Volume 63, Number 9

SIU-Crewed Pomeroy Delivered Watson-C1q,ss ·LMSR Augments American S!!alift Capacity . J~

Photo by National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.

Construction Continues on RO/RO Steward Dept. Seafarers To Crew USNS Benavidez The first of two roll-on/roll-off ships for SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. is under construction in San Diego. It is scheduled for delivery in October 2002. For more photos of the early stages of the construction, see page 3.

Seal aring Life Agrees With Zepedas SIU members will soon cl imb the gangway to the USNS Benavidez Three Generations Find Career Niche in SIU (T-AKR-306), which recently was christened in New Orleans. Page 3. House Okays ANWR Recertified Bosun Johnny Zepeda (left) and his son Felipe, who is enrolled in the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Development Hall Center for Maritime Training ______Page 5 and Education, aren't the only ones in their family to discover - their calling through the SIU. Page 9. Carter Investigation Continues ______Page 2 President's Report Ship Fire Investigation Time Is Right for ANWR Fluctuating gas prices at the pump. Electrical bills skyrocketing. Roving blackouts. The cost of home heating oil inflating. Is it any wonder that the =--.,.._..,,, House of Representatives last month passed-with Still In Early Stages bipartisan support-an energy bill that will affect all Americans? The U.S. Coast Guard in late July began its for­ from a commercial cargo vessel to an ammunition Besides other benefits, the president's energy plan mal investigation into the engine room fire aboard ship. It is operated by Maersk Line Ltd. for the U.S. will create jobs all across America through a commit­ the ammunition ship SSG Edward A. Carter, Jr. Military Sealift Command. ment to modernizing and expanding the nation's energy The July 14 fire in Sunny Point, N.C. claimed The 950-foot vessel passed all its inspections fol­ infrastructure. This means new refineries, new power two lives-those of GUDE Horace Beasley and lowing the conversion, and crew members complet­ plants, new research into renewable energy sources. Third Asst. Engineer Paul Powell. ed a number of fire drills before the Carter sailed Within that legislation is a provision calling for safe Based on testimony during hearings in July and from Norfolk to Sunny Point. They also finished a Michael Sacco exploration and drilling of a specific area of Alaska's last month in Wilmington, N.C., the agency's inves­ fire safety drill the morning of the accident. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. tigation is far from finished. The Coast Guard is Although investigators don't know how the fire Clearly, ANWR represents a great opportunity for the United States to required to issue its report within six months after started, they have ruled out the incinerator and two become less reliant on foreign oil. Energy problems throughout the U.S. generators as possible ignition sources. have been especially prominent this year. ANWR can be a new way to help starting the investigation. meet the growing demand for energy products, while also helping to put the Much of the recent testimony focused on the A Star-News report from Aug. 11 said that one nation back on track toward the continued economic expansion we enjoyed ship's fire fighting systems, the crew's initial theory suggests "heavy fuel oil, pumped from an over the past decade. response to the fire and the blaze's possible cause. overflow tank into a settling tank, leaked onto the Last month's House passage of the energy bill was a big victory for Details also came to light regarding the fate of boiler stack.... A Coast Guard investigator said those who support ANWR development (including the SIU). In passing the Beasley, a 45-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran valves in a transfer pipe were found open after the energy plan-and in defeating an amendment specifically intended to yank who was making his first trip with the SIU. fire." ANWR exploration from the program-the House provided great momen­ According to press reports, First Asst. Engineer A Coast Guard officer speculated that fuel con­ tum for this issue. George Howard saw Beasley treading water on the tacting a hot metal surface may have touched off the I hope SIU members and their families have noticed the recognition Carter's port side moments after the fire was dis­ fire, though that hasn't been confinned. given to the labor movement for helping move ANWR through the House. covered. Beasley apparently either jumped or fell One thing that isn't in doubt is the crew's excel­ In this case, many legislators and reporters have given credit where it's due, from an engine room side port near where the fire lent work in containing the fire while awaiting assis­ noting the strong backing from AFL-CIO unions, including the SIU and started. Howard grabbed a life ring, but when he tance from local fire fighters. The Carter was carry­ other unions affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department, plus the turned to throw it into the Cape Fear River, he no ing 2.5 million pounds of explosives, loaded in unions of the Building and Construction Trades Department and others-all of whom are coordinating their efforts through the coalition known as longer saw Beasley. 1,300, 20-foot containers. Although the vessel can JobPower. That coalition, formed earlier this year, includes an outstanding An article in the Aug. 2 edition of the Wilmington hold twice that amount of cargo, the tragedy list of trade unions, elected representatives and businesses that are working Star-News reported that after Howard tossed the undoubtedly would have been worse if the fire had together to deliver solutions to America's energy problems. ring, Beasley came back into sight. The river's cur­ spread to the ammunition. The SIU will continue doing its part, through JobPower and through the rent and wind apparently deterred Beasley's Seafarers and officers battled the blaze for AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. Already, we have lobbied hard on attempts to grab the ring. approximately 30 minutes before help arrived. Some this issue, and the membership also has delivered by reaching out to their "As Mr. Beasley drifted down river, Mr. Howard of them assisted in the emergency effort for up to elected representatives on Capitol Hill. I thank all Seafarers who sent post­ followed him, continuing to throw the line into the two hours, until the generator powering their equip­ cards and letters to Congress asking for their support of ANWR develop­ river," noted the article by reporter Trista Talton. ment was exhausted. At least one, QMED/Elec­ ment. And I urge you to keep it up, because our work is far from finished. Beasley, who didn't know how to swim, soon trician Donald Hastings, stayed aboard for eight Once again, this is an example of how politics affects our lives and went under. His body was discovered four days later. hours, primarily to aid emergency crews who had no livelihoods. Testimony from Capt. Robert Vranish indicated familiarity with the ship's layout. As the energy plan moves to the Senate, keep in mind that opening that at least three lines had been extended from the The Coast Guard, Military Traffic Management ANWR will do more than just increase domestic oil production. It will cre­ docked ship to the water. Command, MSC and Maersk all praised the crew ate new jobs for American workers-hundreds of thousands of jobs, by some estimates. The Carter underwent conversion in Norfolk, Va. for its efforts, as did many of the local fire fighters. Americans will do the exploration and drilling. U.S.-built pipelines will transport the oil. Domestic facilities will refine and distribute it. U.S. energy producers and U.S. consumers will use it. And, of particular interest to Seafarers, we will join many of our brothers and sisters in maritime labor to crew the growing fleet of environmentally safe, double-hulled, U.S.-flagged Patriot Gets Positive Reviews tankers that will carry the oil from Alaska. Cruising the Hawaiian islands Even before we start bringing the oil back, we'll have to transport the is the best way to really get a fla­ construction equipment to Alaska. vor for the incredible variety of Opening ANWR to development will help enable our U.S.-flag Merchant 1 Marine to grow and help expand our shipyard industrial base-both of sights and experiences of our 50 h which serve valuable military purposes. state. And making that cruise on Another thing that stands out about the proposed exploration and devel­ the SIU-crewed ms Patriot has opment of ANWR is the evident partnership between labor, management elicited a number of positive and government. It's not often that those three components so readily take comments from seasoned travel­ the same stance on a given issue. When we agree this strongly and this ers. eagerly, you can bet we have a persuasive case. Dan Smith, former national In part, that's because we've shown that exploring ANWR will be done executive vice president of the in a responsible, environmentally sound way. Since the opening of Alaska's Propeller Club (a group which North Slope, nature and development have safely co-existed. And today's promotes and supports the technology makes it possible to produce oil in a less invasive and more American Merchant Marine) ear­ environmentally friendly manner. lier this year took one of the Incidentally, if you've ever seen a photo of ANWR with mountains in seven-day voyages on the ms the background, you're looking at a federally protected area to the south of the one proposed for development. That is a key distinction because, despite Patriot, the first in a new fleet of the misleading claims of some opponents of ANWR development, the elegant and modern United States The ms Patriot, which makes weekly seven-day excursions around the coastal plain area proposed for exploration is basically an icy desert. It is Lines cruise vessels. Hawaiian islands, is the first ocean-going passenger vessel to register flat and treeless. Smith, who spent his entire in the United States in more than 40 years. What about the citizens of Alaska? They're overwhelmingly in favor of career in the shipping business, developing ANWR, according to studies. They've seen how North Slope stated in a report provided to too rare on most ships today." Both Smith and Brown com­ production has expanded Alaska's tax base, created jobs and provided American Classic Voyages (the He talked about the "very mented on the playing of the U.S. money for schools, roads and other infrastructure, and they know ANWR parent company of United States good, even outstanding, Ameri­ National Anthem at 8 a.m. as a will do the same. Lines), "I can very honestly say can-style service in a casual welcome surprise. "This is, after The exploration and development of ANWR is a winner for the United the trip was wonderful in all atmosphere" and of the many all, an American ship," Brown States. It will mean new jobs and new energy. aspects and that the entire crew excursion selections available in Our nation will benefit for years to come. wrote, "and it feels like America, did everything in their power in each port-everything from not Europe." an unobtrusive way to assure a sightseeing and hiking to kayak­ Volume 63, Number 9 September 2001 The ms Patriot was launched pleasant trip for passengers of all ing, snorkeling and bicycle riding in Hawaii Dec. 9, 2000 under The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ages. to scuba diving, golfing and heli­ American Classic Voyages Co. 's "I personally found the entire copter rides-and the excellent United States Lines. American The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month­ crew cordial, helpful and accom­ guides for each group. Classic Voyages also owns and ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, modating throughout," he noted. He also noted that while the operates Delta Queen Steamboat Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 "The ship was immaculately 1,212 passenger Patriot is now a Company, Delta Queen Coastal Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) clean and I found the food very U.S.-flag ship, it was built in Voyages and American Hawaii 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern good." 1983 as the Nieuw Amsterdam Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POST­ Cruises. Michael Brown, editor of the and retains a certain old-fash­ MASTER: Send address changes to the~ Seafarers LOG, subscription-based on-line news­ ioned charm and quaintness not Two additional 1,900-passen­ 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. letter CruiseReports, also gave found on some of the newest ger vessels are presently under Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing high marks to the week-long voy­ large cruise vessels. Additionally, construction at Ingalls Ship­ Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim age. He specifically noted the he said he saw "no signs of the building in Pascagoula, Miss. The Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne attentiveness of the Patriot crew obvious discontent and disinterest 72,000-ton cruise ships-the Textor. and a real desire on their part to that one sometimes encounters largest ever built in a U.S. ship­ Copyright © 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD please the passenger. That kind of among the staffs of some ships yard-will enter service in All Rights Reserved. service, he states, "has become all these days." Hawaii in 2003 and 2004. 2 Seafarers LOB September 2001 USNS Pomeroy Delivered to MSC Seventh Watson-Class LMSR Will Join Prepositioning Fleet The SIU-crewed USNS Pomeroy last month was delivered to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), augmenting America's sealift capacity and signaling new job for Seafarers. Built at NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego, the Pomeroy (T-AKR 316) is 950 feet long. It ha a 106-foot beam, a 34-foot draft and a dis­ placement of 62,644 long tons when fully loaded. The gas turbine­ powered vessel's top speed (fully loaded) is 24 knots. Additionally, the Pomeroy has more than 390,000 square feet of cargo space. The ship is the seventh large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ves el (LMSR) built at NASSCO through a government-initiated directive known as the Strategic Sealift Program. A spokesman for the hipyard said the Pomeroy, like its predecessors, was delivered "ahead of sched­ Photo by National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. ule, under target cost and with zero quality discrepancies." The SIU-crewed USNS Pomeroy will join MSC's prepositioning fleet. The vessel is named in honor of U.S. Army Pvt. First Class Ralph E. Pomeroy, who posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions in Korea in October 1952. The LMSRs assigned to MSC carry prepositioned tanks, armored SIU Steward Department Members personnel carriers, tractor-trailers, and other combat equipment and supplies to potential areas of conflict around the world. Because of their multi-use capabilitie , they are considered among the most adapt­ To Crew Benavidez, Newest MSC Ship able cargo ships ever built. SIU members will soon climb the gangway to the The Pomeroy will preposition Army cargo at Diego Garcia in the USNS Benavidez (T-AKR-306), a vessel under con­ Indian Ocean. tract to the Navy's Military Sealift Command The other ships already in the Watson class are the USNS Watson, (MSC). Seafarers will crew the steward department USNS Sisler, USNS Dahl, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Charlton and USNS aboard the Benavidez, which recently was chris­ Watkins. The eighth is scheduled for an April 2002 launch, with deliv­ tened in New Orlean . ery in September 2002. Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of the MSC, delivered the principal address at the cer­ emony, and Hilaria Benavidez, widow of the ship's RO/RO Construction Continues namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow. Built at the Northrop Grumman Avondale ship­ yard in New Orleans, the 950-foot USNS Benavidez is the seventh in the Bob Hope-class of vessels, part of a fleet of large, medium speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) sealift ships that are well-suited for loading military combat- and combat-support equipment Recently christened in New Orleans, the USNS needed overseas and for re-supplying materiel dur­ Benavidez represents new jobs for SIU members ing times of national crisis. The vessels in this class working in the steward department. are among the largest in the Navy fleet and can cruise at speeds in excess of 24 knots. With six Vietnamese Army. decks, the ships' interiors each have a cargo capaci­ Benavidez was originally awarded the .ty of approximately 400,000 square feet, making Distinguished Service Cross, but this was upgraded them ideal for transporting helicopters, tanks and to the Medal of Honor when the full extent of his other military materiel. Additionally, two 110-ton heroism became know. single pedestal twin cranes make it possible to load Not only was Benavidez a hero on the battlefield, Construction is proceeding on the first of two roll-on/roll-off and unload cargo where shoreside facilitie are lim­ he wanted to do even more for his country and made (RO/RO) ships for SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, ited or non-existent. The new ship will have a crew it his highest goal. Inc. (TOTE), as pictured in photo above and two below. The first of of 29 and accommodations for 95. "He worked with young children, pointing the the Orea-class dry cargo ships is slated for delivery in October Like all but one other vessel in the sealift pro­ way to their future and success," stated Holder at the 2002; the second is due in April 2003. As previously reported, the gram, the Benavidez is named for a Medal of Honor christening ceremony. "To kids at the Benavidez vessels are the first U.S.-built commercial dry cargo ships in 10 recipient, U.S. Army Master Sergeant Roy P. Elementary School in Houston, Texa , Sgt. years. They're being constructed by NASSCO in San Diego for Benavidez of Lindenau, Texas. Benavidez di tin­ Benavidez is a legend they are proud to call 'their TOTE's Tacoma-to-Anchorage service. The new ships will be 839 feet long and have beams of 118 feet. guished himself in a series of daring and extremely hero.'" valorous actions in Vietnam in 1968, where he vol­ Benavidez died Nov. 29, 1998. unteered to lead the emergency extraction of a 12- "The ship you see before you," added Holder, man special forces reconnaissance team, inserted by "will stand for the same ideals held by Roy helicopters into the dense jungle, that met heavy Benavidez as she joins the MSC surge sealift force, enemy resistance while gathering intelligence in an ready to carry Army combat gear and supplies to area controlled and routinely patrolled by the North support America's war fighters."

all marine employers must, after Unions Seek 'Permanent Suspension' obtaining an employee's written consent, request drug and alcohol Of New Rules on Testing Procedures testing from DOT-regulated The SIU and three officers' strong concerns about certain employers who have hired the unions have urged U.S. Trans­ aspects of the regulation (titled worker during the two years prior portation Secretary Norman Procedures for Transportation to the employee's current applica­ Mineta to "permanently suspend" Workplace Drug and Alcohol tion. If the information obtained drug testing procedures that are Testing Programs) when it fir t shows that the pro pective spelled out in newly issued regu­ was proposed. Those remarks employee has violated a DOT lations from the U.S. Coast were submitted this past summer drug or alcohol regulation, a Guard. during the Coast Guard's formal marine employer can't hire that In a recent letter to Mineta, the comment period. person to perform "safety sensi­ unions (the SIU; American The new regulations took tive functions" on the vessel, Maritime Officers; International effect last month. unless the employer gets informa­ Organization of Masters, Mates & Meanwhile, in the July 30 tion that the individual has subse­ Pilots; and Marine Engineers' communication to the transporta­ quently complied with the retum­ Beneficial Association) stated tion secretary, the unions focused to-duty requirements. that the Coast Guard's final rule on one particularly troublesome "One major difference be­ (49 CFR 40), including technical component of the new rules: tween surface transportation amendments, is redundant for employer background checks on modes and marine transportation merchant mariners and burden­ drug and alcohol testing records modes is found in the licensing some for the maritime industry. (49 CFR 40.25). The SIU previously voiced According to the regulation, Continued on page 4

September 2001 Seafarers LOG 3 Crew Compliments Welcoming Liberty Grace

The new SIU-crewed bulk carrier Liberty Car Carrier Contract Grace last month made its first U.S. port, arriving in Stockton, Calif. after sailing from Seafarers aboard the Overseas anytime, in any union I've Japan. A brief ceremony took place before Joyce said they're happy with the belonged to," stated Chief Steward the vessel loaded approximately 40,000 tons new five-year contract covering James Willey. "I've never seen of bagged rice (bottom photo) ultimately the car carrier. anything like it." intended for the landlocked nation of Last month in Baltimore, crew Among other highlights, the Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, north of members welcomed aboard SIU contract increases wages and over­ Afghanistan. Pictured below left are Vice President Contracts Augie time by 6.25 percent in each of the Seafarers who first crewed the ship. The ves­ Tellez for an overview of the new sel is operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. agreement, which has been first four years, followed by a brought in line with the standard slightly greater increase in the fifth contract. year. Also, the vacation benefit "I think it's the best contract will increase from 10 for 3 0 to 14 that I've ever seen-anywhere, for 30.

