critical tremendous skills of our country’s role that the U.S. Merchant Marine merchant mariners to protect and plays in serving our country during Welcome Distraction transport this cargo, especially when times of war and times of peace. it is at risk on the high seas.” They do so at great personal risk and When Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman Commenting on the future of the with great distinction,” the secretary first wrote and distributed a shipboard newsletter, merchant marine, Secretary Chao said. “Their contributions are immea- he had a simple goal. said, “The 21st century holds many surable. Even during times of peace challenges for the maritime industry the life of a merchant mariner is one “I started it years ago, on a tanker,” Teichman including an anticipated doubling of of sacrifice—long and lonely days at recalled. “There was a lot of stress among the cargo and passenger traffic within the sea, separated from family and loved crew, so I wrote a newsletter to bring everybody next two decades. Training and the ones.” together and give them something to talk about collaborative partnership between Secretary Chao also issued a other than each other. That’s really the reason I management and labor will become statement recognizing the contribu- still do it.” even more important than ever tions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. It Teichman normally circulates his missives before. And recently I announced a reads in part: “I urge all Americans to grant under the President’s High pause on National Maritime Day every other week when he’s sailing. The newslet- Growth Job Training Initiative to the 2006 to reflect on the service of the ter’s content usually is a mix of practical tips and [Paul Hall Center] to train workers in brave men and women who serve in observations. The formatting is very basic, along the lines of a business memo, and the title is equal- ly to the point: “Bosn’s Newsletter.” He gives copies to unlicensed and licensed 12 Recertified Bosuns Graduate mariners alike and gets “good feedback, including requests and suggestions. Some are indifferent but Continued from page 6 Jackson advised the trainees. “They will teach you the best and most enjoy it. It does cause a lot of conversation.” safest way to get a job done. The newsletter’s length varies—sometimes it’s Wade said, “I’d like to thank the Work hard, learn your job well a single page, other times it’s much longer. Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman SIU, the school and staff for this and always be willing to be a part Below is the content of Teichman’s most recent opportunity. A special thanks of the team.” holiday edition. (They aren’t always this senti- goes to (SIU Assistant Vice Richards has been sailing with mental. The other sample he gave the LOG cov- him, but you can talk to him and certainly if he President) Jim McGee and (SIU the SIU since 1991. “I have sailed ered some of the intricacies of real estate transac- lives in the hearts of man then perhaps there is a Vice President Gulf Coast) Dean around the world several times tions.) little room in there for old Chris Cringle, too. Corgey down in Houston for and talked to everyone twice,” he We who go to sea must believe at this time of being good friends. Bosn’s Newsletter told his fellow union members. A CHRISTMAS STORY year, and indeed at all times when we leave our “To the trainees, do the best “I have never wanted for any- loved ones, that we are there with them always. you can and try to follow direc- thing as an SIU member,” “I Believe in Santa Claus” We are the sunlight in their hair to keep them tions,” Wade added. “Bosuns are Richards, who sails out of the Every trip to sea I write this newsletter to warm, we are the whisper of the wind through the not out there to pick on anyone; port of New York, continued. trees to guide them and give them comfort. We are they’re just trying to get the job maybe lift your spirits with a little trivia, to cause “The union has allowed me to conversation and debate. Whether you agree with their eagle to make their spirits soar. done. Be a part of the team and pursue my dream of seeing the We must find our own comforts in what we help them.” me or disagree, it will cause you to interact with world, owning a home and those you otherwise may not have. Here in this believe, and I believe for every drop of rain that Jackson thanked the union becoming a productive member falls, a flower blooms and even in the darkest officials for their continued sup- microcosm of society we occasionally must reach of society.” out for each other. night, a candle burns for me somewhere to light port and expressed his gratitude Richards expressed his thanks my way home. to the Paul Hall Center and voca- In my family on Christmas Eve we don’t open to the SIU and its officers as well presents (that is for the morning). Instead, for just It is my wish for each of you now and in the tional staff for their accommoda- as the Paul Hall Center and its New Year that you find joy, in both your personal tions and academic expertise. He 10 minutes we shut off the TVs and stereos, and staff for the opportunity to attend with just the season’s warm lights we all close our and professional lives. Seek this: demand of your- has been a member of the SIU for the bosun recertification course. self first and not of others. Be the best friend, the 16 years. eyes and try to hear the angels sing. We try to “This had been a memorable remember that it is not what you take with you best fountain of understanding, the essence of “I have been around the world time,” he said. courtesy. Live your lives in a manner so when you many times, seen a great deal of when you leave this world, but what you leave “Take advantage of this oppor- behind. close your eyes, you do not see any ghosts. things and have had plenty of tunity,” Richards advised the From myself and my family, the best holiday fun,” said the mariner who sails Yes, even in my advanced years, I believe. I trainees. “You have made the must, for I am a man of the sea. I like the idea, I wishes, and may your New Year be bountiful and out of the port of Mobile. right choice. Remember to study all your dreams be fulfilled. “Always listen to your depart- love the feeling and I liken this to the man for hard, ask questions and always which one celebrates Christmas. You cannot see — BOS’N ment heads and veteran seamen,” remember it is a team effort.” 10 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:10 PM Page 11

SA Catalino Diaz (right) receives his first pension check from Port Agent Amanacio Crespo at the hall in Chief Steward Juan Vallejo, who just got Following a recent payoff in San Juan aboard the San Juan. off the El Yunque, is ready for a vacation El Morro, Chief Cook Nelson Morales (left) and AB with his wife, Odaliz. Roger Plaud get a jazz practice session going. SSppoottlliigghhtt oonn PPuueerrttoo RRiiccoo

Ready for another voyage are AB Sergio Gonzalez (left) and AB Hector Serrano. They will be flying out to join the Cleveland in Poland.

Chief Cook Antonio Mendez (right) After 40 years as a merchant mariner, SA shows Port Agent Amancio Crespo the Americo Garayua receives his first pen- diploma he recently was awarded for sion check from Port Agent Amancio completion of a chief cook course at Crespo at the SIU hall in San Juan. the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Garayua noted that the maritime industry has been a big part of his life for all these years, and if he were to be reborn, he’d do it all over again!

Luis Roman (left) chats with Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall. Roman is assistant port agent and Relaxing in the San Juan hall are QMED Orlando a former crane maintenance electrician for Navieras Herrera (right) and Port Agent Amancio Crespo. de Puerto Rico.

Prior to payoff and the union membership meeting aboard the El Morro, Recertified Bosun Robert Grubbs (left) and the ship’s third mate perform a routine inspec- tion of the life boats.

Recertified Bosuns (from the left) Patrick Ray, Eric Perez and Tony Mercado have a lot in com- mon to discuss.

Left: Port Agent Amancio Crespo is flanked by Chief Cook Nelson Morales prepares lunch on QMED/Electrician Manuel Quinonez Cardona (left), who board the El Morro prior to payoff. was in the hall filing for his pension, and Capt. Felix Aguilar, an inland pensioner.

June 2006 Seafarers LOG 11 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:10 PM Page 12

Baltimore Welcomes

ollowing its transatlantic voyage in April, the SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii was presented to the public for the first time in the port of FBaltimore. Nearly 400 Seafarers were aboard the 93,500-ton vessel during the crossing. They worked in all three departments, practicing for the required fire and life boat tests, assisting in getting furniture in place, setting up the bars and generally helping clean up the areas and readying them for the ship’s first passengers. Approximately 600 more crew members, who completed their training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., joined the ship in Baltimore, where the vessel also under- went inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard. SIU officials and guests had an opportunity to board the cruise ship in Baltimore and get a closer look at the magnificent vessel. It also was the first time many of the waiters and bartenders got to do the jobs for which they have been well prepared and trained. From Baltimore, the ship headed to Miami and then through the Panama Canal on its way to San Francisco and inaugural ceremonies in Above: Los Angeles before joining its sister ships, the Pride of Aloha and the A conch Pride of America on their shell blower seven-day cruises around the is painted on one side of the Hawaiian islands. ship’s hull.

Left: Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and Waiter Vittoria Rodgers

Below (from left): SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joe Soresi, Bosun Victor Mariano, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram

Wiper Isaac Jackson

Luxuries Abound On Board Vessel While not the largest ship on the seas, at 93,500 tons, and with 1,100 crew members and a passenger capacity of 2,146, the Pride of Hawaii comes close and, in fact, enters the history books as the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. There are more than 1,000 cabins within the 15 decks, each of which features cherry wood finishing, refrigerators, tea and coffee makers, and large bathrooms. Two garden villas (with their own private gardens, sun decks, whirlpool, concierge service) and 10 courtyards villas (that share a courtyard, pool and sun deck) as well as one top-of-the-ship owner’s suite are options for Pride of Hawaii passengers. Additionally, some of the standard cabins can interconnect to create two, old photographs of three, four or five bedroom areas suitable for small or large families. which is owned by NCL’s unique “freestyle” options allow passengers to take advantage of the vessel’s 10 The Pride of Ha There are a lot of windows on the ship. Keeping them clean are (from leave Honolulu eve left) AB Todd Peden and AB Tirso Sarmiento. restaurants. Plasma screens show the status of each eatery (full, moderately busy, empty) which eliminates the need to wait for day each in Hilo an service. Food for every taste is each in Kahului (on available—from steak and pasta (on Kauai) before h to elegant French bistros or sushi Honolulu. and tapas bars, among others. “Bar Central” is a connected mar- tini bar, champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whisky pub. Other amenities include a spa Color and comfo Pride of Hawaii. and state-of-the-art fitness center, courtyard pools. an internet café and large theater well appointed lib as well as an expansive Keiki ing old photograp (Kids) Club and the surf-themed States, and at ri Wipe Out Teens’ Club. There also mills, set up in th The food is great, according to (from left) Asst. Reefer Engineer Romeo is a golf pro shop, sports deck user has a great Ochavillo, Wiper Fidel Pascua, Engine Repairman Severino Culajara complete with basketball, volley- Jr., OS Carlos Navarro and Engine Repairman Emilio Ordaniel. ball and tennis courts and a photo 12 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 13 s the Pride of Hawaii

Left: Bosun Victor Mariano (second from right) welcomes SIU officials aboard the cruise ship in Baltimore, its first port of call in the United States. From the left are VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Mariano and Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz.

