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Volume 67, Number 2 February 2005

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Seafarers Still Deliver in Operation Iraqi Freedom Seafarers continue to back U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom by deliv- ering vital materiel at key locations in the Middle East. Dozens of SIU- crewed ships are engaged in OIF3, the latest sealift component of the war. Pictured here are Seafarers and troops aboard the Cape Island in Kuwait. They are (clockwise, from upper left) AB Alfred Martin; AB Mickey Earhart and a U.S. Navy master at arms; crew members and officers including GVA Shaun Castain, 3rd Mate Bobby Boone, AB Andy Martinez, Bosun Stephen Castle, Chief Cook Tracy Stewart and a Navy instructor participating in The hospital ship USNS Mercy, crewed small arms practice; and GVA Abdo “Otto” Saleh, suiting up for hazmat by members of the SIU’s Government training. Pages 6-8. Services Division, was one of 14 ships initially mobilized to help with relief fol- lowing the devastating tsunami that struck coastal communities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, India and other Indian Ocean nations. Pictured at right is some of the damage in Phuket. Page 2.

Union, Seafarers-Crewed Ships Aid in Tsunami Relief Efforts

SIU Election Results Navy League President Tax Tips for Mariners Page 3 Notes RRF’s Value Pages 12-13 Page 4 Pg2,22,23.qxd 1/27/2005 4:49 PM Page 2

President’s Report Union Donates for Tsunami Relief SIU-Crewed Ships Mobilize for Humanitarian Mission More Job Growth The SIU is actively supporting Last month’s news from the Maritime Administration announcing humanitarian relief efforts for sur- the operating contract awards for the new U.S. Maritime Security vivors of the Dec. 26 earthquake and Program was a great moment for our union. resulting tsunami that devastated The extended, expanded MSP helps ensure job coastal communities in Sri Lanka, security for Seafarers for many years to come. Not Thailand, India, Indonesia and other only that, it increases the number of shipboard job Indian Ocean nations. opportunities available to SIU members. The union last month donated In the bigger picture, the new MSP is good for $10,000 to the International Red America. As anyone who truly understands the Cross for use in the devastated region. U.S. Merchant Marine will tell you, we are the In addition, more than 100 SIU mem- nation’s fourth arm of defense. The United States bers—including some from the SIU’s Michael Sacco is best served by a strong U.S.-flag commercial Government Services Division— fleet and by the dedicated, well-trained U.S. crews crewed 13 Military Sealift Command who man those vessels. The 10-year MSP that takes effect this fall is vessels and one ship owned by the a vital step toward maintaining a capable American-flag fleet and a U.S. Maritime Administration (Mar- pool of reliable, well-trained U.S. mariners. Ad). Collectively, these platforms As I said when the new MSP was signed into law a little over a have been directly involved in ferry- year ago, there is plenty of credit to go around. In fact there are too ing emergency personnel and a myri- This photo, taken by Seafarer Bob Stenehjem, shows some of the many people and organizations to name here, but certainly I thank ad of supplies to the distressed region. devastation in Phuket, Thailand. President Bush and his administration for not only recognizing the Six of the 12 vessels that initially U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance, but also following through and were involved in the relief missions— delivering a 60-ship fleet under the new MSP. 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, Maj. Stephen W. Pless, Cpl. How You Can Help And I also thank you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. The support Louis J. Hauge Jr., Pfc. James Anderson Jr., 1st Lt. you’ve given me and the other SIU officials is gratifying and, more Alex Bonnyman and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin— Although the tsunami took place more than a importantly, makes it easier to promote and protect the interests of all month ago, there remains much to be done to restore are Maritime Prepositioning Ships. Part of MSC’s the lives of the disaster’s survivors back to normal. In Seafarers. Along those same lines, your support of SPAD and the Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three, addition to the International Red Cross outstanding work you perform every day aboard ship are important these vessels collectively were laden with enough (http://www.icrc.org/eng, mailing address Inter- parts of our recipe for success. equipment and supplies to support 15,000 Marines national Committee of the Red Cross, The new, 60-ship MSP fleet is something we can all be proud of. for 30 days. The ships carried food, fuel, medical 19 avenue de la Paix, CH 1202 Geneva), those wish- supplies, construction and road building equipment, ing to make donations have many other options open Disaster and Aid to them. electrical power generating equipment, airfield mat- The AFL-CIO American Center for International Less than three weeks before the high of the MSP announcement, ting and a Navy field hospital. Labor Solidarity (Solidarity Center) has established a Seafarers joined with other people all over the world in sadly sharing The squadron also has 43 Reverse Osmosis Tsunami Relief Fund to which unions and individuals the horror of the tsunami that devastated Asian and African countries Water Purification Units, each of which is capable may donate. The center (www.solidaritycenter.org/) is right after Christmas, killing hundreds of thousands. of producing 600 gallons of potable water per hour a nonprofit organization that assists workers around from sea water. Additionally, five of the ships are the world who are struggling to build democratic and I don’t know if any of us can fully comprehend a loss that great. independent trade unions. Those interested in con- In many ways it’s impossible to understand. capable of making 25,000 gallons of fresh water tributing to the relief fund should make out a check And yet I also believe that the disaster’s aftermath once again has each day using the ships’ evaporators. The ships can marked Tsunami Relief, payable to Solidarity Center brought out the best in so many people, showing the good side of pump water from ship to shore from up to two miles Education Fund, and send it to: Tsunami Relief Fund, human nature and what we’re capable of when we pull together. away using an Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer Solidarity Center, 1925 K Street, N.W., Suite 300, Certainly U.S. unions and union members have stepped up to System of floating hoses. Washington, DC, 20006-1105. Two MSC fleet replenishment oilers—the USNS Another organization that is accepting donations is donate record amounts of money to help the victims. the U.S. Agency for International Development The SIU made a $10,000 donation, and SIU-crewed ships are aid- Tippecanoe and USNS John Ericsson—were divert- (USAID). The USAID is the U.S. government agency ing in relief efforts, as reported elsewhere on this page. ed to provide fuel to U.S. Navy ships in the tsunami responsible for economic and humanitarian assis- As of mid-January, I was aware of at least one Seafarer who relief area. Two other supply ships—the combat tance around the world. Members of the agency work unfortunately lost all of his possessions to the tsunami but who stores ship USNS San Jose and the fast combat sup- with a host of organizations to provide assistance to thankfully was safely at sea at that time. We will pass along news of port ship USNS Rainier—were sent to the area to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. provide fuel and other supplies to Navy ships in the Those desiring to make donations should visit the how the disaster has impacted other members as it becomes avail- center’s website at: www.usaid.gov/locations/- able. theater and to activities ashore as needed. asia_near_east/tsunami/ngolist.html. A list of charities Meanwhile, if you have the means to donate to one of the many Two MSC oceanographic ships also were that are providing assistance to people affected by relief funds, I hope you will consider doing so. See the “How You ordered into the affected area to conduct hydro- the earthquake and tsunamis can be found at this site. Donations can be made to either of them via Can Help” article on this page for more information. Continued on page 10 My heartfelt prayers go out to all the victims and their families. mail, phone, or through their web sites.

Crisis Continues Language and English. She said From time to time in this space, I have written about the ongoing Vacationing sit here and answer phones. health care crisis in America. If it seems like I won’t get off the sub- I had a list of 575 people who ject, there’s a good reason: This crisis is a major threat to working were injured, listed by country. I families nationwide. Seafarer also had a list of hundreds miss- And it’s getting worse by the day. ing, and there is a whole wall full Right now about 45 million Americans have no health coverage at Lends Hand of photos of entire families, peo- all. Those who have insurance in many cases are paying more and ple from all over the world who more to maintain their coverage. In other instances, people with are missing and most likely dead. insurance are paying more for reduced benefits. It is happening all In Phuket The list of the dead was at anoth- over the country. Editor’s note: Seafarer Bob er table. This remains a giant problem, but the SIU is committed to helping Stenehjem, who sails from the So I answered the phone and solve it. We will continue working through the AFL-CIO to enact a port of Tacoma, Wash., was on looked up names of the people fair, workable health care solution for all concerned. the callers were looking for. None vacation in Thailand when the Seafarer Bob Stenehjem pitched In addition to our efforts with the labor federation, health plans of the people they were looking administrators from the U.S. maritime unions have met a half-dozen tsunami struck there. He sent an in after the tsunami, helping e-mail to friends describing his for were there, and I gave them numerous victims in Phuket. times over the past year and a half, sharing information and trying to numbers of other hospitals. find ways to contain costs while still providing good coverage. Those experience that was excerpted in a Seattle newspaper and also is I met four or five other volun- from Europe and many Thais. meetings are a step in the right direction as we continue what in teers at my table: a man from many ways is literally a fight for our lives. reprinted here, with his permis- After two hours at the Phuket sion. Germany, a Swiss woman, an International Hospital I was English woman, a Swedish man. bored, as not many people were Volume 67, Number 2 February 2005 I had a very rewarding but Aman from the Kuwait con- calling. Then I noticed a woman very sad day. At the Patong hos- sulate office in Bangkok and The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org in her mid-30s who had been sit- pital last night they said there another from Bahrain’s were ting with three kids in their teens. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly were a lot of injured foreigners so looking for anybody from their One daughter was in a wheelchair by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes I started to go there on my motor- countries. They didn’t know with a very bloody bandage on a and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth bike. But I passed the Phuket where all the hospitals were, so I large leg wound. The mother was Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899- International Hospital and decid- told them I was going to the pacing around, and I could tell 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland ed to pull in there to see if they Patong Hospital later and I would she was freaking out. 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the needed any help. check the list of patients and their Then she came up to the table Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The lobby was chaos. I went huge list of dead for any of their and sort of lost it. Screaming, she Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing up to a long table full of phones countryman. said she needed someone to Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim and people and asked what they It turned out that there weren’t change the bandages on her Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty needed. The people at the table any at Patong, but there were daughter’s leg. A hospital woman Dobry. looked overwhelmed. The lady about 65 unknown dead. The list said the mother still had to deal Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD asked what languages I spoke, of the dead included 160 names with her consul. Then the mother All Rights Reserved. and I told her a little Spanish, with countries listed. Two fairly good American Sign Americans, five Canadians, most Continued on page 10 2 Seafarers LOG February 2005 26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/28/2005 6:23 PM Page 3 SIU Gains 13 Vessels New Maritime Security Program Features 60 Ships The U.S. Maritime Administration last Tellez said the new MSP as a whole “is a Aida. Patriot Shipping, LLC—Industrial month announced the names of the vessels win-win situation. It improves our national Farrell Lines Inc.—Chesapeake Bay, Challenger and Industrial Chief. and operators for the new Maritime defense capabilities and it obviously boosts Delaware Bay, Endeavor, Endurance and Waterman Steamship Corporation— Security Program (MSP)—and the notice the employment opportunities of Seafarers Enterprise. P&O Nedlloyd Vera Cruz, Atlantic Forest, couldn’t have been better for the SIU. for at least the next 10 years.” Liberty Global Logistics, LLC— Green Dale and P&O Nedlloyd Buenos The union gains 13 additional ships The 13 new MSP slots are assigned to Splendid Ace. Aires. under the new MSP, which runs from 2005- OSG Shipholding Group (three ships), Lykes Lines Limited, LLC—Lykes The current MSP expires Sept. 30, 2005, 2016. Overall, the updated MSP fleet Central Gulf (one), Fidelio (ARC) (four), Navigator, Lykes Discoverer, Lykes with the new one beginning immediately includes 60 vessels—an increase of 13 Liberty Global Logistics (one), Lykes Lines Liberator, Lykes Motivator and Tmm thereafter. ships compared to the MSP which expires (two), and Patriot (two). Yucatan. In announcing the awards, the Maritime this fall. Each of the 13 additions to the Overall, the awards are as follows, with Maersk Line, Limited—Maersk Mis- Administration noted, “The MSP serves to MSP fleet is operated by an SIU-contracted the company name followed by the vessels: souri, Maersk Virginia, Maersk Georgia, maintain an active, privately owned, U.S.- company. APL Marine Services, Ltd.—APL Korea, Maersk Carolina, Sealand Achiever, Sea- flag and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in interna- The 47 Seafarers-crewed vessels already APL Philippines, APL Singapore, APL land Florida, Sealand Pride, Sealand tional trade. This fleet also is available to enrolled in the MSP have been renewed for Thailand, President Adams, President Motivator, Sealand Commitment, Sealand support the Department of Defense sustain- the expanded, extended program. Jackson, APL China, President Polk and Atlantic, Sealand Charger, Maersk Ala- ment in a contingency.” “This is a tremendous gain for the mem- President Truman. bama, Sealand Lightning, Sealand Meteor, The program was established through bership,” said SIU President Michael Central Gulf Lines, Inc.—Green Cove, Maersk Arkansas, Sealand Intrepid, Sea- the Maritime Security Act of 1996. It helps Sacco. “Bringing 13 additional ships into Green Point, Green Lake and Hercules land Comet, Sealand Performance and retain “a labor base of skilled American our contracted fleet is fantastic news. It Leader. Sealand Quality. mariners who are available to crew the U.S. means new jobs and job security for American Auto Carriers, Inc.—Liberty. OSG Shipholding Group, Inc.— Government-owned strategic sealift fleet, Seafarers.” Fidelio Limited Partnership—Patriot, Overseas Joyce, Maersk Rapier, Maersk as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Freedom, Takasago, Resolve, Otello and Regent and Maersk Richmond. in peace and war,” the agency pointed out. Seafarers Approve Constitutional Amendments Committee Announces Election Results; Michael Sacco Is Reelected President The SIU’s tallying committee who will serve four-year terms recently released its tabulation of (2005-2008): the ballots cast by union members
Michael Sacco, president; in the voting for national officers
John Fay, executive vice of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and president; Inland Waters District/NMU as
David Heindel, secretary- well as two constitutional amend- treasurer; ments. Voting took place Nov. 1 to
Augie Tellez, contracts and Dec. 31, 2004. contract enforcement vice Composed of 20 Seafarers president; (two members elected from each
Joseph Soresi, Atlantic of the SIU’s 10 constitutional Coast vice president; halls), the rank-and-file commit-
Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast Members of the tallying committee are pictured immediately after finishing their work last month at union tee certified the reelection of vice president; Michael Sacco as president of the headquarters, along with SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (far right) and SIU Assistant VP Ambrose
Nick Marrone, West Coast Cucinotta (standing second from left). Pictured from left to right are (front row) James Greenwood, Ernie SIU; reelection of John Fay as the vice president; Hoitt, Louella Sproul, David Merida, James Bening, (standing) John Cain, Cucinotta, Ed Tully, John Wozunk, union’s executive vice president;
Thomas Orzechowski, Charlie Welsh, Don Graves, Eddie Hall, Marshall Turner, Eric Hurt, Roger Reinke, Terry Mouton, Paul Weil, and reelection of David Heindel Southern Region, Great Terry Smith, Michael Gallagher, Dawn Williams, Pat Farley and Heindel. as secretary-treasurer. Each of Lakes and inland waters those candidates was unopposed. vice president;
James McGee, assistant vice mine the status of void or chal- Cain, from the port of Houston. The tallying committee’s
Kermett Mangram, president in charge of the lenged ballots. (In accordance Cain said he was genuinely report will be submitted for Government Services and Southern Region, Great with Article XIII of the union’s impressed with the committee’s approval by the membership at fishing industries vice presi- Lakes and inland waters; constitution, unopposed candi- diligence. “Everyone worked union meetings next month dent;
Chester Wheeler, assistant dates were considered elected to very hard throughout the week (March).
George Tricker, assistant vice president in charge of their respective positions once and no one complained, despite The committee reported that vice president in charge of Government Services and nominations closed and the mem- some long hours,” he stated. each of the two proposed constitu- contracts and contract fishing industries; bership approved the report of the Also serving on the committee credentials committee, which took tional amendments was approved enforcement;
Edward “Edd” Morris, were Paul Weil and Donald place last fall.) by overwhelming majorities. The
Nick Celona, assistant vice Piney Point port agent; Graves from Piney Point, James amendments concerned eligibility president in charge of the
In concluding the report, the Greenwood and James Bening Robert Selzer, New York committee wrote, “All of the requirements for running for Atlantic Coast; port agent; from Algonac, Ed Tully and union office, and the election of
members of the Committee wish Dawn Williams from Baltimore, Ambrose Cucinotta, assis-
Joseph Mieluchowski, to express their deep appreciation the credentials committee. tant vice president in charge Cain and Eddie Hall from Philadelphia port agent; for the cooperation and assistance Similarly, neither of the two of the Gulf Coast; Houston, and Terry Smith and
Georg Kenny, Baltimore given to us by the Union’s legal contested races for office was
Don Anderson, assistant vice Marshall Turner from Mobile. close. The committee reported the port agent; department and its technical and president in charge of the
Rounding out the committee election of the following officers, Ed Kelly, Mobile port clerical staff. Finally, the mem- West Coast; bers of the Union Tallying were Ernest Hoitt and David agent; Merida from New Orleans,
Steve Judd, New Orleans Committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobhold- Charles Welsh and Terry port agent; Mouton from New York, John
Tony McQuay, Houston port ers. We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that Wozunk and Pat Farley from agent; Philadelphia, Louella Sproul and
you will carry on the tradition of Vince Coss, San Francisco our Union and advance the Roger Reinke from San Fran- port agent; strength of the maritime industry.” cisco, and Eric Hurt and
Becky Sleeper, St. Louis The committee elected as Michael Gallagher from St. port agent; chairman Recertified Bosun John Louis.
Don Thornton, Algonac port agent. The committee met during the Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU week of Jan. 3 at the union’s head- hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21, 2005 quarters in Camp Springs, Md. to for the observance of Presidents Day receive the ballots from the bank where they were kept, count the (unless an emergency arises). Normal business Members of the tallying committee met last month at SIU headquarters votes in the contested races and hours will resume the following workday. in Camp Springs, Md. to tabulate ballots cast by union members. for the amendments, and deter- February 2005 Seafarers LOG 3 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:05 PM Page 4

