Five mariners from Anchorage, Alaska who started their shipboard careers as "riding gang" workers aboard Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) vessels have earned their respective endorsements as ABs.Seafarers Jerry Maya, Allan Oyao, Fernando Oyao, Deocadio Romney and Rafael Concepcion recently completed the AB course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They were congratulated May 31 as the company hosted a luncheon in Anchorage that also was attended by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and representatives of the Alaska Department of Labor and the SIU.
Harold Holten, a Seafarers representative based in Anchorage, noted that Rep. Young "has been very active with the riding crews and with the unlicensed apprentice program based at Piney Point. He also was instrumental in getting an SIU office opened in Anchorage."
Bill Cole, ATC's director of labor relations, noted that the riding gangs in part signify "a nearly five-year-old effort to train Alaskans for employment aboard U.S. commercial vessels. We are delighted to have Alaskans as seagoing employees of ATC and are proud to further Congressman Young's vision of expanding local hire opportunities for Alaskans aboard U.S.-flag vessels. This is a true public/private/labor partnership that continues to achieve and surpass its goals of providing quality maritime jobs for Alaskans."
Created to satisfy the need for ongoing maintenance at sea, a riding gang provides routine upkeep and repairs of vessels to reduce time in dry dock.
At the Paul Hall Center, the aforementioned mariners passed U.S. Coast Guard exams in lifeboat and water survival safety, marine fire fighting, first aid, oil spill response and other key subjects.
Holten added, "We are particularly pleased with the cooperation received from the Coast Guard and the Alaska State Department of Labor in assuring these folks had the opportunity to pursue their training and career goals."
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