At work and in the messhall are (from Preparing hors d’oeuvres are (from left) Chef Tournant Noel C. Mok and Executive left) Deck Repairman John Nersten; Sous Chef Patrick Clarke (in blue) and Cook Morgan Maestas. AB Bill Cornelius; AB Rigo Boggeano and Carpenter Scott Paxton.

gallery. Shore excursions are avail- able at each port, and other activities When the cruise ship (e.g., art auctions, health and wellness program, cooking demon- first docked in Baltimore, some of stration) are offered—or passengers can simply relax and enjoy the waiters were not having any schedule to follow. lined up, ready to The interior design highlights Hawaii’s rich history and cul- greet the guests. ture. The exterior hull art depicts a hula dancer on one side and a From the left are conch shell blower on the other joined by a colorful hibiscus lei. Katy Flint, Patti The library, named in honor of the S.S. United States (which Morgan, Shannon Wright, Colette entered service in 1952 and won the title as the fastest ocean DiMarco, Jennifer liner when it smashed transatlantic speed records on its first two Hastings, Michelle crossings) Campbell and Ryan has a wide York. selection of reading mate- rial and some interesting hs of the S.S. United States, d by NCL. of Hawaii is scheduled to u every Monday and spend a lo and Kona and two days ui (on Maui) and Nawiliwili fore heading back to

Right: Junior Waiter Jamie Knaebel gets practice helping omfort abound aboard the serve during the awaii. At left is one of the crew’s lunch. ools. Above is part of the ted library with its interest- ographs of the S.S. United at right is a row of tread- in the exerise room so the great view of the ocean.

June 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 2:21 PM Page 14

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Plan, EIN 94- Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005. The annual report 2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. The Basic Financial Statement value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(216,505) as of June 30, 2005, compared to Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $(453,765) as of July 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $237,260. $11,130,361. These expenses included $884,922 in administrative expens- During the plan year, the plan had total income of $620,489 including employer contributions of $595,753, earnings es and $10,245,439 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total from investments of $128 and other income of $24,608. of 3,382 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end Plan expenses were $383,229. These expenses included $275,167 in administrative expenses and $108,062 in of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to benefits paid to or for participants and beneficiaries. receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was Your Rights to Additional Information $138,101,966 as of July 31, 2005, compared to $135,749,137 as of August You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net below are included in that report. assets of $2,352,829. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or 1. An accountant’s report; depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets 3. Assets held for investment. at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $13,483,190, including employer contribu- To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District tions of $33,071, losses of $456,204 from the sale of assets, earnings from Seafarers Medical Center Plan, P.O. Box 191086, San Francisco, CA 94119; telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge investments of $13,904,788 and other income of $1,535. to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. Minimum Funding Standards You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs of ERISA. does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished with- Your Rights to Additional Information out charge. You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. Harrison Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or 1. An accountant’s report; to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department 2. Financial information and information on payments to service should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. providers; Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. IMPORTANT NOTICE: To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE call the administrator’s office of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 764- HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION 4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual under the Plan would otherwise end. report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these por- a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the partic- tions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. ipant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copy- ing costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more informa- Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security tion concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as Washington, DC 20210. possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC. NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU 1. An accountant’s report; Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 2. Financial information and information on payments It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2005. The annu- to service providers; al report has been filed with the Employee Benefits 3. Assets held for investment; and informed of any change of address. Security Administration, as required under the 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part Update Your Beneficiary Designations thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that Basic Financial Statement Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., at 730 Harrison your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute des- Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a trust (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will ignation. fund. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabili- be $6.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for ties of the plan, was $1,282,960 as of July 31, 2005, any part thereof. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce compared to $1,618,698 as of August 1, 2004. During You also have the right to receive from the plan the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation assets of $335,738. This decrease includes unrealized the assets and liabilities of the plan and the accompany- coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; ing notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at copy of the full annual report from the plan administra- divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired tor, these two statements and the accompanying notes Health and Benefits Plan. during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total will be included as part of that report. The charge to income of $8,717,763, including employer contributions cover copying costs does not include a charge for the of $8,669,159, losses of $20,109 from the sale of assets, copying of these portions of the report because these Full-time College Students earnings from investments of $67,894 and other income portions are furnished without charge. If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must of $819. You also have the legally protected right to examine Plan expenses were $9,053,501. These expenses the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child included $484,559 in administrative expenses and Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. $8,568,942 in benefits paid to participants and benefi- and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, ciaries. D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Your Rights to Additional Information Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan You have the right to receive a copy of the full annu- Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security P.O. Box 380 al report, or any part thereof, on request. The items list- Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Piney Point, MD 20674 ed below are included in that report. Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

14 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 2:37 PM Page 15

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July & August 2006 APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2006 Membership Meetings *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups Piney Point ...... Monday: July 3, August 7 Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C Port DECK DEPARTMENT Algonac ...... Friday: July 7, August 11 Algonac 2 2 3 2 1 1 0 0 2 3 Baltimore ...... Thursday: July 6, August 10 Anchorage 0 5 2 0 2 0 0 0 11 4 Baltimore 5 5 0 3 7 1 7 8 10 1 Boston...... Friday: July 7, August 11 Fort Lauderdale 11 24 7 9 15 1 9 17 33 13 Guam 5 6 3 1 5 0 0 5 11 5 Guam ...... Thursday: July 20, August 24 Honolulu 11 10 0 7 4 0 4 14 18 2 Houston 45 29 13 27 25 9 24 79 44 31 Honolulu...... Friday: July 14, August 18 Jacksonville 20 22 7 18 20 3 11 54 39 18 Joliet 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 0 Houston ...... Monday: July 10, August 14 Mobile 16 10 2 9 3 2 2 20 17 2 New Orleans 10 9 7 9 7 1 3 24 9 9 Jacksonville ...... Thursday: July 6, August 10 New York 33 26 11 20 14 8 6 72 44 20 Norfolk 15 14 4 11 15 5 16 21 26 10 Joliet ...... Thursday: July 13, August 17 Philadelphia 4 10 0 4 3 0 1 5 9 2 Piney Point 1 26 1 0 13 0 1 2 20 1 Mobile ...... Wednesday: July 12, August 16 Puerto Rico 9 3 0 4 4 0 4 12 11 0 San Francisco 17 10 1 12 6 2 6 30 17 5 New Orleans...... Tuesday: July 11, August 15 St. Louis 0 3 0 0 4 0 3 1 7 2 Tacoma 32 36 7 21 25 7 13 64 57 15 New York...... Wednesday: July 5* Wilmington 33 24 12 21 13 2 14 53 42 20 Totals 269 277 80 178 187 43 124 481 431 163 ...... Tuesday: August 8 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT ...... (*change created by Independence Day holiday) Algonac 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 Norfolk ...... Thursday: July 6, August 10 Anchorage 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 Baltimore 3 3 1 3 4 2 3 5 4 1 Philadelphia ...... Wednesday: July 5, August 9 Fort Lauderdale 6 9 3 4 4 0 1 13 14 6 Guam 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 7 1 Port Everglades...... Thursday: July 13, August 17 Honolulu 6 2 1 4 1 1 1 8 7 5 Houston 20 12 10 14 12 6 9 27 18 13 San Francisco ...... Thursday: July 13, August 17 Jacksonville 13 17 7 13 14 5 9 30 24 9 Joliet 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 San Juan...... Thursday: July 6, August 10 Mobile 9 6 0 2 2 2 2 13 13 2 New Orleans 12 4 0 4 4 0 0 16 4 1 St. Louis...... Friday: July 14, August 18 New York 14 7 5 4 5 3 6 27 21 11 Norfolk 7 15 13 4 10 8 5 12 20 11 Tacoma ...... Friday: July 21, August 25 Philadelphia 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 3 1 Piney Point 2 3 0 3 3 0 1 4 3 2 Wilmington ...... Monday: July 18 Puerto Rico 3 6 0 5 0 1 2 4 6 1 San Francisco 7 4 2 5 5 0 5 12 13 4 ...... Tuesday: August 22* St. Louis 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 4 0 ...... (*change created by Paul Hall Day holiday) Tacoma 13 15 3 11 7 2 4 25 30 3 Wilmington 15 9 7 8 4 5 6 21 17 10 Totals 133 122 54 87 78 35 56 222 213 83 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Baltimore 4 1 2 4 0 0 5 6 2 3 Personals Fort Lauderdale 3 4 0 3 6 0 2 7 8 5 Guam 3 2 0 1 2 0 0 3 3 0 Honolulu 9 3 0 8 3 0 3 21 9 0 DAVID BALLARD Houston 23 8 2 18 3 2 6 40 11 4 Mickey Noble, a shipmate from aboard the Steel Jacksonville 11 10 3 15 9 1 5 22 18 6 Executive, would like to get in touch with you and catch up Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 on old times. Call him at (415) 235-1432. Mobile 5 2 2 1 3 0 2 9 4 4 New Orleans 3 2 2 2 2 1 2 4 6 3 RUSSELL LEE and AMERICUS BELL New York 20 6 6 12 4 3 8 38 15 6 Norfolk 6 8 3 5 7 4 5 12 19 4 Leo Castro would like to hear from you. Call him on his Philadelphia 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 2 0 cell phone at (713) 443-1301. Piney Point 5 2 1 2 1 0 0 7 5 1 Puerto Rico 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 2 3 0 San Francisco 20 3 2 20 9 1 9 36 1 1 St. Louis 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 Correction Tacoma 19 5 3 11 7 2 8 32 7 4 Wilmington 29 10 2 9 7 0 2 51 12 9 A photo caption in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG Totals 164 70 28 117 66 14 59 296 126 51 listed an incorrect title for Coastal Maritime CFO Kathy Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT Wiley. The LOG regrets the error. Algonac 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 Anchorage 0 1 4 0 2 2 0 0 2 5 Baltimore 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 7 1 Fort Lauderdale 0 4 9 0 3 2 0 0 10 19 Guam 0 2 4 0 2 2 0 0 2 8 Honolulu 5 9 7 4 2 4 0 2 17 13 Houston 4 21 16 3 16 9 0 8 34 35 Jacksonville 4 11 19 1 8 3 0 6 21 34 Joliet 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 Mobile 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 1 8 4 New Orleans 0 3 5 1 3 2 0 2 5 7 New York 5 38 16 6 14 3 0 6 78 39 Norfolk 0 17 22 0 14 10 0 0 19 26 Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Piney Point 0 24 20 0 11 13 0 0 24 22 Puerto Rico 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 1 San Francisco 2 13 12 5 7 3 0 5 20 15 St. Louis 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Tacoma 4 16 9 4 5 6 0 4 31 23 Wilmington 1 8 9 1 3 6 0 2 14 20 Totals 25 178 157 26 97 67 0 37 304 277 Totals All Departments 591 647 319 408 428 159 239 1,036 1,074 574