SIU members on the Overseas Joyce are pleased with the new con­ tract covering the vessel. Above, Seafarers welcome SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (standing, center) and Port Agent Dennis Metz (far right) Unions Seek Suspension of New Drug Testing Rules in Baltimore. Continued from page 3 agreements between the seagoing unions and our contracted companies, the record of prior drug or and documentation of employees," the unions' letter alcohol violation should not be relevant or affect the Notice: ASM LMSR Wage Increases pointed out. "A mariner must have a merchant individual's ability to gain employment aboard a mariner's document issued from one source Steward department members aboard SIU-contracted large, U.S.-flag commercial vessel. After all, the USCG medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessels (LMSRs) operated by only- the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The USCG has restored the license or merchant mariner's doc­ American Ship Management received wage hikes effective July 23, rigorously enforces the drug and alcohol require­ ument to the individual." while in fufl operating status. ments and suspends/revokes documents of offend­ Additionally, the unions noted that the back­ The increases became effective in the third year of the contract, ers. If you have a mariner's document, then you ground checks on testing records "would cause pursuant to provisions outlined under the agreement between the either have not committed an offense or your privi­ havoc on the hiring hall system, which supplies SIU and the company. Under terms of the accord, steward depart­ lege has been restored by the USCG after complet­ rotary hires to shipping companies. The hiring hall ment personnel will receive increases as follows: chief stewards 3.9 ing an appropriate rehab program. The controls are system relies on just-in-time delivery of fit-for-duty percent, chief cooks 5.9 percent, assistant cooks {utility) 8 percent already in place. The same may not be true for sur­ merchant mariners to crew U.S.-flag vessels. A anci stewar<;I assistants 11.5 percent. face transportation with multi-state licensing. 1 Steward department personnel aboard the following LMSRs, all requirement for further background checks of mer- operated by American Ship Management, will receive the increases: "We strongly believe that 49 CFR 40.25 is a clear chant mariners who hold the requisite USCG license USNS Fisher, USNS Gilliand, USNS Gordon, USNS Seay, USNS invasion of privacy," the letter continued, "and once or documents prior to a vessel's sailing makes no Shughart, USNS Mendonca and USNS Yano. an individual has participated in the return-to-duty sense in that it potentially can paralyze vessel oper­ process and is permitted by the collective bargaining ations." Council: Drop Charges Against 'Charleston 51 Federations Says Accusations Are 'Unreasonable, Excessive, Unjust' With the case of the dent that occurred on January 20, the dockworkers were indicted. the Charleston 5. These charges cities from New York to Los "Char]eston 5" set for trial this 2000, when approximately 150 "Despite the fact that they are unreasonable, excessive, and Angeles. The AFL-CIO is proud month, the AFL-CIO executive members of Local 1422 carried have not been convicted of any unjust. We welcome the support to take a leadership role in the council in August issued a resolu­ out a legal informational picket at crime, the Charleston 5 have of allies from among civil rights, fight for the Charleston 5. We tion summarizing the longshore­ the Port of Charleston to protest already been severely punished. religious, and community-based will wage and escalate this fight men 's plight and demanding that the use of a non-union stevedor­ For nearly a year-and-a-half, they organizations, as well as support until they are free and justice is charges against them be dropped. ing company to unload a Danish have been confined to house committees that are forming in done." Parts of the resolution follow. freighter. An encounter with 600 arrest from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., "An egregious miscarriage of riot police during the picketing allowed only to go to work or justice in South Carolina threat­ ended in a clash where a police­ attend union meetings. The ens to tum back the clock on man clubbed Local 1422 impact of the house arrest has progress on workers' rights and President Ken Riley on the head been devastating, not only for the racial justice in the South and while he attempted to restore dockworkers, but for their fami­ across the nation. Five dockwork­ order. lies as well. ers who are members of "Eight of the dockworkers "The Charleston 5 face trial in International Longshoremen's received mainly misdemeanor September, and they could Association Locals 1422 and trespass charges from local receive prison terms of up to five 1771 face criminal charges for Charleston law enforcement years. The AFL-CIO stands attempting to defend their jobs. authorities in connection with the squarely behind the International " All five-Kenneth Jefferson, incident. But Attorney General Longshoremen 's Association and Peter Washington, Ricky Sim­ Condon, who has demonstrated the South Carolina AFL-CIO, mons, Jason Edgerton, and Elijah his hostility to unions on numer­ which have taken the lead in the Ford-are victims of selective ous occasions, intervened and fight for the dockworkers. This Above: Reg ina Ewing, prosecution by South Carolina raised the charges to rioting and summer, union activists and lead­ George Vorise and Attorney General Charlie Con­ conspiracy to riot, which are ers, including AFL-CIO Execu­ Lydell Grant were don, a candidate for governor, felonies and carry prison sen­ tive Vice President Linda among the SIU mem­ who is using race and anti-labor tences. A Charleston judge dis­ Chavez-Thompson, joined to­ bers participating in the sentiment to attack one of the missed these charges for lack of gether with South Carolina com­ rally. most visible and active unions in evidence in a preliminary hearing. munity and union leaders for a South Carolina while furthering ''Nevertheless, Condon sought rally of more than 7 ,000 in his political ambitions. Four of felony indictments against the Columbia, South Carolina, to Right: Seafarers (from left) Michael Amador, the dockworkers are members of men through a secret grand jury support the Charleston 5. Jack Jackson and ILA Local 1422, which is virtual­ in Charleston. Although it is "The American labor move­ Ursel Barber demon­ ly all-black. implausible that these unarmed ment demands that Attorney strate support for ILA "The prosecution of the union union members planned to riot General Condon and the law during June rally in dockworkers, known as the against 600 heavily armed police enforcement authorities of South South Carolina. Charleston 5, stems from an inci- officers in full riot gear, five of Carolina drop the charges against 4 Seafarers LOG September 2001 ITF Gains $865,000 for Cruise Ship Crew Federation Also Aids Mariners During 'Action Week' The International Transport passengers and tour operators "On some ships registered "Any owner who has seen the expressed their concerns about Workers' Federation (ITF) last who bought passage in good faith with flags of convenience, we kind of cooperation shown the apparent absence of mandato­ month won a court judgment that on what the elusive Cruise have found crew members from between British and Irish affiliat­ ry STCW documents on the part mandates payment of $865,000 Holdings must have known was countries such as Burma, Indo­ ed unions and the level of support of crew members. In addition, plus repatriation to the crew of an unsafe ship." nesia and the Philippines who are we've had from dock workers they were distressed about wages the Panamanian-flagged cruise The ITF official described being paid 77 cents an hour," will not feel safe running substan­ aboard the vessel, which were ship Ocean Glory I. Cruise Holdings as "the fugitive explained Norrie McVicar, coor­ dard ships." thought to be between $300 and Some 23 7 crew members are Greek operators to whom [ship­ dinator of the week-long event. The week of action was so $400 per month. involved in the ruling. owner Cruise Invest SRL] had the During the action week, six successful that officials voted to All uncovered evidence of pay The 51-year-old ship has been misfortune to charter the ship." ITF agreements (which hold extend it for another week in discrimination based on national­ detained in Dover since failing a In a separate matter, the feder­ employers on runaway-flag ships Ireland. Apparently this move ity has been presented to the safety inspection in early July, ation recovered $121,039 in back to acceptable standards of pay paid immediate dividends. In­ British government. The ITF according to the ITF. Despite the wages for mariners during a and hours) were signed and two spectors visited the Lebanese­ advised Irish port state control court order, other aspects of the "week of action" against unfair more are due. flagged livestock carrier Rami M officials of the suspected breach­ case are not finished, noted practices on ships-some of them "This week served notice on a in Waterford, Ireland during the es of maritime regulations aboard Stephen Cotton, secretary of the registered with runaway flags­ lot of people," McVicar added. week of Aug. 6-10. Officials theRami M ITF's Special Seafarers' Section. in the Irish Sea. "With the burning question of ITF inspectors and volunteers so many stranded crew members from British and Irish trade unions settled, we can investigate some inspected 41 ships from July 30- House Okays Energy Plan, of the other issues raised by this Aug. 3 in the ports of Dublin, case: how crew members had to Belfast, Liverpool and Heysham. pay bribes for jobs on board, and They found instances of wage dis­ how a Panamanian safety certifi­ crimination based on nationality Including ANWR Segment cate was issued for a ship that at aboard many of the vessels, with the time of its inspection was crews being paid widely varying The U.S. House of Repre­ Refuge for safe and environmen­ oil on land in America means that clearly not safe," Cotton said. "I rates depending on their country sentatives last month passed leg­ tally sound exploration and oil will head to our markets on hope too that there will be a sim­ of origin. Wages of just $450 per islation that allows for oil and gas drilling. America cannot afford to American-built tankers-tankers ilarly successful resolution for the month were not uncommon. exploration in a small area of be driven into a comer and forced sporting far better safety designs, Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife to accept whatever is available at controls and regulations, includ­ Refuge (ANWR). the moment at a price dictated by ing the requirements for double AFL-CIO Bains 66th Union The Senate is expected to con­ others who don't have our best hulls .... " sider a similar bill soon. interests at heart." Murkowski added that if U.S. Delegates representing the indicative of the level at which In the Aug. 2 House vote on Additionally, SIU members in dependence on foreign oil contin­ California School Employees the union movement is reaching H.R. 4 (which took place after recent months have contacted ues to increase, more and more Association (CSEA) recently out, growing and representing a midnight), representatives ap­ their senators and congressional foreign-flag tankers will dock at voted to join the AFL-CIO as the broader range of professions. proved President Bush's energy representatives to urge them to American ports every day. "That federation's 66th independently This new alliance will strengthen plan-including plans for ANWR back safe development of creates several times more envi­ chartered union. both organizations, and will mean exploration-by 240-189. Earlier ANWR. Many Seafarers utilized ronmental risk than developing "Our delegates made history a stronger future for school that night, the House defeated a postcards that are available at our own petroleum resources, employees and for California stu­ today (Aug. 2) when, after seri­ measure specifically intended to SIU halls. using American technology and ous contemplation and delibera­ dents and their families." forbid oil development in ANWR. On July 31, the AFL-CIO reaf­ enforced by American environ­ tion, they voted overwhelmingly "We'll now be part of a nation­ That vote was 223-206. firmed its support for ANWR mental laws," he pointed out. to join the AFL-CIO," said CSEA al coalition," said Rob Feckner, a Organized labor's support for exploration. In a letter to House Earlier this year, at a Capitol State President Clyde Rivers. CSEA area director, who spoke to ANWR exploration widely has members, AFL-CIO Legislative Hill press conference announcing "Delegates recognized that this the delegates on behalf of the been cited as vital to last month's Director William Samuel stated, the formation of JobPower, Sacco presented the best opportunity for board. "CSEA can now play a House votes. "The AFL-CIO has long support­ summarized some of the benefits the continued success of our great bigger role in the national educa­ The AFL-CIO Maritime ed the development of appropri­ of developing ANWR's coastal union." tion scene, better able to sponsor Trades Department aggressively ate energy sources to meet the plain. "By opening ANWR, the CSEA is the largest statewide federal legislation, and, with has lobbied for ANWR develop­ needs of the nation and the con­ United States can increase union for classified employees in added clout in the California In cerns of consumers, as long as the domestic oil production, reduce the nation, representing nearly ment. a July 26 letter to many our reliance on foreign sources of 200,000 school employees in political arena. We'll have a more members of the House, MTD environment is protected. At our California. This historic vote significant role, and we'll accom­ President Michael Sacco (who 1993 convention, delegates oil, and create hundreds of thou­ came at the union's 75tb anniver­ plish even more for our dedicated also serves as president of the adopted a resolution that, in part, sands of new jobs for American sary conference. school employees." SIU) wrote, "We consider this called on the country to 'explore workers," he said. "ANWR will "The AFL-CIO is proud to "As we look back on this day, (H.R. 4) a jobs bill because it will the Alaskan National Wildlife be explored and drilled by welcome the California School CSEA delegates will surely know provide quality, good-paying, Refuge for oil with safeguards to American workers; the oil trans­ Employees Association," said that they were part of something skilled opportunities for tens of protect the environment.' The ported through U.S.-built pipe­ AFL-CIO President John J. bigger than all ofus," Rivers said. thousands of American workers entire policy expressed in the lines; refined and distributed by Sweeney. "The CSEA's decision "We all look forward to a bright during the next 30 years. We call 1993 AFL-CIO convention reso­ domestic facilities; and its by­ to join forces with the 13 million future as we enter the true house on you to support the opening of lution on energy remains in products used by U.S. energy members of the AFL-CIO is of labor." the Arctic National Wildlife effect." producers and U.S. consumers." That resolution calls for con­ He added, "Many of our struction of tankers and port facil­ brothers and sisters in maritime Robert E. Wages, former execu­ labor will crew the growing fleet tive vice president of PACE; and ities to transport the gas to the of environmentally safe, double­ Labor Federation Picks 6 Jake West, former president of lower 48 states. Along those hulled, U.S.-flagged tankers that the Ironworkers. lines, oil discovered in the 2,000 For Executive Council The council also passed reso­ acres of ANWR's coastal plain will carry the oil from Alaska." lutions on a number of subjects would be carried aboard The Alaska National Interest The AFL-CIO named six new Ed Sullivan, president of the including: stopping domestic vio­ American-flag ships. Lands Conservation Act (ANIL­ members to its executive council AFL-CIO Building and Con­ lence at work; HIV/AIDS, both According to some estimates, CA), completed in 1980, desig­ during its quarterly meeting last struction Trades Department; and domestically and around the the coastal plain contains be­ nated ANWR's coastal plain a month in Chicago, with all of the Clyde Rivers, president of the world; justice for the Charleston tween 5.6 billion and 16 billion "study area" with the intent of new members filling vacancies California School Employees 5, a group of union dockworkers barrels of oil. Further, as pointed assessing its potential for oil and on the board. Association. in South Carolina who have been out by the coalition Job Power (of gas development. Accordingly, The 54-member AFL-CIO The AFL-CIO paid tribute to unfairly discriminated against which the SIU is an affiliate), the the Department of the Interior executive council is touted by the six officials who stepped down and punished for their union area proposed for exploration conducted a resource evaluation, federation as "the highest-ranking from the council, recognizing activities (see story, page 4); pub­ constitutes less than 1 percent of released the study in 1987 and leadership body in the union "the tremendous service that each lic officials' support for workers' the refuge. That area has been recommended that Congress movement." SIU President has given to the union move­ freedom to choose a union; immi­ described as Arctic desert and a open the coastal plain for energy Michael Sacco has served on the ment." The outgoing members grant workers' rights; and elimi­ small fraction of the 88,000 acres exploration. council since 1991. are Robert Georgine, former pres­ nating non-compete agreements that make up the North Slope. Despite efforts since then by The newest members are Joe ident of the AFL-CIO Building in the broadcast industry. Sen. Frank Murkowski (R­ Alaska's Congressional delega­ Hunt, president of the Iron and Construction Trades In addition, the 2001 George Alaska) noted that the use of U.S. tion, its governors and state legis­ Workers; Cheryl Johnson, presi­ Department; John T. Joyce, for­ Meany - Lane Kirkland Human tankers boosts the contention that lators, the closest that ANWR has dent of the United American mer president of the Bricklayers Rights award was presented to U ANWR development will be come to development was in Nurses; Bruce Raynor, president and Allied Craftworkers; Jay Maung Maung, founder of the done safely. "Many seemingly 1995, when the U.S. House and of the Union of Need]etrades, Mazur, former president of Federation of Trade Unions in ignore a key environmental bene­ Senate approved coastal plain Industrial and Textile Employees UNITE!; James Norton, former Burma (FTUB), for bringing the fit that will stem from coastal exploration as part of a balanced (UNITE!); Cecil Roberts, presi­ president of the Graphics Com­ plight of Burmese workers to the plain development," he stated. budget act. The entire measure dent of the United Mine Workers; munications International Union; world's attention. "That is that production of more was vetoed. September 2001 Seafarers LOG 5 SIU Safety Directors Delve Into Training, Shipboard Safety, STCW Regulations The Paul Hall Center in Piney included lectures and hands-on with headquarters and the ports. from Algonac, Mich. was particu­ Point, Md. provided the setting instruction in water survival, fire "It was a very intense week of larly impressed with the confer­ Aug. 6-10 for the third annual fighting, first aid, social responsi­ training for safety team members ence and what it had to offer. SIU Safety Directors Conference. bility and personal safety. this year," said Paul Hall Center "I can't say enough about the Safety directors from SIU Additionally, they received brief­ Safety Director James Hanson. quality of the instructors and the halls throughout the nation took ings on the requirements of the "We held class day and night in relevance of the materials they part in the five-day conference, amended STCW convention and basic safety and sensitivity train­ presented to us," he shared. which focused on training re­ a safety presentation from SIU­ ing.... I think participants not "They were highly professional quirements and other issues contracted Alaska Tanker Co. only learned a lot, but also had a in their approach and had no affecting Seafarers and other The safety directors also met lot of fun in the process. Based on problems with giving conference mariners worldwide. with representatives of the SIU's their feedback and comments, we participants individualized atten­ Participants underwent the various departments to review have already started planning tion." center's STCW Basic Safety key procedures that impact the next year's agenda." Frank Gill, representing the Training (BST) course, which individual Seafarer's interactions Safety Director Todd Brdak SIU's Wilmington, Calif. hall, Instructor Norm Bleakley (kneel­ echoed Brdak's sentiments. "I ing) briefs students on the proper thought the whole experience was use of oxygen tanks. great and the instructors were fantastic. Based on my experi­ ences while attending the confer­ other safety directors and repre­ ence, it's easy to see that every­ sentatives who participated in the one affiliated with the school is conference were: Amancio Cres­ doing their best to provide all stu­ po (Puerto Rico), George Kenny dents with the training they (Baltimore), Joseph Mielu­ require to be successful. chowski (Philadelphia), Kenneth "I highly recommend and Moore (Houston), Jamie Overby encourage all of our members (Tacoma, Wash.), Harmando who have not done so, to go to the Salazar (Jacksonville, Fla.), school and take advantage of all Oscar Lopez (Brooklyn, N.Y.), the offerings available there," he James Storm (Honolulu), Chri_s concluded Westbrook (New Orleans) and In addition to Brdak and Gill, Chester Wheeler (San Francisco).