Paul Hall Center’s Eglinton Named to National Maritime Security Committee The U.S. Department of been established to provide Company; Thomas E. Thompson, ronTexaco; and Robert R. Mer- Homeland Security last month advice to the Department of executive vice president, In- hige, III, deputy executive direc- announced the appointment of Homeland Security via the U.S. ternational Council of Cruise tor, Virginia Port Authority. individuals to serve on the Coast Guard on matters such as Lines; and John C. Dragone, vice Rounding out the group are National Maritime Security Ad- national maritime security strate- president, operating division, Jeffery Wayne Monroe, director visory Committee. Bill Eglinton, gy and policy, actions required to Maritrans Operating Company, of ports and transportation, director of training at the SIU- meet current and future security L.P. Portland, Maine; Lisa Himber, affiliated Paul Hall Center for threats, international cooperation Also named to the committee vice president, Maritime Ex- Maritime Training and Educa- on security issues, and security were Mary Frances Culnane, change for the Delaware River tion, was among those named to concerns of the maritime trans- manager, San Francisco Bay Area and Bay; Wade M. Battles, man- the group. portation industry as mandated by Water Transit Authority; Basil aging director, Port of Houston “On behalf of Secretary Ridge, the Maritime Transportation Maher, president and chief oper- Authority; John Hyde, security I am delighted to welcome these Security Act of 2002. ating officer, Maher Terminals; and compliance director, Maersk advisors to our team,” said Members of the committee Charles Raymond, chairman, Sealand Inc.; James Stolpinski, Bill Eglinton, director of training, Admiral Thomas H. Collins, are: Eglinton, who has extensive president, and CEO, Horizon president, Local 920, Inter- Paul Hall Center commandant of the Coast Guard. experience in domestic and inter- Lines; Alice K. Johnson, senior national Longshoremen’s Asso- “We look forward to working national forums pertaining to the supervisor, PPG Industries, Inc.; ciation; David Halstead, chief, with the committee to continue training and certification of Timothy J. Scott, global director, Florida Domestic Security and Victor Zaloom, professor and strengthening our efforts to pro- mariners; Christopher Louis emergency services and security, Preparedness, Florida Depart- chair of industrial engineering tect our ports and waterways Koch, president & CEO, World The Dow Chemical Company; ment of Law Enforcement; and director, engineering gradu- while keeping them open for Shipping Council; Joseph H. Mark Witten, senior regulatory Theodore Louis Mar, chief, ate programs and Center for Ports commerce.” Langjahr, vice president and gen- advisor, Gulf of Mexico Deep- marine safety branch, California and Waterways, Lamar Uni- The advisory committee has eral counsel, Foss Maritime water Business Unit, Chev- Department of Fish and Game; versity. Navy League President Praises Ready Reserve Force McNeill Sees Potential for Fleet’s Expanded Role as ‘National Asset’ Sheila M. McNeill, national worth billions of dollars. They described “only civilian organiza- Camden-Kings Bay Council, president of the Navy League of could be used in a variety of tion dedicated to supporting the Georgia state president and the United States, offered strong innovative ways to improve the sea services – the U.S. Navy, U.S. region president for the South support for the Ready Reserve security of the United States dur- Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Coast Region. Most Force (RRF) in a recent editorial. ing a terrorist alert, an actual and U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine.” recently, McNeill served as a Writing in the Navy League’s attack or in the event of a natural McNeill is the first woman to national vice president responsi- monthly magazine, SEAPOWER, disaster. For example, the Depart- serve as president of the organiza- ble for the organization’s legisla- McNeill described the RRF as “a ment of Homeland Security tion, which was founded in 1902. tive affairs activities. While serv- major element of our successes in might utilize some as medical She was elected in 2003 and has ing in that position, she aggres- recent conflicts.” She also sug- platforms for triage or emergency been a member since 1966. sively sought support on Capitol gested that the RRF “could have a care should there be another Her official bio notes that she Hill and made educating congres- broader role as a multipurpose attack or disaster on the scale of has served “at every leadership sional members about the sea ser- national asset able to serve addi- 9/11.” level including president of the vices her top priority.” tional agencies with a variety of As an example, McNeill point- missions.” ed out that the RRF includes 10 Created in 1976, the RRF is a crane ships “with unique capabil- key element of U.S. strategic ities.” They could be used to aug- sealift, according to the U.S. ment Homeland Security efforts Maritime Administration. The 59- Sheila M. McNeill is national “to search suspect ships at sea or vessel fleet “is specifically struc- president of the Navy League of in a remote anchorage having no tured to transport Army and the United States. shoreside facilities. A crane ship Marine Corps unit equipment and and companion barge carrier initial resupply for forces deploy- could come alongside, offload ing anywhere in the world during “That complex structure is no some containers and move others, the critical period before ade- barrier to success for the RRF facilitating a rapid and effective quate numbers of commercially ships, which met or exceeded search of the huge container ships available ships can be mar- most operational goals during that ply the world’s oceans.” shaled,” the agency noted. Iraqi Freedom,” McNeill contin- She concluded, “The feasibili- In her column, McNeill said ued. “The RRF in 2004 has met ty of this approach should be care- the RRF “is the nation’s premier its goal of 100 percent on-time fully assessed by the Maritime sealift readiness program…. The activation, for example, and Administration and the depart- successful operation of the RRF exceeded the goal that 95 percent ments of Defense and Homeland is a joint effort by government of ships be fully capable while Security before the RRF is dimin- agencies and industry. The pro- working for the MSC. The RRF’s ished further and its valuable gram is managed by the Maritime achievement: 99 percent.” assets are lost to the nation.” RRF vessels including the SIU-crewed Cape Texas (foreground) and Administration to fulfill the re- She pointed out that the pro- The Navy League is the self- Cape Taylor are good for America’s national and economic security. quirements of the U.S. Trans- gram is funded by the Navy and portation Command. The ships therefore faces “tremendous com- are operated by commercial com- petition for Navy funds. That Seamen’s House 2004 Awards panies and crewed by civilian makes a multi-agency assessment merchant mariners. When activat- all the more vital. The RRF was ed, they fall under the operational created long before 9/11 as a control of the Military Sealift Defense Department resource. It Command (MSC). comprises highly capable ships SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (center) presented the Prospect Park YMCA national President Tim Brown to a Seamen’s House 2004 Person MEBA, MM&P fifth term of office. The election, of the Year award to Edward conducted by a 90-day mail bal- R. Morgan (right), president Announce lot, concluded on Monday, Dec. and CEO of E-Ships. Joining them at the Dec. 8 event in 13 with the ballots counted that Election Results New York City is SIU VP same day. All other incumbent Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. The Marine Engineers’ Bene- MM&P officials were returned to E-Ships participates in the ficial Association (MEBA) and serve another term of office.” U.S. Maritime Security the International Organization of MEBA announced that its Program. The Seamen’s Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) members’ re-election of President House is a charity that benefits separately announced late last Ron Davis is “the first re-election mariners and retirees. year the results of elections of of a MEBA president in two officers for their respective decades…. All 14 candidates on unions. Davis’ MEBATEAM II ticket also MM&P reported that its mem- swept to victory following a 90- bers “elected incumbent Inter- day referendum.” 4 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/24/2005 8:47 PM Page 5

National Directive Addresses Port Security The administration last month Meanwhile, the House of Rep- Homeland Security for the past Nagle is president of the federal government has mandated released the long-awaited Nation- resentatives on Jan. 4 approved two years, and as a member of the American Association of Port security enhancements for marine al Security Presidential Directive the creation of a permanent stand- House Leadership for the past Authorities (AAPA). Noting that facilities, but has yet to adequate- which addresses port security. ing Committee on Homeland decade, is expected to chair the the program’s biggest problem is ly fund those mandates, creating According to the Congress- Security. new committee a lack of money to assist huge financial burdens on ports ional Information Bureau, the The move, described by some Elsewhere, Kurt Nagle on American seaports in paying for that have both security and eco- new plan provides a strategy Washington insiders as the most Jan.3, while responding to recent critical security measures, Nagle nomic consequences.” designed to coordinate federal, sweeping reorganization of news coverage about major man- said, “Like airports, protecting Ports already are spending state and local governmental Congressional jurisdiction since agement challenges facing the our seaports against terrorism more than $3 billion annually on efforts with those of the private 1947, follows the 9/11 Com- DHS, including the way the must be a top priority and a infrastructure improvements and sector ports aimed at securing mission’s recommendation that department has handled its Port shared responsibility between the operating expenses to keep pace container cargoes, while main- both the House and the Senate Security Grants Program, said the federal government, local public Continued on page 10 taining surveillance over U.S. ter- should create “a single, principal criticism “misses the mark.” ports and private industry. The ritorial waters. point of oversight and review for The nine-page directive (titled homeland security” across the Maritime Port Policy) mandates federal government. While that the Department of Homeland falling short of that sweeping rec- ‘Belated Thank You’ Legislation Security develop—in coordina- ommendation—which would tion with key maritime industry include all aspects of immigra- stakeholders—“minimum” feder- tion, Coast Guard, FBI and intel- Reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Filner al standards for maritime recov- ligence—the change to the House U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D- action taken on it came July 27 ery operations, as well as “com- Rules established a committee Calif.) early last month intro- when the Veterans’ Affairs prehensive” recovery standards with primary jurisdiction over duced a bill before the 109th Committee asked for executive for national infrastructure and a government-wide counterterror- Congress to amend title 46, comment. No further action was plan to complement those nation- ism policy, and primary jurisdic- United States Code, and title II of taken on the bill before the 108th al preparedness goals and stan- tion over the counterterrorism the Social Security Act. Congress adjourned last year, so dards already set forth in a previ- mission of the Department of The bill, H.R. 23, would pro- Filner reintroduced it as H.R. 23 ous national security directive. Homeland Security. vide benefits to certain individu- before the new Congress which According to sources within The new committee will have als who served in the United convened last month. the Departments of Defense, by far the most significant States Merchant Marine (includ- As reported earlier in the State, Treasury, Interior, Com- responsibility for homeland secu- ing the Army Transport Service Seafarers LOG, H.R. 3729 among merce and Transportation, each rity policy of any committee in and the Naval Transport Service) other things called for compensa- also will have roles in the recov- the House or Senate. House rules during World War II. Filner last tion of $1,000 per month for peo- ery standards initiative. The need surrendering primary jurisdiction year (Jan. 27, 2004) introduced ple in any service in harm’s for a policy regarding maritime over homeland security to the the same legislation before the way—including the U.S. Mer- U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.) recovery has been emphasized by new Homeland Security Com- 108th Congress. That bill, num- chant Marine—during the period industry leaders, who have said mittee on Jan. 4 were adopted by bered H.R. 3729 and titled the from Dec. 5, 1941 through Dec. recently that they were still in the the House of Representatives. “Belated Thank You to the 31, 1946, the same period as all gible to receive the same benefit dark about who would be in Rep. Christopher Cox (R- Merchant Mariners of World War other GI Bills. The bill also stipu- as the veteran. charge at the ports in the event of Calif.), who served as chairman II Act of 2004,” had more than lated that any surviving wife of a In official remarks to fellow a terrorist attack. of the Select Committee on 150 cosponsors. The last major qualified veteran also shall be eli- members of Congress in 2004, Filner noted, World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the second-highest casualty rate of Safe Drilling in ANWR any of the branches of services while they delivered troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and Still a Hot Topic in D.C. other needed supplies to every theater of the war. Compared to the large number of men and Policy Would Create Jobs women serving in World War II, The likelihood of opening the push to develop our vast oil the numbers of merchant Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s resources in the Arctic Refuge in mariners were small, but their (ANWR) coastal plain to oil a way that leaves the environment chance of dying during service drilling has improved in the wake pristine while stabilizing oil was extremely high. Enemy of the 2004 Presidential Elections. prices and enhancing our energy forces sank over 800 ships Recent press reports and independence.” between 1941 and 1944 alone. remarks by New Mexico Senator The senator continued, “I Filner further pointed out Pete Domenici indicate that the expect to receive instructions in U.S. Rep. Don Young U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski mariners weren’t included in the probability for the passage of pro- the Budget Resolution to report (R-Alaska) (R-Alaska) GI Bill of Rights, which drilling legislation is “looking ANWR language to the Budget Congress enacted in 1945. “The better than ever.” As reported ear- Committee by early May. I will merchant marine became the for- lier in the Seafarers LOG, open- fight on the Senate floor to keep gotten service,” he said. “The fact ing the 1002 Area of the coastal those instructions in the resolu- that merchant seamen had borne plain to responsible oil develop- tion and will fight again to defend arms during wartime in the ment is part of President Bush’s our legislation in the budget rec- defense of their country did not National Energy Plan. It is also a onciliation vote later this year. seem to matter.” policy that has a very reasonable “I am pleased by the strong Many WWII mariners finally chance of being supported by a support for an energy bill received veterans’ recognition in majority of Congress. expressed by the White House 1988, along with access to what Estimates vary, but opening and the House of Repre- Filner described as a “watered- the coastal plain to safe drilling sentatives. I was pleased to see down” GI Bill. It took another 10 years to extend the cutoff date for potentially would create any- Speaker Dennis Hastert earlier recognition of mariners as veter- where from 250,000 to more than today reaffirm the House’s com- ans so it matched the date utilized 700,000 jobs, according to the mitment to delivering an energy by the military. pro-exploration coalition Arctic bill the President this year. Amember of the U.S. House Power. Energy will clearly be a priority U.S. Senator Pete Domenici U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (R-N.M.) (R-Alaska) Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Domenici has identi- and we have already begun seri- Filner observed, “While it is fied drilling in the ANWR’s ous discussions about how we impossible to make up for over northeast corner as his first prior- will proceed,” Domenici con- 40 years of unpaid benefits, I pro- ity for the upcoming congression- cluded. chairmanship of the House approved by the House of pose a bill that will acknowledge al session. Domenici is the top Senator Lisa Murkowski (R- Transportation and Infrastructure Representatives during the past the service of the veterans of the Republican with authority over Alaska), a member of Domenici’s Committee. two congressional sessions as U.S. Merchant Marine and offer energy matters. Almost immedi- committee, also put ANWR Senator Ted Stevens (R- part of a national energy bill, but compensation for years and years ately after being re-elected to his drilling at the top of her list after Alaska), who did not face re-elec- the measure yielded to filibuster of lost benefits. The average age seat as chairman of the Senate being sworn into office Jan. 4. tion last year, has been chairman threats in the Senate. Last year of (World War II) merchant Energy and Natural Resources U.S. Rep. Don Young (R- of the Senate Commerce, Science the Senate fell short by two votes marine veterans is now 81. Many Committee for the 109th Congress Alaska) also was sworn into and Transportation Committee, to pass a comprehensive energy have outlived their savings. A on Jan. 4, the senator issued a office Jan.4 after an election in leaving his six-year chairmanship bill including an ANWR provi- monthly benefit to compensate press release promoting his strat- which he faced no significant of, but not his membership on, sion. Proponents of safe drilling for the loss of nearly a lifetime of egy for the 1.5 million-acre opposition. Young has served the Senate Appropriations hope that with the new wave of ineligibility for the GI Bill would coastal plain. Alaska in the House since a spe- Committee. Stevens has served in freshman senators, any ANWR be of comfort and would provide “This year will be a dynamic cial election in 1973 and now is the Senate since his appointment legislation will have an easier some measure of security for vet- year for the energy committee,” the third highest-ranking Repub- in 1968. time of making it to the presi- erans of the U.S. Merchant he said. “We are going to make a lican. In 2001, he gained the Drilling in the area was dent’s desk. Marine.” February 2005 Seafarers LOG 5 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:06 PM Page 6

SEAFARERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS aboard the cape ISLAND

Seafarers aboard the Cape Island spent the fall and early winter support- The SIU-crewed Cape Island is ing U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi part of the Ready Reserve Force. Freedom. Operated by Crowley, the SIU- crewed vessel last fall departed Texas carrying Army materiel and made sub- sequent stops in Spain and Crete before offloading in Kuwait. The ship brought back some cargo from the Middle East to Texas by way of Richards Bay, South Participating in a fire drill are (from left) SA Abdulsalam Mohamed, AB Africa. Peter Bean and Chief Cook Tracy Stewart. Thousands of SIU members have backed U.S. armed forces throughout the various phases of OIF. During the all-out combat phase, more than 7,000 American mariners sailed aboard hun- dreds of U.S.-flag ships in support of our troops. They executed what has been described by top government and military leaders as the most efficient sealift operation in history. That mission continues today, with dozens of U.S.-flag ships and several thousand mariners mobilized for OIF3. The Cape Island is part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). The roll-on/roll-off vessel is 685 feet long and has a beam of 102 feet. It can travel at 18.7 knots. SIU members sailing aboard the Cape Island at various junctures last fall and this winter included Bosun Stephen QMED James Donohue, QMED Ronnie Day Castle; ABs Mickey Earhart, Ed Plarisan, Fadhel 3rd Asst. Geoff Grossenbach, AB Mickey Earhart, Mohammed, Desta Gebrai, Robert Ellis, Fred QMED Eric Viera Shannon, Clifton Favorite, Andy Martinez, Alfred Martin, Peter Bean and Barry Ford; QMEDs Allen Ward, Clarence Scott, Ronnie Day, Eric Viera and James Donohue; QEE Antoine Jennings; Electrician Robert Rush; GUDE James Lewis; GVAs Reynaldo Downing, Daniel Gamboa, Shaun Castain and Felix Garcia; Chief Steward William Simmons; Chief Cook Tracy Stewart; and SAs Scott Gardner, Abdulsalam Mohamed, Shabain Hamid and Rafael Borja. Special thanks to Third Mate Ed McDonnell for providing the photos on this page as well as those of the Cape Island on Above: AB Desta Gebrai, page 1. Electrician Robert Rush

Right: SA Shabain Hamid

Left: Bosun Stephen Castle

SA Abdulsalam Mohamed, Chief Steward William Simmons, GUDE James Lewis

Pictured in Texas is some of the materiel picked up and transport- ed by the Cape Island.

Right: AB Alfred Martin

ABs Peter Bean and Ed Plarisan tend to the vessel in Kuwait. AB Clifton Favorite

AB Andy Martinez

Scrubbing the cargo holds are AB Andy Martinez (left) and GVA Shaun Castain.