*“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.

June 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 16

Seafarers International Union NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report Directory APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED REGISTERED ON BEACH Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Group I Group II Group III Group I Group II Group III Reliefs Group I Group II Group III George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Port DECK DEPARTMENT Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Boston 7 0 0 4 1 0 0 17 9 2 Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Houston 6 4 2 8 2 2 9 30 10 2 Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Jacksonville 4 0 4 6 0 4 4 1 2 0 Kermett Mangram, New Orleans 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 14 10 2 Vice President Government Services New York 11 12 1 14 2 1 5 38 27 0 René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large Norfolk 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0

HEADQUARTERS Wilmington 3 1 3 3 1 4 2 1 0 1 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 Totals 33 20 8 10 7 11 21 102 59 7 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Boston 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 2 1 ANCHORAGE Houston 9 3 1 4 1 1 3 18 6 1 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 Jacksonville 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 (907) 561-4988 New Orleans 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 2 BALTIMORE New York 6 2 0 5 0 0 4 20 10 0 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 Norfolk 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 (410) 327-4900 Tacoma 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC Wilmington 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 0 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 Totals 22 8 4 16 4 4 10 52 20 5 (617) 261-0790 GUAM Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 Boston 2 0 0 6 0 0 0 4 2 1 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 Houston 3 3 1 0 2 0 1 19 7 1 (671) 477-1350 Jacksonville 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 3 0 1 HONOLULU New Orleans 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 2 2 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 New York 5 6 0 5 1 0 1 11 9 0 (808) 845-5222 Norfolk 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (713) 659-5152 Wilmington 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 JACKSONVILLE Totals 15 11 2 15 5 0 5 43 20 6 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 Totals All JOLIET Departments 70 39 16 68 17 15 36 197 99 18 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, N.Y. NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 They were taken aboard the old Liberty ship Lewis (718) 499-6600 Emery Jr. in 1954. The vessel was carrying coal from Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 Japan to Korea on a 6-month trip. In the photo at right, ABs are tying up the ship in NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 Japan. The Seafarer in the center is Agustin Tellez, (757) 622-1892 father of SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Below left: Crew members “shoot the breeze on the PHILADELPHIA #4 hatch. That’s what we used to do in the old days,” 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 wrote Porcari in a note accompanying the pictures. Below right: “The wheelhouse had portholes, so PINEY POINT when we had to steer in tight places, like the Panama P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 Canal, as in the picture, we had to steer on the open (301) 994-0010 flying bridge.” PORT EVERGLADES Porcari joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 1947 and retired in 1991. (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000

16 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:13 PM Page 17

Welcome Ashore Each 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 SEA Brother Matthews last sailed JOHNNY GREAT LAKES Brother Beasley was born in aboard the El Morro. He is a resi- O’FERRELL, Louisiana. His first ship was the KENNETH ADAMCZAK, 66, DONALD BINKOWSKI, 65, dent of New Orleans. 58, hails from joined the SIU in 1970. Brother Zoelle Lykes; his last was the joined the union in 1977. Brother Rhode Island. Lykes Explorer. Adamczak initially sailed on the GARY Binkowski first sailed on the Boatman Kinsman Enterprise. The engine J.T. Hutchinson. The Michigan PETERSON, O’Ferrell BENITO native worked in the engine de- department member hails from BONILLA, 61, joined the joined the SIU Wisconsin. Brother Binkowski, partment. In 2000, Brother Adam- union in 1971. in 1965. He 66, became an czak attended classes at the Paul who last shipped aboard the Saint NMU member In 1993, the first sailed on Clair, settled in his native state. Hall Center for Maritime Training deck depart- board the Hanover in the deck in 1966 in and Education in Piney Point, Md. ment member department. Boatman O’Ferrell BAISEL New York. His most recent voyage was aboard upgraded his upgraded often at the Paul Hall KUVSHINI- Brother the El Morro. Brother Adamczak skills at the Center. His most recent voyage KOV, 64, Bonilla first is a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, was on the Delta Mariner. began sailing sailed on the Md. Brother Peterson was born in Boatman O’Ferrell resides in with the union United States. He was born in HERMAN Chickasaw, Ala. in 1971. Honduras. Brother Bonilla’s most BERGERON California. He makes his home in Fall City, Wash. Brother recent voyage was aboard the JR., 62, ERNEST PARKS JR., 62, first Kuvshinikov, Endeavor. became an SIU sailed aboard a vessel operated by who was born member in TERRY Southern Carriers Corporation. in Russia, worked in the engine NORMAN 1964. Brother RYAN, 67, The Virginia-born Parks upgraded department. He attended classes at BUSH, 70, Bergeron was launched his his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in 2003 and hails from born in Louisi- SIU career in the union-affiliated school in Piney most recently shipped on the Sam Honduras. ana. He 1990. Brother Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he Laud. Brother Kuvshinikov is a Brother Bush worked in the engine department. Ryan first worked on the Express Marine. resident of Thomasville, N.C. joined the Brother Bergeron’s first ship was sailed on the Boatman Parks continues to live in union in 1984. the Penn Sailor. He lives in Presque Isle. his native commonwealth. LEVI SAN- His first ship Harvey, La. Born in FORD, 64, was the Nancy Minnesota, he attended classes at CHARLES joined the SIU Lykes. Brother Bush worked in the RAYMOND COOLEY, 65, start- the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and TELLER, 62, in 1979. steward department, most recently ed sailing with the SIU in 1989. 2002. Brother Ryan last worked became a Brother San- aboard the Green Harbor. Brother Cooley first shipped on aboard the Horizon Trader. He union member ford sailed as a board the PFC James Anderson Jr. calls St. Paul, Minn. home. in 1973 in the member of the AHMED The deck department member, port of deck depart- HAMID, 65, who was born in Georgia, last RANDOLPH TANNIS, 65, Houston. ment. He was joined the sailed aboard the Maj. Stephen W. became an SIU member in 1970, Boatman Teller NMU in 1966. first shipping on the Western born in Covington, Ga. and up- Pless. He now makes his home in first sailed graded his skills in 2003 at the Brother Hamid Beaumont, Texas. Clipper. Brother Tannis was born aboard a G&H Towing vessel. The was born in in Wisconsin and sailed in the Piney Point school. Prior to retir- deck department member attended ing, Brother Sanford shipped on the Yemen. He WILSON engine department. He enhanced classes at the Paul Hall Center in first shipped GARCIA, 65, his skills on three occasions at the St. Mary’s Challenger. He makes Piney Point, Md. Boatman Teller his home in Sweetwater, Tenn. on the Texaco joined the SIU Piney Point school. Brother Montana. Brother Hamid most Tannis’s most recent voyage was last shipped with Tampa Tugs. He in 1969. resides in Hitchcock, Texas. Editor’s Note: The following broth- recently worked aboard the Brother Garcia, on the Maersk Missouri. He settled Denali. in Staten Island, N.Y. ers and sister, all former members a member of ANDREW of the National Maritime Union the deck de- VEAL, 62, WILLIAM (NMU) and participants in the partment, first began his sea- In addition to the individuals listed TURNER, 59, NMU Pension Trust, recently went shipped on the faring career in above, the following NMU pension- began shipping on pension. Geneva. The Puerto Rico-born 1966 in the ers retired on the dates indicated. with the SIU mariner upgraded his skills in port of Nor- in 1977. HERMAN NAME AGE EDP 1976 and 2006 at the training folk, Va. Boat- Brother BEASLEY, school in Piney Point, Md. He man Veal was Eldridge, Shirlie 65 May 1 Turner’s first 64, embarked most recently worked aboard the born in North Erazo, Roberto 66 April 1 voyage was on his NMU Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Garcia Carolina. He worked primarily aboard the career in 1969 Major, Alvin 62 April 1 calls Penuelas, P.R. home. with the Association of Maryland Overseas Vivian. He attended in the port of Pilots. Boatman Veal calls Crab Runyan, Ronald 70 April 1 classes at the union-affiliated New Orleans. WALTER HARRIS, 65, joined Orchard, W.Va. home. Vargas, William 70 April 1 the SIU in 1978. Brother Harris school in Piney Point, Md. in was a frequent upgrader at the 1967, 1982 and 2001. Brother Piney Point school. His first ship Turner worked in the engine Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1970 was the Bradford Island. Brother department, most recently aboard Harris was a member of the deck the San Juan. Born in New York, 1940 Three SIU members who risked their lives by department. He most recently Brother Turner calls Jacksonville, In spite of claims by outsiders that it was impossi- jumping into heavy seas to rescue two downed worked aboard Tyco’s Decisive. Fla. home. ble to get increases from the coastwise operators, Air Force pilots have been awarded the Brother Harris resides in the SIU negotiated with the coastwise companies Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal in Baltimore, Md. MIGUEL VINCA, 65, and won increases of $10 per month plus an Seattle. ROBERT started sailing increase in the overtime The Seafarers, sailing HINES JR., with the Sea- rate of ten cents per aboard the Anniston 66, embarked farers in 1990 hour for all departments. Victory, jumped into icy on his seafar- from the port Companies covered by This Month seas with safety lines to ing career in of New York. this agreement were Sea- Brother help the exhausted air- 1967. Brother train Line Inc., Range Hines’ first Vinca’s first In SIU History men aboard ship. The ship was the ship was the USNS Capella; his Lines, Canadian and Gulf rescue occurred on Feb. Steel Voyager. last was the Cleveland. The Lines, Fall River Naviga- 26, 1968. Gale condi- He worked in the engine depart- Philippine-born mariner worked in tion Company and tions made launching of ment and upgraded often at the the steward department and Waterman Steamship Corporation (for their a lifeboat too risky. union-affiliated school in Piney upgraded his skills in 2001 and coastwise ships). Point, Md. Brother Hines was born 2004 at the Paul Hall Center in Medals were presented by Maritime Administra- in Mississippi. His most recent Piney Point, Md. Brother Vinca tion Representative Frank I. Huxtable to voyage was on the Sgt. Matej now makes his home in Corpus 1955 Ordinary Seamen James B. Harrington and Kocak. Brother Hines continues to Christi, Texas. Full protection of Seafarers and their rights, Theodore Zieser and AB Morgan L. Jones in the live in Mississippi. INLAND including their right to the union hiring hall, is Seattle union hall. assured under the terms of a resolution on merg- TYRONE PETER GOTTSCHALK, 65, er of the AFL and CIO which was approved by MATTHEWS, joined the union in 1990. During SIU of NA convention delegates. 1985 66, began his his SIU career, Boatman It was a busy time in Newport News Shipyard in seafaring Gottschalk shipped primarily The resolution orders the SIU of NA to set up a career in 1965. aboard Crowley Towing & committee which will represent the international June as Seafarers readied theI PFC Dewayne The Louisiana Transportation vessels. He was and it affiliates in any discussions relating to Williams for a military career with the Maritime native, who born in Germany and went to the merger questions. The committee, in turn, will Preposition Fleet. Later in the month when the worked in all Piney Point school on three occa- report back to the respective affiliated unions and Williams steamed from the Newport marine ter- three depart- sions to upgrade his seafaring the international officers at an emergency con- minal to the Pacific Coast to take part in her first ments, enhanced his skills on two skills. Boatman Gottschalk is a vention if such becomes necessary. military exercise, SIU members were on board. occasions at the Paul Hall Center. resident of Houma, La. June 2006 Seafarers LOG 17 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:14 PM Page 18