SIU safety directors from throughout the United States converged on the Paul Hall Center Aug. 6-10 for train­ ing. Participating were (back row, left to right) Ken Moore, Frank Gill, James Storm, George Kenny, Oscar Lopez, Harmando Salazar and Chris Westbrook. Also taking part were (front row, left to right) Jamie Overby, Amancio Crespo, SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Joseph Mieluchowski, Instructor Mitch Oakley, Paul Hall Center Safety Director James Hanson and Todd Brdak. Coast Guard Praises SIU Crew For Response to Tugboat Fire Seafarers Recently Had Completed STCW Training Five SIU boatmen put their recent fire fighting by Express Marine Seafarers. training to good use when they extinguished a blaze According to the safety alert, the fue started aboard the Express Marine tugboat Escort that was when "the gasket on the oil filter housing failed towing a loaded coal barge en route from Newport under pressure. The ignition source for the fire was News, Va. to Jersey City, N.J. the engine's turbocharger. The cause of the failure U.S. Coast Guard Investigations Chief J.R. could not be determined." Crooks commended the Seafarers "for the profes­ Crooks said that operational tests and system sional manner in which they reacted to this emer­ pressure were normal after maintenance had been gency and extinguished the fire. The proper performed a few hours before the fire started. response of the crew to this fue undoubtedly limit­ Additionally, tests showed that the pressure-relief ed the damage sustained. This incident stands as devices were operating properly. positive proof that an investment in training is Chief Engineer Stuart Pigott discovered the fire money well spent," Crooks wrote in a Coast Guard after a round; he notified Pruitt, who sounded the "safety alert." alarm. Pruitt then guided the Escort outside the No one was injured in the April 15 fire (Easter channel and anchored the barge in the Chesapeake morning), which happened just 10 days after Capt. Bay while the crew gathered all of the tug's fire Gil Pruitt, Mate Foster Watts, Observing Mate extinguishers and rigged fire hoses from the barge. Billy Cahoon, AB Rick Daniel and AB Bob The crew sealed off the engine room, secured Perusse completed STCW Basic Safety Training fuel to the engines and discharged seven 15-pound SIU New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook extinguishes a con­ (BST) at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. C02 portable extinguishers into the engine room trolled blaze while fellow directors and representatives look on. The week-long class includes two-and-a-half days through the engine air intake on the stack, shutting of fire fighting training. down the engine and extinguishing the fire. They "Because they went through the training as a also cooled the fire boundaries using the hoses from crew, they responded to the fire as a team," noted the barge. Crooks. "The crew knew their duties precisely and "Most importantly, no one was placed at unnec­ performed them in a calm, professional and efficient essary risk by trying to enter the space to fight the manner." fire," Crooks stated. Watts said the blaze began around 8:30 a.m., He added that remote fuel shutoffs "are not a shortly after the Escort sailed from Newport News. substitute for remote engine shutdowns.... The "I grabbed my radio and ran outside, and the Escort was scheduled to have remote engine shut­ smoke was just pouring out," he recalled. "We mus­ downs installed." tered like we were supposed to. Got it out in about The tug reentered service in late July, following 20 minutes." reparrs. SIU President Michael Sacco (far right), Plans Administrator Lou Delma He added that the BST class is worthwhile, as are Also aboard during the April 15 incident was (left of Sacco) and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left of Delma) the regular fire drills and safety meetings conducted Second Asst. Engineer Art Schwendeman. meet with safety directors and representatives at the Paul Hall Center. 6 Seafarers LOG September 2001 'Schaal Is Always There far Yau' Stewards Find Many Benefits in Upgrading

The Paul Hall Center for with Simmons offering a straight­ Maritime Training and Education forward "thank you." received a dozen persuasive Huffman, borrowing a line endorsements last month from a from television commercials group of Seafarers that knows all about retired NBA star Michael about the benefits of upgrading. Jordan, looked at SIU President As the union's newest class of Sacco and said, "I want to be like recertified stewards graduated at Mike!" the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., they enthusi­ astically mentioned those advan­ tages. "The classes were Completing the month-long course, considered the school's helpful, the instruc­ top curriculum for steward tors were great, and department Seafarers, were Grant Armstead, Osvaldo Cas­ the practical equip­ tagnino, Ralph Edmonds, Donald Huffman, Blair Humes, ment looks exactly Norman Jackson, Gerald Kirt­ sey, Rang Nguyen, Florencio The newest class of recertified stewards joins SIU and school officials on stage at the Paul Hall Center audi­ like what's aboard Nieves, Samuel Raines, William torium following last month's membership meeting. Graduating from the course are Grant Armstead, Osvaldo Simmons and Steven Sun. Their Castagnino, Ralph Edmonds, Donald Huffman, Blair Humes, Norman Jackson, Gerald Kirtsey, Rang ship." Nguyen, Florencio Nieves, Samuel Raines, William Simmons and Steven Sun. Also pictured are SIU officials studies included fire fighting and President Mike Sacco (front row, right), VP Contracts Augie Tellez (front row, left), Seafarers Plans basic safety training, various Administrator Lou Delma (far left), Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (fourth from right), Asst. VP Contracts -Rang Nguyen lessons in the hands-on galley George Tricker (second from right) and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (far right). classrooms, a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and meetings with SIU depart­ the practical equipment looks relating the history, politics and censed apprentices. ment representatives at the exactly like what's aboard ship. I strengths of our union that are "Give it the best shot you've union's headquarters. Students also gained more understanding working toward securing our got, because you have a bright also participated in a friendly­ of the inner functions of the improved quality of life," said future ahead of you," Nieves but-spirited "mystery basket SIU." Humes, who sails form the port declared. cook-off" designed to augment Armstead, whose home port is of Tacoma. "We're strong today, but the their creativity and skills. New Orleans, said he figuratively "I thank all of the leadership, apprentices are our future," Edmonds, who sails from the traveled "a long road to get here, from our president Mike Sacco observed Jackson. port of New York, said the Paul but it's been a very good experi­ on down, for their efforts and "Keep an open mind and learn Hall Center has been a constant ence. It was very enlightening to dedication to the membership," all you can," urged Raines. for him. "I had problems in my learn of the SIU officials' unwa­ he added. "For me, a special note A 34-year member of the SIU life at one time, but the school is vering effort to fight for our ship­ of thanks goes to the culinary who sails from San Francisco, always there for you," he stated ping rights." staff at Piney Point for their con­ Sun thanked the school's staff during last month's meeting. The recertification course tinued excellence." and added, "God bless the SIU!" Nguyen, from Tacoma, Wash., marked Humes' seventh trip to Castagnino, from Houston, Kirtsey, whose home port is is a frequent upgrader. "I always Piney Point, and he said it proved said the safety classes were par­ Jacksonville, Fla., stated that he learn something new at the very worthwhile. The class was ticularly valuable components of is "proud to be an SIU member." Who says there's no graceful way school, but especially this time," given "a refreshed appreciation recertification. "The school pro­ He utilized the occasion to thank to use a chainsaw? Sam Raines he stated. "The classes were help­ and understanding of industry­ vided extensive training in CPR, the SIU's contracts department (right) creates an elegant ice ful, the instructors were great and wide techniques and skills while first aid and fire fighting," he for the improvements in the sculpture, under the watchful (and noted. "All of this training is newly ratified standard freight­ protected) eyes of instructor John important and will enable me to ship and tanker agreements. Hetmanski. perform (as needed) aboard ship, Simmons in case of an emergency." (from Hous­ Nieves (from Tacoma), ton) and Huff­ Jackson (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) man (Jack­ and Raines (Mobile, Ala.) carried sonville) kept on the unofficial tradition of their respec­ newly recertified Seafarers by tive comments encouraging the school's unli-

The "mystery basket cook-off" is a friendly compe­ tition in which stewards are grouped in teams of two. Each team receives a container of the same ingredients, from which they write menus and pre­ pare meals-with a time limit, of course. Pictured clockwise from above photo during the contest are Blair Humes (who paired with Osvaldo Castagnino to earn first place), William Simmons, and second­ place winners Grant Armstead (left) and Florencio Nieves.