Chief Cook Tracy Stewart 6 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:08 PM Page 7

SEAFARERS support our troops aboard the USNS WATKINS

The USNS Watkins is one of the SIU- Travis E. Watkins crewed ships that keeps the cargo moving in (1920-1950) was support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 (OIF3). awarded the Medal of The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off Honor posthumously (LMSR) vessel has just completed its 13th for his gallant leader- mission in the Middle East and is getting ship when an over- ready for the next voyage, according to Capt. whelming enemy force Kurt Kleinschmidt, himself a former member broke through and iso- of the Seafarers International Union. lated 30 men from his Operated by Maersk Line, Limited for the unit in Korea from Aug. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the vessel 31 to Sept. 3, 1950. stopped in Jacksonville, Fla. for supplies, A non-combatant training and a crew change before sailing to vessel, the USNS Savannah, Ga. and then to the Middle East. Watkins is the sixth in Bosun Henry Peterson, AB Manuel Davis, AB Greg Brunson and For Seafarers, OIF3 is the continuation of a the Watson class of AB Jesus Olbes understand the importance of their mission. patriotic duty that began with pre-war mobi- LMSRs. Its roll-on/roll- OS Nieves Nunez, lizations for the all-out combat phase of off design makes it SA Justino Martinez Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Bosun Henry ideal for transporting Peterson and the crew aboard the USNS helicopters, Watkins understand the importance of tanks and other wheeled and tracked mili- getting the cargo to U.S. military tary vehicles as well as combat service forces in Iraq. Both Bosun support gear. The ship has approxi- Peterson and AB Greg mately 390,000 square feet of Brunson have completed cargo carrying space. The USNS five full rotations on Watkins is 950 feet in length, board the vessel and has a beam of 105.8 feet and enjoy working with displaces approximately Captain Kleinschmidt, 62,000 long tons. The gas tur- who, they say, is very bine-powered ship is able to “crew-focused and crew sustain speeds of up to 24 oriented.” knots. Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt and AB Zack Sullivan keep busy in the days before departure. Peterson noted he is The photographs accompany- looking forward to the ing this article were taken by upcoming trip and is proud to Capt. Michael F. Finnigan, an SIU play an important part in supporting hawsepiper. As captain aboard the the troops. Working with him in the deck USNS Pomeroy, Finnigan recently sent department during the last voyage were photos to Brunson, AB Zack Sullivan, AB Manuel Davis, AB Jesus the LOG from that ves- H. Olbes, OS Nieves Nunez and OS Matthew Nunez. sel’s fifth trip in support (Davis, who came aboard the LMSR program as an OS, has of OIF (see October since upgraded at Piney Point and is now sailing as an AB.) 2004 of the Seafarers In preparation for the voyage, the steward department was LOG). kept very busy, according to Chief Steward Robert Ramirez. Ramirez, along with SA Jose Clotter and SA Justino Martinez and Chief Cook Alisha Prucnal keep the chow line stocked at all times for the crew, supercargo and security Right: QMED teams. Lloyd Marsh and st With decorations in place, the steward depart- Rounding out the crew are members of the engine depart- 1 Asst. Engineer ment is ready for the holidays. From the left are ment: QMED/Electrician James Demouy, QMEDs Eldon Baxter Hudson Chief Cook Alisha Prucnal, SA Justino Palmer, Keith Kowaleski and Lloyd Marsh and Wiper (AMO) chat Martinez, Chief Steward Robert Ramirez and Christian Ladner. about the upcom- ing trip. SA Jose Clotter. Like most of the other LMSRs, the USNS Watkins is named after a Medal of Honor recipient. Army Master Sgt.

Seafarers working in the engine depart- ment aboard the RO/RO vessel At left and below: include (from left) The USNS Electrician James Watkins was in Demouy, Wiper Jacksonville, Fla. Christian Ladner for approximately and QMED Eldon three weeks for Palmer. supplies, training and a crew change.

OS Matthew Nunez stands gangway watch aboard ship in Jacksonville.

AB Manuel Davis and AB Jesus Olbes

February 2005 Seafarers LOG 7 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:08 PM Page 8

SEAFARERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS aboard the WESTWARD VENTURE

The SIU-crewed Westward Venture recently loaded its cargo of military equipment and headed for Kuwait in support of the war effort in the Middle East. John Cooper, who sails as a DEU aboard the vessel, sent these photos to the LOG. The Westward Venture is one of five TOTE trailer- DEU John Cooper (right) poses with the U.S. Navy security guards ships operated by Interocean Army cargo headed for Kuwait is lined up at the docks in Corpus Christi, Texas aboard the Westward Venture en route to Kuwait. Ugland Management. for loading onto the trailership.

Military cargo takes up all the deck space on the ship. Having reached its destination, the cargo is dis- A trailer is loaded by crane onto the Westward Venture. charged in Kuwait. Holiday Festivities in The Port of Norfolk

AB Mike Warren (left) gets together with retired Above: Tosha Taylor, Joyce Calhoun and Bosun Bobby Riddick (center) and AB Bennie Darryl Jackson. Below: AB Thomas Morgan Spencer at the Norfolk holiday party. and his wife, Marie.

Christmas Day came a week early at the Norfolk, Va. hall, as more than 100 Seafarers, pensioners, family members and guests joined in on the festivities Dec. 18. The party was a time for rejoicing, reminiscing and enjoying a wonderful holiday meal, catered by Steward/Baker Army Joe Leake. Christmas on the LNG Capricorn Thanks to DEU John Cooper for sending the SIU VP Kermett Mangram (left) and Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny chat with some of the SIU mem- LOG the photos accom- bers and their guests. Steward/Baker panying this feature. Army Joe Leake catered the holi- day party.

DEU John Cooper (left) poses with James Burke. Cooper sent these photos to the LOG.

The steward department on the LNG Capricorn really did them- selves proud in preparing a mouth-watering holiday meal for their fellow crew members. From the left are Chief Steward Dana Cunningham, SA Tommy Cyrus, Chief Cook Udjang Nurdjaja, SA Enno Kok and SA Syed Murtaza. OMU Hugh S. Woods 8 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:09 PM Page 9

cation and Watchkeeping complete seafarer training; some (STCW) for Seafarers. Countries may only provide a limited range IMO Issues Updated ‘White List’ appearing on the list have been of schooling. The committee also found by the IMO to be fully and pointed out that since the updated completely compliant with white list was not released until For STCW Convention Compliance STCW stipulations. Dec. 10, mariners from some of The IMO, however, advised the new countries on the list—for The International Maritime Security issues and bulk carri- “white list” of countries that have maritime administrations, ship- practical reasons—might not yet Organization’s (IMO) Maritime er safety concerns dominated the fulfilled requirements set forth in owners, ship operators and man- possess certificates with updated Safety Committee from Dec.1-10 crammed agenda. Among other the provisions of the amended agers, ship masters and other par- STCW endorsements. Countries conducted its 79th session at IMO items, a highlight of the session International Convention on ties concerned that not all coun- on the update white list are as fol- headquarters in London. was the release of the updated Standards of Training, Certifi- tries appearing on the list provide lows:

Algeria Comoros Ghana Lithuania Panama South Africa Uruguay Antigua and Barbuda Côte d’Ivoire Greece Luxembourg Papua New Guinea Spain Vanuatu Argentina Croatia Honduras Madagascar Peru Sri Lanka Venezuela Australia Cuba Hungary Malaysia Philippines Sweden Viet Nam Azerbaijan Cyprus Iceland Maldives Poland Switzerland Yugoslavia Bahamas Czech Republic India Malta Portugal Syrian Arab Republic Bahrain Democratic People.s Indonesia Marshall Islands Qatar Thailand *Includes: Hong Kong, Bangladesh Republic of Korea Ireland Mauritius Republic of Korea Tonga China (Associate Barbados Denmark** Islamic Republic of Iran Mexico Romania Trinidad & Tobago Member to the IMO) Belgium Dominica Italy Micronesia (Federated Russian Federation Tunisia **Includes: Faroe Islands Belize Ecuador Israel States of) Saint Vincent and the Turkey (Associate Member to the IMO) Brazil Egypt Jamaica Morocco Grenadines Tuvalu Brunei Darussalam Estonia Japan Mozambique Samoa Ukraine ***Includes: Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Bulgaria Ethiopia Jordan Myanmar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates ****Includes: The Cook Canada Fiji Kiribati Netherlands*** Senegal United Kingdom***** Islands Cape Verde Finland Kuwait New Zealand**** Singapore United Republic of *****Includes: Isle of Chile France Latvia Nigeria Slovak Republic Tanzania Man, Bermuda, China* Georgia Lebanon Norway Slovenia United States of Cayman Islands, Colombia Germany Liberia Pakistan Solomon Islands America Gibraltar

Notice Editor’s note: The following SAB action was put in place to help ensure sufficient crewing of SIU-con- Top MarAd Official Resigns tracted U.S. military support ships for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta last month SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD their tours of duty shall be scheduled at announced the resignation of 5201 Auth Way approximately a two-to-one employment ratio U.S. Maritime Administrator Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 with time on off no less, or as close to seven- Capt. William G. Schubert, effec- Action Number 426 ty-five (75) days and no more, or as close to tive Feb. 12. one hundred twenty (120) days of employment The deputy administrator of Effective: December 9, 2004 between periods of time off of no less, or as the Maritime Administration, close to thirty (30) days and no more, or as John Jamian, will assume the role The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and close to sixty days (60) of time off. Work of acting maritime administrator pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement schedules may be modified subject to the ves- during the White House selection between the Union and the various Contracted sel’s operational necessities, and as mutually process for a new administrator. Employers, hereby takes the following action. agreed to between the Union and the According to the Trans- WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has rec- Company. Transportation expenses for the sea- portation Department, Schubert ognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule man requesting a relief and the seaman pro- plans to pursue private-sector adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate viding a relief shall be borne by the opportunities in his hometown, supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard Company.” Houston. various U.S. flagged fleets; and It is the intent of this amendment to allow for Mineta praised Schubert’s WHEREAS, the Union acknowledges the an unlimited amount of days allotted for tours of accomplishments and service to With the resignation of Capt. importance proper manning plays in the successful duty. The maximum sixty (60) days off will still be the nation during a three-year William Schubert (above) as operation of these vessels; and in effect. tenure. head of the U.S. Maritime Ad- WHEREAS, because of the recent military ves- AMEND Rule 5 A. (14) (r) (4) and 5 A. (14) (t) “Bill brought real-life mar- ministration, John Jamian (below) sel activations the Shipping Rules need to be (4) quoted below shall be eliminated. itime experiences directly to his assumes the role of acting mar- itime administrator. amended by allowing extended tours of duty for Rule 5 A. (14) (r) (4) job as administrator and he has unlicensed personnel above entry rating to ensure “Seamen possessing Class “B” employment been a tremendous asset to the that every unlicensed billet is filled. seniority employed above the Entry Level department,” Mineta said. “He NOW THEREFORE, the Seafarers Appeals aboard tanker class vessels in the domestic was a strong advocate of the Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective trades upon mutual consent may request a nation’s vital maritime trans- Bargaining Agreement between the Union and var- relief of forty-five (45) days upon completion portation system.” ious Contracted Employers hereby amends and of no less than ninety (90) days employment.” Schubert managed a large- enforces the Shipping Rules to provide for the fol- Rule 5 A. (t) (4) scale activation of the Maritime lowing. “Seamen possessing Class “B” employment Administration’s Ready Reserve AMEND Rule 5 A. (14) (a) quoted below, shall seniority employed above the Entry Level Force in support of Operations be modified by eliminating the maximum period of may request a relief of forty-five (45) days Iraqi Freedom and Enduring employment of one hundred twenty (120) days. upon completion of no less than ninety (90) Freedom. He also negotiated a “The following specified ratings enumerated days of employment. Such relief will only be maritime agreement between the in this subsection (a), possessing Class “A” provided in a domestic port and subject to the United States and China, Mineta seniority, upon completing a tour of duty vessels operational necessities.” added. aboard a specified vessel of no less, or as close It is the intent of this amendment to discontin- SIU President Michael Sacco to, seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as ue reliefs for seaman with “B” seniority employed described Schubert as “a dedicat- close to, one hundred twenty (120) days, shall above Entry Rating. ed fighter for the U.S.-flag mer- be designated as having permanent status for AMEND Rule 10 A. “Special or Emergency chant fleet.” such vessel and shall request a relief of no less, Provisions” as quoted below shall be fully or as close to, thirty (30) and no more, or as enforced. close to, sixty (60) days depending on the ves- “During any period of emergency, unlicensed sels schedule of operations, upon the vessel’s seamen possessing Class “B” or “C” seniority, Notice/Reminder arrival at a port in the Continental United who are in the Entry Rating Department and Tankerman Assistant DL Endorsement States or Puerto Rico or other mutually agreed who have adequate seatime to make applica- to port. Subsequent tours aboard the vessel for tion for endorsement in Group II rating or rat- Don’t let your tankerman assistant DL endorsement expire! If you permanent personnel shall be between seven- ings in the Deck or Engine Department and ty-five (75) and one hundred twenty (120) Group II ratings in the Steward Department, sail on tankers, you may renew your tankerman assistant DL days duration as agreed by the seaman and the shall not be registered for shipping unless they endorsement at a U.S. Coast Guard regional exam center (REC) by company at time of their sign-on for each tour. make application for and expeditiously com- showing your discharges from a tanker (reflecting a year of sea ser- Transportation expenses for the seaman ply with the requisite rules to secure such vice in the previous five years) and by showing a letter indicating requesting a relief and the seaman providing a Group II endorsement or endorsements in the your involvement in two loadings or discharges. relief shall be borne by the Company.” Deck and Engine Departments and Group II If you haven’t sailed on tankers in the last five years, you must It is the intent of this amendment to allow for ratings in the Steward Department in accor- successfully complete a Coast Guard-approved tanker assistant DL an unlimited amount of days allotted for tours of dance with the training programs instituted at duty. The maximum sixty (60) days off will still be the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of course, such as the two-week curriculum offered at the Paul Hall in effect. Seamanship.” Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in AMEND Rule 5 A. (14) (r) (2) and 5 A. (14) (t) The remainder of this section shall also remain order to secure the tankerman assistant DL endorsement. (2) quoted below by eliminating the two-to-one in full force and effect. Also, remember that in order to have the tankerman assistant DL time off ratio and maximum period of employment endorsement noted on an STCW certificate, that endorsement must of one hundred twenty (120) days. This SAB action shall remain in full force and appear as current on the mariner’s z-card. “During the specific period of employment, effect until modified by future SAB action.

February 2005 Seafarers LOG 9 Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/24/2005 8:49 PM Page 10