Final Departures

DEEP SEA sailing aboard a vessel operated by union in 1951 JOHN WATERS Editor’s Note: The following brothers Intercontinental Transportation. He in New York. Pensioner John Waters, 66, passed and sisters, all former members of the RAYMOND ALLEN was born in Alabama and worked in He initially away Jan. 14. Boatman Waters National Maritime Union (NMU) and Pensioner Raymond Allen, 71, the engine department. Brother sailed on a became a Seafarer in 1976 in the participants in the NMU Pension passed away Feb. 15. Brother Allen Connell last shipped on the Cove Delta Steamship port of Houston. He was born in Trust, have passed away. was born in Pennsylvania and joined Spirit. He lived in his native state Lines vessel as Charleston, S.C. Boatman Waters the Seafarers in 1952. He first and went on pension in 1981. a member of the sailed primarily aboard Marine deck depart- EVANGELISTA CRUZ worked in the deck department JOHNNY CRINER Contracting & Towing Company Pensioner aboard an Ore Navigation vessel. ment. Brother vessels. After retiring in 2001, he Pensioner Johnny Criner, 65, died McCall was Evangelista Brother Allen’s last voyage was on continued to live in South Carolina. Cruz, 92, died board the Del Brazil. He retired in March 7. Brother Criner joined the born in Louisiana. Prior to retiring in SIU in 1986, initially sailing aboard 1986, he shipped aboard the Long Oct. 19. Brother 1990 and called Windsor Mill, Md. GREAT LAKES Cruz joined the home. the USNS Assurance. The steward Lines. Brother McCall was a resident department member was born in of Mobile, Ala. NMU in 1945 ARTHUR AUSTIN Oklahoma. Before retiring in 2002, RANSOM EHRENBERG in the port of Brother Criner worked on the USNS JUAN OSARIO San Juan, P.R. Pensioner Pensioner Ransom Ehrenberg, 86, He first sailed Arthur Austin, Impeccable. He called Altoona, Wis. Pensioner Juan Osario, 67, passed died Dec. 28. Brother Ehrenberg was home. on the 82, died Jan. 3. away Oct. 23. Brother Osario a Michigan native. He joined the Glenpool; his last ship was the union in 1963, first sailing aboard an Brother Austin MARTIN FOX became a Seafarer in 1978, first sail- Export Champion. Brother Cruz joined the SIU ing on board the Santa Mercedes. American Steamship Company ves- went on pension in 1976. in 1966. The Pensioner The steward department member sel. His last voyage was with Great Martin Fox, 60, Lakes Associates. Brother Ehrenberg engine depart- was born in Puerto Rico and contin- SOLEM GREFALDIA ment member passed away ued to live there. Brother Osario last went on pension in 1985 and resided was a native of March 25. shipped aboard the Borinquen. He in Palmer, Mich. Pensioner Honolulu. Brother Fox started collecting his pension in Solem Brother Austin’s first trip to sea was joined the SIU 1986. MASOOD ELGIRSH Grefaldia, 87, on the Eagle Voyager. Prior to retir- in 1965. His passed away Pensioner ing in 1990, he sailed aboard the first trip to sea Oct. 19. Brother Masood Horizon Kodiak. Brother Austin was aboard the HIRAM PAYNE Grefaldia, who Elgirsh, 71, made his home in the state of Kenmar. Pensioner was born in the passed away Washington. Brother Fox was born in Baltimore Hiram Payne, Philippines, and shipped in the engine depart- 77, died Jan. 9. Oct. 14. Brother became an JAMES BARNETT ment. He last worked on the Nuevo Brother Payne Elgirsh started NMU member sailing with the Pensioner San Juan. Brother Fox retired in joined the SIU in 1957, initially shipping aboard the 1994 and made his home in in 1951 in the SIU in 1961 in Atlantic Trader. He worked in the James Barnett, Detroit aboard a 78, passed Dundalk, Md. port of steward department. Brother Savannah, Ga. Seatrain Lines Grefaldia’s last voyage was on the away Jan. 17. GEORGE GIBBONS vessel. He was born in Yemen and Brother Barnett He first sailed Ashley Lykes. He retired in 1984. Pensioner George Gibbons, 78, died aboard a vessel worked in the engine department. embarked on Brother Elgirsh’s last voyage was on his seafaring Dec. 25. Brother Gibbons launched operated by Sprogue Steamship WELDON HAMILTON his seafaring career in 1947. He was Company. Brother Payne was born the Saint Clair. He retired in 1997 career in 1945. Pensioner a member of the steward department. in Georgia and shipped in the stew- and made his home in Dearborn, He first shipped Weldon Brother Gibbons first sailed aboard a ard department. His last voyage was Mich. on a Sprogue Hamilton, 83, Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. on the Monticello. Brother Payne Steamship Company vessel in the died Oct. 3. His last voyage was on the Horizon became a pensioner in 1978. He DAVID HUBBARD steward department. Brother Barnett Brother Challenger. Brother Gibbons was made his home in Winder, Ga. was born in Alabama. His last jour- Pensioner Hamilton began resident in his native state of New ney was aboard the Seabulk Power. David Hubbard, his seafaring York. He became a pensioner in Brother Barnett began his retirement ANTHONY PERRY 68, died Dec. career in 1946, 1990. in 1990 and called Mobile, Ala. Pensioner Anthony Perry, 80, passed 28. Brother sailing from the home. away Nov. 1. Brother Perry was Hubbard joined port of San ROBERT HOLT the SIU in ERNIE BODDEN born in Rhode Island and joined the Francisco, Calif. The steward depart- Pensioner SIU in 1973, initially sailing on the 1970. The ment member’s first ship was the Brother Ernie Bodden, 41, died Oct. Robert Holt, 83, Mohawk. Working as a member of Michigan-born Brazil. Prior to retiring in 1968, 19. He began his SIU career in 1996. passed away the deck department, he last shipped mariner shipped Brother Hamilton shipped aboard the Brother Bodden initially shipped on March 29. aboard the Horizon Navigator. in the deck Constitution. department. Brother Hubbard initial- the Robert E. Lee. He was born in Brother Holt Brother Perry began receiving com- ly sailed aboard the Hennepin. Prior New Orleans and most recently became an SIU pensation for his retirement in 1991. member in 1951 to retiring in 2002, he worked on the EVANGELISTA QUINONES sailed aboard the Green Point. He was a resident of Pahrump, Nev. Brother Bodden was a resident of in New York. Richard J. Reiss. Brother Hubbard Pensioner Louisiana. His first ship was a resident of New Mexico. Evangelista was operated by INLAND Quinones, 89, GEORGE BRANNAN Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother HENRY IRVINE passed away Pensioner Holt was born in Pennsylvania. His Sept. 8. Brother PETER LOVASCO Pensioner Henry Irvine, 84, passed George last trip to sea was aboard the Santa Quinones start- away Dec. 1. Brother Irvine joined Brannan, 80, Isabel. Brother Holt started receiving Pensioner Peter Lovasco, 84, died ed his NMU passed away his retirement stipends in 1984. He Jan. 18. Boatman Lovasco embarked the Seafarers in 1961. He sailed in career in 1947. March 14. lived in Pottstown, Pa. on his seafaring career in 1980. Born both the inland and Great Lakes His first voyage Brother in Massachusetts, Boatman Lovasco divisions. Brother Irvine first worked was on the Brannan CHARLES JOHNSON last sailed on the St. Joseph. He aboard a Price Brothers McClung Santa Rosa. Brother Quinones came started collecting his pension in vessel and last sailed on a Great became a Pensioner ashore in 1954 as a patrolman in the 1984 and made his home in Essex, Lakes Towing vessel. Born in Seafarer in Charles port of San Juan, P.R. He retired in Mass. Ogdensburg, N.Y. Brother Irvine 1944 in the port Johnson, 84, 1969. began collecting compensation for of Baltimore. He first sailed aboard died March 19. his retirement in 1984. He called the Robin Kettering. Born in North Brother Johnson ISAIAH NOTTINGHAM Michigan home. Carolina, Brother Brannan worked in was born in Pensioner Editor’s Note: In addition to the indi- the engine department. His last ship Kennett, Mo. Isaiah viduals listed above, the following was the Adonis. Brother Brannan He became a Nottingham, JUNIOR LARSON NMU members, all of whom were started collecting his pension in Seafarer in 88, passed Pensioner pensioners, passed away on the dates 1985. He resided in Upper Chi- 1951, joining in away Jan. 19. Junior Larson, indicated. chester, Pa. the port of San Francisco. Brother Boatman 77, died Oct. 6. ALVIN CARPENTER Johnson initially sailed with Sprogue Nottingham Brother Larson NAME AGE DOD Steamship Company in the deck joined the began his sea- Pensioner Alvin Carpenter, 79, died department. His last voyage was on union in 1971. faring career in Adams, Raven 63 April 15 Feb. 9. Brother Carpenter joined the the USNS Denebola. Brother During his sea- 1977. His first Banker, Orett 86 March 3 SIU in 1947 in the port of New Johnson went on pension in 1982. faring career, he sailed primarily on vessel was the Bauernfeind, Jane 69 Jan. 10 York. The Missouri native worked in He called St. Louis home. vessels operated by Penn Central Henry the steward department. Brother Transportation. Boatman Notting- Steinbrenner; Butler, Alex 86 April 19 Carpenter’s first ship was the JENNINGS LONG ham continued to live in his native his last was the Indiana Harbor. Cruz, Estanislo 94 April 1 Timothy Dwight; his last was the Pensioner Jennings Long, 90, passed Virginia. He went on pension in Brother Larson was a member of the David, Monico 79 April 21 Leader. He settled in Rhode Island engine department. He settled in his away Dec. 17. Brother Long started 1982. Efre, Jose 95 April 15 and began receiving his retirement native state of Wisconsin. Brother compensation in 1984. shipping with the SIU in 1947. His Figueroa, Modesto 80 Jan. 31 first trip was with Martis Steamship JOHN TAYLOR Larson started receiving his pension in 1995. Foster, Bender 82 April 6 GEORGE CONNELL SR. Corporation. A native of North Pensioner John Taylor, 78, died Oct. Kokoszka, Valentine89 April 15 Pensioner Carolina, Brother Long worked in 5. Boatman Taylor joined the SIU in MARK SCOTT the deck department. He last sailed Padilla, Jose 92 April 1 George Connell 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He Brother Mark Scott, 47, passed away Sr., 91, passed aboard a CSX Lines vessel. Brother initially worked aboard an Interstate Perez, Eligio 79 April 2 Long went on pension in 1980. He Jan. 17. He became a union member away Jan. 6. Oil Company vessel. Boatman in 1999 in Seattle. Brother Scott’s Peterson, Carl 81 March 25 Brother resided in Burlington, N.C. Taylor was born in Maryland. Prior first trip was on the USNS Sisler. Sang, Jim 99 March 21 Connell com- to retiring in 1988, he shipped with RICHARD McCALL The engine department member was Smith, Gordon 71 April 13 menced his sea- Maritrans Operating Company. born in Minnesota and most recently faring career in Pensioner Richard McCall, 76, died Boatman Taylor called Princess sailed on the Alpena. He made his Tatum, Courtney 78 April 17 1963, initially Feb. 6. Brother Long joined the Anne, Md. home. home in Wisconsin. Wise, Shelton 79 Feb. 20 18 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 19