September 2001 Seafarers LOG 7 Trip by Walter Karlak (In a letter to the editor in the hoping the boom wouldn't break. changing the water until it's clear lived under, I quickly realized ready to leave. April issue of the Seafarers LOG, And then with so many tanks (sort of like an agitator in a how fortunate I was to live in the Going ashore was similar to Walter Karlak wrote about leav­ being loaded and seeing the washing machine). United States of America. Tripoli, with children begging for ing the union hall with a trip waterline getting lower and lower In my career, I've had nothing After about three days, we money. I walked with the sun card in his pocket and going toward the water, I thought, "I but good crew members who were on our way to Port Said, the beating down on me to the point home to pack. He was to report sure hope they know when to have helped me in all respects, entrance to the Suez Canal. The where my shoes felt like they as soon as possible to his first stop loading." which is why I'm sharing my trip would take two more days. were on fire. I saw cows roaming ship, the SS Greeley Victory, I watched the longshoremen secret of washing clothes with a As we neared the canal, I saw the streets, relieving themselves docked at President Street in in the holds below, like little ants, plunger. smoke puffs in the sky from the wherever they pleased. It was a Brooklyn in 1951.) stowing and shoring up the It took about 12 days to reach many ships. They were all wait­ sight I couldn't believe. Cows are cargo. It was something to see. the Rock, and it was great to see ing in line to form a convoy sacred in India, yet the people s I packed, there was sad­ Everyone knew just what to do ships appear in the distance as before entering. The ships, of all were starving. It just didn't make ness in the faces of my and when to do it. we neared it, giving us the feel­ sizes, were from various nations, sense to me. A parents and brother John, Once everything was loaded, ing we weren't the only ones each flying their flags astern. Old Going to India was always at and a little bit in mine, too. It we set sail for the "Rock" [the sailing on the ocean. Again, I'm Glory fluttered from our's. least a two-week stay, so there was the first time I would be Rock of Gibraltar], which took thinking of my school days and I felt that no matter who they was plenty of port time. But after away from home. I knew I would about 12 days. After leaving of reading about the Rock and were, we all were doing the same a few days, having done every­ be missed and that I'd miss them Charleston, there wasn't a ship in now .. .I'm actually seeing what I job, supplying what was needed thing I wanted to ashore, I was and my everyday life at home. sight. It was like being the only read about! to whomever needed it. We were ready to leave for the cooler There wasn't any problem get­ one in the like one big ocean. It was a relief to finally ting to President Street. I knew world with family, no hear the turbines reaching a high the way since I had once worked nothing but matter who pitch once the "full ahead" was for Coca Cola in that area. the sea and we were or rung. As I neared the ship with my the hum of the where we I thought Bombay was hot! It small suitcase and zippered bag, ship's engines were from. was nowhere near as hot as the I thought, "How in the world can 24 hours a Once Persian Gulf. We had no relief all that weight stay afloat." To day. anchored, the from the sun all the way to a port this day, I am still amazed. As far as - "bumboats" in Iran. The deck department Going up the gangway, I was the eye could came along­ went through hell trying to do told where the chief engineer see, the sea side with any work on deck--chipping, would be. I saw him and gave was changing many items painting, general maintenance. him my trip card. I was then told colors with to sell. Our With all the cargo finally to see the other wiper for a run­ each peaceful rooms started unloaded, everyone was glad to down as to what my duties were wave. Some­ getting small­ see the sailing board posted for to be as well as where my room times the er with all the New York. And being empty, the was. Earl Kromwell, the wiper, waves were a trinkets we ship was like a cork in a bottle, showed me the room we would little rough, bought in as the saying goes. share. causing me to every port, We repeated our trip in Never having been away from slide on the items that, no A ship traverses the Suez Canal. reverse, anchoring at Suez with home and viewing the room to steel floor doubt, are still all the bumboats alongside. Even be shared was strange in a way. plates of the in the homes as we went through the canal, But the room was fine for two engme room, of any sea- they were trying to sell us things. people- a bunk on each side, a which was scary at first. Once we passed the Rock, man who traveled through that Most of the leather items porthole and a fan, two lockers With each passing day without Tripoli appeared in sight in body of water. smelled up the rooms to the each and a small desk. seeing any ships, I thought, "Are another three days. As we sailed Everyone would haggle over point they would be hung across I was given linen, soap, etc., we lost?" It's a feeling that can't near and night fell, there was a prices. Once agreed, checks, the hatches in the hot weather to and made up my bunk. Once I be put into words, being out at smell of the port along with American cash or cigarettes air out. was squared away, Earl told me sea, heading for Tripoli, Libya, in views of the mosques and the would exchange hands. It took possibly 3\12 weeks my duties--doing sanitary every North Africa. accompanying sounds of wailing Cigarettes were worth their before we finally got to see the After each day working in the prayers. weight in gold (one carton = other week. The other week I skyline of New York. I never While ashore, it was an unbe­ $.99). I stockpiled mine. The would go into the engine room hot engine room, I'd take a realized how much this sight and do whatever the first engi­ shower, which felt good. But get­ lievable experience to see the captain gave out 10 cartons per meant to me, especially after see­ neer told me. ting to it was a problem on cold ways of the people- how they man so he wouldn't have to go to ing the conditions of the coun­ As the ship left the dock, it days, even though it was just dressed, what they ate, how they the trouble of issuing travelers tries we had just visited. headed to the Brooklyn Army across from my room. With the got around on mules and camels. checks. Everyone was pleased The engines slowed as we post to load some trucks and cold wind in the passageway, I The women wore clothing with with this arrangement. picked up the pilot, who would other equipment, then departed didn't waste any time getting only their eyes exposed. I was After the sellers and the pilot bring us alongside the dock. And for Charleston, S.C. for more there. thinking how lucky I was to be were off the ship, the high whin­ once the "finish with engines" Army equipment. It was sort of After a week, I needed to an American and not have to live ing of the turbines was again was rung, I thought, "Well, I exciting hearing all the whistles wash my clothes. In the laundry as they did. heard- and it was "full ahead" to made my first trip! and horns as the tugs pulled us room there was a washboard and While walking along the Bombay, India. The four days it Within a day or so, the patrol­ away from the dock, along with a slop sink where clothes were streets, I thought about all the would take us brought us back to man came aboard to settle any the sounds from the engine room scrubbed. We were given brown armies that fought over this city, the daily routine of sanitary work as the pilot was dropped off, the soap to do the job. Then the the latest in World War II, in and cleaning bilges by hand, beefs. And once that was done, "full ahead" was given and the clothes were hung on the railings which it changed hands a number working with the day or first all that was heard was "payoff," turbines increased their speed. of the engine room. This was of times. The buildings were still engineer at whatever needed to and everyone lined up in the Standing at the rail astern, I done after the ship's tubes were in ruins. This was what I read be done. officers' mess to be paid. watched the New York skyline blown at 4:00 p.m. and removed about as a young boy during I got to like working with the Seeing all that money in one getting smaller and smaller until before they were blown the next World War II as I followed the engineers because it was a good place was· unbelievable- and there was only the wake of the day. Otherwise, all the clothes war in the newspapers. experience learning all about some would be given to me. I ship. I thought, "This is it; there's would have been full of soot and Then I thought about the taking pumps apart and putting had never had so much money at no turning back now; I'm on my need to be washed again. movies made in this city and of them back together. one time. With the pay in my way to the life I always wanted." As I learned from crew mem­ the Marine Corps hymn, includ­ Engine rooms are also hot, pocket, I felt like a million It took about three days to bers on other ships, there were ing the line "to the shores of which is expected, but after leav­ bucks. dock in Charleston and finish different ways to wash clothes, Tripoli." And to think that a ing the canal, it became hotter There was so much happiness loading all the military equip­ like soaking them in chips of young kid from Brooklyn was and hotter as we neared India. It when I got home-my parents ment. soap for a day or so and then seeing all this. It was just unbe­ was even worse for the deck hugging and kissing me and my I went ashore in Charleston putting a heavying line through lievable. And then to think that members since there weren't any brother John grinning from ear and saw buildings with bal­ the belt loops of the pants and the SIU allowed me to experi­ blowers on deck to stand under, to ear. It was a wonderful feeling conies, cobbled stone streets, tall shirt sleeves, securing the end to ence it all by sailing on their like in the engine room. as I gave the money to my father trees and bales of cotton on the the rail, and tossing the clothes contracted ships .... When we got to the Red Sea, to use for whatever was needed docks. There was a smell of the over the side. On the streets of Tripoli, chil­ it was really hot, and the port­ for the house. The remainder I south, and country western music Leaving them over the side dren of all ages would beg for hole fan was a big help, along put in the bank for myself. was played from bar jukeboxes. could be costly. If left too long, change. They rubbed their stom­ with the wall fans above the The next day, when I went to This was all new to me. To they would be in shreds, necessi­ achs, saying "no papa," "no bunks. It was difficult to sleep. the union hall on Beaver Street, I see it and hear it was exciting. It tating buying more from the "sea mamma," "no food," "no eat," In Bombay, we anchored for a received my permit card, which was what I had read about in chest." etc. Or they tried to sell items, few days awaiting a berth. was like gold to me. It allowed school books- and to think that a Another way (and to this day I grabbing my arms. Giving them Again, the bumboats were along­ me to throw in for wipers' jobs city slicker like me was in the still use it) was to soak my dress change at times was a mistake side, trying to sell us items. And that bookmen had refused. middle of it felt great! pants in soap chips (I now use because more children would once we got to the dock, the mer­ This had been my first trip, As the tanks were loaded by soap powder) for a day, then use appear from nowhere until there chants came on board, selling and I was caught- hook, line heavy lifts, I watched, thinking a bathroom plunger and push up was no more change to give. items, doing our wash, tailoring, and sinker-and never regretted of the weight being lifted and and down countless times, With all the conditions they etc., and stayed until the ship was one day of my SIU career. B Seafarers LOG September 2001 For Seafaring Zepeda&, Sailing Is 'In Our Blood' The merchant marine appar­ identical times during their various cargoes over the high ently is more than a profession respective careers. Each also has seas, he conveys motor vehicles, for members of a specific shipped with their father and at people and other freight over Zepeda family from Galveston, least one of their other siblings the inland waterways. David is Texas. simultaneously. employed by the State of Texas Going to sea is their way of Additionally, each of the sail­ in Galveston. He works aboard Three of the four sailing Zepeda brothers take a break from their duties aboard a vessel on which they sailed at the same time. Pictured are life. Just as the late Maurilio ing Zepeda sons recognized the a ferryboat. (from left) Recertified Bosun Robert Zepeda, Bosun Ernest Zepeda Zepeda did during his career, importance of continuous train­ Maurilio Zepeda was not the and Recertified Bosun Lawrence Zepeda. which spanned 40-plus years, ing and the positive influence it first in his family tree to four of his five sons currently could have on their careers. All become a merchant mariner, are wearing the colors of the four have upgraded at the Paul according to his eldest son, 1971 and Robert in 1976. doing anything productive with SIU on the high seas. The fami­ Hall Center for Maritime Johnny. "My father sailed for "My father went to sea and my life." ly patriarch passed away Feb. Training and Education, located the SIU for many years, and my saw the world," offered Ernest. Although Maurilio Zepeda is 17. in Piney Point, Md. grandfather also went to sea as a "He worked very hard and made gone, his legacy continues to Like their father, Johnny, What's more, all four are merchant mariner," said Johnny. a good living and I admired thrive through his sons. And, Lawrence, Ernest and Robert bosuns and three of them "I also have some uncles and that. So I joined the SIU much to the family's delight, the Zepeda all joined the SIU in the "recerts," having completed the cousins who are former mem­ because of him. I wanted to do seafaring legacy has reached a port of Houston and sail as highest level of training avail­ bers of the SIU. But as far as we the same thing as he did." third generation. Johnny's oldest members of the deck depart­ able to members of the deck [he and his brothers] are con­ Like Johnny, Ernest has no son, Felipe Zepeda, is keeping ment. All currently sail in the department. Johnny reached the cerned, sailing is a natural for us regrets about becoming a the family tradition going. The deep sea division, again like milestone in 1985 and Lawrence because of our father. And that's Seafarer. "My career has been 18-year-old currently is enrolled their father. (Ernest and Robert did it in 1990. Robert added his the reason I joined the SIU, to wonderful," he shared. "I've in phase one of the unlicensed also have time in the inland name to the roster of the deck follow in his footsteps and to be sailed in the deep sea as well as apprentice training program at division.) department's elite in 1992. like him. Sailing is just in our inland divisions and seen a lot Piney Point. Once he completes Each of the Zepeda sons has What of the fifth son? His blood I suppose. of the world so far. his training, his ambition is to worked for several of the same name is David. Although not a "Once I joined the SIU and "But the thing that stands out sail in the deck department, like ship operators and sailed on Seafarer, he's still a mariner of got out to sea, there was no to me about my career to date his father and grandfather. many of the same vessels at sorts. But rather than transport going back," he continued. "I has been job security. I've never "I'm proud of my family's can't imagine doing anything been out of work, and that says sailing background," said a lot about the union," he con­ else at this point of my life." Felipe, "And I want to keep it tinued. "I've always been kept He added, "I suppose going going." busy." to sea has its ups and downs for He added that people speak The late Maurilio Zepeda some, but I like being able to go He further noted that training highly of his family's sailing sailed for the SIU for more to work when I want to and at Piney Point "prepared me for accomplishments. "And if I do a than 40 years. He passed being off when I want to. The every challenge I've ever faced away in February of this year, good job, I'll be able to add to it SIU has made this possible for during my career." but four of his sons and one [the Zepeda's reputation for me and it's been great." Although Robert never knew grandson are continuing his sailing]." legacy. Like three of his four After Johnny's SIU career the real reason his father sons who currently are SIU took off, his brothers seemingly became a Seafarer, "I suppose it He believes his family's sail­ members, Zepeda was a couldn't wait to follow suit and was because it afforded him a ing experience is advantageous recertified bosun. further emulate their father. good way to take care of his to him as he begins his career Johnny joined the SIU in 1968, family," he said. "He was gone because "I'm able to talk to Ernest in 1970, Lawrence in a lot and I'm sure it hurt him them about exactly what goes each time he had to leave us, on aboard ship. This will benefit but he did what he had to do to and help me because I'll know Unions: Include Mariners on Calif. WWII Memorial take care of my mom, me and what's expected of me while N. Y. Group Gains Recognition for Merchant Marine in Albany my brothers and our three sis­ I'm at sea." ters." Aside from keeping his fami­ The presidents of four maritime unions, in a been erected without proper recognition of the sac­ The elder Zepeda also ly tradition alive, Felipe said recent letter to the Marin County (Calf.) Board of rifices of the U.S. Merchant Marine. enjoyed meeting and working that sailing would afford him a Supervisors, voiced their strong displeasure that a "We have been told that your board offered to with different people, according chance to travel, see the world monument dedicated this year on Memorial Day compromise by placing a reference to the USMM to Robert, and the SIU made it and explore other places. "Being "To All Who Served" in World War II, conspicuous­ on the side or rear of the monument. Such a sec­ easy for him to do that. a Seafarer will enable me to do ly omitted the U.S. Merchant Marine (USMM). ondary position is not an acceptable option, as it is "I think that explains why me all these things, and at the same and my brothers became mer­ SIU President Michael Sacco joined his counter­ demeaning to the sacrifices and memory of our time, make some good money," parts from the American Maritime Officers, mariners and their ships-those who braved freez­ chant mariners; to be like our he said. International Organization of Masters, Mates & ing storm-tossed seas, enemy air and naval surface father," Robert said. "He made a So far, everything is working Pilots and the Marine Engineers' Beneficial and sub-sea attacks, and more, to carry the war to good living at it and as we [the out fine for the latest Seafaring Association in condemning the failure to properly America's enemies!" sons] got older, we all wanted to recognize the merchant marine 's vital contributions The maritime union presidents urged board be like him. Zepeda and his father couldn't during World War II. members immediately to "do the right thing" and "I thought long and hard be happier. "Out of nowhere, At issue is an $80,000, privately financed memo­ prominently include the merchant marine on the about being away from home my son just decided that he rial which now rests on the grounds of the Veterans monument with the other services. They also and my family," explained wanted to get involved in sail­ Memorial Auditorium near the Marin County Civic pledged their support in whatever way necessary to Robert. "But after looking at the ing to follow in my footsteps," Center in San Rafael, Calif. The 15-foot-tall granite resolve the mistake. big picture and remembering all said Johnny. "I was shocked at structure's face is adorned with medallions repre­ The correspondence was drafted at the urging of the good things my father told first, but also very pleased. senting the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air RAdm. Tom Patterson, chairman and chief execu­ me about being a Seafarer, I "It's really not strange that he Force and Coast Guard. No mention is made of the tive officer (CEO) of the National Liberty Ship decided to give it a try. That wanted to be a merchant merchant marine. Memorial (SS Jeremiah 0 'Brien). Patterson is a was more than 20 years ago and mariner," Johnny concluded. "I In an indirectly related story, several northeastern retired member of the U.S. Maritime Service so far I have no regrets, because wanted to do it to be like my chapters of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (USMS). At press time, no solution had been in all that time I've only missed father, and now he wants it to be (AMMV) this summer successfully lobbied for the reached. two big holidays with my fami­ like me and all the rest of our inclusion of the merchant marine in a monument The monument has been a source of widespread ly. Joining the SIU was actually family members. I guess it's all scheduled for construction in Albany, N.Y. Initially, controversy since its May 28 dedication. Published good for me because as a in the blood." the memorial didn't incorporate merchant mariners. reports say more than 1,000 people attended the teenager, I was not AMMV representatives rejected later proposals event, among them a host of U.S. Merchant Marine for "recognition via a bench off to the side of the veterans. Some of these, members of the AMMV of Recertified Bosun Johnny Zepeda main monument," according to the Hudson Valley Berkeley, Calif., initially had planned to show their (left) joins his son Chapter's August newsletter, and ultimately secured disdain for the monument by turning their backs on Felipe for a walk equal acknowledgment with the other services. it when it was unveiled. However, the only visible near the waterfront Meanwhile, the correspondence to the Marin protest cited was a lone sign that read "Torpedoed in of the Paul Hall County officials, affixed with the signatures of pres­ Marin." Center. The elder idents from the aforementioned unions, read in part: Daniel Horodysky, CEO of the USMS Veterans, Zepeda is at the "Marin County, surrounded by the sea and bay attended the ceremony. He said the monument was school undergoing SCTW training and next to the ports of San Francisco and Oakland, not dedicated to all who served but to some who while his son is in has been home to many merchant mariners and served. Horodysky added that the U .S Merchant phase one of his members of the American maritime industry. They Marine, an official military and naval auxiliary, has unlicensed appren­ are rightfully distressed that this monument has been snubbed for decades. tice training. September 2001 Seafarers LOG 9 Apprentice Program Oft'ers Safe I .aunch For Maritime Careers

The unlicensed apprentice program at flag ship. the Paul Hall Center for Maritime In order to best meet the industry's Training and Education provides thor­ needs, Paul Hall Center officials and ough preparation for students interested instructors frequently have modified the in sailing as merchant mariners. entry-level program' curriculum since Open to men and women ages 18-25 the school opened in 1967. However, the (or up to 30 with military or appropriate course's mi sion (and that of the chool vocational experience), the apprentice as a whole) always ha remained the program has many advantages, including ame-providing the world's safe t, be t­ guaranteed employment for graduate , trained, most efficient shipboard man­ plus no tuition and no charge for room power. and board. SIU members are encouraged to help The first and third segments of the prospective unlicensed apprentices get in curriculum take place at the school in touch with the admissions office at Piney Piney Point, Md. These involve an initial Point. 12-week training session (phase I) cover­ For more information on the appren­ ing the ba ics, and department- pecific tice program, call toll-free 1-877-235- training (phase III) which finalize stu­ 3275; visit dents' readiness to begin sailing in either http://www.seafarers.org/phc/index.html the deck, engine or steward department. on the web; or write to the Paul Hall In between, students take part in a 90- Center for Maritime Training and Students from Class 615 train aboard the day practical training and assessment Education, Attn: Admissions, P.O. Box Roger Abramson helps fold the U.S. Eric Gibson in Guam. Pictured above is flag during a daily ceremony at the Billy Duenas and (below) Jonathan period (phase II) aboard a working U.S.- 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. school. Babauta.

The 90-day shipboard segment (Phase II) has proven extremely beneficial for students. Pictured aboard the Eric Gibson are (from left) Capt. Sica, Apprentices Chris Borja, Billy Duenas and Jonathan Babauta and Bosun Mike Sinclair. Thomas Almodovar (wearing cap) offers a tip to guests concerning knot-tying.

Open since 1967, the school fea­ tures a train­ ing and recreation center (left), library and maritime museum (right) and much more.

10 Seafarers LOG September 2001 Addison Bell is the mate on the tug James Hannah and tank barge 5101.

Clockwise from left aboard the Erie Sand and Gravel Co .'s Richard Reiss are AB Larry English, Porter William Agnello and Watchman Abdul Ali.

With paintbrushes in hand, members who ship from the port of Algonac recently helped give a fresh Above: Crew mem­ look to the SIU hall bers operate the there. Above, from bosun's chair on left, are Seddik Ali the Richard Reiss and Mousa Ali. At at Fairport, Ohio. right is Second Cook Penny Pollard . At right: OS Mike Captain Keith Duffton (left) and Naylor on the SIU VP Tom Orzechowski aboard Reiss. the Ottawa. The Ottawa is an Arnold Transit Co. passenger OS Abdul S9id ferry, servicing Mackinaw City, Richard Reiss Mich. and Mackinaw Island, Mich.

September 2001 Seafarers LOG 11 Around the Ports and Halls With the SIU

Right: Captain Jimmy McNutt (left) and Cook/Deck Utility Willy Rose pose in the galley of the American Sa/vor. The Crowley salvage boat recently was in Long Beach, Calif. before heading to Japan for a salvage operation .

During a summer job fair on the Mall in Washington, D.C., Bart Rogers (center), manpower coordinator at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., meets USCG Commandant Admiral James M. Loy (right) and Chuck Raymond, president and CEO of CSX Lines.

When Bosun Vernon Huelett (right) recently In attendance at the May mem­ signed on aboard the SP5 Eric G. Gibson, he bership meeting in Mobile, Ala. did so in a new role-that of third mate. are (top photo, from left) Previously, he often sailed on the American QMED Gilbert Ford Tedder Jr., Cormorant. A spokesman for Osprey Ship Mgt. CPU Larry Frank Phillips, provided this photo (which includes Capt. Skip Retired Bosun Roland "Snake" Williams (right) Bosun Ray Wilkes, Chief Cook Krantz) and described Huelett as "a role model enjoyed a chance meeting with SIU hawsepiper John A. Palughi and Chief Cook for younger mariners. He is known for hard Larry Kincer aboard the Ready Reserve Force ves­ Alvin Smith. In photo at right, work and leading by example." sel Cape Avinof this summer in Baltimore. Williams, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey who works at the SIU hall in Baltimore, and Kincer chats with Recertified Bosun (sailing as third mate aboard the RRF ship) sailed Doyle Wayne Ellette before the meeting. together during the 1970s.

Aboard MSC Ships Based in Norfolk and Crewed by Seafarers

SIU Government Services Division Reps Kate SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (seated left) Hunt (center), Maurice Cookes (second from right) meets with crew members from the MSC ships Cape Ray and and Chester Wheeler (center, back row) join mem­ Cape Race. bers of the crew of the USNS Kanawha.

USNS Patuxent crew members receive current union information from Goverment Services Division Rep Kate Hunt. With them is delegate Bruce Hamilton (standing, second from right).

12 Seafarers LOG September 2001 If you sail aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels, you must comply with the amended STCW convention. Although the deadline for compliance is Feb. 1, 2002, SIU members are urged to complete STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) and acquire the 1995 STCW certificate, if required, immediately. The following unlicensed Seafarers need an STCW '95 certificate: Bosur.s, ABs, QMEDs and FOWTs. Steward department personnel are not required to possess a certificate. Also, all unlimited and limited license holders with a near-coastal and ocean endorsement need a '95 certificate. All Seafarers sailing on deep sea or near-coastal vessels must complete SST. All SIU members who sail on these types of vessels are asked to contact the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at this toll-free number: 1-800-732-2739. Please contact the school even if you already have completed basic safety and you have a '95 certificate.

The alarm is about to go off! Sign up today for your STCW training!

For additional information, check out these articles in past issues of the Seafarers LOG. Please note that this is a partial list.