Port Security Addressed Runaway-Flag Grounding in Alaska Continued from page 5 ships. The program is being delayed, in large part because: with rapidly increasing world
Officials had difficulty Triggers Federal Investigation trade. Without adequate federal obtaining timely approval to pro- Apreliminary criminal investigation into the help for security enhancements, ceed with the prototype test;
grounding last month of the cargo ship Selendang Nagle said that ports will be Extra time was required to Ayu in Alaska has been launched by federal agents. forced to spend money on securi- identify data to be collected for a According to The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, at ty instead of capital improve- cost-benefit analysis; and
least one FBI agent and two Coast Guard criminal ments, likely resulting in a sys- Additional work was investigators—with an assist from an En- tem unable to handle the expect- required to assess card technolo- vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigator ed growth in trade volumes and gies. —are trying to determine whether criminal negli- causing enormous impacts on The agency still lacks an gence contributed to the disaster, which resulted in America’s economy. approved comprehensive project six deaths and a major fuel oil spill. Salvage crews “Ensuring adequate security plan and has yet to identify eligi- are on the lookout for engineroom records that still against terrorism is important for bility requirements for the ID might be aboard the rear end of the vessel, which as all ports, large and small,” card. of mid-January was grounded on rocks and being remarked Nagle, reiterating his In the congressional arena, pounded by heavy seas. position that the problem is a several maritime security-related As reported earlier in the Seafarer’s LOG, the matter of funding. bills last month were introduced:
72,000-ton runaway-flag bulk carrier, with crew Ports handle 95 percent of H.R. 91, introduced by members from India and the Philippines, on Dec. 8 America’s overseas cargoes and Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R- was transporting grain to the Far East but also was serve as departure points for an N.J.), would authorize the carrying 470,000 gallons of its own fuel when the estimated 10 million cruise pas- Secretary of Homeland Security vessel ran aground. According to Coast Guard and sengers annually. They also help to make grants to first respon- news reports, the ship lost power Dec. 7, but its cap- enable deployment of U.S. mili- ders, and for other purposes.
tain didn’t notify the U.S. Coast Guard for 13 hours. tary vessels, personnel and cargo H.R. 163, sponsored by Owned by Singapore-based IMC Group, the Unified Command photo to support U.S. troops overseas. Rep. Juanita Millender- Malaysian-flag ship drifted in 35-foot seas and gust- This photo from Dec. 19 shows the bow and stern In another development, the McDonald (D-Calif.), would ing winds up to 60 miles per hour. Most of the crew sections of the 378-foot runaway-flag freighter Government Accountability amend title 46 USC, to direct the members were rescued via helicopter, but during a Selendang Ayu near Skan Bay. Office (GAO) in December Secretary of Homeland Security subsequent attempt to lift the remaining mariners, issued a report stating that better to carry out an empty shipping the helicopter crashed. The three helicopter crew planning is needed to develop container sealing pilot program members and a 24-year-old cadet from the ship charge of oil. Several of the violations were brought and operate the maritime worker to encourage shipping container were rescued by another Coast Guard helicopter. to the attention of the Coast Guard or the identification card program. handlers to seal empty boxes Six mariners—none of whom was wearing a sur- Environmental Protection Agency by company The Maritime Transportation after they have unpacked them, vival suit—were not found. whistle-blowers, and they involved attempts by Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and for other purposes. shipowners to cover up oil discharges.
The federal criminal investigation at hand is the requires the Transportation H.R. 173, also introduced third inquiry focused on this catastrophe. The Prosecutions of illegal oil discharges are based Security Administration (TSA) to by Millender-McDonald, is National Transportation Safety Board is also is on the federal Clean Water Act, which can be issue a worker ID card that uses intended to prevent and respond investigating the grounding, and the Coast Guard enforced by EPA civil action and citizen lawsuits as biometrics to control access to to terrorism and crime at or has appointed a board to investigate the helicopter well as criminal prosecution. Prosecution is secure areas in ports and on through ports. crash. reserved for severe cases, according to environmen- The Justice Department has prosecuted a number tal organizations. The maximum penalty for a first of foreign-flag cargo shipowners and officers in conviction for negligence is a year in prison and a Merck Voluntarily Withdraws VIOXX Alaska, Washington and Oregon for illegal dis- $25,000 fine for each day of the violation. Based on new safety data from a three-year clinical study, Merck & Co., Inc., the manufacturer of VIOXX®, has elected to voluntarily with- to the hospital. draw this product from the U.S. and worldwide market. Results from the Seafarer Helps in Phuket I asked what they needed. All study show an increased risk for cardiovascular problems such as heart their passports and money were in attack and stroke in patients taking the drug compared to those taking a Continued from page 2 north of Patong, walking on the a safe in their hotel room, which placebo. All dosage strengths and formulations of the drug are affected beach, when they were slammed luckily was on the second floor. by this voluntary withdrawal. freaked out big time. up on the rocks and then dragged The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which was informed of the I told them I would go and So I got up and asked her to sit out to sea. They still have not check it out. I found the hotel, and decision along with physicians and pharmacists, recommends that down with me and explain exact- found their father. Mom started patients who currently are taking VIOXX® contact their physicians to dis- it was in the major damage zone. ly what she needed. She said she crying but neither child did. They There was a guard at the cuss discontinuing use of the product. A number of alternative medica- was Swedish, her children were looked numb. They have family tions are available and may be prescribed at that time. makeshift gate, several over- English and the whole family was members arriving tonight to take Merck has established a program to directly reimburse all patients for turned cars on the grounds plus washed out to sea about a two- their unused VIOXX® tablets or oral suspension. Patients who return all them home. furniture, etc. Totally full of junk. or any portion of their prescription in its original container in accordance hour drive north of Phuket. They I had seen a pizza place close I found out all the safes were put with the instructions from the National Notification Center will receive a were staying on the beach in a by so I asked if they would like in one room with a guard in front. full refund of the price paid as reflected on their pharmacy receipt. You bungalow that was sucked out to one. The birthday girl smiled. So I We called the hospital, and the may call the center at 1-800-805-9542. Upon calling, Merck will send you sea. Her husband had drowned; went and got them a big pizza and Swiss family was very glad to a return kit that will include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope and they found his body last night. ate it with them. know all their stuff was OK. instructions regarding how to send back your unused product. They had only the clothes on In the next room there were At the Patong hospital there’s a Additional information regarding the withdrawal of VIOXX® may be their backs. She said the Swedish four people from Switzerland. huge tent set up with hundreds of obtained from Merck at either 1-888-368-4699 or on the web at officials were telling her she had Dad and mom were in their 70s, phones to call anywhere in the www.merck.com or www.vioxx.com. The Food and Drug Administration to deal with the English. Her and their son and his wife were world for free. A young couple also has information available at 1-888-463-6332 or at daughter needed help, and maybe in their 40s. The younger from Germany came up to me and www.fda.gov/cder. nobody would give it. I calmed wife was hurt the worst. She had asked if I knew where they could her down, got her some ice water had surgery on her legs. Her hus- help. They were pre-med students and told her to sit with her kids. I band was bandaged up and and had just flown in from SIU Supports Tsunami Relief told her I would do her yelling for bruised, as were mom and dad. Germany. They had not even her. They were eating breakfast a operating rooms, but the focus of found a room yet, and the first Continued from page 2 There was an embassy phone block off Patong Beach when the place they went was somewhere care for its tsunami mission was list, and I called the English con- first wave hit and shoved them graphic surveys of the ocean bot- on patients suffering from illness to help. I suggested Phuket sulate and told them the story. through the restaurant into the International Hospital, as I had tom where the 9.0 magnitude or infection. They sent a very nice woman street. Then they were dragged earthquake occurred. The USNS heard earlier they needed blood Also participating in the relief from the office in Bangkok. She down the street when the wave Mary Sears and the USNS John badly but didn’t have enough effort was the MarAd-owned and was very helpful and said she went back out to sea. Then the big McDonnell sailed from Sasebo, SIU-crewed auxiliary crane ship trained people to draw it. would take care of all the passport one came in. Japan. Cornhusker State. A 610-foot They said they could do that, issues for both countries. They were all split up, swim- The San Diego-based hospital long platform, the Cornhusker so I got them the address and off So that made my day right ming and trying to grab onto any- ship USNS Mercy—crewed by State is part of MarAd’s civilian- they went. there. It was still so very sad, as members of the SIU’s crewed Ready Reserve Force. thing. The older man grabbed I guess disasters bring out the her kids had the thousand-yard Government Services Division As of press time for the something but was shocked by best in people, and I saw it all day. —set sail Jan. 5 for the devastat- Seafarers LOG, the unofficial stare. In major shock. some electric wires. He still held I saw 40 to 50 tourists making ed region. death toll from the tsunami had I went back to my table and on, and Mom grabbed him. Their piles of broken-up furniture and The ship’s hospital facility ini- surpassed more than 226,000. looked at the patient list and children were slammed about a destroyed boats. There are tourists tially was staffed to support 250 Various government agencies’ wrote down room numbers to see block down the street, banging on the streets collecting money patient beds; however, that num- lists included death tolls of what any of them needed. into floating cars and motorbikes. and clothes. ber could be expanded up to 166,320 in Indonesia, 38,000 in One room I visited had a The son saw a boat, jumped I fly out to Bangkok on 1,000 with additional medical Sri Lanka, more than 5,300 in woman lying in bed, a daughter onto it and floated off. When the Thursday. Now I almost wish I staff, if necessary. Equipment and Thailand and 16,383 in India. all bandaged up on a cot and a son water receded they all found each was staying, as these people in the supplies were available on the There had been 137 deaths in a cast on another bed. They other and carried the daughter hospitals were so glad just to talk vessel to treat a wide variety of recorded in East Africa, 74 each were from Norway, and it was the down the street and waited for with someone. I gave my card to patients from young children to in Malaysia and the Maldives, 59 girl’s 13th birthday. I asked them help. An American doctor drove most of them, and I think I have the elderly. The Mercy has 12 in Burma and two in Bangladesh. where they had been. Kamala Bay up in a huge Jeep and took them some e-mail friends for life. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:09 PM Page 11

EDUCATION: What’s in It for Me? Let’s face it: The work in our industry is getting more complicated all the time. Just think about all the new things we’ve seen happen in the last few years . . .

new Coast Guard regulations, including STCW requirements
bigger and more sophisticated ships, boats, tugs and barges
new requirements for ratings and licenses

If you’re going to have job security, you’ve got to keep up with the industry!

That’s what the Paul Hall Center is for—to give those of us working in the deck, engine and steward departments the skills needed to get ahead in our jobs and earn more money.

he Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., is the Tlargest training facility for unlicensed deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States. Its program includes:

Unlicensed Apprentice mariner as an individual, so every Program. This curriculum pro- student learns what he or she needs 1vides men and women who to know to get ahead. Upgrading at have no maritime experience with the Paul Hall Center is an efficient the basic skills they will need to way to help a seafarer get a better serve aboard U.S-flag ships or tugs job, earn more money and have job and towboats. It builds manpower security. for our industry and helps mariners enjoy the benefits of union member- ship. Academic Education. It can be really difficult to pass a Coast 3Guard exam if you have trouble Upgrading. The Paul Hall with reading or mathematics. The Center has courses for every academic program at the Paul Hall 2unlicensed rating in our indus- Center helps students learn these try, plus a course of study for those skills. You can even earn a high pursuing a license. The instructors school diploma or an associate of at the school work with each applied science degree.

Education is one way your union helps all Seafarers get a bigger piece of the pie—better jobs, more security, better pay. To find out which courses currently are scheduled at the Paul Hall Center, turn to page 21.

February 2005 Seafarers LOG 11 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:36 PM Page 12

N F 2 Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2004 and $30,338 ($31,338 if married filing jointly), or 2005 from the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, and the  You do not have a qualifying child and you earned less than American Job Creation Act of 2004: $11,490 ($12,490 if married filing jointly). TUITION AND FEE DEDUCTION —Individual may be The maximum amount of investment income you can have able to deduct up to $4,000 if adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is not and still get the earned income credit has increased to $2,650. more than $65,000 ($130,000 if married filing jointly), or deduct STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNT INCREASED — The T up to $2,000 if AGI is higher than that limit but not more than standard deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing jointly). on Schedule A of Form 1040 is, in most cases, higher for 2004 CHILD TAX CREDIT —Taxpayers with a credit amount than it was for 2003. The amount depends on your filing status, more than their tax could get a refund of the difference, up to 10 whether you are 65 or older or blind, and whether an exemption percent of the amount by which their 2004 taxable earned income can be claimed for you by another taxpayer. The basic standard exceeds $10,750. This percentage was raised to 15 percent for deduction amounts for 2004 are: 2004, meaning a larger refund for many of these taxpayers.  Head of household — $7,150 COMBAT PAY — Some military personnel receiving combat  Married taxpayers filing jointly and S pay get larger tax credits because of two law changes. The new qualifying widow(er)s — $9,700 law counts excludable combat pay as income when figuring the  Married taxpayers filing separately — $4,850 Child Tax Credit and gives the taxpayer the option of counting or  Single — $4,850 ignoring combat pay as income when figuring the Earned Income EXEMPTION —The amount you can deduct for each exemp- Tax Credit. Counting combat pay as income when calculating tion has increased from $3,050 in 2003 to $3,100 in 2004. You these credits does not change the exclusion of combat pay from lose all or part of the benefit of your exemptions if your adjusted standard deduction, or dollar amount that standard mileage rate or taxable income. gross income is above a certain amount. The amount at which the reduces the amount that is taxed, has cost. On the tax return d SALES TAX DEDUCTION —Taxpayers who itemize deduc- phaseout begins depends on your filing status. For 2004, the increased for most people (see box on this year, the IRS is accepting tions will have a choice of claiming a state and local tax deduction phaseout begins at: page). Because of this increase, it may be to rate of 37.5 cents per mi for either sales or income taxes on their 2004 and 2005 returns.  $107,025 for married persons filing separately, an individual’s benefit to take the standard ven in 2004. Parking fee The IRS will provide optional tables for use in determining the  $142,700 for single individuals, deduction amount, relieving taxpayers of the need to save receipts  $178,350 for heads of household, and deduction this year even if that person has added when using the sta throughout the year. Sales taxes paid on motor vehicles and boats  $214,050 for married persons filing jointly and qualifying itemized deductions in the past. If using actual expenses may be added to the table amount, but only up to the amount paid widow(er)s with dependent children. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2004, be available on all operati at the general sales tax rate. Taxpayers will check a box on INCOME LIMITS INCREASED FOR HOPE AND LIFE- personal interest cannot be deducted. the vehicle, including i Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, to indicate whether their deduc- TIME LEARNING CREDITS —For 2004, the amount of your Personal interest includes interest on car taxes, licenses, maintena tion is for sales or income taxes. HOPE or Lifetime Learning Credit is phased out (gradually loans, credit cards, personal loans and tax ciation, gas, oil, tolls and CLEAN FUEL VEHICLE DEDUCTION —Federal tax law reduced) if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is deficiencies. In either the standard m allows individuals to claim a deduction for the incremental cost of between $42,000 and $52,000 ($85,000 and $105,000 if you file a actual cost method of buying a motor vehicle that is propelled by a clean-burning fuel. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: joint return). You cannot claim an education credit if your MAGI Interest paid on mortgages or investments is expenses, accurate recor The clean-burning fuel deduction is up to $2,000 for certified is $52,000 or more ($105,000 or more if you file a joint return). The IRS recommends ke vehicles first put into service in 2004 and 2005. The one-time 100 percent deductible. MODIFIED AGI LIMIT FOR TRADITIONAL IRA CON- diary listing all expense deduction must be taken in the year the vehicle is originally used. TRIBUTIONS INCREASED — For 2004, if you are covered by Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, Only work-related expen The IRS certified the Toyota Prius for model years 2001, 2002, a retirement plan at work, your deduction for contributions to a including working dues, are deductible only by an employer can be cl 2003, 2004 and 2005. The IRS also previously certified the Honda traditional IRA will be reduced (phased out) if your modified if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross Insight for model years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the Deducting Work-Rela adjusted gross income (AGI) is: income. If they do, only the portion over the Honda Civic Hybrid for model years 2003 and 2004. Traveling: Workers in  More than $65,000 but less than $75,000 for a married couple 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions DEDUCTION FOR DISCRIMINATION SUIT COSTS —A allowed a special rate on filing a joint return or a qualifying widow(er), have never been deductible. new deduction is available for those who pay attorney’s fees and of $41 per day in the co  More than $45,000 but less than $55,000 for a single individ- Club Dues Deduction: No deduction is per- court costs in connection with discrimination suits. Taxpayers can $46 per day outside th mitted for club dues; however, dues paid to take the new deduction whether they itemize or not. The deduc- ual or head of household, or Otherwise the IRS standa  professional or public service organizations tion cannot exceed the amount included in income for the year on Less than $10,000 for a married individual filing a separate is generally $31. In some are deductible for business reasons. account of a judgment or settlement resulting from the discrimi- return. and in Hawaii and Alaska nation claim. Generally, personal legal expenses are not STUDENT LOAN INTEREST DEDUCTION —Final regu- Deductions Subject to 2 Percent of ferently. Travel expense deductible, but an employee who incurs legal expenses related to lations, issued May 7, 2004, changed the rules for deducting stu- Adjusted Gross Income: These include can only be deducted if doing or keeping his job could deduct these expenses on Schedule dent loan interest. The changes apply to interest due and paid after investment advisory fees, trustee’s adminis- one’s work and if they h A as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. However, under The December 31, 1997, on qualified student loans. The 60-day safe trative fees, legal expenses that are paid to bursed from any other so American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, an individual with legal fees harbor for disbursing loan proceeds used to pay qualified educa- produce taxable income, unreimbursed tion expenses has been increased to 90 days before and 90 days There has been a rece and court costs arising from a discrimination suit may deduct the employee expenses, safe deposit box rental (Johnson v. Comm. 1 costs directly from income on the front of the tax return; this is after the academic period to which the expenses relate. The person and tax preparation fees. legally obligated to make interest payments on a student loan may where a merchant seama known as an above-the-line deduction. Deducting Work-Related Expenses: be able to deduct interest payments on that loan made by someone deduction for the full M EARNED INCOME CREDIT —The maximum amount of Expenses associated with a seaman’s work else (third party). court ruled that in situatio income taxpayer can earn and still get the credit has increased. may be considered tax deductible. However, provided at no cost, the You may be able to take the credit if: MAILING TAX RETURN —IRS has changed the filing loca- no expense can be deducted for which a sea- rate allowable as an item  You have more than one qualifying child and you earned less tion for several areas. If you received an envelope with your tax man has been reimbursed by the employer. limited to $3 (in the con than $34,458 ($35,458 if married filing jointly), package, please use it. Otherwise, see Where do you file? on the Travel to the union hall to register or travel rates ranging from $1 to  You have one qualifying child and you earned less than back cover of the filing instructions. to the union’s designated medical facility to In lieu of these rates, to t take the required physical and drug tests are receipts, a higher deducti T P Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 examples of expenses which are work-relat- allowed. T R correct. becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. ed but not reimbursed by the company. Limit on Itemized Ded Members of the galley crew may deduct the Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form itemized deductions may Fast Refund: costs of knives and other equipment they Step 1. Get all records together. 1040 is not considered a valid return unless viduals earning more tha personally own but use when on a ship per-
Income Records. These include any signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint Taxpayers are able to request direct eral adjusted gross inco forming their work duties. The purchase of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. return. deposit of their tax refunds by filling out married and filing separa
Itemized deductions and tax credits. lines 72b, 72c and 72d on their Form 1040. work-related clothing and other gear, as Step 6. Attach all required forms and Earned Income Cred
Medical and dental payment records. Line 72b is for the bank’s routing number. long as it is truly for work and not paid for
schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, Line 72c indicates the type of account, and by the employer, are likely to be considered earned income credit (E Real estate and personal property tax W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form line 72d is the taxpayer’s account number at tax-deductible. certain individuals who h receipts. 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms and meet certain adjus
Interest payment records for items such behind Form 1040 in order of the attach- the bank. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: When tax returns are filed electronically, thresholds. For tax year 2 as a home mortgage or home equity ment sequence number. If tax is owed, Use of a personally-owned automobile in does not have to have a loan. a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, attach the payment to the front of Form work-related travel can result in deductible be eligible for this credit i
Records of payments for child care so an or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original expenses. Two methods can be used to com- are met. Different cred individual could work. only). Write name, address, phone number, a savings or checking account. For a charge, pute automobile expenses—either listing a Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or pub- Social Security number and form number many professional tax return preparers offer lications necessary to assist in filing the on your check or money order. Payment also electronic filing in addition to their return T G I return. IRS Publication 17 entitled “Your can be made by credit card. You may use preparation services. If an individual pre- Federal Income Tax for Individuals” is the American Express, Discover, Visa or Master pared his or her own return, a preparer or General Information: p most comprehensive guide the agency has cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free transmitter in their area can file the return issued this year. Most IRS offices and many number 1-800-272-9829 or 1-729-1040 or 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. “ electronically. For a list of who can file a tax IRS staff answer questions 24 hours a day. a local banks, post offices and libraries have visit websites www.officialpayments.com or return electronically in any given area, call publications designed to provide individuals www.pay1040.com. There is a fee charged the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, Publications: a with information on correctly filing tax based on the amount you are paying. returns. Also, you may access the IRS web and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year site at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: forms, instructions and publications. a A C and publications. Cents may be rounded off to the nearest Walk-In Help: P whole dollar on the tax return and sched- A C Step 3. Fill in the return. ules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices Personal Exemption Amount: The deduc- around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be d D tion for each exemption—for the individual, answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS to his or her spouse and dependents has office, look in the phone book under “United States l This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, increased to $3,100 per person. In 2004, the Government, Internal Revenue Service.” a there are additional standard deductions ($950 for a married person or “spouse” or $1,200 exemption deduction for high income tax- y for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,100. Telephone Help: payers may be reduced or eliminated if their h adjusted gross income exceeds certain The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Filing Status Standard Deduction n threshold amounts. A child cannot claim an Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publi- Single...... $4,850 exemption on his or her return or qualify for cations covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. S Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) a higher education credit if the child’s par- The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax informa- with dependent children...... $9,700 ents claim a dependency exemption for their tion covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s d Married filing separate return ...... $4,850 child. Head of household ...... $7,150 automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone I Standard Deduction Has Increased: The 12 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:36 PM Page 13

are subject to income limitations. The the federal tax return, the following kinds of A T T phaseout of the credits begins for single tax- income must be reported: payers when modified AGI reaches
Jones Act settlements for lost wages. Should Seafarers find themselves over- $42,000, and completely phase out when
Amounts received in place of wages seas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, modified AGI reaches $52,000. For joint fil- from accident and health plans (includ- U.S. embassies and consulates are ers, the phaseout range is $85,000 to ing sick pay and disability pensions) if equipped to provide some taxpayer-relat- $105,000. The HOPE and Lifetime employer paid for the policy. ed services. At a minimum, IRS forms are Learning Credit are not available to taxpay-
Life insurance proceeds from a policy available at all U.S. embassies and con- ers married filing separately. In 2004, the cashed in if the proceeds are more than sulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Lifetime Learning Credit will be $2,000. the premium paid. Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be
Canceled debts
Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid State income tax refunds Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo,
for qualified education expenses for oneself, Rents Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan. spouse or dependents. The deduction is
Repayments allowed in figuring adjusted gross income.
Royalties because of loss of the use of a home due Individual Retirement Accounts:
Unemployment benefits to fire or other casualty to the extent the