Thomas W. Grosskurth, MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk charge, ship will sail for Valdez. Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Line Limited), April 23—Chair- Bosun and steward requested Digest of Shipboard Educational Director Jorge L. man Luke F. Wells, Secretary union official in San Francisco to Falero, Deck Delegate Isaac Vega Billy Gigante, Educational collect dues payments and take Union Meetings Mercado, Engine Delegate Director Robert A. Ott. Chairman care of ship business. Secretary The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard Michael A. Watkins, Steward announced April 29 payoff in asked for assistance in keeping Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Newark, N.J. He thanked crew mess hall and lounges clean. minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space Chairman announced May 5 pay- members for smooth, safe voyage. Educational director reminded limitations, some will be omitted. off in Jacksonville, Fla. and asked He also advised them to check everyone to upgrade at union-affil- Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. crew to have union books and dues expiration dates on all documents iated school and keep documents Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union payments ready for patrolman. He and renew early, if necessary. No current in order to avoid having to upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded thanked all three departments for beefs or disputed OT reported. take exams over. He also urged working well together and advised Crew inquired as to availability of crew members to donate to SPAD; to the Seafarers LOG for publication. everyone to keep passports and all shoregang while in Newark and to it’s vital in the union’s fight for other required shipping documents have payoff on arrival in New beneficial legislation. No beefs; current or risk losing a job. Secre- York instead of following day. disputed OT reported in steward COAST RANGE John C. Bumgarner, Engine (Crowley Liner tary thanked crew for great trip Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; department. Crew requested Delegate John W. Carson, Services), April 30—Chairman and reminded them to “be Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Spain. review of medical benefits. New Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Steward Delegate Robert J. alert—don’t get hurt.” Educational Tran Nee, Educational Director Haggerty. Chairman noted director urged mariners to attend Carlos A. Perez Jr., Deck Tacoma patrolman visited ship last upgrading classes at Piney Point Charleston Pays Off in Savannah Delegate Travis Stringer. Chair- week to talk about new contracts. school. Treasurer said captain is man announced upcoming payoff Educational director encouraged maintaining stewardship of joint in Garyville, La. and urged every- mariners to upgrade skills at funds and will give report of totals one to read president’s report in union-affiliated school in Piney at next crew meeting. The money April Seafarers LOG. Secretary Point, Md. Treasurer stated $3,000 currently is being used for satellite reminded crew members getting in ship’s fund. No beefs or disput- TV, among other items. Refriger- off to clean rooms and leave fresh ed OT reported. Thanks given to ators for crew state rooms are also linen for next mariner. Educational steward department for excellent to be ordered with treasury funds. director stressed importance of meals. Ship’s internet connection Crew extended thanks to Brothers upgrading skills at Paul Hall still being worked on. Once it is Tony Rosario and Mo Ahmed for Center for Maritime Training and up and running, crew members recovery of misplaced money. Education in Piney Point, Md. and will have an opportunity to sign up Sympathies of crew members went contributing to SPAD. Treasurer for service. This service will be out to Brother Ray Fernandez on stated $2,500 in ship’s fund. No separate from company e-mail. loss of his beloved father. Job well beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion was held pertaining to done by Chief Cook Salazar and Suggestion made concerning pen- current contract negotiations. SA Chucha Rodriguez. Next sions. Vote of thanks given to HORIZON CHALLENGER ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, steward department for job well P.R.; Port Elizabeth, NJ. done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. (Horizon Lines), April 29—Chair- Union Rep Thornton Elliott (second from left) was aboard the man Roy L. Williams, Secretary Charleston when it held a payoff recently in Savannah, Ga. From HORIZON PRODUCER the left are AB Silas Sam, Elliott, Recertified Bosun Elkanah CP LIBERATOR (Marine Trans- Donald B. GaNung, Educational (Horizon Lines), April 19—Chair- port Lines), April 8—Chairman Director Clive A. Steward Sr., Ladia, Chief Steward Peter William and Pumpman Clarence man Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Verdun. As each man made sure his dues were paid up, William Zeki Karaahmet, Deck Delegate Deck Delegate Wilfredo Velez, William J. Bunch, Educational Manuel A. Uy, Engine Delegate Engine Delegate Marshall J. also was thanked for his generous contribution to the Maritime Director Angel S. Hernandez, Defense League (MDL). Adelmo Giusti, Steward Delegate Sanford, Steward Delegate Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Eusebio V. Amaya. Bosun Simone J. Solomon. Discussion Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, announced April 12 payoff upon held concerning five new Horizon ice machine received; still await- Steward Delegate Fernando L. OVERSEAS JOYCE arrival in Houston. He discussed Lines ships coming out in the next (OSG Ship ing new laundry machine. Vega. Crew discussed newly Management), April 16—Chair- importance of education. “Demo- year. Treasurer stated $200 in cap- implemented ID requirements for USNS DAHL (Maersk Line cracy is based on an educated pop- tain’s safe to be used to purchase man Abdulkarim F. Mohamed, entry into port of Jacksonville. Secretary Jack A. Hart Jr., Limited), April 1—Chairman ulation not just people that can DVDs. Clarification requested on Question arose as to required pay- Herman L. Reynolds, Secretary read and write but people that ask box girder. No beefs or disputed Steward Delegate Carlos L. ment for additional background Olascoaga. Chairman announced James H. McLeod. Chairman questions and read between the OT reported. Recommendations check. Bosun encouraged urged all mariners to read lines.” No beefs or disputed OT made to regarding next contract, April 24 payoff in Long Beach, Seafarers to contribute to SPAD, Calif. following run to Portland, Seafarers LOG for current infor- reported. Next ports: Houston; including raising pension amounts mation about union and maritime particularly in an election year. Ore. Secretary read letter from Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; due to cost of living increases and Unlicensed Apprentice C.J. Curran industry and recommended every- Executive VP Augie Tellez per- Antwerp, Belgium. lowering medical plan’s deduct- complimented for his easy adapta- one keep z-cards, passports, etc. ible. Crew members were in agree- taining to future contract negotia- GLOBAL SENTINEL tion to shipboard life. His work up to date and contribute to SPAD. ment that recent barbecue was the has been excellent and he learns tions. Educational director encour- Secretary thanked crew for helping (Transoceanic Cableship Com- best ever. Next port and port of aged mariners to upgrade skills at pany), April 10—Chairman Lee very quickly. Educational director separate trash and keeping ship payoff: Houston. Paul Hall Center to better them- Hardman, Secretary Shawn R. advised everyone to allow signifi- clean. He reported April sanitation selves, their jobs and their income Fujiwara, Educational Director HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon cant time when applying for inspection went very well and Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate Lines), April 30—Chairman required shipping documents. potential. No beefs or disputed OT gave special thanks to bosun and Treasurer stated $2,235 in ship’s reported. Crew expressed gratitude deck department for helping with fund. No beefs or disputed OT to President Sacco and VP Tellez vessel’s stores. Educational direc- Sailing on the Hauge reported. Condolences extended to for job well done on getting new tor encouraged crew members to family of former New Orleans Port ships and better contracts. Vote of take advantage of upgrading Agent Steve Judd. Crew advised thanks given to steward depart- opportunities and courses available that new washing machine does ment for good food. at Piney Point facility. Treasurer not work properly in rough seas. stated $2,500 in ship’s fund. No Chief engineer has been informed OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS beefs or disputed OT reported. and will take care of it soon. (OSG Ship Management), April Members requested more informa- Steward department thanked for 30—Chairman Samuel Duah, tion on Seafarers Health and clean ship as well as good food Secretary Jonathan White, Benefits Plan. Everyone looking and excellent barbecues. Educational Director Larry F. forward to ship’s gathering for Phillips, Engine Delegate William departing and newly arriving crew HORIZON TRADER (Horizon P. Stone. Chairman encouraged members. Next port: Saipan. Trader), April 1—Chairman Ali A. Seafarers to participate in union CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Saleh, Secretary Kevin M. meetings while ashore. He also Dougherty, Educational Director Shipping), May 1—Chairman noted that copies of the contract Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Hiawatha J. Williams, Steward are available at union hall. Delegate Efren P. Aguirre. Taylor, Educational Director Tran Educational director talked about P. Luu, Deck Delegate Leandro A. Chairman thanked crew for safe educational opportunities available Cacho, Engine Delegate Joseph voyage and job well done. He at Paul Hall Center. No beefs; dis- Shepard Jr. Chairman advised all announced April 1 payoff in Working aboard the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. are SA Naziruddin puted OT reported in engine members to keep documents cur- Tacoma, Wash. and congratulated Patankar (top left), ACU Shanita Daniel (top right) and (below, department. Recommendation rent. “You can’t sail without them.” from left) Electrician John Brantly and AB Edward Rockinger. crew on achieving the one-year Secretary reminded Seafarers that mark without a lost-time injury. made to raise pension benefits. Suggestion also made to put penal- whatever job you are doing, safety Educational director reminded comes first. Educational director members of the many classes ty meal hour back into contract. Next port: Tampa, Fla. suggested members upgrade skills available at Piney Point school. at Paul Hall Center. Applications Treasurer stated $425 in ship’s SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk are available on board ship. No fund. Money used this trip for pic- International), April 16—Chair- beefs or disputed OT reported. nic and movies. Suggestion made man Juan Castillo, Secretary Crew requested new TV antenna to purchase new chess set and Alan W. Bartley, Educational system for lounges, 10 foldaway backgammon set and to check con- Director Salome Castro, Deck cots, and copies of pension and tract regarding TV sets in each Delegate Modesto Y. Rabena Jr., welfare plans booklets. Thanks room. No beefs or disputed OT Engine Delegate Hernando given to all departments for work- reported. Crew requested broken Basilan, Steward Delegate ing well together. Special thanks VCR in crew lounge be replaced. Orlando Hill. Chairman given to Mark (radio officer) for Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; announced April 17 arrival of ship daily news and e-mails. Next port: Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. in Kenai, Alaska. Following dis- Jacksonville, Fla. June 2006 Seafarers LOG 19 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:12 PM Page 20