Issue Page No. Headline April 2000 13 What You Need to Know About STCW Certificates July 2000 6 STCW in Plain English Oct. 2000 7,41 USCG Approves 2 Additional STCW-Related Classes Nov. 2000 5, 10 Advisory Board Revisits STCW Feb.2001 2 STCW Countdown (president's report) March 2001 12-13 STCW Essentials April 2001 11 STCW May 2001 20 The STCW Clock Stops Ticking Feb. 1, 2002 (cartoon)

May 2001 24 Paul Hall Center Enrollment Soars as Seafarers Eye .:;;r STCW Deadline June 2001 14 STCW: 8 Months Remain for Feb. 1, 2002 Compliance Aug.2001 6 SIU Crews in Diego Garcia Complete STCW Training Aug.2001 10 The STCW Cock Stops Ticking Feb, 1, 2002 (cartoon)

With Gov't Services Division Seafarers

Guam-based SIU Patrolman Matt Holley recently provided these digital images of the Rappahannock, an oiler crewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The vessel refuels aircraft carriers and other mili­ tary ships while at sea, a proce­ dure known as underway replenishment or unrep. The photos were taken at the fuel pier in Guam. Bosun's Mate K. Allen AB Herbert Brown

OS Juan Vargas

Purser David Juco

September 2001 · Seafarers LOS 13 A group of SIU members in Algonac, Mich. just can't stay away from the water. When they're not sailing on it themselves, it appears they're behind someone else who is-someone like offshore speedboat racer Skip to tlie Gabler. Gabler was rocketing up and down the Sinclair River next to the Lakes Seafarers Connect With Speedboat Racer SIU Hall in Algonac about two months ago. His 1976 Magnum Sport powered speedboat, Short Circuit, was humming a tune which the Seafarers inside the hall simply could not resist. Minutes later, the boat pulled over to the river's banks. Almost instantly, more than a dozen Seafarers left the hall and made their way to the riverbank, where they converged on the watercraft it and its dri­ ver. The SIU members bombarded Gabler with questions about himself, his profession and his vessel. Apparently, the Seafarers liked what they heard, for they departed the riverbank as sponsors for Gabler and his boat. In return for the members' backing, Gabler now displays both the emblem and the name of the SIU on his powerboat. (Editor's note: The pledges were made individually, by mariners, but the union itself is not the sponsor.) Gabler hails from the Algonac area and has been racing since 1977. He owns the Short Circuit and has a long list of accomplishments to his credit, including a second-place finish in the American Powerboat Association's 2000 World Championship last November. According to SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton, Gabler "is one heck of a powerboat driver." He has won his last three race , Thornton said, the last with only one engine functioning when he crossed the finish line. SIU Members who are sponsoring the racer are: AB Alan Maury, Pensioner Jim Lawson, AB Rob Heath, AB Ron Lamere, OS Linda Several of the SIU members who sponsor Skip Gabler and Short Circuit pose near the powerboat in front of Weeden, AB Mike Couzens, AB Nick Velkoff, Porter Arafat Kaid, the SIU hall in Algonac. Standing (left to right) are AB Rob Heath, AB Alan Maury, OS Mousa Ali and AB Chief Steward Darell Bays, Second Cook Penny Pollard, Second Ron Lamere. Port of Algonac Secretary Karen Devauh, Port of Algonac Seniority Director Susan Durseweh Cook Gaye Madara, OS Paul Hennesey, AB Chad Partridge, OS and OS Linda Weeden are aboard the vessel. Mousa Ali and AB Mark Trepp. Book Recounts Seafarer's Challenger 'Coming of Age' in WWII Resumes Edgar Werner graduated from high school in June 1943. Two months later, he signed on aboard the SIU-contracted Robin Regular Run Sherwood-via Sheepshead Bay-for the first of seven voyages he'd make during World War II. After undergoing routine The New York City native swapped his z-card for a microscope cleaning and engine work in a in 1946, turning to a career in science and education. But his strong Singapore hipyard, the Chal­ recollections of "growing up" on SIU ships during the war have lenger has resumed its regular prompted a new book, "A Company Of Men." Though written in the run. The vessel carries reefer third person (and with Werner renamed Ralph Warman), the book closely is based on his "coming of age" in the merchant marine. cargo and containers for CSX Lines, sailing from San Juan, Bosun Roger Reinke (left) "My hope is that Seafarers who lived the action and, as well, the and Recertified Steward What's July 4 without a cookout? From young adults just starting their merchant marine careers will enjoy P.R. to New Orleans and then to Brandon Maeda celebrate left, AB Julio Mattos, Chief Cook Manny the story," Werner said. "It's a stage where innocence and boyish Houston. Independence Day aboard Guanga and Bosun Roger Reinke keep boldness, combined with the not-alway -gentle guidance of new Recertified Steward Brandon the Challenger. an eye on the grill. shipmates, start the beginning of lifelong techniques and skills that Maeda, who sent the photos open the door to the adventure and joy that begins after the first accompanying this story to the pierhead jump." Werner, who this month turns 76, is a veteran of two wars, hav­ Seafarers LOG, noted the crew ing served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He sailed enjoyed an Independence Day on the Liberty ship Robert Toombs at the Normandy invasion in cookout while headed to World War II. In December 1944, he sailed aboard the Tarleton Houston from San Juan. Brown, spending Christmas in port at Antwerp "while the V-2 mis­ "We are all glad the siles were dumping on the city and the port. I still have shards of Challenger is out of the shipyard metal from one of the missiles still tucked away in my old storage and back in the U.S.," Maeda boxes." He later returned to civilian life as a biological scientist and col­ wrote. "This is an older ship, but lege professor. I'm enjoying it." These days, though officially retired, he works as a freelance Built in 1968, the Challenger writer and photographer. is a "C7-class" ship with a top "Life has been an exciting, stimulating mosaic,'' said Werner, speed of better than 21 knots. who lives in northern Virginia. The vessel is 700 feet long and Pictured on deck are (from left) SA Rafael Pagan, OMU Terry Mouton -- He noted that "A Company Of Men" doesn't focus on tales of and OMU Sam Taylor. 84 feet wide. combat. Rather, the story "is a collection of incidents in which the boy (Warman) goes through all of the activities and problems that were involved in sailing those ships, and the interactions he has with the rest of the crew and the Armed Guard personnel. It's an exciting Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? story and will bring back to any old salt, the day he first climbed up the swaying gangway." In order to en ure that each health insurance checks and bul- union mail, please use the form The book is available in paperback, and an electronic version active SIU member and pension- letins or notices- a correct home on this page to update your home also may be accessed via the internet. To order by phone, call toll­ er receives a copy of the address must be on file with the address. free at 1-888-795-4274, extension 276. To order on line, go to Seafarers LOG every month-as union. Your home address is your www.xlibris.com/ACOMPANYOFMEN.html. Sample chapters are available at that address. well as other important mail If you have moved recently or permanent address, and this is such as W-2 forms, pension and feel that you are not getting your where all official union docu­ r------, ments will be mailed (unless oth­ HOME ADDRESS FORM erwise specified). (Please Print) If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered Name : ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ to you, if you have changed your Phone No.: address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incom­ Address: ~------~ plete, please fill out the form and send it to: Social Security No.: ____ ~~~~/~~~~ Seafarers International Union D Active SIU D Pensioner D Other Address Correction Dept. This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. 5201 Auth Way This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 9/01 Camp Springs, MD 20746 L------~ 14 Seafarers LOB September 2001 Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea October & November 2001 JULY 16 -AUGUST 15, 2001 Membership Meetings

*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C Piney Point ...... Monday: October 8, November 5 Port DECK DEPARTMENT Algonac ...... Friday: October 12, November 9 Algonac 2 4 1 3 0 0 3 2 2 Baltimore 3 4 2 2 5 2 2 13 4 1 Baltimore ...... Thursday: October 11, November 8 Guam 3 0 1 2 0 4 1 0 11 7 4 2 12 10 8 Honolulu 7 8 9 Boston ...... Friday: October 12, November 9 Houston 23 10 8 20 6 4 6 40 18 11 28 12 Jacksonville 42 25 12 33 19 5 9 56 Duluth ...... Wednesday: October 17, Nov. 14 Mobile 16 9 4 8 9 4 4 29 9 5 New Orleans 29 22 10 13 15 5 7 40 17 15 Honolulu ...... Friday: October 19, November 16 New York 24 11 12 11 9 8 4 50 15 20 Norfolk 16 13 10 14 9 7 4 21 19 15 Houston ...... Monday: October 15 Philadelphia 8 7 2 1 1 0 2 11 7 5 Tuesday: November 13 * Piney Point 4 2 3 3 0 2 0 3 3 3 (changed created by Veterans Day holiday) Puerto Rico 11 6 3 6 5 1 5 19 8 3 San Francisco 32 8 3 21 3 3 6 45 14 7 Houston ...... Friday: October 19, November 16 St. Louis 0 3 1 I 1 2 3 6 4 (Lawndale Street) Tacoma 35 12 12 25 9 7 11 57 14 14 Wilmington 37 13 7 17 8 3 10 52 19 16 Jacksonville ...... Thursday: October 11, November 8 Totals 292 158 101 184 113 57 74 458 194 141 Jersey City ...... Wednesday: October 24, Nov. 21 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Algonac 0 0 l I 0 1 0 1 Mobile ...... Wednesday: October 17, Nov. 14 Baltimore 3 5 2 2 2 1 7 9 2 Guam 1 l 0 0 0 0 0 1 New Bedford ...... Tuesday: October 23, November 20 Honolulu 8 8 5 8 7 2 0 5 13 5 Houston 17 9 4 15 6 6 4 24 10 5 New Orleans ...... Tuesday: October 16, November 13 Jacksonville 22 14 8 17 10 6 4 32 20 10 14 1 Mobile 9 7 5 6 3 9 New York ...... Tuesday: October 9, November 6 New Orleans 12 14 4 7 6 2 19 19 6 6 3 3 20 16 5 New York 8 12 5 11 Norfolk ...... Thursday: October I l ~ November 8 Norfolk 9 8 5 2 6 2 2 11 16 13 Philadelphia 4 5 0 2 I 0 6 7 1 Philadelphia ...... Wednesday: October 10, Nov. 7 Piney Point 2 4 6 2 3 0 2 4 4 6 Puerto Rico 4 4 4 3 2 7 4 0 Port Everglades ...... Thursday: October 18, November 15 San Francisco 7 10 2 11 4 2 7 11 11 4 St. Louis 0 7 2 0 3 2 2 0 4 0 San Francisco ...... Thursday: October J 8, November 15 Tacoma 16 12 2 6 12 6 9 25 10 6 Wilmington 5 14 6 6 3 3 2 11 18 9 San Juan ...... Thursday: October 11, November 8 Totals 127 134 54 99 78 37 44 198 172 75 St. Louis ...... Friday: October 19, November 16 Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Savannah ...... Friday: October 12, November 9 Baltimore 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 4 0 1 Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Tacoma ...... Friday: October 26, November 23 Honolulu 7 6 15 6 2 0 0 16 10 41 Houston 12 2 2 10 0 5 17 2 4 Wilmington ...... Monday: October 22, November 19 Jacksonville 16 6 6 18 1 3 7 25 6 6 Mobile 9 4 0 8 2 1 1 10 3 1 Each Porl's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. New Orleans 10 5 l 6 4 1 3 16 4 0 New York 11 1 2 4 2 0 3 30 5 3 Norfolk 11 8 7 9 9 5 4 15 9 9 Philadelphia 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 2 0 Personals Piney Point 3 2 1 3 0 3 4 2 1 1 3 1 0 Puerto Rico 0 2 0 WILLIE CUNNINGHAM JOHNSON San Francisco 20 5 0 19 5 0 7 33 8 0 0. St. Louis 3 3 I 0 0 3 2 3 Please contact Robert Defenderfer at P Box 180, Athol, MA 01331; telephone (978) 249-9268; e-mail Tacoma 20 0 15 0 9 39 1 4 [email protected]. Wilmington 26 6 2 16 7 0 16 35 9 2 Totals 155 46 42 121 38 13 57 256 66 77 ANYONE WHO KNEW WILLIAM Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT STUBBLEFIELD OF ST. LOUIS Algonac 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 Connie Brown, daughter of the late William Baltimore 0 2 0 2 3 0 0 2 1 Stubblefield ofSt. Louis, would like to hear from anyone who sailed with her father. She may be reached at (248) 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 Guam 0 446-3060. Honolulu 7 31 130 7 11 30 0 15 64 223 Houston 3 9 12 2 9 7 0 6 12 11 Jacksonville 4 10 24 3 9 10 0 3 17 33 Mobile 0 6 6 1 3 l 0 0 9 8 New Orleans 4 18 10 0 7 5 0 9 20 13 New York 3 26 26 23 15 0 11 48 45 Norfolk 1 10 18 1 6 12 0 19 16 Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 Piney Point 0 24 16 0 12 19 0 0 29 15 Puerto Rico 2 6 6 2 1 5 0 6 9 12 San Francisco 9 8 6 3 7 4 0 14 21 12 St. Louis 0 2 l 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 Tacoma 4 15 20 2 15 9 0 6 32 38 Wilmington 5 12 11 2 3 2 0 10 20 23 Totals 42 178 292 24 110 126 0 81 307 460 Totals All Departments 616 516 489 428 339 233 175 993 739 753

*"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.

September 2001 Seafarers LOG 15 Seafarers lntemalional Union l\TMV Monthly Shipping A Registration Report Directory JULY 2001 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED REGISTERED ON BEACH John Fay, 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 Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey, Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom Orzechowski, Port DECK DEPARTMENT Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Boston 5 1 8 7 0 2 0 0 0 Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast 0 0 0 8 8 0 Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice Presidem West Coast Houston 7 0 Kennett Mangram, Harvey, LA 4 1 0 0 0 1 6 6 2 Vice President Government Services New York 12 5 0 5 0 0 22 109 37 8 Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Norfolk l 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 Charles Stewart, Vice President.. at Large San Pedro 7 0 0 9 0 0 10 24 4 1 . Savannah 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 17 0 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 Tacoma 4 5 1 1 0 0 8 17 4 0 (301) 899-0675 Totals 44 13 2 27 7 1 59 185 48 11 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (618) 462-3456 Houston 4 0 0 1 6 7 2 1 ANCHORAGE Harvey, LA 1 0 2 0 0 2 2 1 0 721 Sesame St, #IC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 New York 7 1 0 2 0 0 4 104 88 9 BALTIMORE Norfolk 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 San Pedro 5 0 0 6 0 0 3 34 30 9 (410) 327-4900 Savannah 6 2 2 5 3 1 2 8 3 1 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 Tacoma 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 (617) 269-7877 Totals 29 6 3 17 3 2 17 170 125 20 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 STEWARD DEPARTMENT (218) 722-4110 Port GUAM Boston 1 l 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 Houston 5 0 1 0 0 1 4 8 0 0 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 Harvey, LA 2 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 (671) 647-1350 New York 5 1 0 1 0 0 12 73 11 2 HONOLULU Norfolk I 0 0 1 0 0 0 I 0 0 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, ID 96819 0 12 1 3 (808) 845-5222 San Pedro 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 1 0 HOUSTON Savannah 2 0 1221 Pierce St., Hou ton, TX 77002 Tacoma 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0 (713) 659-5152 Totals 19 3 1 7 2 1 24 103 15 5 8329 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77012 (713) 928-3381 Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 Boston 2 0 0 1 2 0 l 0 0 0 (904) 353-0987 Houston 4 3 1 0 1 0 7 14 10 2 JERSEY CITY Harvey, LA 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 4 2 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 New York 4 6 0 3 0 0 4 104 93 79 (201) 435-9424 Norlolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 MOBILE 2 0 5 9 41 15 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 San Pedro 4 6 4 0 (251) 478-0916 Savannah 1 0 1 0 2 4 1 4 2 NEW BEDFORD Tacoma 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 1 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 Totals 16 23 6 6 4 2 23 135 187 101 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS Totals All 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Departments 108 45 12 57 16 6 123 593 375 137 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK PIG-FROM-THE-PAST 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 In 1947, Theodore E. Lewis was sailing as a "trip card" hold­ PffiLADELPHIA er on the SS Fort Donaldson as an OS. He had taken the sum­ 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 mer off from his studies at Pace College in New York, where he (215) 336-3818 was enrolled after a couple years' service in the U.S. Navy. This was a World War 11 "T-2" tanker. After picking up a load PINEY POINT of oil in Aruba and dropping it off in Gibraltar, the vessel then P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 shuttled oil from the Persian Gulf to Haifa, Palestine (now (301) 994-0010 Israel) for several round trips. PORT EVERGLADES Lewis was taken off the ship in August 1947 in Port Said, 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 333 I 6 Egypt with a case of hepatitis. After several weeks in a local (954) 522-7984 hospital, he was sent by train to Alexandria, Egypt to await a SAN FRANCISCO ship home as a passenger. The shipping company's local agent 350 Fremont St, San Franci co, CA 94105 put him up in a pension, which was right across the street from (415) 543-5855 the Seaman's Club, where he spent most of his time. Govemment Services Division: (415) 861-3400 The photo at left was taken on the front steps of the club. It SANTURCE had been the old German Embassy before World War II. 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Vi Lewis writes that "the seven fellows in the photo are all Santurce, PR 00907 American seamen and were members of the SIU, I believe, and (787) 721-4033 were also being repatriated." ST. LOUIS While he doesn't remember the names of the other six men, 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 Lewis is the one seated on the top step. He celebrated his 21 •1 (314) 752-6500 birthday a few days after the photo was taken. SAVANNAH That was his only trip with the SIU. After graduating from 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 college, Lewis got a job as a purser with the old Grace Line (912) 238-4958 and sailed with them to South America for about five years. He TACOMA then went shoreside, working in international sales. 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 Now 75, Lewis continues to travel around the world and (253) 272-7774 write stories for several publications. Otherwise, you can find WILMINGTON him at home in Severna Park, Md. with his "lovely wife of 40 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 wonderful years" or enjoying time with his grandson. (310) 549-4000