Education IRAs—Taxpayers can con- Profits from corporations, partnerships, amounts were more than the cost of nor- tribute up to $2,000 each year to an estates and trusts. mal expenses while living in the home. Education IRA for a person under age
Endowments.
Certain amounts received as a scholar- 18. The contribution is not deductible.
Original Issue Discount. ship. Earnings on the contribution will be dis-
Distributions from self-employed plans. ate or determining actual phase-out percentages are provided based on A E tributed tax-free provided that they are
Bartering income (fair-market value of turn due April 15 of this the taxpayer’s income level and the number used to pay the beneficiary’s postsec- goods or services received in return for IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a epting a standard mileage of qualifying children eligible, if any. The ondary education expenses. However, services). four-month extension to file IRS Form er mile for all miles dri- maximum credit allowed is as follows: the exclusion is not available for any
Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under 1040A. An individual requesting an exten- ng fees and tolls can be Taxpayers with income less than $11,450 year in which the HOPE credit or the sion is under no obligation to explain why he standard mileage rate. and no qualifying children—$390 maximum the Railroad Retirement Act. Lifetime Learning Credit is claimed.
Lump-sum distributions. the additional time is needed. Filing of the enses, information must credit; taxpayers with income less than
Roth IRAs—The maximum total year- form gives an individual until August 15, perating-related costs for $30,338 and with 1 qualifying
Gains from the sale or exchange (includ- ly contribution that can be made by an ing barter) of real estate, securities, 2005 to file his or her 2004 federal tax ding interest, insurance, child—$2,604 maximum credit; taxpayers individual to a Roth IRA is $3,000. Roth return. The IRS will contact the individual ntenance, repairs, depre- with income less than $34,450 and with 2 or coins, gold, silver, gems or other proper- IRAs are subject to income limits. The ty (capital gains). directly only if the request for an extension ls and parking. more qualifying children—$4,300 maxi- maximum yearly contribution is phased is denied. mum credit. If the earned income credit
Accumulation distributions from trusts. ard mileage rate or the out for single taxpayers with an To extend the period of time in which reduces the income tax liability below zero,
Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lot- od of determining car Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between one can file a tax return, that individual a refund will be granted by the IRS. tery and gambling winnings). records should be kept. $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule
ds keeping a log book or with an AGI between $150,000 and Earned income from sources outside the all of the tax monies due. penses related to travel. EIC to see if they are eligible for the credit. $160,000, and for married filing sepa- United States.
If the filing of Form 4868 and the subse- expenses not reimbursed Dependent’s Social Security Number: rately with an AGI between $0 and Director’s fees. quent four-month extension to file does not
be claimed. Each dependent must have a Social Security $10,000. Although the contributions are Fees received as an executor or adminis- provide the individual with enough time, he Related Meals When number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN not deductible, the distributions may be trator of an estate. or she can then file Form 2688 until August rs in transportation are for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with tax-free depending on when and why
Embezzled or other illegal income. 15, 2005, known as “Application for their local Social Security Administration they are made. te on the meal allowance I Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. the continental U.S. and office or calling the Administration at 1-800-
Penalty-Free IRA Distributions —The Individual Income Tax Return.” Another de the continental U.S. 772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks additional 10 percent tax penalty on an N B R option open to the person seeking more time standard meal allowance to receive an SSN. early distribution from an IRA may not The following kinds of income do not need in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS some locations it is $42, Child Child Credit: In 2004, taxpayers apply if you pay higher education to be reported on the federal tax return: stating the reason the extension is necessary. expenses for yourself, spouse or your Alaska it is computed dif- who have a qualifying child who is a U.S.
Benefits from government welfare pro- An individual seeking an extension is children or grandchildren. The tax penses, including meals, citizen and for whom the taxpayer may grams. advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before ted if directly related to penalty also may not apply if you pay claim a dependency exemption and who is
Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, filing Form 2688. hey have not been reim- expenses related to the purchase of a less than 17 years old, are entitled to the suffering, medical costs. Copies of Form 4868 are available by her source. home by a first-time homebuyer. Only child tax credit. The amount of the credit is
Maintenance and Cure. calling the agency’s toll-free number which $1,000 per child. The credit begins to phase $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829- recent tax court case
Workers’ compensation benefits, insur- out when modified Adjusted Gross Income may be withdrawn without a penalty for 3676. Also, the form is available from all m. 115 TC210[2000]) ance, damages, etc. for injury or sick- (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does main IRS branch offices and from the IRS eaman was denied a full ness. full M & IE rates. The $75,000 for single taxpayers or $55,000 for not apply to distributions for an individ- web site at www.irs.gov. And if a Seafarer
Disability retirement payments (and tuations where meals are married taxpayers filing separately. ual’s disability, medical care, or to a finds himself or herself overseas, he or she other benefits) paid by the Veterans’ t, the incidental expense beneficiary after death of the individual. can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Administration. n itemized deduction is Individuals may be able to take the “HOPE” T I or consulate.
Child support. he continental U.S.) and credit for tuition and related expenses paid It is important to bear in mind that the Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and
Gifts, money or other property inherited $1 to $53 in other areas. for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll extensions can be mailed through private filing of Form 4868 requesting an exten- s, to the extent you have at or attend an eligible educational institu- or willed. sion does not get one off the hook from delivery services such as Airborne Express,
eduction amount may be tion (i.e., college or graduate school or DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express Dividends on veterans’ life insurance. having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868,
vocational training). The HOPE credit pro- and United Parcel Service. Life insurance proceeds received be- when sent in, must be accompanied by all cause of a person’s death. tax monies due the U.S. government from d Deductions: In 2004, vides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 Forms of Payments: One can pay the
the individual filing the extension. s may be limited for indi- per student for each of the first two years of Internal Revenue Service through credit Amounts received from insurance re than $142,700 of fed- postsecondary education. For qualified cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank check income (or $71,350 if expenses paid after January 1, 2002, taxpay- or money order. S M P S I T eparately). ers can take the “Lifetime Learning Credit,” Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified Credit: A refundable R T K of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for dit (EIC) is available to Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11) ] provides that “no part of the wages due or any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is Keep records of income (such as receipts), who have earned income accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel not claimed. This credit is not limited to the deductions (for example, canceled checks) adjusted gross income engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be first two years of postsecondary education. and credits shown on the tax return, as well year 2004, an individual withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or com- Also, no credits are available for expenses as any worksheets used to figure them, until ave a qualifying child to monwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any of a student in any year that tax-free distrib- the statute of limitations runs out for that redit if certain conditions such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade utions from an education IRA are used to return, usually 3 years from the date the credit percentages and between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement pay the student’s expenses. These credits return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. between such seaman and his employer.” However, it is recommended that all records The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, I be kept for about 6 years. Some records just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government should be kept even longer. For example, of the area in which they live. phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number keep property records (your home, stocks) Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that n. “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics as long as they are needed to figure the basis state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can of property. status. also check the status of your refund. Change of Address: If an individual has For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State r This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days changed his or her address from the one list- Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship a week. ed on that person’s last tax return, IRS Form for 210 days of the year—was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank Personal Computer: 8822 should be filled out and filed with the agency. account in a California-based bank. s Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.gov to: Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that download forms, instructions and publications; see answers Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer died state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based e before filing a required return for 2004, the S to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on- in that state. taxpayer’s personal representative (and Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person s line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding spouse, in the case of a joint return) must allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of has already paid taxes in another state. file and sign the return for that person. A In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax your 2004 refund, send the IRS comments or requests for personal representative can be an executor, help via e-mail; and sign up to receive local and national tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and e. administrator or anyone who is in charge of local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” news by e-mail. the taxpayer’s property. - The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a ves- Send IRS Written Questions: I T R - Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent sel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state s directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unem- income tax only in his or her residential state. e Include a Social Security number with the letter. ployment compensation, capital gains, divi- If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should tele- dend payments and other income listed on phone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. February 2005 Seafarers LOG 13 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:10 PM Page 14

Kudos to Benavidez Galley Gang

MATSON MOKIHANA — Chief Cook James Boss (photo above right) prepares meatloaf for lunch aboard the Matson Mokihana. In the left photo, he meets with other members of the steward department aboard the vessel: Chief Steward Patricia Geras (center) and ACU Sara Barahona. Around Aletter of appreciation was presented to the steward department on the SIU-crewed USNS Benavidez from the U.S. Navy person- the Port nel who sailed on board the ship to Bahrain. From the left are SA Sammy Ward, Chief Steward Lonnie W. Jones, Chief Cook John Noel and SA Joel Ramos. The crew members were cited for their “outstanding support, dedication and professionalism” and for of San their “cooperation, support and contribution to our team and mis- sion. We appreciate the dedication of your department in keeping up the morale of our sailors. Thank you!” Francisco Jones, who sent this photo to the Seafarers LOG, said his depart- ment gave the Navy personnel and crew members a big cookout and was told that it was the best ever held aboard a ship. The USNS Benavidez was the last of the Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale in New Orleans. Seafarers-contracted American HORIZON SPIRIT Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) is the operator of the — Paul Hanley is large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel for the Military chief electrician on Sealift Command. the Horizon Spirit.

SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your bene- ficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a let- ter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.

Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan MATSON MAUI —Working in the galley of the Matson Maui are (from left) Chief Steward Lovie Perez, ACU P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 Nasser Ali and Chief Cook Glenn Taan.

scholarship applications from amount of $20,000. Scholarship Seafarers as well as from their Send away now for an applica- IMPORTANT NOTICE: spouses and dependent children tion booklet (fill out and mail who wish to continue their educa- coupon below) or pick one up at SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — Deadline tion at the college level beginning any SIU hall. in the fall of 2005. Time is running out to take COBRA NOTICE Just Around Three scholarships are being advantage of this generous bene- set aside for SIU members—one fit for 2005 provided by the HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION for $20,000 and two each for Seafarers Health and Benefits Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have Corner $6,000. Additionally, five grants Plan. the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that Two months remain until the will be awarded to SIU spouses Get your application in today; they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated April 15 deadline for receipt of and dependents, each in the you have nothing to lose! Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to tem- porarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances lease send me the 2005 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose P this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right Name ______to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pen- sioner ineligible for medical benefits. Mariner’s Social Security Number ______The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation cover- age if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the partic- Street Address ______ipant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no City, State, Zip Code ______longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may quali- Telephone Number______fy, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp This application is for:
Self
Dependent Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her depen- dents’ rights. 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2/05

14 Seafarers LOG February 2005 26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/28/2005 6:24 PM Page 15

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March & April 2005 DECEMBER 16, 2004 — JANUARY 15, 2005 Membership Meetings *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups Piney Point ...... Monday: March 7, April 4 Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C Algonac ...... Friday: March 11, April 8 Port DECK DEPARTMENT Algonac 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 4 2 1 Baltimore ...... Thursday: March 10, April 7 Anchorage 0 6 1 0 3 0 2 0 6 2 Boston...... Friday: March 11, April 8 Baltimore 8 7 0 6 3 0 1 8 7 0 Guam 1 4 2 120 0 083 Duluth...... Wednesday: March 16, April 13 Honolulu 13 11 3 7 8 2 6 14 14 3 Houston 15 21 17 17 6 10 14 45 31 31 Guam ...... Thursday: March 24, April 21 Jacksonville 21 25 13 23 21 4 18 56 66 25 Joliet 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 Honolulu...... Friday: March 18, April 15 Mobile 13 10 7 9 4 5 1 18 16 7 New Orleans 23 20 6 14 12 4 12 28 24 16 Houston ...... Monday: March 14, April 11 New York 20 14 11 14 7 4 14 50 33 30 Jacksonville ...... Thursday: March 10, April 7 Norfolk 13 26 1 14 23 4 2 23 28 3 Philadelphia 3 4 2 2 2 1 2 6 8 2 Joliet ...... Thursday: March 17, April 14 Piney Point 1 12 2 1 16 2 2 1 12 2 Puerto Rico 16 6 0 5 5 0 6 20 11 1 Mobile ...... Wednesday: March 16, April 13 San Francisco 18 7 3 12 8 1 13 33 13 8 St. Louis 1 2 1 2 1 0 2 0 8 3 New Orleans...... Tuesday: March 15, April 12 Tacoma 35 35 18 30 22 14 33 52 49 28 Wilmington 20 17 8 11 13 7 13 41 34 24 New York...... Tuesday: March 8, April 5 Totals 223 229 96 169 157 59 142 399 371 189 Norfolk ...... Thursday: March 10, April 7 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Algonac 3 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 2 Philadelphia ...... Wednesday: March 9, April 6 Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 Port Everglades...... Thursday: March 17, April 14 Baltimore 5 2 1 4 2 1 3 5 6 1 Guam 0 1 1 011 0 110 San Francisco ...... Thursday: March 17, April 14 Honolulu 5 3 2 5 3 0 0 12 4 2 Houston 9 11 7 7 11 5 5 19 13 10 San Juan...... Thursday: March 10, April 7 Jacksonville 21 17 8 16 14 5 14 34 39 16 Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 St. Louis...... Friday: March 18, April 15 Mobile 5 5 2 3 2 1 3 11 5 3 New Orleans 9 3 1 6 7 0 5 17 3 5 Tacoma ...... Friday: March 25, April 22 New York 12 10 10 3 6 3 6 21 16 12 Wilmington ...... Monday: March 21, April 18 Norfolk 4 11 6 6 9 0 2 9 17 9 Philadelphia 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 5 5 1 ...... Piney Point 0 4 1 3 4 0 1 2 5 1 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Puerto Rico 3 4 1 0 1 2 3 10 4 0 San Francisco 15 7 3 6 6 3 10 19 6 8 St. Louis 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 1 Tacoma 9 21 5 6 13 2 10 19 36 6 Wilmington 8 4 4 3 9 3 2 18 17 9 Personals Totals 111 108 56 71 93 27 65 204 182 86 Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT RUTH CLINTON Algonac 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Please contact Barbara Gaffney at 101 Myrtle Ave., Baltimore 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 Apt. 234, Staten Island, NY 10310-2052; or telephone Guam 2 1 0 120 0 101 (718) 727-4233. Honolulu 5 1 1 6 2 0 3 17 4 2 Houston 12 3 3 11 4 4 7 21 6 3 DAVID FOLEY Jacksonville 17 16 4 10 12 4 6 33 22 7 Please contact Chris Lipnosky at (530) 587-4045. Joliet 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mobile 9 5 0 5 3 0 2 11 5 1 New Orleans 11 4 0 4 8 0 4 16 4 2 New York 19 4 2 10 2 0 3 29 6 7 With Seafarers on the SBX Norfolk 7 13 3 6 4 2 4 13 19 7 Philadelphia 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 5 1 0 SIU members are working Piney Point 4 2 1 5 0 1 2 2 4 0 aboard a semi- Puerto Rico 2 3 0 1 1 0 1 3 4 1 submersible San Francisco 22 3 1 11 3 0 5 41 6 2 craft known as St. Louis 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 the SBX—an Tacoma 16 5 1 11 2 1 10 33 7 7 abbreviation for Wilmington 24 10 3 18 6 1 6 33 11 6 sea-based X- Totals 155 73 20 104 51 13 54 262 103 47 Band radar. These photos Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT were taken last Algonac 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 8 month along Anchorage 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 the Gulf Coast. Baltimore 0 8 1 0 2 0 0 0 7 2 At left, SIU Guam 0 0 3 003 0 020 Tacoma Port Honolulu 5 5 8 0 4 0 0 9 11 15 Agent Bryan Powell (third from left) meets with QMED Houston 1 15 20 2 10 11 0 5 28 27 Chris Schneider of Anchorage, Alaska while the Jacksonville 2 17 17 1 9 8 0 6 28 32 Seafarer works in a pipe tunnel on the platform. Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Schneider said that working on a vessel that boosts Mobile 0 6 1 0 1 0 0 1 14 4 U.S. national security “makes me feel patriotic.” Below, New Orleans 4 13 12 1 5 4 0 8 14 22 Powell meets with (from left) Recertified Steward Paula New York 4 21 21 2 14 6 0 11 51 60 Kaleikini, Chief Cook Theresa Ballard and OS Amber Norfolk 1 7 15 0 5 9 0 1 14 19 Michel while waiting to load provisions. Kaleikini noted, Philadelphia 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 “I know this will be chal- Piney Point 0 10 50 0 12 14 0 0 8 45 lenging and Puerto Rico 2 3 0 1 3 0 0 2 7 0 very different San Francisco 3 16 6 2 6 4 0 6 23 15 from what St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 any of us Tacoma 6 13 15 3 6 7 0 10 31 33 have seen Wilmington 1 5 12 0 3 2 0 1 13 39 before, but Totals 29 141 187 12 80 69 0 61 259 333 we will tack- le it with the Totals All Departments 518 551 359 356 381 168 261 926 915 655 energy and professional- ism people *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. expect from **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. the SIU!” February 2005 Seafarers LOG 15 26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/27/2005 4:41 PM Page 16