Letter to the Editor Know Your Rights

Editor’s note: The Seafarers bad choices that I made concern- right decisions in the future. The LOG reserves the right to edit let- ing drugs and alcohol. I had the SIU and SARC care about us and FINANCIAL REPORTS. The monies are to be paid to anyone in ters for grammar as well as space Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, any official capacity in the SIU choice to enter rehab or quit sail- will help us overcome the Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters unless an official union receipt is provisions without changing the ing. scourge of alcohol and drugs that writer’s intent. The LOG wel- District/NMU makes specific provi- given for same. Under no circum- I have been sailing for quite can ruin our lives. sion for safeguarding the member- stances should any member pay any comes letters from members, pen- If you or a shipmate has a sub- sioners, their families and ship- some time with the SIU, and quit- ship’s money and union finances. The money for any reason unless he is mates and will publish them on a ting was not the option. I entered stance abuse problem, please talk constitution requires a detailed audit given such receipt. In the event any- timely basis. the program reluctantly and with someone about it. You will by certified public accountants every one attempts to require any such pay- learned how serious my problem be treated with confidentiality year, which is to be submitted to the ment be made without supplying a Important Message was. and respect. You need not feel membership by the secretary-treasur- receipt, or if a member is required to er. A yearly finance committee of make a payment and is given an offi- Dear Brothers and Sisters I was a functioning alcoholic alone because, believe me, you are not. rank-and-file members, elected by cial receipt, but feels that he or she of the SIU: and was on the slow path to ruin the membership, each year examines should not have been required to Recently, I was admitted to the and death. The SARC has shown The Brotherhood of the Sea the finances of the union and reports make such payment, this should Seafarers Addictions Rehab- me literally how to save my can save your life. fully their findings and recommenda- immediately be reported to union ilitation Center (known as “The career and my life. I will be clean tions. Members of this committee headquarters. and sober and able to make the A grateful SIU member may make dissenting reports, specific Farm”). This came about due to CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS recommendations and separate find- AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of ings. the SIU Constitution are available in TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of all union halls. All members should the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and obtain copies of this constitution so Inland Waters District/NMU are as to familiarize themselves with its LOG-A-RHYTHMS administered in accordance with the contents. Any time a member feels provisions of various trust fund any other member or officer is agreements. All these agreements attempting to deprive him or her of specify that the trustees in charge of any constitutional right or obligation these funds shall equally consist of by any methods, such as dealing with To the Old Timers union and management representa- charges, trials, etc., as well as all by Paula Werfel tives and their alternates. All expen- other details, the member so affected ditures and disbursements of trust should immediately notify headquar- funds are made only upon approval ters. Here’s to you old timers whose blood, sweat and tears I stare at the sea and wish she would tell by a majority of the trustees. All trust Have brought this industry through many tough years. All the stories she has in each formidable swell. fund financial records are available at EQUAL RIGHTS. All members As a boy you set sail seeking adventure and spice. The heartaches, the victories, the making of men. the headquarters of the various trust are guaranteed equal rights in A man you became with many a sacrifice. I’ll bet there’s not one of you who wouldn’t do it again. funds. employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth Missed weddings, anniversaries, births, deaths and many Here’s to you old timers for whom I have great respect. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s in the SIU Constitution and in the an event, I’ll listen with awe and wish I was ’board deck. shipping rights and seniority are pro- contracts which the union has negoti- “Job call” was hollered and off you went. tected exclusively by contracts ated with the employers. Conse- There must be some future “old timers” among these between the union and the employers. quently, no member may be discrimi- Not for glory or medals or “hats off” from anyone. young men, Members should get to know their But because there was a job that needed to get done. But it’ll never be for them like it was for you then. nated against because of race, creed, shipping rights. Copies of these con- color, sex, national or geographic ori- tracts are posted and available in all You supplied soldiers and allies with provisions for the Please when you set feet on dry land and plan to retire, gin. union halls. If members believe there “fray,” Pass on those good truths, the need is quite dire. If any member feels that he or she is Dodging torpedoes or bullets and learning quickly how have been violations of their shipping denied the equal rights to which he or to pray. I thank you for your sacrifice, hard work and the pain or seniority rights as contained in the Through salty spray, ice, snow, gales and miserable rain. contracts between the union and the she is entitled, the member should Sometimes the dodge was not quick enough, employers, they should notify the notify union headquarters. A lost shipmate and friend, now that was quite rough. For me there’s no greater pleasure or prize Seafarers Appeals Board by certified SEAFARERS POLITICAL Than to learn of the sea through an old timer’s eyes. mail, return receipt requested. The ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. Aching muscles, sunburn, ornery engines and callused proper address for this is: hands, SPAD is a separate segregated fund. This poem is dedicated to all retired seafarers. Your sea Augustin Tellez, Chairman Tight places, no sleep and rules of foreign lands. stories are awesome. I never get tired of hearing of your Its proceeds are used to further its Seafarers Appeals Board shipboard antics, quite arduous times, personal victories objects and purposes including, but The fun that you made was “creative” for sure. 5201 Auth Way and defeats. I’ve always said I was born too late. You have not limited to, furthering the political, The poker games, the jokes and oh ... pranks by the Camp Springs, MD 20746 social and economic interests of mar- score. brought a world to me that cannot be found anywhere else. Being a landlubber all my life, I had no idea what I Full copies of contracts as referred itime workers, the preservation and The time passed, sometimes too slowly, sometimes too was missing until you opened and shared your treasure to are available to members at all furthering of the American merchant fast. trove of priceless booty!! For this I thank you. times, either by writing directly to the marine with improved employment Each voyage with memories to tuck away with the last. union or to the Seafarers Appeals opportunities for seamen and boat- Board. men and the advancement of trade Wine, women and song in some foreign port. Paula Werfel works at SIU headquarters in the pension union concepts. In connection with Hard work and loneliness was more like the sort. benefits department. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU such objects, SPAD supports and contracts are available in all SIU contributes to political candidates for halls. These contracts specify the elective office. All contributions are wages and conditions under which an voluntary. No contribution may be Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? SIU member works and lives aboard solicited or received because of force, In order to help ensure that each active SIU be mailed (unless otherwise specified). a ship or boat. Members should know job discrimination, financial reprisal, member and pensioner receives a copy of the If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG their contract rights, as well as their or threat of such conduct, or as a con- Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other delivered to you, if you have changed your address, obligations, such as filing for over- dition of membership in the union or important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and or if your name or address is misprinted or incom- time (OT) on the proper sheets and in of employment. If a contribution is health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a plete, please fill out the form and send it to: the proper manner. If, at any time, a made by reason of the above improp- member believes that an SIU patrol- correct home address must be on file with the union. Seafarers International Union er conduct, the member should notify man or other union official fails to If you have moved recently or feel that you are Address Correction Dept. the Seafarers International Union or protect their contractual rights prop- not getting your union mail, please use the form on 5201 Auth Way SPAD by certified mail within 30 erly, he or she should contact the this page to update your home address. Camp Springs, MD 20746 days of the contribution for investiga- nearest SIU port agent. Your home address is your permanent address, tion and appropriate action and and this is where all official union documents will or e-mail corrections to [email protected] EDITORIAL POLICY — THE refund, if involuntary. A member SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers should support SPAD to protect and LOG traditionally has refrained from further his or her economic, political HOME ADDRESS FORM publishing any article serving the and social interests, and American (Please Print) political purposes of any individual in trade union concepts. the union, officer or member. It also NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at Name: ______has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, Phone No.: ______collective membership. This estab- lished policy has been reaffirmed by or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union Address: ______membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU ______ports. The responsibility for Sea- farers LOG policy is vested in an edi- President Michael Sacco at headquar- Social Security No.: ______/ ______/ ______Book No.: ______torial board which consists of the ters by certified mail, return receipt executive board of the union. The requested. The address is: † Active SIU † Pensioner † Other ______executive board may delegate, from Michael Sacco, President among its ranks, one individual to Seafarers International Union This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. carry out this responsibility. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 5201 Auth Way 6/06 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No Camp Springs, MD 20746. 20 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:15 PM Page 21

SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Machinist June 5 June 23 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for June through the end of 2006. All pro- Welding July 17 August 4 grams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American September 11 September 29 maritime industry. October 9 October 27 Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their Safety Specialty Courses course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the Course Start Date Date of Completion start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) June 5 June 9 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul (*must have basic fire fighting) July 10 July 14 Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. August 7 August 11 Deck Upgrading Courses September 25 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB July 3 July 7 Courqse Start Date Date of Completion August 14 August 18 Able Seaman July 10 August 4 September 25 September 29 August 21 September 15 November 6 November 10 October 2 October 27 Basic Safety Training - FOWT July 24 July 28 November 13 December 8 September 18 September 22 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* August 21 August 25 November 13 November 17 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Government Vessels - FOWT June 26 June 30 Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 26 July 7 July 17 July 21 August 7 August 18 August 7 August 11 September 18 September 29 September 11 September 15 October 30 November 10 September 18 September 22 Radar August 7 August 18 Tankerman Familiarization/ June 5 June 16 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 31 August 11 (*must have basic fire fighting) September 18 September 29 Steward Upgrading Courses November 27 December 8 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Tankerman (PIC) Barge* August 7 August 11 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning June (*must have basic fire fighting) October 16 October 20 12, 2006. Recertification Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun October 9 November 6

Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops July 17 August 11 Steward July 10 August 7 September 11 October 6 November 13 December 8 Academic Department Courses Fast Rescue Boat June 5 June 9 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic July 17 July 21 vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks FOWT July 17 September 8 prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course September 11 November 3 will be self-study. 

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your 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 is Name ______Coast 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 money Address______order only, payable to LMSS. ______BEGIN END COURSE DATE DATE 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 be ______processed. ______Social Security # ______Book # ______Seniority ______Department ______U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port ______Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ______LAST VESSEL: ______Rating: ______

______Date On: ______Date Off: ______Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No SIGNATURE ______DATE ______If yes, class # ______NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques- If yes, course(s) taken ______tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189.

† Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qual- ified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, Primary language spoken ______access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/06 June 2006 Seafarers LOG 21 36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:12 PM Page 22

Paul Hall Center Classes

AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending March 31 are (from left, kneeling) Christopher Bean, Patrick Guertin, Kemer Rojas, (second row) Adrian Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 673 — Graduating from the Cockerell, Robert Morrison, Christopher Doucet, William Devers, William Little, Jason water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 673. They include (in Boyer, Keyon Kidd, Abigail Maki, Audania Bomar, John Yi, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), alphabetical order) Antoine Best, Gregory Brown, Ronald Byrd, Marion Cruzat, Mervin (third row) Saleh Mothana, Graham Jones, Brian Saba, Timothy Eide Jr., Scott Jones and Cruzat, Lester Desheers, Thomas Jarrett, Nicholas Kempker, Detrell Lambey, Aaron Greg Martineau. Not pictured is John Springer. Larson, Jesse Lewis, Robert Miskel, Orien Nelson, Derrick Norfleet, Jeffery Novak, Brendan O’Brien, Kevin Robinson, Michael Sanders Jr., Kyle McClellan, William Thomas and Penny Williams. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course April 14 are (in no specific order) Karen Suzuki, Frank Zoumakpe, Victor Rios, Xavier Alfaro, Milton Hollis, Eufracio Arzu, Keith Jasmine, Mark Wyn, Rudolph Miller, Mark Leman, Angel Carrillo, Carlos Valdes, Derrick Lott Galley/Advanced Galley Operations — Graduates of Sr., Roger Saxon, Robert recent galley operations and advanced galley operations classes Warren, Lamont Robinson, are (from left) Jay Ashun, Willie Frink, Kay Kalua, Irina Shubov, Melvin Smith, Francisco Tammy Brown, Ismael Garayua, Abdulsattar Nasser, Edvaldo Palacios and Samuel Viana, Brittany Lewis, Jermeka Williams, Cheryl Lynch and McDaniel. (Note: not all Cresencio Gonzalez. are pictured.)

Radar — Graduates of the recent radar course are (from left) Arthur Price, Bill Hewett, Jeffrey Lifeboatman/Water Survival — April 14 was graduation day ARPA — Under the instruction of Mike Smith Titco and Michael Sykes. Mike Smith (center) was for the six students in the water survival course. They are (in alphabeti- (second from right) are students who completed their instructor. cal order) Allan Coloyan, Fred Forsythe, Rene Gil, Jaber Jaber, Patrick the ARPA course April 21. They are (from the left) Thompson and Bruce White. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is seat- Jeffrey Titco, Bill Hewett and Michael Sykes. ed third from left.

Computer Lab Classes Any student who has registered

for a class and finds—

Holding their certificates of for whatever reason— achievement for courses recently completed in the com- puter lab at the Paul Hall that he or she cannot attend, Center are (from left) Jeff Leman, Alyxi Alexander, John Frey and Anthony Alibah. Their please inform the admissions instructor, Rick Prucha, is in the center. department so that another

student may take that place.

22 Seafarers LOG June 2006 36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:25 PM Page 23

Paul Hall Center Classes

Small Arms — Seafarers in the bosun recertification program completed the small arms training course April 21. They are (in no specific order) Richard Barnes, Daniel Teichman, Rufino Giray, Amante Gumiran, William Richards, Timothy Jackson, Mike Shappo, Robert Natividad, Paul Wade, Scott Palen, Iima Winfred and Reginald Watkins. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Small Arms — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed the small arms training course April 28. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Bianchi, Steven Blair, John Davis, MacGregor Davis, Jeremy Finley, Ernest Frank, Dallon Garnett, Maxine Howard, Jesse James, Raul Morales, Winston Rankin, Wilma- Joy Smith and Akia Wilcox. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left.

Specially Trained OS — Thirteen unli- censed apprentices from Phase III of their training completed this evening course April 27. They are (in no specific order) Casey O’Brien, Ryan Vandergrift, Reid Bland, Joseph Ward, Joseph Bianchi, Wilma-Joy Smith, Abner Torres, Maxine Howard, Sean Fox, Shawn Orr, Eddie Flood, Michael Sedita Specially Trained OS — Included in the April 27 graduating class are Phase and John Davis. Their III unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Francisco Palacios, Dominique instructor, Tony Calvy, Jeremy Finley, Jesse James, Karel Cain, Steven Blair, Tim Kauble, Sevilla, is at far right. MacGregor Davis, Raul Morales, Tyrell Blackburn and SIU upgraders Patrick Tucker, Mohamed Khodeiri, Atanacio Bernardez, Gary Hirsch and Alexander Rodriguez. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right.