16 Seafarers LOG September 2001 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.

hree captains and two recer­ Papageorgiou shipped as a mem­ member last worked on U.S. Boatman Hinson upgraded his man Williams lives in Port tified stewards are among ber of the engine department. He Ship Management's Quality. skills at the Seafarers Harry Neches, Texas. the 13 Seafarers announc­ upgraded his skills in 1973 and Brother Yaekel lives in Glendale, Lundeberg School of Seaman­ T WILLIAM ing their retirements this month. 1974 at the Sill's training school N.Y. ship in 1997. A member of the H.ZORN, Inland Captains Louis E. in Piney Point, Md. Brother engine department, he last 63, began his Louvierrre, Ronald Williams Papageorgiou last sailed on worked on an Allied Towing Co. INLAND career with and William Zorn sailed the Maersk Lines' Pvt. Harry Fisher. vessel. Boatman Hinson lives in the Seafarers inland waterways at the helms of He lives in Greece. Beaufort, N.C. in 1968, join­ their respective vessels for a com­ BOBBYW. ing in the port bined 72 years. Recertified MILTON BARTA, 62 LOUISE. of Houston. A Stewards Angel B. Correa and SABIN, 59, joined the SIU LOU­ member of the deck department, Salvatore E. Torneo each com­ joined the in 1973 in the VIERRE, 69, Boatman Zorn sailed as a cap­ pleted the highest level of training Seafarers in port of joined the SIU tain. The Florida native first available to members of the stew­ 1966 in the Houston. in 1964 in sailed aboard a National Marine ard department at the Seafarers port of San Prior to Port Arthur, Services, Inc. vessel. He upgrad­ school in Piney Pont, Md. Francisco. becoming a Texas. Born in ed his skills at the SIU's training Including the recertified stew­ Prior to Seafarer, Boatman Barta served Louisiana, school in 1976. Boatman Zorn ards, seven of the retirees sailed in becoming a Seafarer, Brother in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 Boatman Louvierre worked pri­ last worked on an Hvide Marine the deep sea division. One plied Sabin served in the U.S. Marine to 1957. He first sailed aboard a marily aboard vessels operated operated vessel. He resides in the Great Lakes and the remaining Corps from 1959 to 1963. He Dixie Carriers vessel. Born in by Higman Barge Lines, Inc. A Harper, Texas. five, which include the former first sailed aboard the Hudson Nueces County, Texas, Boatman member of the deck department, captains, navigated the inland Waterways Corp.'s SS Transerie. Barta hipped as a member of he shipped as a captain. Boatman waterways. Four of the retirees Brother Sabin upgraded his skills the engine department. His most Louvierre now calls Seabrook, GREAT LAKES worked in the deck department, at the SIU' training school in recent voyage was aboard a ves­ Texas home. JOHN J. seven shipped in the engine 1980 and 1986. An Ohio native, sel operated by G&H Towing RITTING­ department and two sailed in the he sailed in the engine depart­ Co. Boatman Barta makes his RONALDD. HOUSE, 62, steward department. On this page, ment. Brother Sabin's last voy­ home in Rockport, Texas. WILLIAMS, hails from the Seafarers LOG presents brief age was aboard the Sea-Land 62, started his Indiana. biographical accounts of the retir­ Trader. He calls Federal Way, SIU career in JOHNM. Brother ing Seafarers. Wash. home. 1972, joining HINSON, 57, in Port Arthur, Rittinghouse JAMES started his began his DEEP SEA Texas. Boat­ SIMMS, 61, SIU career in man Williams career with the Seafarers in 1961, ANGEL started his 1978, joining served in the U.S. Marine Corps joining in the port of Detroit. He CORREA, career with in the port of from 1956 to 1971. The deck first sailed on the Kinsman the Seafarer 57, tarted his l~b~~b.J Norfolk, Va. department member shipped as a Independent. The engine depart­ SIU career in in 1959 in the r:::.. The North captain, first sailing aboard a ment member last worked aboard 1966, joining port of Carolina native first sailed Dravo Basic Materials Co. ves­ a Red Arrow Steamship Co. ves­ in the port of Baltimore. aboard a vessel operated by sel. He last worked on a Higman sel. Brother Rittinghouse lives in Philadelphia. The Maryland native served in Steuart Transportation Co. Barge Lines, Inc. vessel. Boat- Toledo, Ohio. d1 Born in the U.S. Army Reserve. He first Puerto Rico, Brother Correa first sailed aboard A.H. Bull's Edith. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG Welfare Plan was first launched in 1950 shipped aboard General Cargo The engine department member last shipped on the 2nd Lt. John and, since that time, more than Corp. 's Spitfire. The steward 1943 $41,555,958.55 has been paid out for department member frequently Paul Bobo, operated by American Overseas Marine. After a year's struggle with the New hospital, death, disability, maternity, depen­ upgraded at the Paul Hall Center England Steamship Company, the was dent, optical and out·patient benefits. In for Maritime Training and Brother Simms lives in SIU Education. He completed the Baltimore. successful in getting an increase of $ 1 5 per February 1952, the SIU Vacation Plan was steward recertification course in month for all ratings. On September l 0 the inaugurated and it has since paid a total of 1998. Brother Correa last SALVATORE Boston Regional War Labor Board confirmed $59,483,828.34 in vacation benefits for worked aboard the Challenger, E. TORNEO, a maritime panel report containing these SIU members. operated by CSX Lines. He lives 64, began his gains. In addition to rn======~ The total value of in St. Augustine, Fla. SIU career in the claim, the union welfare benefits is 1991, joining won a retroactive .. 'jU.. actually considerably 1 rU in the port of ,.UJS M0 ALBERTO clause providing that 'n '~' n higher (than the GARCIA, 65, New York. the increase would aforementioned Brother started his SIU go into effect as of IN SIU HISTORY amount), since the career in 197 6 Torneo served in the U.S. Army December 9, 1942. cost of scholarship in Puerto Rico from 1953 to 1955. He first sailed on American Overseas payments, meal and worked in 1959 books, training faciliw both the deep Marine's Cape Ann. The The Maritime Trades !!::::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=:===~ ties and medical sea and inland Connecticut native shipped in the divisions. Brother Garcia first steward department and upgrad­ Department will open its biennial convention examinations-for SIU members and their sailed on a Crowley Towing & ed his skills at the Sill's training on September 15 in San Francisco with dependents-are not included in the above Transportation vessel. The school in 1995. Brother Torneo plans to tackle the nation's maritime ills. figures. engine department member completed the steward recertifi­ Among items on the agenda of the MTD enchanced his skills often at the cation course in 1997. He last are reports on the increase of the affiliated 1991 SIU's training school in Piney went to sea aboard the USNS port councils and legislative developments The opening of a new union hall in Point, Md. He upgraded in 1980, Capella, another American which will affect the merchant marine. Honolulu was celebrated by Seafarers on 1983, 1984, 1989 and 1992. Overseas Marine vessel. Brother Strengthened by eight new international September 12. The SIU's newest Brother Garcia last shipped Torneo calls Port Charlotte, Fla. union affiliates in the past two years, the office-located at 606 Kalihi Street-opened aboard the Sea-Land Expedition. home. MTD will plan programs continuing and for business in March, but renovations had He resides in Carolina, P.R. expanding organizing activities on the Great been taking place until the week of the dedi­ HOWARD Lakes and considering legislative needs to cation ceremony. I~~~~ DIMITRIOS YAEKEL, 60, The hall is roughly 4 miles west of the PAPA GEOR­ strengthen the domestic trades and to pro­ was born in tect shipping from pressure from the rail· union's previous facility on Cooke Street. It GIOU, 64, Brooklyn, AFL-CIO is larger than the old one, includes class­ started his N.Y. He start­ road industry. President George a career with ed his career Meany will be the featured speaker at the room and is only two blocks from the the Seafarers with the convention. waterfront. Moreover, the new hall is closer in 1969. He Seafarers in to the facilities used by two SIU~contracted joined in the 1961 in the port of New York. 1968 companies. The property includes more port of New York and first sailed He initially went to sea aboard As of August 31, the SIU's Welfare and than 9,200 square feet of land, while the aboard Hudson Waterways the Steel Artisan, operated by Vacation plans have paid out a total in ben­ building takes up more than 4,000 square Corp. 's Transcolorado. Brother ISCO, Inc. The deck department efits of $101,039,786.89. The SIU feet.

September 2001 Seafarers LOG 17 final Departures

Brother Galt the port of PETER STEIN that, he served in the U.S. Navy joined the SIU Baltimore. The Brother Peter from 1942 to 1943. Brother Welch MUBAR BEDROS in 1946 in the Maryland native Stein, 63 died initially sailed on Marine Carriers port first shipped Corp.'s Commander. The Great Pensioner Mubar Bedros, 86, died of July 5. He Philadelphia. aboard the Barrington, Mass. native shipped as May 7. Brother Bedros was born in joined the California and started his career with He served in Stoney Creek, Seafarers in a member of the engine department. the U.S. Army operated by His final voyage was on Hudson the Marine Cooks & Stewards (Mc&S). 1990 in the port Waterways Corp.'s Transcolorado. The steward department member from 1950 to American of Baltimore. A Tramp Shipping Brother Welch began receiving his began receiving his pension in 1970. 1952. Brother Chicago native, ~ & He lived in Rohnert Park, Calif. Galt's first SIU Development Brother Stein's pension in 1984. He called voyage was aboard a Pan Shipping Co. Brother Nicholson shipped as a Berkshire, Mass. home. ---~~-~ first voyage JOSEPH BOTWINIS Corp. vessel. A member of the deck bosun. He last sailed on Connecticut was aboard Interocean Management DAVID WILLIAMS department, he last worked aboard Transport's Ohio. Brother Nicholson Corp. 's Cornhusker State. He • Brother Joseph the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. Brother began receiving his pension in 1982. -----:------,Brother David Botwinis, 59, shipped in the engine department. Galt started receiving his pension in He lived in Pasedena, Md. Williams, 48, passed away Brother Stein's final trip to sea was 1990. He called Seymour, Tenn. died April 14. June 4. He on the Cape Washington, an home. RICHARD NYBERG He joined the joined the SIU American Overseas Marine vessel. Pensioner Richard Nyberg, 66, SIU in 1969 in in 1977 in the He lived in Seymour, Tenn. CHARLES GARRISON passed away April 12. Born in Ohio, the port of port of ------. Pensioner Brother Nyberg started his career Piney Point, Houston. JOSE VALENZUELA Charle with the MC&S. A member of the Md. Brother Brother Pensioner Jose Garrison, 75, steward department, he started Williams' first '------~ Botwinis served Valenzuela, 73, passed away receiving his pension in 1977. voyage was in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. died March 30. aboard Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. 's The Mt. Clemens, Mich. native first May 14. Born Brother Nyberg made his home in Brother Del Rio. Born in Ohio, he sailed in sailed on a Marlin Steamship Co. in Ben Hill, San Francisco. Valenzuela Brother deck department. Brother Inc. vessel. A member of the engine Ga., joined the SIU the Garrison joined ROY SHORTT Williams last worked on the department, he last worked aboard in 1953 in the the Seafarers in Overseas Chicago, an Alaska Tanker the lst. Lt. Harry Martin, operated Pensioner Roy port of 1947 in the port Co. vessel. Brother Williams made by Osprey-Acomarit Ship Manage­ Shortt, 63, died Baltimore. Houston, Miss. his home. ment, Inc. Brother Botwinis made of Mobile, Ala. He first went to sea June 2. Brother Before becom­ his home in Woodstock, Mich. aboard the James B. Duke, operated Shortt began his ing a Seafarer, the California native by Delta Steamship Lines. The career with the served in the U.S. Army from 1946 LEVY WILLIAMSON GEORGE BROOKS engine department member last Seafarers in to 1947. The engine department Pensioner Levy shipped on Waterman Steamship 1976 in the port Williamson, 67, Pensioner George Brooks, 75, died member sailed in both the deep sea Corp.'s Jefferson Davis. Brother of San Fran­ Dec. 17, 2000. Brother Brooks and inland divisions during his passed away Garrision started receiving his pen­ cisco. Before April 26. The joined the MC&S and sailed as a career. His last voyage was aboard sion in 1981. He lived in Georgia. joining the SIU, Alabama native member of the steward department. the Santa Magdelena, operated by he served in the U.S. Navy from joined the SIU Brother Brooks started receiving his WILBUR GEE Delta Steamship Lines. Brother pension in 1975. He lived in Dallas. 1954 to 1958. He first sailed on the Valenzuela made his home in in 1951 in Lake Longview Victory, operated by Manzonillo Colina, Mexico. Charles, La. He WALTER COLLEY Victory Carriers, Inc. The Virginia first sailed with native shipped in the deck depart­ EDWARD WALLACE Penn Central Pensioner ment. He last worked aboard the -...,.----,.,,=-==--:-:----, Pensioner Railroad Co. Brother Williamson Walter Colley, OM/ Sacramento. Brother Shortt was a member of the engine depart­ 78, passed away Edward started receiving his pension in Wallace, 73, ment and sailed in both the deep sea May 25. 1990. He resided in Pound, Va. and inland divisions. He last shipped Brother Colley passed away ~~~ ~ ~ · \ New York. The May 21. The aboard the Merrimack, operated by started his SIU · •;. Port Arthur, SATURINOSIMSUANDCO Odgen Merrimack Transportation, career in 1954, Illinois native '------'-----~ Texas native Inc. Brother Williamson started joining in the Pensioner started his SIU served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 Saturino receiving his pension in 1984. He port of Norfolk, career in 1945 to 1953. His initial SIU voyage was Simsuandco, resided in Mcintosh, Ala. Va. He served in the port of aboard a Coyle Lines Inc. vessel. 81, passed away in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1944. New York. Brother Gee shipped in the engine May 30. CHARM WONG Brother Colley first shipped on Before becoming a Seafarer, he department. He last worked aboard Brother Pensioner Waterman Steamship Corp.'s served in the U.S. Marine Corps. the Overseas Vivian. Brother Gee Simsuandco Charm Wong, Andrew Jackson. A member of the Brother Wallace shipped in the deck started receiving his pension in started his SIU 71, died April deck department, the Dickenson department and last sailed aboard 1993. He resided in Sabine Pass, career in 1963 11. Brother County, Va. native last worked on a the Sea-Land Integrity. He lived in Texas. in the port of Wong started Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Chicago and started receiving his Baltimore. He was born in the his career with Brother Colley began receiving his pension in 1991. MICHAEL HOEFFER Philippines and first sailed aboard an the MC&S. pension in 1977. Hayse, Va. was his Brother ISCO vessel. The steward depart­ CHARLES WATSON Born in China, home. Michael ment member last shipped on the .------,~~-,..,..~ Pensioner he started WALTER CUTTER Hoeffer, 38, OM/ Platte. Brother Simsuandco Charles Watson, receiving his died Feb. 7. began receiving his pension in 1991. 77, passed away pension in 1978. He made his home • Pensioner Born in He lived in New Orleans. in San Francisco. Walter Cutter, May 18. California, he Brother Watson 75, died June started his SIU JOHN SMITH INLAND 12. Born in started his career in 1987. Pensioner John Boston, Brother career with the Prior to becom­ Smith, 78, died DANIEL BRISTER Cutter joined MC&S. The ing a Seafarer, May 27. He the Seafarers in Greeley, Colo. Pensioner he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. joined the Daniel Brister, 1944 in the port native began Brother Hoeffer first worked on the Seafarers in 70, died March of New York. receiving his pension in 1970. He USNS H.H. Hess, operated by 1943 in the port 23. Boatman The steward resided in The Dalles, Ore. Lavina Steamship Co. The steward of Mobile, Ala. Brister started department member first shipped department member last sailed Born in MARCUS WEIKLE his SIU career aboard the Rebel, operated by Bull aboard the President Polk. Brother Keysville, Mo., in 1956 in the Steamship Co. Brother Cutter last Brother Marcus Hoeffer made his home in Reno, Brother Smith port of New worked on the OM/ Defender. He Weikle, 55, Nev. shipped in the engine department. Orleans. The began receiving his pension in 1987. died Feb. 9. He His last voyage was aboard the Mississippi Brother Cutter made his home in joined the SIU EDWARD KILLIGREW Overseas Boston. He began receiv­ native first sailed aboard a Wheeling Galveston, Texas. in 1967 in Ft. Pensioner ing his pension in 1985. Brother Lauderdale, Fla. Steel Corp. vessel. A member of the GREGORY DIOSES Edward Smith was a resident of Covington, Born in South deck department, he shipped as a Killigrew, 77, La. captain. Boatman Brister started Pensioner Charleston, passed away W. Va., Brother receiving his pension in 1996. He Gregory Dioses June 8. Brother lived in Jayass, Miss. 88, passed away' WILLIAM SMITH Weikle served Killigrew began in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. April 11. his career with Pensioner RAYMOND CALLIS Brother Dioses The engine department member first the Seafarers in William Smith, Pensioner started his SIU shipped aboard an Alcoa Steamship 1949 in the port 78, passed Raymond career in 1944, Co. vessel. Brother Weikle last of New York. away June 5. Callis, 96, · joining in the sailed aboard the USNS Kane. He The Massachusetts native first sailed Brother Smith passed away port of lived in Rainelle, W. Va. aboard Bull Steamship Co. 's Rebel. started his SIU May 14. Baltimore. Born A member of the deck department, career in 1953 Boatman Callis in Peru, he first sailed aboard an Ore VINCENT WELCH he last worked on the Virgo, operat­ in the port of started his Navigation vessel. The engine ==,-:--n Pensioner ed by Colby Shipping Co. Brother San Francisco. career with the department member last worked on Vincent Welch, Killigrew started receiving his pen­ The Arkansas Seafarers in the Sea Transport Corp.'s Eagle 82, passed away sion in 1978. He called Marblehead, native first sailed aboard Delta .___..__~~~-~ port of Norfolk, Traveler. Brother Dioses started May 29. Mass. home. Steamship Lines' Santa Maria. Va. Born in Virginia, he sailed in the receiving his pension in 1974. He Brother Welch Brother Smith worked in the steward deck department as a captain. He lived in Peru. started his SIU department. He last sailed on the began receiving his pension in 1967. EUGENE NICHOLSON career in 1967, Maui, operated by Matson Boatman Callis resided in Matthews, CHADBORNE GALT Pensioner Eugene Nicholson, 75, joining in the Navigation Co. Brother Smith began Va. Pensioner Chadborne Galt, 76, died died July 2. Brother Nicholson start­ receiving his pension in 1988. Chula port of New June 20. Born in Rochester, N.H., ed his SIU career in 1944, joining in Vista, Calif. was his home. York. Before Continued on page 20