Seafarers International Union NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report Directory DECEMBER 16, 2004 — JANUARY 15, 2005 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 Tom Orzechowski, Port DECK DEPARTMENT Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Boston 7 1 0 5 2 0 1 5 0 0 Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Houston 10 0 11 12 0 8 7 31 4 26 Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Jacksonville 4 0 8 4 0 8 3 11 3 0 Kermett Mangram, New Orleans 5 2 5 7 0 1 2 12 5 23 Vice President Government Services New York 12 3 5 11 4 4 10 39 8 1 René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Norfolk 2 0 2 0 0 2 1 6 2 0 Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large Tacoma 0 0 4 1 0 4 1 1 0 4

HEADQUARTERS Wilmington 4 2 0 5 1 0 1 9 5 0 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 Totals 44 8 35 45 7 27 26 114 27 54 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Boston 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 4 1 0 ALTON Houston 3 1 2 3 0 4 3 9 2 16 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 Jacksonville 4 2 3 6 3 3 1 5 4 1 (618) 462-3456 New Orleans 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 5 1 16 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 New York 3 1 1 9 0 1 3 11 2 0 (907) 561-4988 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 BALTIMORE Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 Wilmington 2 1 0 5 1 0 0 9 2 3 (410) 327-4900 Totals 16 6 7 26 6 8 8 47 13 38 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT (617) 261-0790 DULUTH Boston 5 1 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 0 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 Houston 2 1 6 4 1 3 0 8 5 19 (218) 722-4110 Jacksonville 3 1 9 3 1 10 5 4 2 1 GUAM New Orleans 3 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 1 16 P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E New York 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 9 10 0 Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 Norfolk 0 0 5 1 0 5 2 2 0 1 (671) 647-1350 Tacoma 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 HONOLULU Wilmington 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Totals 16 4 25 12 4 20 9 39 19 39 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT (713) 659-5152 Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (904) 353-0987 Jacksonville 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 JOLIET New Orleans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (815) 723-8002 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (251) 478-0916 Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NEW ORLEANS Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All NEW YORK Departments 76 18 67 83 17 55 43 200 59 131 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by George G. Jamison of New Park, Pa. It was taken in Buenos Aires, PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 Argentina in November 1945. (215) 336-3818 Brother Jamison (left), John Manen of Houston, Texas PINEY POINT (center) and Dave Wagman of Red Lion, Pa. were part of P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 the engine department crew on the SIU-crewed Liberty ship (301) 994-0010 Stevenson Taylor. They signed on in Baltimore in June 1945 PORT EVERGLADES and had just delivered a load of Army supplies to Calcutta, 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 India when World War II was declared over. The ship sailed (954) 522-7984 to various ports before stopping in Buenos Aires, including SAN FRANCISCO Le Havre, France, and then to a shipyard in Cardiff, Wales. 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 It wasn’t until February 1946 that the Stevenson Taylor final- (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 ly made it to New York for a payoff; it had been nearly six months since any of the crew members had received mail. SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Brother Jamison last sailed aboard Bull Line’s SS Santurce, PR 00907 Mae—from May 1949 until April 1955. He then left the sea (787) 721-4033 for a shoreside job and put his SIU book in retirement in ST. LOUIS December 1956. 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 Jamison still receives the LOG and says he looks forward (314) 752-6500 to reading it each month. TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she WILMINGTON would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. (310) 549-4000 Photographs will be returned, if so requested.

16 Seafarers LOG February 2005 26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/27/2005 4:40 PM Page 17

Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead.

DEEP SEA Neathery port of Towing and Transportation ves- Brother Alqirsh is a resident of upgraded his Norfolk, Va. sels. The deck department mem- Dearborn, Mich. JUAN skills at the Boatman ber was born in San Pedro, Calif. AYALA, 70, union’s affili- Knudsen pri- and upgraded his skills on two hails from ated school in marily shipped occasions at the Paul Hall Center LONNIE Puerto Rico. Piney Point, aboard vessels for Maritime Training. Boatman BROOKS, He joined the Md. He operated by Mosich lives in his native state. 64, was born SIU in 1966 in worked in the McAllister in Michigan New York, engine depart- Towing of and joined the first sailing GLENN SIU in 1988 ment in both the deep sea and Virginia. A native of New Jersey, NAUNDORF, aboard the inland divisions. Before retiring, he worked in the deck depart- in Detroit. Summit. Brother Ayala worked in 55, joined the Brother Brother Neathery shipped on the ment. Boatman Knudsen upgrad- SIU in 1967 in the deck department and in 2000 USNS Regulus. He lives in Reno, ed his skills in 1985 at the Brooks first enhanced his skills at the Paul the port of sailed aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart Nev. Seafarers-affiliated school in Philadelphia. Hall Center for Maritime Training Piney Point, Md. He makes his in the engine department. His last and Education in Piney Point, Boatman trip was on the Saint Clair. JAMES home in Boca Raton, Fla. Naundorf Md. His last ship was the PORTER, 55, Brother Brooks calls Horizon Challenger. Brother shipped in the Okeechobee, Fla. home. first donned RICHARD steward department. He attended Ayala still calls Puerto Rico the SIU colors McEVOY, home. classes at the Paul Hall Center in in 1969 in 64, began his Piney Point, Md. in 2000 and ATLANTIC FISHERMEN Piney Point, seafaring again in 2001. Prior to retiring, DAVID BAL- Md. Brother career in 1973 LARD, 56, Boatman Naundorf worked on NICHOLAS Porter’s first in the port of Maritrans Operating Co. vessels. PARISI, 61, joined the trip to sea was Jacksonville, Seafarers in Brother Parisi on the Robin Gray. The deck Fla. Boatman started his 1968 in New department member completed McEvoy ini- MICHAEL York. Born in career with the bosun recertification training in tially shipped on a Puget Sound SANDERS, Atlantic West Virginia, 1996 in Piney Point, Md. The vessel in the engine department. 55, hails from Brother Fishermen’s Georgia-born mariner’s most Born in Georgia, he upgraded Harlinton, Union, an Ballard up- recent voyage was aboard the El often at the Paul Hall Center. Texas. graded his skills at the union’s affiliate of the Yunque. Brother Porter resides in Boatman McEvoy most recently Boatman SIU before it merged with the affiliated school on numerous Jacksonville, Fla. sailed with Crowley Towing and Sanders joined occasions. His first ship was the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Transportation of Jacksonville. the union in Massachusetts, he is a U.S. Army Anniston Victory; his last was the JOHN He lives in his native state. 1966 in the El Yunque. Brother Ballard was a veteran and last worked aboard THOMAS, port of Houston after serving in the St. Nicholas. Brother Parisi member of the engine department 64, was born HERMAN MOONEY, 64, the U.S. Marine Corps. He sailed and currently resides in St. Pet- makes his home in Gloucester, in Pennsyl- launched his SIU career in 1966 in both the inland and deep sea ersburg, Fla. Mass. vania and in the port of Baltimore. Boatman divisions. Boatman Sanders was a started his sea- member of the deck department, ALPHONSO HOLLAND, 61, Mooney shipped primarily on Editor’s Note: The following faring career Moran Towing of Maryland ves- first shipping on G&H Towing embarked on his career with the in 1987 in the Co. vessels. He enhanced his brothers, all former members of SIU in 1965 in the port of Nor- sels. The engine department port of Hono- member enhanced his skills in skills on three occasions at the the National Maritime Union folk, Va. Brother Holland first lulu. Brother Thomas, who union-affiliated school in Piney (NMU) and participants in the sailed on the Ridgefield Victory as 1985 at the SIU-affiliated school worked in the engine department, in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Point, Md. Boatman Sanders NMU Pension and Trust, recently a member of the steward depart- resides in Overland Park, Kan. enhanced his skills in 2000 at the Mooney was born in Baltimore, went on pension. ment. In 1990 he completed stew- Seafarers-affiliated school. His He last worked on the LNG Leo. ard recertification training at the where he continues to reside. first vessel was the USNS Name Age EDP Seafarers-affiliated school in Assertive; his last was the USNS Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, Effective. Brother Thomas is a GEORGE Beof, Antonio 65 Jan. 1 Brother Holland shipped on the MOSICH, 62, GREAT LAKES resident of Huntsville, Ala. DeCosta, Edward 65 Dec. 1 USNS Red Cloud. He continues started ship- ABDO ALQIRSH, 64, began Erese, Cesar 65 Jan. 1 to live in his native Virginia. PETROS ping with the sailing with the SIU in 1966 in TRIANTAFI- union in 1994 Detroit, Mich. Brother Alqirsh Ford, Thomas 61 Jan. 1 FRED LOS, 64, in the port of Hawes, Philip 58 Jan. 1 JENSEN, 65, was born in Arabia and worked joined the Wilmington, Jetson, James 50 Dec. 1 became a Calif. Boat- in the steward department. He ranks of the shipped primarily aboard Marshall, James 64 Oct. 1 Seafarer in SIU in 1969 in man Mosich 1963 in the New York, ini- worked primarily aboard Crowley American Steamship Co. vessels. Philpot, James 65 Jan. 1 port of Wilm- tially sailing ington, Calif. on the Western Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. body set up to assure that maritime workers, The deck Clipper. Born in Greece, Brother faced with legal problems or charges threatening department Triantafilos worked in the engine 1947 their personal liberties, are assured their funda- member was born in Denmark department. He upgraded his and was a frequent upgrader at SIU Organizational Director Paul Hall announced mental American rights to counsel and other skills in 1970 and again in 1974 assistance. Robert A. Matthews, SIU vice presi- the Paul Hall Center, completing at the Paul Hall Center. Brother last week the signing of a closed shop contract his bosun recertification training Triantafilos’ most recent voyage with the American Eastern Steamship dent in charge of contracts and contract enforce- there in 1980. A resident of was aboard the Mariner. He con- Corporation after a 60-day organizing campaign. ment, has been selected chairman of the Defense Alachua, Fla., he last worked on tinues to live in Greece. “In making this announcement,” Hall said, “full League and offices have been established at One the ITB Mobile. credit should be given to Hanson Place in ROBERT ABDUL the SIU volunteer orga- Brooklyn, N.Y. TRIGG, 62, nizers who sailed aboard MOHAMED, started sailing 58, started his with the SIU American Eastern ships This Month 1987 seafaring in 1987 in the and made possible the The U.S. Navy’s first career in 1966 port of signing of a contract for active hospital ship in 13 in Detroit, Mobile, Ala. this new company. The In SIU History Mich. Brother years, the USNS Mercy Brother Trigg fact that it took only 60 (T-AH 19), departed Mohamed was sailed in both born in Arabia days to secure the agree- San Diego on Friday, the inland and deep sea divisions, ment gives proof to and shipped in the steward first working aboard the USNS Feb. 27 for a four- department. His first ship was the Lynch. The deck department another swell job of organizing done by the rank month training and humanitarian mission to the Arizpa. Brother Mohamed member improved his skills in and file Seafarer.” republic of the Philippines. The purpose of the improved his skills in 2000 at the 2001 at the union’s affiliated deployment is to train Navy personnel in the SIU-affiliated school in Piney school in Piney Point, Md. 1967 operation and support of the ship and its 1,000- Point, Md. His last ship was the Brother Trigg was born in Mahimahi, a Matson Navigation Seafarers at regular monthly meetings in all con- bed medical treatment facility during extended Louisiana and now resides in stitutional ports enthusiastically voted to endorse operations in a remote area. The medical team vessel. Brother Mohamed makes Ocean Springs, Miss. He last his home in Garden Grove, Calif. went to sea on the Sugar Island. and support the newly formed Maritime Defense aboard the USNS Mercy during this deployment League. In approving the purposes of the new will include civilian and military personnel. EMMETT NEATHERY, 59, INLAND organization, the membership called for maxi- The Mercy is one of two identical hospital ships began sailing with the SIU in mum publicity in support of the League by all being converted for the Navy. A second ship, 1966 in the port of Houston. Born ARTHUR KNUDSEN, 62, Seafarers. The new organization is a voluntary the USNS Comfort, will be christened in May. in Kirkland, Wash., Brother became a Seafarer in 1970 in the February 2005 Seafarers LOG 17 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/27/2005 8:32 PM Page 18

Final Departures

DEEP SEA the Adventurer and the Consumer. born in ment. Brother Amaya initially went in 1978, Brother Matthews went to Brother Drumgoole was a veteran of Maryland and to sea aboard the African Star. Prior sea aboard the Keystoner. ALBERT BIRT the U.S. Navy. He retired in 1997 shipped as a to retiring in 1970, he worked on the and called Little Rock, Ark. home. member of the Argentina. JAMES RICHARDSON Pensioner engine depart- Pensioner Albert Birt, 84, LEWIS GLANVILLE ment. Brother JAMES EVANS James Richard- passed away Siney was a son, 84, died Pensioner Nov. 8. Brother Pensioner veteran of both Nov. 27. James Evans, Birt joined the Lewis Glan- the U.S. Army Brother 73, died Nov. 6. SIU in 1941 in ville, 83, died and U.S. Navy. Richardson was Brother Evans Tampa, Fla. His August 30. He started receiving compensation born in the joined the NMU first ship was Brother Glan- for his retirement in 1985 and called West Indies and in 1967 in the Alcoa ville first Redondo Beach, Calif. home. became an Philadelphia Carrier. Born donned the SIU NMU member and worked in in Hampton, Fla., Brother Birt was a colors in 1940 INLAND in 1947. His first voyage was on the the steward member of the deck department. His in the port of George W. Kendall. Brother department. He last voyage was on the Sand Baltimore. The GEORGE BALLEW Richardson began receiving retire- first sailed aboard the Sinclair Texas. Captain. Brother Birt began collect- Virginia-born mariner shipped as a Pensioner ment compensation in 1984. A mem- Brother Evans was born in Phila- ing his pension in 1968. He made member of the engine department. George Ballew, ber of the engine department, he last his home in Spring Hill, Fla. Brother Glanville originally sailed 75, died Nov. delphia and went on pension in 1987. shipped aboard the Gulf Trader. on the Steel Seafarer. Before retiring 27. Born in ALTON GARCIA HERMAN BUTTS in 1980, he worked on the Mont- Virginia, ROBERT SINGLETON pelier Victory. Brother Glanville Boatman Pensioner Alton Pensioner started receiving his pension in 1980 Brother Herman Butts, 47, died July Ballew started Garcia, 88, Robert and made his home in Seaford, Del. 15. He began sailing with the SIU in his SIU career passed away Singleton, 81, 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother in 1959 in the Nov. 11. passed away Butts was born in Mobile, Ala. He DUDLEY GRANT port of Norfolk, Brother Garcia Nov. 17. A last worked in the engine department Va. He was a member of the deck became a mem- native of aboard the Seabulk Challenger. Pensioner Dudley Grant, department. Boatman Ballew made ber of the NMU Alabama, Brother Butts was a resident of his home in Hampton, Va. He retired in 1939, first Brother Texas. 77, passed away Oct. 4. in 1989. shipping out of Singleton joined Brother Grant New York. His the NMU in CHESTER COCHRAN was born in the ROBERT HENDRIX initial voyage was on the Clyde. 1943 initially working on the Brother Garcia, who was born in Dixiano. The engine department Pensioner West Indies. He Pensioner Cuba, last sailed aboard the Brazil. member was last employed aboard Chester became an SIU Robert Hendrix, He started receiving his retirement the Cibao. Brother Singleton went Cochran, 81, member in 67, passed pay in 1970. on pension in 1970. passed away 1959 in New away Aug. 2. Nov. 2. Brother York, initially shipping on the Santa Boatman Cochran joined Magdelena in the steward depart- Hendrix began DAYMON GREGORY PETE STANDIFER ment. His final trip to sea was his seafaring the SIU in 1956 Pensioner Pensioner Pete aboard the President Chester B. career in 1968 in Detroit, Daymon Standifer, 80, Arthur. Brother Grant began collect- in the port of Mich. The Gregory, 77, died Nov. 17. ing his retirement pay in 1993. San Norfolk, Va. engine depart- died Nov. 1. Brother Francisco was his home. after serving in the U.S. Army. The ment member was born in Smoke- Brother Standifer mont, N.C. Brother Cochran shipped steward department member, who embarked on was born in North Carolina, made Gregory joined in both the Great Lakes and deep sea ARK HO the ranks of the his seafaring divisions. He lived in his native state his home in Portsmouth, Va. He career in 1946. Pensioner Ark went on pension in 1990. NMU in 1944 and retired in 1979. in Boston. Born He was born in Ho, 88, died Oklahoma and Sept. 12. THOMAS PURSER in West LEO DERSTLER Virginia, he worked in the deck most recently worked on the Edgar Brother Ho M. Queeny. Brother Standifer started joined the Pensioner department. Brother Gregory’s first Pensioner Leo drawing his pension in 1985. Marine Cooks Thomas Purser, vessel was the Will Rogers; his last Derstler, 87, & Stewards in 79, died Sept. was the African Meteor. He began died Sept. 24. the port of San 26. Boatman collecting his pension in 1965. AMADOR VANGA Brother Francisco. He Purser became Pensioner Derstler was was born in a Seafarer in Amador Vanga, born in Penn- ALFRED HAMPTON China and called Los Angeles home. 1978 in the port 92, passed away sylvania and Brother Ho began receiving his pen- of Mobile, Ala. Pensioner Oct. 23. Brother embarked on sion in 1971. The U.S. Air Alfred Vanga com- his seafaring Force veteran Hampton, 80, menced his career in 1945 CLIFFORD PERREIRA was born in Mississippi. Boatman passed away career with the in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first Purser shipped in the deck depart- Oct. 21. Born NMU in 1965, ship was the Robin Gray, where he Pensioner ment. He began receiving his retire- in Louisiana, initially sailing worked in the deck department; his Clifford ment stipends in 1990 and lived in Brother from New York. last ship was the Seattle. Brother Perreira, 81, his native state. Hampton He was born in Puerto Rico and Derstler started receiving compensa- passed away launched his worked in the steward department. tion for his retirement in 1976. He Oct. 19. Brother seafaring career Brother Vanga’s final voyage was on called Columbia, Pa. home. Perreira started Editor’s Note: The following broth- in New Orleans. He first shipped on the Atlantic. his seafaring ers, all former members of the the John M. Morehead. Brother Hampton, who last sailed on the DAVID DICKINSON career in 1959 National Maritime Union (NMU) and Editor’s Note: The following brothers, Nancy Lykes, started receiving in San Fran- participants in the NMU Pension all former members of the National Pensioner stipends for his retirement in 1986. cisco, first Trust, have passed away. Maritime Union (NMU) and partici- David Dickin- working on the Arizpa. Born in son, 77, passed pants in the NMU Pension Trust, have Hawaii, he was a member of the GABRIEL ACEVEDO JOSE HERNANDEZ passed away. away Dec. 3. deck department. Brother Perreira Pensioner Brother Dickin- most recently went to sea aboard the Pensioner Jose Name Age DOD Gabriel son started Overseas Ohio. He resided in Hernandez, 83, Amento, Anthony 76 Oct. 31 shipping with Sebastopol, Calif. and went on pen- Acevedo, 91, died Oct. 20. died Nov. 24. Arespe, Arnulfo 82 Oct. 19 the SIU in 1952 sion in 1994. Brother Astillero, Ramon 78 Oct. 19 as a member of Brother Hernandez Acevedo was Bergland, Albert 78 Nov. 17 the deck SALEH SALEH started his Betancourt, Mario 91 Nov. 19 department. Brother Dickinson most born in San NMU career in Camalich, Giorgio 75 Oct. 29 recently shipped on Waterman Brother Saleh Andres, 1957, first sail- Cooper, Martin 72 Nov. 2 Steamship Corp.’s John Penn. He Saleh, 64, died Columbia and ing from New was born in Alabama and resided in Oct. 20. He joined the SIU York aboard the Espinoza, Alberto 98 Oct. 17 Leakesville, Miss. Brother Dickin- began sailing in 1945. His first ship was the Harpers Ferry. He was born in Ewens, Cecil 80 Oct. 25 son retired in 1982. with the Wilson’s Creek. Brother Acevedo Puerto Rico and retired in 1982. Foster, Jonathan 92 July 01 Seafarers in was a member of the engine depart- Herrera, Antonio 89 Nov. 17 1992 in New ment, last sailing on the Santa Holland, Willie 80 Nov. 5 BENNIE DRUMGOOLE York. Brother Barbara. He began receiving com- JOSEPH MATTHEWS Houghton, Edward 84 Nov. 16 Saleh’s first pensation for his retirement in 1976. King, Donald 73 Nov. 10 Pensioner Pensioner vessel was the Lawrence, Gerald 80 Nov. 1 Bennie Drum- Samuel L. Cobb; his last was the Joseph goole, 69, JAMIE AMAYA Matthews, 91, Mortley, Edward 85 Nov. 3 Franklin J. Phillips. The steward Olivares, Amadeo 63 Nov. 4 passed away department member was born in Pensioner Jamie passed away Nov. 25. Born Amaya, 88, Nov. 5. Brother Peeler, Roy 84 Sept. 1 Yemen and lived there in the city of Proctor, Joseph 76 Nov. 1 in Pine Bluff, Sana’a. passed away Matthews Ark., Brother Nov. 30. began sailing Santiago, Luis 82 Nov. 7 Smith, James 83 Nov. 11 Drumgoole JAMES SINEY Brother Amaya with the NMU joined the SIU joined the NMU in 1945 from Sykes, Raymond 85 Aug. 18 in 1968 in the Pensioner James Siney, 84, passed in 1941. Born in the port of San Tarver, William 82 Oct. 12 port of San Francisco. He sailed in away Sept. 5. Brother Siney Honduras, he Francisco. His first ship was the Walker, Herman 79 Nov. 5 the engine department primarily on embarked on his SIU career in 1958 shipped in the Pocahontas, where he worked in the Walters, Paul 78 Nov. 25 Sea-Land Service vessels, including in the port of Baltimore. He was steward depart- steward department. Before retiring White, John 80 Nov. 6 18 Seafarers LOG February 2005 26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/27/2005 8:36 PM Page 19