STCW — NCL, April 7: Rachid Aboul- wafa, Luis Ahumada, Robert Alway, Edward Anderson, Wanda Anderson, Laura Archer, Manuel Arsenio Jr., Charles Austin, Elizabeth Ayiku, Richard Bailey, Antonio Barleston, Michael Basak, Lissa Bates, Margaret Bauras, Rachid Beldi, Nicole Belmont, Amber Benjamin, Toufik Benjeddi, Charles Bennett, STCW — NCL, April 20: William Bloom, Johnnie Booth, Lucette Breitenkam, Joseph Bentley and Matthew Brice, Fabian Brooks, Anthony Bruce, Riffany Burd, John Burns, Shasta Jordan Beswick. Byrd, Dennis Calhoun Jr., Dimitri Chenin, Ulysses Church, Llewlyn Clarke, James Collins, Felipe Colon, Jay Cook, Nicole Cordero, Maristella Cordova, Michael Crowley, Nancy Cummings and Joseph Czelusniak II.

STCW — NCL, April 20: Aurelien d’Anglejan, Chanel Daniels, Terronce DeBarros Freeman, Pedro Diaz, Alycia Distefano, Teag Drabik, Novelette DuCasse, Timmy Ducut, April Durbin, Rebekah Dykhorst, Rachid Fahmi, Paula Fanjoy, Nicholas STCW — NCL, April 7: Jared Hauck, Donald Hawk, Rebecca Henckel, Joseph Henry, Fernandez, Jose Figueroa Seary, Cory File, Victor Garza, Brenda Giles, Robert Diane Higginbottom, Matthew Hollis, Belinda Hoyt, Roy Jackson Jr., Mary Juszczak, Leonardo Glynn, Reynante Gonzales, Derijah Goss, Yukari Hadde, Kathy Hancock and Troy Kalesaran, Daishawn Keith, Garth Kennedy, David Kim, Christopher Klein, James Kubalanza, Hankerson. Donald Langwell, John Laquidara, Jessica Leati, Steven Lienhart and Tasha Lindsay. June 2006 Seafarers LOG 23 36210p01_24X.qxp 6/1/2006 8:56 AM Page 24

Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan SIU PD Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. SIU PD Seafarers Medical Center Fund — page 14 SSeeaaffaarreerrss HHoonnoorreedd oonn NNaattiioonnaall MMaarriittiimmee DDaayy eafarers, union officials and a large troop of unlicensed Left: U.S. Secretary of Labor apprentices from the SIU-affili- Elaine Chao tells a S Washington, D.C. Maritime ated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Day audience that the nation continues to rely on a strong Point, Md. on May 22 joined scores U.S. Merchant Marine. of dignitaries who witnessed and par- ticipated in four National Maritime Right: U.S. Secretary of Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Transportation Norman Mineta The events included a Maritime (right) presents the Merchant Day observance and medal ceremo- Marine Medal for Outstanding ny, a Mass commemorating National Achievement to SIU Chief Maritime Day, a Propeller Club lun- Cook Jack Curry for the cheon and a wreath-laying ceremony. mariner’s efforts in recent hur- A forum on mariners’ welfare also ricane relief missions. took place that day. The respective events took place at the U.S. mariners is woven through the fabric Mariners were among the first to ing Katrina, “I took the unprecedent- Other speakers at the Maritime Department of Transportation, St. of American history, creating a answer the call for assistance by ed step of activating the Ready Administration ceremony included Dominic Catholic Church, and the vibrant tapestry that tells the tale of transporting emergency personnel Reserve Fleet for service to help Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Washington Navy Yard. They were exceptional character and uncommon and needed supplies to ground zero. more supplies and personnel into the and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson; U.S. sponsored by the Department of valor.” That day, more than a half-million Gulf Coast Region and move people Coast Guard Capt. Tom Atkin, assistant Transportation’s U.S. Maritime Ad- Recounting history, Secretary people were safely evacuated from out of harm’s way. The Ready to the Coast Guard chief of staff; and ministration, the Apostleship of the Mineta said when America’s 13 lower Manhattan … [by] ferry boats, Reserve ships brought in emergency Federal Emergency Management Sea and the Apostleship of the Sea of colonies declared their independence tour boats and government vessels. cargo, generated electricity, helped to Agency Acting Director of Response the United States of America, the from Great Britain over 200 years And in the days that followed, mer- restore port activity and provided Division Michael W. Lowder. Propeller Club (Port of Washington, ago, they had only 31 ships compris- chant mariners stayed the course, shelter and meals to relief workers. D.C.) and the Kings Point Club of ing the Continental Navy. providing rescue and recovery sup- Their (merchant mariners’) hard Maritime Day Mass Washington D.C., the U.S. Military “So the colonists commissioned port and ferrying responders into and work was nothing short of extraordi- After the morning observance and Sealift Command and the North privately owned merchant marine out of lower Manhattan. nary. Teamwork was vital to these medal presentation, many of the American Maritime Ministry Asso- ships to be outfitted as war ships to “More recently, following Hurri- efforts, so today we would like honor event’s attendees, including SIU offi- ciation. add to the fleet,” he said. “These cane Katrina, merchant mariners pro- this spirit of cooperation by awarding cials and the contingent of trainees ships and their crews successfully vided critical rescue relief and recov- the Merchant Marine Medal for out- from the Paul Hall Center, departed National Maritime Day Observance interrupted the British supply chain ery support as part of the hurricane standing achievement to 28 seafarers Department of Transportation U.S. Secretary of Transportation supporting the defeat of the redcoats response team,” he noted. Secretary for their leadership following grounds and made their way across Norman Y. Mineta, a battle-tested and contributing to the birth of our Mineta said that immediately follow- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” the street to the St. Dominic Catholic champion of the U.S. Merchant great nation.” Church. In that venue, Cardinal Marine, was the principal speaker Moving to the 20th century, Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop, during the National Maritime Day Secretary Mineta told those in atten- Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., Observance. dance of the merchant mariners’ con- Rear Admiral conducted a special Mass observing Following his keynote address, sistent tradition of service to country. Robert Reilly National Maritime Day. Among the the transportation secretary presented “When our country was again in Jr., comman- ministers assisting in the Mass was U.S. Merchant Marine Medals to 28 need, during World War II,” he point- der of MSC, Rev. Sinclair Oubre, president, mariners and to representatives of ed out, “the merchant marine provid- welcomes Apostleship of the Sea of the United ship management companies for their ed critical logistical assistance and Unlicensed States of America (and an active SIU respective efforts and contributions carried out the greatest sealift in his- Apprentice member). made during the aftermath of last tory. Whether in the seas of the James Burton year’s hurricanes in the Gulf. Nine of Pacific, or the waters of the Atlantic, and other Maritime Day Luncheon the medal recipients were SIU mem- the support and sacrifice of these sea- trainees to the U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. bers. farers were vital to the victory of the agency’s Chao, during her keynote address at “I extend a special welcome to allied forces. Maritime Day the annual National Maritime Day veterans of the merchant marine who “This legacy of remarkable ser- ceremony. served in World War II, the Korean vice lives on today with the outstand- Continued on page 10 Conflict, Vietnam, and in Operation ing efforts of the maritime industry in Enduring Freedom and Operation the global war on terror,” the trans- Iraqi Freedom,” said Secretary portation secretary continued. “More Mineta upon taking the podium. “The than 5,000 merchant mariners volun- NATIONAL MARITIME DAY 2006 nation is grateful for your service.” tarily put themselves in harm’s way A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America Focusing on the purpose of the to transport much-needed equipment day’s gathering, Secretary Mineta and supplies to our troops serving in The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring our national security and strength- noted, “Like the military veterans Operation Enduring Freedom and ening our economy. As we celebrate National Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant who we will honor on Memorial Day, Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Marine Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to our Nation. the National Maritime Day recounts Secretary Mineta noted that the the history of the sentries of our seas same brand of noble service which Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in 1936, the Merchant Marine Act and their contributions to our great merchant mariners exhibited over- officially established their role in our military as a wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant country. Today, we honor the seas during armed conflict also flour- mariners were critical to the delivery of troops and supplies overseas, and they helped keep vital ocean sup- achievements and sacrifices of those ishes in the domestic arena. ply lines operating. President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised these brave merchant mariners for persevering seafarers in times of war and in time “Here at home, the merchant "despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber, and the surface raider." Today's merchant mariners of peace. mariner has proven himself invalu- follow those who courageously served before them as they continue to provide crucial support for our “From our nation’s founding to able as well,” he said. “Immediately Nation's service men and women. America is grateful for their commitment to excellence and devotion to the present day,” he continued, “the following the horrific terrorist attacks duty. legacy of our nation’s merchant of September 11, American Merchant In addition to helping defend our country, merchant mariners facilitate commerce by importing and export- ing goods throughout the world. They work with our Nation's transportation industry to share their valu- able skills and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo transportation. This past year, the good work and compassion of merchant mariners also played an important role in hurricane relief efforts. Ships brought urgently needed supplies to the devastated areas, provided assistance for oil spill cleanup, generat- ed electricity, and provided meals and lodging for recovery workers and evacuees. 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 pro- claim May 22, 2006, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying 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 Nine Seafarers were honored by the U.S. Department of two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirti- Transportation’s Maritime Administration at a May 22 ceremony in Washington, D.C. Those SIU members are pictured after the event with eth. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (third from right) and SIU VP Contracts GEORGE W. BUSH George Tricker (second from left).