18 Seafarers LOG September 2001 and cans and place in proper con­ items off side of ship. Next port: PERSEVERANCE (IUM), June tainers. Jacksonville, Fla. 29- Chairman Thomas W. Digest of Shipboard Lasater, Secretary Kenneth A. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Roetzer, Educational Director June 19-Chairman Roy L. Lines, Ltd.), June 5-Chairman Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Union Meetings Williams, Secretary Rafael Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Delegate John Yates, Steward The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard Pagan, Educational Director Clive Grant H. Armstead, Educational Delegate William B. Young. minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space A. Steward, Deck Delegate Julio Director David G. Gordius, Deck Chairman announced payoff July 2 limitations, some will be omitted. Mattos Jr., Engine Delegate Delegate James Clark, Engine in Tampa, Fla. Repair period will Monte Pryor. Chairman noted OT Delegate Hurtado Alexandro, last 2-3 weeks. All hands reminded Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. sheets turned in to captain. Due to Steward Delegate Scott Burges. to work safely. No news yet about Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union ga and soot being released from Chairman spoke of importance of contract; crew members will be receipt the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded smokestack during voyage, captain upon of advised crew not to work OT on to the Seafarers LOG for publication. deck if conditions are unsafe. A Passage to India Educational director notified all who have not complied with AMBROSE CHANNEL (IUM), OVERSEAS CHICAGO (ATC), STCW requirements that time is May 27- Chairman Mario R. May 20-Chairman Jesse L. running out and not to wait until Romero, Secretary Elena R. Mixon, Secretary Gregory S. last minute-Feb. 1, 2002. Curley, Educational Director Lynch, Educational Director Suggestion made to reduce sea Demetrios Simmons. Bosun Mark E. Sawin, Deck Delegate time requirements to collect vaca­ reminded all crew members of Marco A. Felix, Engine Delegate tion and higher pension benefits. need to comply with STCW by Robert Santos, Steward Delegate Thanks to steward department for Feb. 1, 2002. Educational director Robert M. Mensching. Chairman good job. Next port: San Juan. encouraged Seafarers to upgrade announced ship to discharge cargo skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney in Richmond, Calif., then proceed ENDURANCE (U.S. Ship Point, Md. for better wages and to lay berth for repairs. Payoff Mgmt.), June 24-Chairman job security. No beefs or disputed went smoothly with no disputes. Romeo Lugtu, Secretary Russell OT reported. Following reading of He advised crew members to call B. Bayschau, Educational president's report, discussion 800 number for details of STCW Director Mario B. Cruzat, Deck ensued on new cruise ships being requirements. Secretary reported Delegate Dennis R. Pickering, built by U.S. Lines which should new contract ready soon. Educa­ Engine Delegate James F. Siegar, be ready in a few years. Request tional director announced safety Steward Delegate Jimmy L. made to ask company for coveralls award of $7,200 given by compa­ Williams. Bosun reported new Taking a well deserved break on the Stonewall Jackson after tran­ for deck and engine department ny for entire crew. Satellite dish contract due out within 90 days. siting the Suez Canal are (from left) AB Finn Jakobsen, Recertified members. Vote of thanks given to was purchased and installed. He He also urged crew members to Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez and Deck Maintenance Buddy Brinks. steward department for great also stated that when filing for contribute to SPAD, upgrade at meals. vacation, members may split dis­ Piney Point and meet the Feb. 1, charge if they have more days than 2002 deadline for STCW compli­ attending union meetings and need informed. Chairman stressed INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), the required 120. Any balance over ance (" ... or you will not ship."). for all Seafarers to obtain STCW importance of contributing to May 6-Chairman James L. that may be saved for next time Electrician reported that new Coast training. Secretary stated stores to SPAD and staying abreast of polit­ Carter, Secretary Jose M. member applies. Steward depart­ Guard testing guidelines go into be loaded upon arrival in port of ical activity in Washington. He Bayani, Educational Director Olie ment delegate asked crew mem­ effect in 2002 for licensed and New Orleans. Educational director stated that SIU-NMU merger was E. Webber, Deck Delegate Gary bers to wait to eat until men going unlicensed mariners. No beefs or thanked steward department for ratified and reminded crew mem­ P. Walker, Engine Delegate on watch have been fed. Sug­ disputed OT reported. Next port: fine meals and reiterated need for bers about Feb. 1, 2002 deadline Antonio N. Libon, Steward gestions made to include annual Long Beach, Calif. STCW compliance by Feb. 1, for STCW. Educational director Delegate Loumrhari Mostafa. cost of living allowance in pension 2002 deadline. Treasurer also talked about other upgrading Chairman stressed importance of plan and reduce number of days EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), June announced $148 in ship's fund. No opportunities available at Paul Hall getting STCW by Feb. 1, 2002. required for vacation. Crew mem­ 7-Chairman James E. Reed, beefs or disputed OT reported. Center. No beefs or disputed OT "No STCW, no ship." He also bers expressed thanks to steward Secretary Edgardo M. Vazquez, Suggestions made for improving reported. Everyone thanked for reminded those getting off to clean department for good job. Also Educational Director Oswald N. contract included upgrading dental good job aboard ship, especially rooms and leave keys for next per­ noted that company has given Bermeo, Steward Delegate Jose plan and improving dependent's steward department for excellent son. Secretary thanked everyone $3,000 to crew for exercise equip­ M. Jorge. Chairman announced medical plan as well as reducing meals. for jobs well done, especially day­ ment. Treadmill, elliptical machine payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He time needed for vacation. workers who did "super jobs in advised crew members to return to QUALITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), and free weights have been pur­ NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), June June 10-Chairman Zainal A. repairing and painting all doors chased and installed. Additionally, ship one hour before sailing time. with broken locks." He also Secretary noted everything running 25- Chairman Werner H. Siregal) Secretary Franklyn J. company has added soda pop to Becher, Secretary Lynn N. Cordero, Educational Director thanked the engine department for requisition for daily consumption. smoothly. Educational director their fine work. Educational stressed opportunities available at McCluskey, Educational Director Scott E. Speedy, Deck Delegate director urged members to upgrade USNS HENSON (DynMarine ), Paul Hall Center for upgrading Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Donovan E. Christie, Engine skills at Piney Point for increased May 6-Chairman George J. skills. No beefs or disputed OT Sangie Mohamed, Steward Delegate Abdulrub H. Atiah, earnings and better future. No beefs Keblis, Secretary Linda F. Van reported. President's report from Delegate Susano C. Cortez. Steward Delegate Arturo Lopez. or disputed OT reported. Request Nieuwenhuyse, Educational LOG read; everyone was happy to Chairman announced ship arrival Chairman thanked all departments made for new videotape rewinder. Director Julio Arzu. All union hear about new passenger ships and payoff June 29 in Tacoma, for safe trip and for help keeping Next port: Long Beach, Calif. forms made available to members. being built. Suggestion made for Wash. He asked crew members to mess hall, pantry and lounge areas Bosun introduced himself and health plan to include prescription keep doors locked in port and have clean. He also reminded everyone SEALAND FLORIDA (U.S. Ship wished everyone a safe voyage. coverage for dependents and clean set of linen ready for to think safety and work safely at Mgmt.), May 28-Chairman Jose Educational director encouraged increase in pension benefits. replacement crew. Secretary noted all times. Secretary stated that F. Caballero, Secretary Donald B. everyone to upgrade at Piney Point $135 collected for tuna fund; edu­ upgrading classes at Piney Point Ganung, Educational Director as well as ensure STCW compli­ GOPHER STATE (IUM), June cational director stated $65 collect­ are unique benefit to Seafarers-a Randolph L. Tannis, Deck Dele­ ance by Feb. 1, 2002. "Beat the 28-Secretary Anthony L. ed for movie fund (of which only place to upgrade for greater job gate Randall R. Shearer, Engine last-minute rush!" No beefs or dis­ Curran, Educational Director $5 remains). He also encouraged skills and security- and a place to Delegate Glenn O'Leary, Steward puted OT reported. Request made James W. Demouy III, Steward members to upgrade skills at Piney get necessary STCW training Delegate Charles E. Curley. for bottled water. Next port: Delegate Jessie Jones. Vessel point and be aware of STCW before Feb. 1, 2002 deadline. Chairman reminded everyone of Bahrain. arriving in Guam after 43 days at deadline rapidly approaching. Beef Educational director reminded need for STCW safety training by sea from England. Educational reported in deck department; no crew of importance of contributing Feb. 1, 2002 or be denied sailing. CHEMICAL TRADER (Marine director reminded all members disputed OT noted. Steward to SPAD to support maritime No beefs or disputed OT reported. Transport Line), June 27- about STCW and that without department requested repair of TV industry on Capitol Hill. No beefs Steward department thanked deck Chairman Raymond A. Tate, proper documents, Seafarers can­ antenna in crew lounge as well as or disputed OT reported. Recom­ department members for help Secretary Michael A. Pooler, not ship. Union has presence in a new radio. Next ports: Tacoma; mendations made for new contract cleaning stairwells. Requests made Educational Director Nikolay Guam now, so medical needs Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. to include reducing seatime needed for safety guard on turnbuckle Entchev, Deck Delegate Mary should go through that hall. for pension and adding prescrip­ machinery, repair of TV antenna in Rose Bado, Engine Delegate Discussion held about purchase of OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA tion coverage for dependents. Next crew lounge, purchase of CD play­ Dominique N. Tarantino, new movies. Thanks given to stew­ (OSG), June 10-Chairman port: Charleston, S.C. er and new videotape rewinder. Steward Delegate Luis Gonzalez. ard department for job well done. Timothy J. Olvany, Secretary Chairman announced three days in Ronald D. Jones, Educational LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Corpus Christi, Texas unloading, LITTLEHALES (DynMarine ), Director Kenneth Spivey, Engine Maritime), July I- Chairman Lines, Ltd.), May 31-Chairman cleaning tanks, then loading again. June 25-Chairman John R. Delegate Oscar Garcia, Steward Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Stanley A. Gurney, Secretary Captain is happy with crew's per­ Wolfe, Secretary Warren G. Delegate Cesar A. Avila. Payoff Michael Baker, Steward Delegate Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational formance. He also reported Lombard III, Educational scheduled June 12 in Port Cecil Husted. Chairman reported Director Joseph P. Barry II, Deck Welfare Plan renamed to Health Director Alexander Zharkoff, Everglades, Fla. No word yet on ship sailing from New Orleans Delegate Joseph LeBeau. Chair­ and Benefits Plan. Educational Deck Delegate Edward D. new contract. Secretary reported after loading for Africa. Then to man reported on old business, director spoke of upgrading bene­ Wilson, Engine Delegate Andrzej everyone doing fine job with North Korea and possibly voyage including installation of new horn fits at Paul Hall Center and need to Furmanowski, Steward Delegate upkeep of ship. Educational direc­ to the West Coast-approximately for crane and proposed improve­ take advantage of it, not only for Emilio Placides. Chairman tor noted STCW classes are full 90 days in all. Secretary thanked ment of mail system. Additionally, STCW compliance, but also for announced pirates boarded stem of through September. Deadline for crew for working well together new microwave purchased. Ship improving skills and job security. vessel while under way off coast compliance is Feb. 1, 2002. Apply and helping keep ship clean. going into dry dock for 14 days in No beefs or disputed OT reported. of Gabon in West Africa with one now. Treasurer stated $1,200 in Educational director stated ship's Balboa, Panama. All crew will Recommendation made to lower man on watch. After incident, ship ship's fund. No beefs or disputed committee looking forward to remain on board vessel. Shoreside required time needed to apply for went to two-man watch with OT reported. Suggestions made to copies of new contract. Crew dis­ water to be used for showers; bot­ vacation check. "Bravo" to stew­ stricter security measures. Vessel reduce time needed for vacation cussed starting ship's fund. No tled water to be ordered for drink­ ard department for putting out will lay up somewhere on East and to have prescription coverage beefs or disputed OT reported. ing. Educational director reminded restaurant quality food. Requests Coast in late July for 1Yi months for family members. Still awaiting Suggestion made to increase cof­ crew members to attend Paul Hall made for repair of TV antenna and during start of hurricane season. word on new dryer for crew laun­ fee break from 15 to 30 minutes. Center and be ready for STCW washing machine as well as pur­ Treasurer stated $72 in ship's fund. dry. Everyone asked to help keep Requests made for gym equip­ deadline-Feb. 1, 2002. Treasurer chase of satellite dish and new No beefs or disputed OT reported. crew areas clean and be quiet ment, grill in galley, freezer in stated $450.99 in ship's fund. No mattresses. Everyone asked to help Crew members asked to be careful when coming back from shore so mess halls and water fountain on beefs or disputed OT reported. by separating plastics from paper to not throw food, plastic or glass that others may sleep. upper deck.