advised Seafarers to read contract repair. Secretary advised everyone Wybo, Educational Director and be informed. Educational that water problems have been Shawn L. Clark. Deck Delegate Digest of Shipboard director urged members to check solved. Educational director spoke Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Steward expiration dates on documents and about taking advantage of upgrad- Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Union Meetings start renewal process of MMDs at ing benefits at Piney Point school. Chairman announced payoff Dec. least 6 months in advance. No Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s 26. in Tacoma, Wash. At that time The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard beefs or disputed OT reported. fund. No beefs or disputed OT ship go port side for removal of minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space Communications received from reported. Several suggestions damaged gangway. He asked crew limitations, some will be omitted. headquarters regarding reflagging. made regarding union’s prescrip- members to be considerate of oth- Everyone encouraged to read LOG tion plan, vacation checks and ers when washing clothes at night, Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. for information about union and increasing pension benefits. especially those items with metal Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union maritime industry. Crew advised to Members thanked steward depart- buckles or large snaps (they make upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ask questions at union meetings ment for great BBQs and meals. a lot of noise). Secretary welcomed to the Seafarers LOG for publication. and be knowledgeable of their Next ports: Malaga, Spain; Gioia SIU trainees Linsey A. Knight and rights as Seafarers. Next port: Tauro, Italy; Newark, N.J. Danny L. Faidley aboard and to Newark, N.J. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Dec. their first shipboard meeting. He EXPLORER (USSM), Nov. 21— Educational director encouraged MAJ. BERNARD F. FISHER 26—Chairman Ronald L. Para- talked about shipboard procedures Chairman Amado E. Abaniel, all crew members to attend (Sealift Inc.) Nov. 28—Chairman dise, Secretary Michael J. for settling problems. Steward pro- Secretary William R. Burdette, Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Reuben M. Brown, Secretary Educational Director Jimmy M. Point, Md. because of new ISO Walter R. Seals, Educational Robles, Engine Delegate Carlos and safety requirements and to Director Troy L. Fleming, Deck Industrial Challenger Crew Gathers for Meeting M. Noriega, Steward Delegate improve their job security. No Delegate Lorenzo Riddick, Abdulla N. Jinah. Chairman beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine Delegate Michael C. announced arrival Nov. 27 in Los Adequate deck department crew- McNally, Steward Delegate Angeles. He reported good trip and ing needed in part due to heavy Velonder L. Alford. Chairman great food, thanks to steward amount of work required on ship announced payoff Nov. 30. Copies department, and reminded crew at sea and in port. Thanks given to of company’s safety policies hand- members to separate bottles and steward department for job well ed out to members as ship heads to cans from regular trash. He also done. Request made for drinking Diego Garcia. Educational director asked departing mariners to leave fountains and better e-mail system. urged everyone to upgrade when- keys in rooms for next person. INNOVATOR (USSM), Nov. ever possible at Piney Point facili- Educational director encouraged ty. No beefs or disputed OT report- Seafarers to upgrade skills at the 21— Chairman Steve R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, ed. Clarification requested on Paul Hall Center for Maritime weekly pay rate for ship’s commit- Training and Education in Piney Educational Director Chris L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. tee and department delegates. All Point, Md. Treasurer stated $254 crew members now have room in ship’s fund. No beefs or disput- Morgan, Steward Delegate Tammy M. Bingisser. Chairman keys. Thanks given to crew for ed OT reported. Next ports: Los separating plastic items from regu- Angeles; Tacoma, Wash. reported good trip and thanked all departments for working well lar trash. It was reported that e- HORIZON TRADER (Horizon together. He praised Chief Cook mail is now available on board Following a union meeting aboard the Industrial Challenger, Lines), Nov. 26—Chairman Tammy Bingisser for outstanding ship. Next port: Diego Garcia. Bosun Shawn Williams (right) looks over the minutes, which will Michael T. Sorensen, Secretary meals. Secretary expressed grati- MIDNIGHT SUN (IUM), Nov. be sent to the contracts department at headquarters. With him are ACU Gertrudis Arzu (left) and Steward/Baker Ngol Allen. Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational tude to crew for helping keep ship 28—Chairman Fadel Saleh, Director Allen D. Parker, Deck clean. Educational director Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Gramer, Educational Director Delegate Amante V. Gumiran, reminded Seafarers to keep docu- vides repair list for any repairs Educational Director Christopher Richard A. Huffman, Engine Engine Delegate J. Coleman, ments current. No beefs or disput- Cunningham, Deck Delegate needed. Educational director Steward Delegate Peter Schuetz. ed OT reported. Bosun read presi- Delegate Patrick D. Carroll, Brent R. Johnson, Engine Steward Delegate Harry J. informed crew passport fees are Chairman announced payoff Nov. dent’s report from Seafarers LOG Delegate Dennis S. Adjetey, free to seamen. Clarification from 27 after arrival in Tacoma, Wash. and discussed communications Agatep. Chairman announced pay- Steward Delegate Nasser S. off Dec. 29 upon arrival in New headquarters requested. Treasurer Educational director urged every- received from SIU Wilmington Hasson. Chairman reminded crew reported number of purchases since one to keep an eye on their docu- Port Agent John Cox. Suggestion Orleans, La. Ship will then load to be aware of ice forming on for Braintree, Mass., just south of last meeting: gas for grill, sodas for ments’ expiration dates and allow made to increase money purchase deck. Those who requested a day BBQ, dart set, and surround-sound plenty of time for renewal process. pension plan and pension benefits Boston. He recommended cold off should wait until their reliefs weather gear for deck department system. That leaves $589.45 in Treasurer stated $557 in crew and reduce time required for retire- show up before leaving vessel. ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed ment. Next port: Los Angeles. members. Educational director fund; $400 to be used for purchase Secretary thanked everyone for OT reported. Memo from head- of new refrigerators. No beefs emphasized importance of upgrad- helping keep messhall and lounge quarters read and posted. Questions reported; some disputed OT noted LTC JOHN U.D. PAGE (Maersk ing at Paul Hall Center and noted Line), Nov. 24—Chairman Jere- clean. He asked them to clean there are opportunities there for raised about new prescription pro- in engine department. Request room and leave fresh linen for next made for company to provide miah J. Harrington, Secretary everyone. No beefs or disputed OT gram. Bosun thanked steward Abraham Mills, Educational person. Educational director reported. Chairman discussed SAB department for outstanding job. more movies on ship. Crew mem- encouraged members to enhance bers said they all look forward to Director Bobby L. Jones, Deck 926 regarding crew rotation during Next port: Tacoma; Oakland, Delegate William Fielding, their skills at Paul Hall Center, recent military ship crew-up. Calif.; Honolulu. receiving new videos, as it’s one of contribute to SPAD for job securi- the few recreational activities dur- Engine Delegate Luis A. Soto Suggestions made regarding next Amadeo, Steward Delegate ty and check documents for expi- contract. Gratitude expressed to HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon ing the many months at sea. Crew ration dates. No beefs or disputed Lines), Dec. 2—Chairman Kenny reported current phone system Angela Robertson. Chairman read Steward Gramer and Chief Cook various articles from November OT reported. Vote of thanks given Agatep for delicious Christmas A. Abrahamson, Secretary inoperable at sea. Clarification to steward department for fantastic Charles D. Washington, Educa- requested on availability of over- Seafarers LOG. He thanked every- dinner. Thanks also given to SA one for working so hard while Thanksgiving Day spread. Next Shantay Joquin for her festive tional Director Paul D. Hanley, time. Seafarers were asked to sepa- ports: Anchorage, Alaska; Tacoma, Deck Delegate David Garoutte, rate plastic items from regular being away from family and decorations and Christmas spirit. friends during holidays. Educa- Wash. Crew wished Conklin family all Engine Delegate Gordon L. trash and rewind and return Hiltbruner. Chairman informed tional director suggested crew to USNS DAHL (Maersk Line), Nov. the best. Through his hard work movies after use. Suggestion made st crew new VCR and DVD player to improve dental plan and get a inform 1 asst. engineer about any 27—Chairman Walter L. and dedication, Ken Conklin electrical problems or repairs touched the lives of many installed. Educational director satellite system. Vote of thanks Jeffords, Secretary James H. reminded crew members to given to steward department for needed and be aware of expiration McLeod, Educational Director Seafarers. dates on documents needed for upgrade at Paul Hall Center when- excellent Thanksgiving Day meals. Alexander A. Zharkoff. HORIZON ENTERPRISE ever possible and keep all docu- Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, shipping. No beefs or disputed OT Chairman encouraged crew mem- reported. Recommendation made (Horizon Lines), Dec. 12—Chair- ments current. Treasurer stated Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. bers to be current on their dues. He man Roger J. Reinke, Secretary $320 in video fund. No beefs or to get additional help for SA and noted that LMSR/MSC contracts James N. Brockington, Educa- disputed OT reported. Crew INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER to improve retirement plan. Next requires crew members to renew tional Director Michael J. Wells, thanked steward department for (Pacific Gulf Marine), Nov. 21— port: Diego Garcia. basic safety training (BST) every Chairman Shawn Williams, Deck Delegate Gavino A. wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. LIBERATOR (USSM), Nov. 26— five years, regardless of Coast Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Secretary Ngol T. Allen, Guard rules. He thanked everyone Octaviano, Engine Delegate Educational Director Earl F. Chairman Daniel J. Teichman, Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. Secretary Robert S. Davis, for helping maintain safety record Ebbert, Deck Delegate Wilbur of ship (no accidents). Educational Delegate Alejo A. Fabia. ITB JACKSONVILLE (USS Pantin, Engine Delegate Educational Director Elwyn L. Chairman announced payoff Dec. Ford, Engine Delegate Marc J. director talked about importance of Transport), Dec. 5—Chairman Charlotte LeBlanc, Steward upgrading skills at Paul Hall 18 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Delegate Gertrudis Arzu. Poniatouski, Steward Delegate No shore leave will be given until Andy N. Campollo. Chairman Center. Treasurer stated $1,138 in Warren G. Lombard, Educational ship’s fund. Crew voted to have t- ship clears customs and immigra- Director Stanley M. Sporna, Deck shirts and hats made with Dahl tion. Secretary asked crew to Delegate Abedan P. Lujan, Time to Talk Union logo to sell. No beefs or disputed return all videos prior to arrival in Engine Delegate Hassin Asumari, OT reported. Thanks given to the Tacoma and to clean room and Steward Delegate Brad E. steward department for great provide fresh linen for relief per- Stephenson. Chairman discussed meals, especially over Halloween sonnel. Educational director amount of ship’s stores brought and Thanksgiving Day holidays. advised members to take advantage aboard. Request made for status of Next ports: Savannah, Ga.; Souda of upgrading opportunities avail- new contract and pay increases. No Bay, Crete. able at school in Piney Point, Md. beefs or disputed OT reported. No beefs or disputed OT reported. VOYAGER (USSM), Nov. 21— Clarification requested on reim- Vote of thanks given to steward bursement for travel to ship. Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, department for job well done and Secretary William P. McGee, Suggestion made to reevaluate to Tacoma and Oakland shoregangs responsibilities of company and Educational Director Samuel M. for assistance in port. Next ports: Addo, Deck Delegate Charles B. shore facilities to ensure crew Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu; members are able to leave premises Collins, Steward Delegate Ruben Guam. The union meeting aboard the Industrial Challenger was a time for Padilla. Chairman noted handrails and not be restricted to ship. everyone to ask questions and be heard. From the left are GUDE missing in various locations on HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Request made for new blankets and Charlotte LeBlanc, QMED/Electrician Earl Ebbert, AB Sherwin catwalk and advised other bottled water. Good camaraderie Frank and AB John Grayson. Lines), Dec. 19—Chairman Lance mariners to report items in need of X. Zollner, Secretary Thomas M. among crew was reported. February 2005 Seafarers LOG 19 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:12 PM Page 20