September 2001 Seafarers LOS 19 The Whale letter to the Editor by Wayne D. Brandt Know Your Rights A whale went by - Writing & Remembering Just sailing along - FINANCIAL REPORTS. The any official capacity in the SIU In March of 1965, I joined the SIU. The Enjoying his roam - at sea Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, unless an official union receipt is last year I sailed, I was attached to the U.S. Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters given for same. Under no circum­ Army and went to Vietnam. It was aboard District makes specific provision for stances should any member pay any the Seatrain Puerto Rico. Our anchor got caught safeguarding the membership's money for any reason unless he is money and union finances. The con­ given such receipt. In the event any­ I sailed the Great Lakes mostly, but did On the fin of the whale enjoy going "salt water" and was lucky to stitution requires a detailed audit by one attempts to require any such have seen some of the world-the Panama Which caused - three men to drown. certified public accountants every payment be made without supplying Canal, Hawaii, Thailand, Vietnam and year, which is to be submitted to the a receipt, or if a member is required membership by the secretary-trea­ to make a payment and is given an Okinawa. It was a great adventure for me. No chance did we have - surer. A yearly finance committee of official receipt, but feels that he or I consider my years in the merchant rank-and-file members, elected by she should not have been required to For our craft was pulled down: marine as some of the happiest days of my the membership, each year examines make such payment, this should life. And, of course, I still have those I alone - am here left to tell. the finances of the union and reports immediately be reported to union memories to make me smile. fully their findings and recommen­ headquarters. Due to a car accident, I can no longer dations. Members of this committee CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS I swam for a ship do the things that I used to, and am now may make dissenting reports, specif­ AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of ic recommendations and separate totally and permanently disabled. Not far from that fate - the SIU Constitution are available in However, I love to write. And thinking of findings. Awed in horror - all union halls. All members should my days as a mariner, I made up this "sea TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of obtain copies of this constitution so story" [see poem at right]. My favorite As I read the bow-plate - the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and as to familiarize themselves with its ship was the J.A. W. Iglehart. Inland Waters District are adminis­ contents. Any time a member feels Wayne D. Brandt "THE WHALE" tered in accordance with the provi­ any other member or officer is Alpena, Mich. sions of various trust fund agree­ attempting to deprive him or her of ments. All these agreements specify any constitutional right or obligation that the trustees in charge of these as a member of the deck department AnANTIC FISHERMEN by any methods, such as dealing and began receiving his pension in funds shall equally consist of union with charges, trials, etc., as well as 1969. He lived in New Orleans. ANTONIO LaFATA and management representatives and all other details, the member so their alternates. All expenditures and affected should immediately notify Pensioner disbursements of trust funds are Antonio La headquarters. Pensioner JESSE HASSELL made only upon approval by a Fata, 91, passed Darcy Pensioner Jesse majority of the trustees. All trust EQUAL RIGHTS. AH members away June 14. Etheridge, 76, Hassell, 83, are guaranteed equal rights in He was born in fund financial records are available died June 10. passed away employment and as members of the Marsala, Italy. at the headquarters of the various He started his May4. Born in SIU. These rights are clearly set Brother Lafata trust funds. career with the Elizabeth City, forth in the SIU Constitution and in started his Seafarers in N.C., he started SHIPPING RIGHTS. A mem­ the contracts which the union has 1961 in the port career with the his career with ber's shipping rights and seniority negotiated with the employers. of Norfolk, Va. the Seafarers in Atlantic are protected exclusively by con­ Fishermen's Union and started Consequently, no member may be Before joining 1958 in the port tracts between the union and the receiving his pension in 1975. discriminated against because of the SIU, Boatman Etheridge served of Baltimore. employers. Members should get to Brother Lafata lived in Gloucester, race, creed, color, sex, national or in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Prior to joining the SIU, he served in know their shipping rights. Copies Mass. geographic origin. Coast Guard. Born in Dare County, the U.S. Anny from 1942 to 1955. of these contracts are posted and N.C., the deck department member If any member feels that he or she Boatman Hassell first sailed aboard DONALD SUTHERLAND available in all union halls. If mem­ last worked aboard a Mariner a Moran Towing of Philadelphia bers believe there have been viola­ is denied the equal rights to which he Towing (Mari trans) vessel. Boatman vessel. The engine department mem­ Pensioner tions of their shipping or seniority or she is entitled, the member should Etheridge started receiving his pen­ ber started receiving his pension in Donald rights as contained in the contracts notify union headquarters. sion in 1.987. Wanchese, N.C. was Sutherland, 75, 1980. He called Pearl River, La. between the union and the employ­ his home. died April 25. SEAFARERS POLITICAL home. ers, they should notify the Seafarers Brother ACTIVITY DONATION WILLIAM GILMORE · Sutherland Appeals Board by certified mail, SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregat­ return receipt requested. The proper ~------. Pensioner HENRY SOUDELIER started his ed fund. Its proceeds are used to fur­ address for this is: William Pensioner Henry Soudelier, 72, died career with the ther its objects and purposes includ­ Gilmore, 65, March 13. Boatman Soudelier start­ Atlantic Augustin Tellez, Chairman ing, but not limited to, furthering the passed away ed his career with the Seafarers in Fishermen's Seafarers Appeals Board political, social and economic inter­ May 10. 1962,joining in the port of New Union in 1969 in Boston. He served 5201 Autb Way ests of maritime workers, the preser­ Boatman Orleans. He served in the U.S. Anny in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947. Camp Springs, MD 20746 vation and furthering of the Brother Sutherland sailed in the deck Gilmore started from 1950 to 1952. Boatman American merchant marine with Soudelier worked primarily aboard department as a captain. The Full copies of contracts as referred his SIU career improved employment opportunities in 1988.A vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. Gloucester, Mass, native started to are available to members at all for seamen and boatmen and the member of the A member of the deck department, receiving his pension in 1988. He times, either by writing directly to advancement of trade union con­ deck department, he sailed as a cap­ the Louisiana native shipped as a resided in Massachusetts. the union or to the Seafarers Appeals tain, working primarily aboard captain. He began receiving his pen­ Board. cepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and con­ Allied Towing Co. vessels. Boatman sion in 1992. Boatman Soudelier RAILROAD MARINE CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU tributes to political candidates for Gilmore resided in Andalusia, Ala. lived in Houma, La. contracts are available in all SIU elective office. All contributions are and began receiving bis pension in WALTER HUGATE halls. These contracts specify the voluntary. No contribution may be 1998. GREAT LAKES Pensioner wages and conditions under which solicited or received because of Walter Hugate, an SIU member works and lives RUBEN LEIJA force, job discrimination, financial 79, died June 8. aboard a ship or boat. Members reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or Boatman Ruben Leija, 38, died JOHN CAIRNS Brother Hugate should know their contract rights, as as a condition of membership in the March 28. Born in Houston, he Pensioner John started his well as their obligations, such as fil­ shipped as a member of the deck Cairns, 66, career with the ing for overtime (OT) on the proper union or of employment. If a contri­ department. Boatman Leija worked passed away Seafarers in sheets and in the proper manner. If, bution is made by reason of the primarily aboard Penn Maritime, May 5. Brother 1960, joining in at any time, a member believes that above improper conduct, the mem­ Inc. vessels. Cairns started the port of an SIU patrolman or other union ber should notify the Seafarers L-...... J'---":.....;..;;~-=-.JNorfolk,Va.He his career with official fails to protect their contrac­ International Union or SPAD by cer­ ELBRIDGE MANN the Seafarers in sailed primarily aboard vessels oper­ tual rights properly, he or she should tified mail within 30 days of the con­ Pensioner Elbridge Mann, 71, passed 1961 in Detroit. ated by the marine division of the contact the nearest SIU port agent. tribution for investigation and appro­ away March 9. Boatman Mann The Michigan Penn Central Railroad Co. Born in priate action and refund, if involun­ joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the native first Virginia, he shipped as a member of EDITORIAL POLICY - THE tary. A member should support port of Norfolk, Va. The North the deck department. He started sailed aboard a Dunbar & Sullivan SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers SPAD to protect and further his or Carolina native served in the U.S. vessel. He shipped as a member of receiving his pension in 1982. LOG traditionally has refrained from her economic, political and social Army from 1951 to 1953. He first the deck department and last sailed Brother Hugate made his home in publishing any article serving the sailed aboard a Moran Towing of on a Luedtke Engineering Co. ves­ Gloucester, Va. interests, and American trade union political purposes of any individual concepts. Virginia vessel. A member of the sel. Brother Cairns started receiving in the union, officer or member. It deck department, he last shipped on his pension in 1996. He lived in MELVIN WHITE also has refrained from publishing NOTIFYING THE UNION- If an Atlantic Towing Co. vessel. Sugar Island, Mich. articles deemed harmful to the union at any time a member feels that any Boatman Mann started receiving his .----===-- ---,Pensioner Melvin White, or its collective membership. This of the above rights have been violat­ pension in 1988. Kill Devil Hills, ed, or that he or she has been denied N.C. was his home. ALFRED ZAPOLNEK 88, passed away established policy has been reaf­ the constitutional right of access to Pensioner Alfred Zapolnek, 77, died April 8. Boat­ firmed by membership action at the union records or information, the ELIJAH PLATT Jan. 14. He joined the SIU in 1964 man White September 1960 meetings in all con­ member should immediately notify in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother started his SIU stitutional ports. The responsibility Pensioner Elijah career in 1960. SIU President Michael Sacco at Zapolnek first sailed aboard a Great for Seafarers LOG policy is vested Platt, 77, died The Matthews, in an editorial board which consists headquarters by certified mail, May4. The Lakes Associates, Inc. vessel. The Va. native first of the executive board of the union. return receipt requested. The address Atlanta native engine department member last sailed aboard a The executive board may delegate, IS: started his shipped on the Charles E. Wilson, vessel operated by the Penn Central from among its ranks, one individual career with the operated by American Steamship Railroad Co. A member of the deck Michael Sacco, President to carry out this responsibility. • SIU in 1950 in Co. Brother Zapolnek began receiv­ department, Boatman White began Seafarers International Union ,, the pon of New ing his pension in 1994. He called receiving his pension in 1977. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 5201 Auth Way York. He sailed Calumet, Mich. home. Mobjack, Va. was his home. monies are to be paid to anyone in Camp Springs, MD 20746.

20 Seafarers LOG September 2001 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER Engine Upgrading Courses UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Arrival Date of The following is the schedule for classes for the months of September through Course Date Completion December 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Fireman/Watertender & Oiler September 8 October 19 ... Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and November 3 December 14 to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, Welding September 15 October 5 the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. October 13 November 2 Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their November 24 December 14 course,s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Recertification _'tr Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Bosun Recertification September 8 October 8 J:>aul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.

Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Arrival Date of Arrival Date of Course Date Completion Course Date Completion Government Vessels September 1 September 21 Able Seaman September 22 October 19 September 15 October 5 (including simulator October 20 November 16 September 29 October 19 steering assessments) 1 T ovember 17 December 14 October 13 November 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 8 September 22 October 27 November 16 October 6 October 20 November 10 November 30 November 3 November 17 November 24 December 14 Radar (simulator) September 8 September 21 STCW Medical Care Provider September 22 September 29 October 6 October 19 October 20 October 27 November 3 November 16 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW September 8 September 14 Radar renewal) September 21 (one-day .. Basic Safety September 15 September 21 October 19 September 22 September 28 November 16 September 29 October 6 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* September 22 September 28 October 20 October26 (ARPA) (simulator) October 20 October26 October 27 November 3 (*must have radar unlimited) November 17 November 23 November 10 November 16 November 17 November 23 GMDSS (simulator) September 1 September 15 November 24 November 30 September 29 October 13 , ',. ;,; ~ t ,J,;t: .... . October 27 November 10 nr • 1 Tanker Familiarization/ · September 15 September 29 , " • • ... Tovember 24 December 8 Assistant Cargo (DL)* October 13 October 27 ridge Resource Management September 1 September 7 (*m11st have basic fire fighting) October 28 November 10 Septem er 29 co r November 11 November24 October 27 November2 November 24 November 30 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* October 6 October 13 (*must have bask fire fighting) l I Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date of Academic Department Courses Course Date Completion General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior GalleyOperations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week begin­ ning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival cours­ beginning January 6. es. An introduction. to computers course 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 FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard ------~ fee of $280 with their application. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. Address ------pavable to LMSS. BEGIN END COURSE DATE DATE Telephone ______Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#______Book# ______Seniority ______Department ______U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D 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? DYes DNo SIGNATURE ______DATE If yes, class# ______NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo 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) 994-2! 89.

D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo 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. 9101 September 2001 Seafarers LOG 21 Paul Hall Center Classes

Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers earning their Bridge Resource Management - Completing the water survival endorsements July 27 are (from left, kneeling) bridge resource management class July 20 are (from left) Mohamed H. Ali, John Fisher, Egbert Campbell, Rudy Freddie Cantrell, Steven Hardin, Brent Hensley, Paul Szalus, Garrido, (second row) Stan Beck (instructor), Louis Holder, ARPA-Standing outside the entrance to the Paul William Hough, William Schuppman and Leo Bonser. Herb . Joseph Borys, Jerry Fanning, Chaerul Salim and Carlos Hall Center's new simulator building are graduates Walling, their instructor, is at far right. Nunez. of a recent ARPA class. From the left are James Hoffman, Steven Taylor, Fenton Whitlow and Horace Wood, all NATCO boatmen. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right.

GMDSS - Completing the GMDSS course July 27 are (above photo left, from left) Andre Skevnick, Brad Wheeler (instructor), Paul Carolan, Jack Walker, Gregory Rivera, Scott Costello, Jason Bryan and John Cox. Graduating Aug. 17 from the same course are (above photo, right, from back) Nils Kohlmyer, Albert Hendricks and their instructor, Brad Wheeler.

Tankererman (PIC) Barge - Graduating from a recent tankerman (PIC) barge course are (from left, front row) Jeff Bruton, Robert Judy, Herbert Rogers, Paul Seitzinger, Ray Prim, (second row) Clarence Jannette, Marcus Laguer, Marc Tomoschat, Luis Perez, (third row) Herb Walling (instructor) Peter Madden, Craig Amison and Kenneth Mottley.·

Steward Department Skills

Personal Survival/STCW - Earning their personal survival endorsements July 29 are (in no particular order) Jules Delgado, Manuel Bans, Odilia Evora, Andrew Donaldson, Jeffrey Beasley, Kevin Gasaway, Woodrow Coleman, Andrew Brzezinski, Husain Ali, Mary Friedman, Ralph Clark, Craig Hammer, Clifton Ayars, Thomas Gliva, Joseph Gandara, David Fridstrom, Chris Brewster, Maurice Gutierrez, Vicente Cacacho, Arnaldo Arzu, Rodolfo Garcia, Luis Aguirre, Ricardo Abella Jr., Robert Bostick, Jesse Hankins, Bandoh Franklin, Mariano Gutierrez, Earl Farmer, David Akpoviri, Philippe Brunelle, Robert Edwards and Gerardo Ballestar.

Certified Chief Cook - Improving their culinary skills in Any student who the certified chief cook course are (from left) Robert Johnson, Leoncio Dela Cruz, Arturo Rodriguez, Juan Rochez and Angelo has registered for a Camacho. class and finds­ for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the Personal Survival/STCW - Successfully completing the person­ al survival/STCW course July 29 are (in no particular order) Juan Torres, admissions depart­ Ausberto Laspinas, William Lima, Allan Lane, Daniel White, Rafael ment so that anoth­ At left, Arturo Rodriguez Tannis, Courtney Taylor, Emanuel Washington, Spanhoff Abu Bakr, Walter Winchester, Roberto Velasquez, Alfonso Navarro, Samuel Uyatede, chops carrots for another er student may take creation, while (above) Lindberg Wilson, Victor Wolf, Kenneth Huddleston, Carl Herrmann, Moises Johnson, David Kennedy, Noel Magbitang, Carlos Solina, Leo Dela Cruz shows off that place. his salmon en papillote. Wilfredo Williams, Donnell Lewis, William Mokey, Glenroy Reid, John Robinson Ill, Paul Shara and Ralph Holzinger.

22 Seafarers LOB September 2001 Paul Hall Center Classes

April 23-27, 2001 - Paula Brookshire, Phillip Darval, Wilfredo Espinoza, Greg Training Classes Heseltine, Albino lnofinada, Simon Klein, Jehu May 7-11, 2001 - Glenford Ancheta, Alwie Assagaf, Conrad Blas, Lou Laranjo, Gregory McHugh, Ali Mohsin, Aurelian Cabano, Romeo Cacal, Edilberto Cateil, Abelardo Cortez, Charles Howard, Moise, Toaono Nagaseu, Remando Ortiz, Paul Held in Hawaii Patronilo Luis, Nghia Luu, Nuemie Pascual, Rizalino Pascual, Alberto Quiba, Su and Ricky Tongg. Claudia Rivera, Francisco Salgado, Alfonso Troz, Juanito Ulatan Jr. and To-Nu Wallace.

May 14-28, 2001 - Justin Blair, Robert Borro, Jonathon Flakoll, Katie Goodale, Hugo Infante, Colleen Mast, John McCarthy, Robert McElwee, Victoria Messamore, Melinda Napoleon, Orlando Pajarillo Jr., Rodulfo Pardillo, Charles Pasay, Honesto Roces, Nelson Rochez, Dennis Rosal, Robert Spitzock and Christopher Zaucha. June 18-22, 2001- Rafael Aguirre, Ebrahim Alshuabi, Sure Anitak, Romeo Bendico, Gabriel Emmanuel, Junell Garalde, Calixto Guerro Jr., Mafi Heimuli, James Holland, James Humphrey, Rudolfo Jordan, Christopher Kaanaana, Randy Miller, Carey Patton, Ali Said, Nabil Sharif and Robinson Tacang.

Computer Lab Class Outstanding Initiative - Grady Mason (left) and Jeff Edwards (right) dis­ play the certificates they earned while learning the complexi­ ties of Microsoft's June 25-29, 2001 - Daniel Ah San , Krystal Andrews, Rod Busca, Manuel Excel spreadsheet Destura, Kevin Dougherty, Douglas Dunnell, Luke Failauga, Enrique Garcia, Brett software. Both were Kosking, Gary Lauer, Patrick Legras, Theresa Motas, Ramend Prasad, Augustin attending the school Reinate Jr., Diane Zagorski and Douglas Zagorski. to complete the unli­ censed apprentice program, and they worked at learning Excel in their spare time after regular classes were over for the day. They each successfully completed three levels of Excel training with near-perfect grades. With them is their instructor, Rick Prucha.

July 9-13, 2001 - Abdo Ali, Saleh Ali, Yahya Ali, Shawn Canon , Susano Cortez, Richard Fisher, Algerico Gubutan, Peter Hadden, Elizada Kahaialii, Tony Kaplan, .... Patrick Maher, Edwin Manalaysay, Chris Margaronis, Claudia Mauricio-Brice, David The students pictured above received certificates in the computer class which ended Pryce, Pablo Rochez-Colon, Beverly Stevens, Luis Valerio, Laurie Victorino, Harold )uly 6, 2001. From the left are Joshua Overland, Leon Pulley, James Cunningham, Wolf and Michael Young. Rick Prucha (instructor) and Paul Duquette.

September 2001 Seafarers LOS 23 DEADLINE: FEBRUARY l, 2002 .. That is the date by which mariners sailing aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels must comply with the amended STCW convention. For additional information, see page 13 SIU-Crewed Delta Mariner Ready for Rockets

There was much excitement at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. last June when the SIU­ crewed Delta Mariner tied up at the dock. During its three-week stay at the southern Maryland facility, students and other guests were able to tour the unique vessel, which is designed to transport rocket boosters and other space hardware. It also gave the crew members an opportunity to complete an STCW Basic Safety Training class-needed to help them meet the requirements of the amended STCW convention before the Feb. 1, 2002 deadline. Since leaving Piney Point, the 312-foot Delta Mariner has transited the Tennessee­ Tombigbee Waterway twice. Its variable bal­ last design allows it to operate on rivers (with an 8-foot draft) as well as oceans (12 feet). At ~ ~ press time, it was at the ~ Boeing plant in Decatur, Ala., ready to load its cargo for a trip to Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Delta Mariner • Constructed at Halter Marine Gulfport, Miss. • Operated by Gulf Caribe Maritime, Inc. • Length: 312 feet • Variable ballast design allows it to operate on rivers and oceans • Main mission: hauling Boeing Delta IV flight hardware, including rocket Steward Americus Bell Jr. breaks down boxes to boosters, upper-stage rocket be thrown into the trash. motors and satellites • Travels between Decatur, Ala. , Cape Canaveral, Fla. and Vanden­ burg Air Force Base in California Arthur Quinney, oiler aboard the vessel operated by Gulf Caribe Maritime, Inc. , goes over some paperwork in the engine room .

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AB Jamie Hall (above) lowers the cargo door, which leads into the large cargo area at left.

Bosun David Dines (left) receives another can of paint from crew member Kevin Samuels.