A Brief Know Your Rights History of FINANCIAL REPORTS. The any official capacity in the SIU unless Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, an official union receipt is given for The MSTS Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters same. Under no circumstances should District/NMU makes specific provi- any member pay any money for any Editor’s note: The Military Sea sion for safeguarding the member- reason unless he is given such receipt. Transportation Service (MSTS) is ship’s money and union finances. The In the event anyone attempts to the forerunner to today’s Military constitution requires a detailed audit require any such payment be made Sealift Command (MSC). This The USNS General Nelson M. Walker had its own shipboard newslet- by certified public accountants every without supplying a receipt, or if a account of the organization was ter, from which the history of the MSTS is reprinted on this page. Built year, which is to be submitted to the member is required to make a pay- published in the Aug. 22, 1966 in 1945, the vessel transferred to the MSTS in 1950 with the outbreak membership by the secretary-treasur- ment and is given an official receipt, shipboard newsletter, “The of hostilities in Korea. Just last month, the retired ship was being towed er. A yearly finance committee of but feels that he or she should not Walker Report” aboard the USNS to Texas for dismantling. rank-and-file members, elected by have been required to make such pay- General Nelson M. Walker. the membership, each year examines ment, this should immediately be the finances of the union and reports reported to union headquarters. been resupplying these bases in Northern Alaska and Western fully their findings and recommenda- CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS In support of our nation’s annually. Canada was assigned as commer- tions. Members of this committee defense outposts in the Arctic, the One of the smallest, yet one of cial shipping areas. Each year, may make dissenting reports, specific AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of Military Sea Transportation Ser- the most interesting, phases of thanks to the trail blazed by recommendations and separate find- the SIU Constitution are available in vice (MSTS) has sealifted more MSTS arctic operations is the MSTS, commercial shipping is ings. all union halls. All members should than 5 million tons of cargo to the resupply of the Pribilof Islands in increasing its role in the Arctic obtain copies of this constitution so Far North since 1950. the Bering Sea. Each year, sup- resupply operations. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of as to familiarize themselves with its This special mission, called plies are sealifted to the U.S. gov- Much of the credit for the suc- the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and contents. Any time a member feels Inland Waters District/NMU are “Operation Sealift for Security,” ernment’s sealing stations on bar- cess of the Arctic operations can any other member or officer is administered in accordance with the began in 1950 and reached its ren St. George and St. Paul be attributed to the joint coopera- attempting to deprive him or her of provisions of various trust fund peak during the 1955-57 opera- islands. The seal products tion of the military and civilian any constitutional right or obligation tions when MSTS launched the agreements. All these agreements returned to the States are worth personnel who combined forces to by any methods, such as dealing with most gigantic logistic assault upon specify that the trustees in charge of more than the material carried to get the job done. Their skill and charges, trials, etc., as well as all the North polar region ever under- the Pribilofs. courage in overcoming many these funds shall equally consist of other details, the member so affected taken by land or aerial forces of In 1957, the long-sought-after challenging problems is a tribute union and management representa- any nation. Northwest Passage became a real- to the organizations they repre- tives and their alternates. All expendi- should immediately notify headquar- Termed a logistic miracle by ity. Since the 1500s, man has sent. This includes the govern- tures and disbursements of trust funds ters. many, this polar “assault” was sought a practical deep-draft ments of the U.S. and Canada, the are made only upon approval by a EQUAL RIGHTS. All members majority of the trustees. All trust fund made to supply men and materials water passage across the top of Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Mer- are guaranteed equal rights in financial records are available at the for the construction of the Distant North America. chant Marine and segments of pri- employment and as members of the headquarters of the various trust Early Warning (DEW) radar sys- MSTS had to develop such a vate industry. SIU. These rights are clearly set forth tem which, when completed, funds. passage as a possible escape route in the SIU Constitution and in the stretched across the entire Arctic for MSTS ships, which found an The General Nelson M. Walker SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s contracts which the union has negoti- fringe of North America. ice blockage across their normal was first commissioned as the shipping rights and seniority are pro- ated with the employers. Conse- During the three-year polar route out of the Arctic. Under the Admiral H.T. Mayo in 1945. The tected exclusively by contracts assault, despite encountering the direction of Vice Admiral John M. vessel transported troops between quently, no member may be discrimi- between the union and the employers. nated against because of race, creed, worst ice conditions ever recorded Will, USN, an MSTS task group Marseilles, France and the U.S. Members should get to know their color, sex, national or geographic ori- in the Arctic, MSTS sealifted in 1957 charted such a route at the and between Okinawa, Japan and shipping rights. Copies of these con- gin. more than 1 million tons of cargo top of North America’s mainland, the U.S. In October 1945, the ves- tracts are posted and available in all and building equipment, plus 10 through Bellot Strait and its sel participated in the first of four union halls. If members believe there If any member feels that he or she is million barrels of petroleum prod- approaches from the westward “Magic Carpet” voyages to Tokyo have been violations of their shipping denied the equal rights to which he or ucts to the DEW Line sites. through Rae, James Ross and and Manila carrying replace- or seniority rights as contained in the she is entitled, the member should This victory over the hazards Franklin straits. ments for battle-weary veterans contracts between the union and the notify union headquarters. of wind, ice and fog would not In nine years, MSTS has suc- whom the vessel was to bring back employers, they should notify the have been possible without the ceeded in opening the Arctic to home. The final voyages were Seafarers Appeals Board by certified SEAFARERS POLITICAL benefit of eight years’ experience sealift on a previously unheard of completed in March 1946. It was mail, return receipt requested. The ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. in polar logistics. MSTS began scale. Through persistence, renamed the General Nelson M. proper address for this is: SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Arctic operations of a modest patience and sheer daring, MSTS Walker and in 1965 was trans- Its proceeds are used to further its scale in 1950 when it began the military and civilian crews have ferred to the Military Sea Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board objects and purposes including, but “Seaborne Supply of the North “cracked” the Arctic. Transportation Service. The ship not limited to, furthering the political, East Command” (SUNEC) in the Throughout the DEW Line made five cruises from San 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 social and economic interests of mar- Labrador/Greenland areas. area, “impassable” uncharged, Francisco to Japan, Okinawa and itime workers, the preservation and In 1951, over 50 MSTS-con- ice-choked backwaters have Vietnam. Following decommis- Full copies of contracts as referred furthering of the American merchant trolled ships in support of opera- to are available to members at all become well-traveled supply sioning and storage, the vessel marine with improved employment tion “Blue Jay” transported mate- times, either by writing directly to the routes. Forbidding shore sites was transferred to the Maritime opportunities for seamen and boat- rials and personnel to build the Air barbed with fast ice and honey- Administration in 1970 and laid union or to the Seafarers Appeals men and the advancement of trade Force Base at Thule, Greenland. combs of rocks have become mass up in the James River (Va.) Board. union concepts. In connection with Also at that time, the defense sites staging areas for successful over- berthing area. Just last month, the CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU at Baffin Island and Labrador such objects, SPAD supports and the-beach operations around the retired ship left the James River contracts are available in all SIU were established. contributes to political candidates for clock. for Brownsville, Texas, where it halls. These contracts specify the Since that time, MSTS has In 1958, the entire Arctic area will be dismantled. elective office. All contributions are wages and conditions under which an voluntary. No contribution may be SIU member works and lives aboard solicited or received because of force, a ship or boat. Members should know job discrimination, financial reprisal, Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? their contract rights, as well as their or threat of such conduct, or as a con- In order to help ensure that each active SIU be mailed (unless otherwise specified). obligations, such as filing for over- dition of membership in the union or time (OT) on the proper sheets and in member and pensioner receives a copy of the If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG of employment. If a contribution is the proper manner. If, at any time, a Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other delivered to you, if you have changed your address, made by reason of the above improp- member believes that an SIU patrol- important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and or if your name or address is misprinted or incom- er conduct, the member should notify man or other union official fails to health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a plete, please fill out the form and send it to: the Seafarers International Union or protect their contractual rights prop- correct home address must be on file with the union. Seafarers International Union SPAD by certified mail within 30 If you have moved recently or feel that you are Address Correction Dept. erly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. days of the contribution for investiga- not getting your union mail, please use the form on 5201 Auth Way tion and appropriate action and this page to update your home address. Camp Springs, MD 20746 EDITORIAL POLICY — THE refund, if involuntary. A member Your home address is your permanent address, SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers and this is where all official union documents will or e-mail corrections to [email protected] should support SPAD to protect and LOG traditionally has refrained from further his or her economic, political publishing any article serving the and social interests, and American political purposes of any individual in trade union concepts. HOME ADDRESS FORM the union, officer or member. It also (Please Print) has refrained from publishing articles NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at deemed harmful to the union or its any time a member feels that any of Name: ______collective membership. This estab- the above rights have been violated, lished policy has been reaffirmed by or that he or she has been denied the Phone No.: ______membership action at the September constitutional right of access to union 1960 meetings in all constitutional records or information, the member Address: ______ports. The responsibility for Sea- should immediately notify SIU farers LOG policy is vested in an edi- ______President Michael Sacco at headquar- torial board which consists of the ters by certified mail, return receipt Social Security No.: ______/ ______/ ______Book No.: ______executive board of the union. The requested. The address is: executive board may delegate, from
Active SIU
Pensioner
Other ______among its ranks, one individual to Michael Sacco, President carry out this responsibility. Seafarers International Union This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 5201 Auth Way This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 2/05 monies are to be paid to anyone in Camp Springs, MD 20746. 20 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:13 PM Page 21

SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER Steward Upgrading Courses UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Feb. The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime 7, 2005. Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through August 2005. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American Engine Upgrading Courses maritime industry. Start Date of Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the mem- Course Date Completion bership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. FOWT March 28 May 20 Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before June 20 August 11 their 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 reserva- Marine Electrician April 18 June 13 tions should be made for Saturday. QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at Welding March 21 April 8 the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. April 11 April 29 May 9 May 27 August 22 September 9 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date of Safety Specialty Courses Course Date Completion Start Date of Able Seaman March 7 April 1 Course Date Completion April 18 May 13 Advanced Fire Fighting* March 14 March 25 May 30 June 24 (*must have basic fire fighting) May 16 May 27 July 11 August 5 July 18 July 29 August 22 September 16 Fast Boat Rescue May 2 May 6 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* April 18 April 22 June 6 June 10 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 20 June 24 Government Vessels March 14 March 18 August 22 August 26 April 11 April 15 May 23 May 27 Bridge Resource Management May 9 May 13 July 4 July 8 (Unlimited) August 8 August 12 August 22 August 26 Celestial Navigation March 14 April 8 May 16 June 10 Medical Care Provider March 28 April 1 July 18 August 11 May 30 June 3 August 1 August 5 GMDSS (Simulator) April 25 May 6 June 27 July 8 Tankerman Familiarization/ April 4 April 15 August 29 September 9 Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 6 June 17 (*must have basic fire fighting) August 1 August 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 4 April 15 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* June 27 July 1 May 16 May 27 (*must have basic fire fighting) June 27 July 8 August 8 August 19 Academic Department Courses Radar April 4 April 13 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic June 6 June 15 vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week August 8 August 17 prior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant Radar Renewal (1 day): April 25, June 27, August 29 and Water Survival courses. 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money Address______order only, payable to LMSS. ______BEGIN END COURSE DATE DATE Telephone ______Date of Birth ______Deep Sea Member
Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
______If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be ______processed. ______Social Security # ______Book # ______Seniority ______Department ______U.S. Citizen: Yes
No
Home Port ______Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ______LAST VESSEL: ______Rating: ______

______Date On: ______Date Off: ______Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?
Yes
No SIGNATURE ______DATE ______If yes, class # ______NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?
Yes
No present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques- If yes, course(s) taken ______tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189.
Yes
No Firefighting:
Yes
No CPR:
Yes
No The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qual- ified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, Primary language spoken ______access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2/05 February 2005 Seafarers LOG 21 Pg2,22,23.qxd 1/28/2005 6:22 PM Page 22

Paul Hall Center Classes

Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Dec. 3 are (in alphabetical order) Laurent Abad, Jeremy Abbott, Owen Gallagher, Melvin Gruelle, David Guthrie, Aidan Helt, Christopher Hodder, Forrest Hosier, Gregory Karr, Brian Manion, John Niday, Christopher Paul, Arthur Reeder, Arthur Rogers, Ramiro Rubio, Gregory Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 657 — Graduating from the water survival Scott, Hector Serrano, Douglas Shores and Ben Skuban. class are unlicensed apprentices from class 657 (in alphabetical order) Fausto Aranda, Vincel Banks, Steven Cedres, Clifford Cronan, Wanda Davis, Aaron Dixon, Kenneth Fecher, Jeffery Griffin, Alexander Hill, Jason Jacobs, Edward Johnson, Timothy Littles, Ashley Lund, Michael Moerbeek, Billie Jo Munoz, Roy Nathan, Robert Noble, Garfield Persley Jr., Adam Ramey, Michael Rodriguez, Benny Samosan, William Sanchez, Scott Spillman, Ronald Westerfield and Ryan White.

Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing this course Nov. 12 are (in alphabetical order) Seafarer Juan Bell and unlicensed apprentices Ernesto Girau, Joshua Lampke, Jeremy Martinez, Robert Oliveto, David Quade, Jamal Ricks, Steben Torres and Jervona Vorise. Their instructor, John Cronan, is at far left. Bridge Resource Management (BRM) — Graduating from the bridge resource management course Dec. 3 are (in alphabetical order) Jared Blavat, Ian Ferguson, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Donald McGraw, Jerry Sobieraj and Jerome Wong. At far left is Capt. Jack Russell. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is third from left.

Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing the basic aux- iliary plant operations course Dec. 12 are (in alphabetical order) upgraders Manuel Lata and Ryan Neathery and Phase III unlicensed FOWT — Graduates from the FOWT course Dec. 17 include (in alphabetical order) Damien Bautista, apprentices Robin Bourgeois, Anthony Clark, Christopher Eide, Clark Dario Dizon, Kenneth Dyson, David Gulick Jr., Damien James, Peter Jensen, Yuriy Khitrenko, Joshua Howard, Richard Murray, Maurice Perry and Adam Soto. Their instructor, Kilbourn, Ryan Krom, Roger Nesbeth, Felix Osorio, Bruce Placido, Luis Roebuck, David Simpson, Curtis John Cronan, is third from left. Tobey, Bruce Zarobell and William Zobel. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is second from left.

Computer Lab Classes

Instructor Rick Prucha (standing at far right in both photos) congratulates SIU members for their accomplish- ments in the computer lab.

In the photo at left are (seated, from left) Chris Chikwere and Dan Marcus; standing is Abdulmoghni Said.

In the photo at right are (seated, from left) Diane Lee House, William Knorr and David Guthrie; standing are Art Rogers, Mel Orville and Forrest Hoster.

22 Seafarers LOG February 2005 Pg2,22,23.qxd 1/28/2005 6:22 PM Page 23

Paul Hall Center Classes

Junior Engineer — Seafarers completing the junior engineer course Dec. 17 are (in alphabeti- cal order) Christopher Bounds, Joie Flesner, Jeffrey McIntosh, Nicholas Murgolo, Ashley Nelson, Jason Powell, Marco Rodriquez, Joseph Sam, Christopher Schneider, Demetrius Simmons, Randy Slue, Charles Sneed and Paul Weil. Galley Ops — Working their way up in the galley department Their instructor, Jay are (from the left) Abdul Hamid, Ed White (instructor), Frances Henderson, is at far right. Dvoroznak, Mario Rochez and Arlene Ringler (instructor).

STOS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Jan. 21 from instructor Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Unlicensed trainees Stacey Harris (far left) are (in no specific order) Melvin Mitchell, Wlodzimierz Arendt, recently completing this course are (in no specific order) Mark Keblis, Ron Whitlow, Russell Sawyer, Ryan Johnson, Martin Rogers, Matthew Flickinger, Allan Coloyan, Perry Schroff, Teresa Ward, Cheryl Lynch, Scott Spilman, Ben Clark, Timothy Bauer, Matt Musslewhite, Jeremy Williams, Luke Bradley, Robert Hall, Jim Williamson and Anthony Bartley, Jerome Prince, James Ruffin, Frank Lewis, Thia Banks, William Steven Reiber. Wilson, Stephen Morris, Jonathan Ives, Ron Westerfield and Huey Napier. Their instruc- tor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right.

Lifeboatman/Water Survival —With instructor Bernabe Pelingon (stand- ing second from right) are Jan. 21 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival course. In alphabetical order of Kyle Bloom, David Desrosiers, Dana Fischer, Felix Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another class of unli- Garcia, Brian Gauntt, Carlos Gay, Richard Otto, Jonas Robinson, Saul Suarez, censed trainees completing this course are Robert Morrison, Timothy Watson, Ali Saif, Dana Thomas and Rick Worthington. Tim Cullen, Frank Muellersman, Evan Werner, Brian Saba, Troy Davis, Joshua Smith, Andre Robinson, Samantha Murphy, Hector Ortiz, Ariel Lopez, Javier Ortiz, George Phillips, Kenneth Williams, Stephen Cooper, Tony Fury, Tony Beasley, Tedrick Blackstone and Paul Brown. Their instructor, Herb Walling, stands in the back at left. Training in Hawaii

Crowd Management Training Class #1 — Many of the students Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Dec. 10 are (in completing this class also were in Class #1 of basic safety training. Above are alphabetical order) upgraders Marco Figueroa, Ronald Ramos and Abdulmoghni Said and (in no particular order) Tanya Lowe, Carlos Saflor, Arvilee Branch, William Kupa, Phase III unlicensed apprentices Michael Broadway, John Frey, William Hunt, Cleveland Julie Fancois, Robyn Moors, Sherell Reis, Jonathan Williams, Dana Berney, Lewis, Sean Mitchell, James Nickerson, Norman Rodriguez, Derek Rye, Martin Simmons and Jacqueline Ortez, Kahainuk Lahens, Peter Winkley and Bobby Joe Harris. Nigel Williams. February 2005 Seafarers LOG 23 Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:37 PM Page 24

Volume 67, Number 2 February 2005 O A 1

f S S — 1 T — T T f S p 1 a 1

The U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued its recent upgrade late last year as SIU members crewed up two newly reflagged containerships for Waterman Steamship Corp.: the P&O Nedlloyd Veracruz and the P&O Nedlloyd Buenos Aires (pictured at right in Houston). Recertified Steward Donna DeCesare

Chief Pumpman Kenneth Spivey

These photos were taken aboard the Puget Sound in October of last year when the ship—which formerly was part of the ATC fleet and was turned over to OSG—recrewed in the port of Orange, Texas. AB Harvey Ramos The captain and crew of the newly reflagged P&O Nedlloyd Buenos Aires pose for a group picture before sailing from the port of Houston.

Chief Cook Cesar Avila and SA Faustino Castillo have no trouble finding their way around the galley of the Waterman containership. John Zepeda is the recertified bosun aboard the Puget Sound.

Many Seafarers and family mem- bers volunteered to help serve the meal.

Patrolman Kevin Marchand (left) and AB Thomas Corrales enjoys Seafarer Randy Stevens carve the the dinner with his family. SIU members, along with their fami- turkeys. lies and guests, were treated to Thanksgiving dinner at the Houston Right: Included among hall Nov. 24, 2004. Twelve turkeys those who joined in on as well as ham and the traditional the holiday feast are holiday trimmings were prepared by (from left) Joe Clark, Seafarers to serve the nearly 150 Saundra Leonard, attendees. Francisco King, a guest and Richard Henry.

The line was long—but it went quickly and was well worth the wait. When the Liberty Eagle held a recent payoff in the port of Houston, some of Left: Retiree Ralph the crew posed for a group shot. They Moore helps with the are Chief Cook Marcial Avila, GUDE preparations. Valerio Manaiza, Patrolman Michael Russo, GUDE Leonel Montes, QMED Right: This is just one Stephen Treece, Steward/Baker of the serving tables Pablo Alvarez and departing Chief laden with delicious Cook Johnny Palencia. holiday fare.