There’s a world of difference between learning about the Seafarers International Union from other mariners and actually talking to the leaders of the union face-to-face. That’s what the 11 graduates of the bosun recertification course found out during their month-long course and which will now shape their own leadership roles aboard ship.
The bosuns emphasized that the class will help enable them to do a better job at sea.
The 11 Seafarers—Kelvin Cherington, Thomas P. Flanagan, Alvin T. Martin, Willie M. Marsh, Eric A. Berry, Konstantino Prokovas, Timothy Burke, Aristeo M. Padua, Homar L. McField, Robert J. Coleman and Christopher K. Pompel—each gave their impressions of the bosun recertification course in remarks delivered after receiving their certificates of graduation at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md.
Rumors and innuendos can spread like wildfire, but these students—who completed the highest level of education available to members of the deck department at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point—learned the facts directly from the union’s president, vice presidents and department heads—officials who guide the SIU to make it strong and successful.
The 11 students were exposed to many different facets of bosun training, including meeting with department representatives at Piney Point, headquarters and at the offices of the Maritime Trades Department in Washington, D.C. They found themselves amazed at how much they learned about the behind-the-scenes workings of the union and now believe they are in a better position to take what they have observed and disseminate the information to their fellow shipmates.
Cherington, who hails from the Honduras Bay Island of Roatán, has been sailing for 20 years, the last four of which have been with the SIU following its merger with the NMU. He has traveled all over the world and is extremely proud to be part of the union, which he believes turned his life around.
Now sailing from Port Everglades, Fla., Cherington was excited by the classes he took as part of the bosun recertification program, particularly the small arms course. But above all, he stated he now has a more concise understanding about the workings of the union and how contracts are negotiated, and feels better able to answer any questions other members may pose to him.
To the unlicensed apprentices in the audience, Cherington stressed the need to study hard, get educated, ask questions, work as a team and always remember that safety comes first.
Flanagan agreed that the month-long course afforded him a better understanding of how the union works. He said he never realized the scope of the politics involved and the commitment required on the part of union officials and representatives to secure a better future for the membership. At the same time, he was made aware of how contributing to SPAD is an investment in the future.
Flanagan, who sails from the port of New York, also started his seafaring career in the NMU. He is “proud to sail with such qualified people,” he noted in his remarks at the graduation ceremony, and found his experience at Piney Point a pleasant one, particularly being able to talk with other bosuns on what they are doing and how they deal with certain problems and activities aboard ship.
Martin began sailing with the NMU in 1975 and ships from the port of New Orleans. He was aboard a Keystone vessel in Seattle when the proposed SIU/NMU merger was announced, and he said there were some negative rumors associated with the merger. After completing the bosun recertification course, he now believes he has the information needed to help reinforce others who started in the NMU of the benefits of being part of the SIU family. This, in turn, will bring strength and unity to the union.
Martin, who was accompanied to Piney Point by his wife, stated he is humbled by the leadership within the union. He stressed to the unlicensed apprentices that what they learn at the school will help prepare them for a great career at sea—or as a springboard to almost anything else they want to do. “Just apply yourselves; nothing comes easy.”
Shipping from the port of Houston, Marsh joined the SIU in 1975 at the age of 22. He has been around the world, sailing as an AB, and said it’s been a great experience.
The SIU is like a family, “and you’re an important part of this organization,” Marsh said. He singled out SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, his port chaplain and the secretaries at the Houston hall for their help in keeping him headed in the right direction.
“Take advantage of all the tools you have here at the Paul Hall Center,” he told the trainees. “You can go as far as you want.”
Berry also joined the SIU in 2001 as a result of the SIU/NMU merger. He has been sailing 18 years from the port of Wilmington, Calif.
The recertified bosun found his experiences at Piney Point to be informative, interesting and inspiring, particularly learning the political aspects of promoting the industry.
To the unlicensed apprentices, he said, “Never forget who came before you. They sacrificed a great deal for us to be where we are today.” He concluded by stressing the importance of SPAD contributions to “help us stay strong for those who follow.”
Although he has been sailing since 1968, Prokovas joined the SIU in New York in 1992. He said the union has been good to him and his family, and was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the recertification class.
Prokovas was amazed at everything he learned. “From Piney Point, to SIU headquarters, to the Maritime Trades Department, we found out just how hard our union officials are working to secure this industry.”
He remarked to the trainees and other upgrading Seafarers that every time they enhance their skills, they are “one step ahead.” He concluded by thanking “everyone for making this union number-one.”
“This is a proud moment in my seafaring career: an accomplishment that has taken me quite some time,” stated Burke. Now sailing from Algonac, he was a trainee right after high school in 1968. His father is a retired SIU member; a brother, who was also a trainee, is now on the West Coast working for Crowley; and his nephew, who went through the unlicensed apprentice program four years ago, now ships as an AB.
Burke has sailed deep sea, Great Lakes and inland and has returned to the school a number of times to upgrade his skills.
Having been in their position before, Burke told the trainees that he knows what it’s like being away from home, probably for the first time. He explained that their training at Piney Point is just a beginning, and that once they get aboard a ship, it is their job to expand that base. “Try to remember there are those who will teach you if you will let them,” he said. “Every ship is different, and people are different. Your first ship is what makes you, so if you learn there, the rest is easy.”
Now armed with the knowledge to be a better leader, Burke’s intention is to share what he has learned. “Just ask,” he said, and he dedicated the day to all who have helped him along the way.
Born in the Philippines, Padua had a background in nautical science before he began shipping in 1977 around his native islands. Two years later he started sailing on foreign-flag ships until he came to America in 1990. He joined the NMU and began sailing and upgrading his skills. Following the merger, he got his STCW certification—and has been sailing with the SIU since. He gave his personal thanks to the SIU and its officials, the Paul Hall Center staff and instructors as well as to Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and his staff.
His message to the trainees is to study hard and work hard. “Ask questions when you are out at sea. Make a habit of writing down things you are not familiar with. Listen to your supervisors. Work together as a team.”
Padua realizes that graduating from a course or completing a program is just a beginning—the opening of a door to new opportunities, and he urged the trainees to do the best they can and always work safely. “Be proud of yourselves as trained, qualified Seafarers,” he said.
McField was excited about everything he learned during the four-week recertification course. A member of the SIU since August 1996, McField now wants to take his new knowledge about how the union works directly to others who have not had the opportunity to see and hear it for themselves. Speaking directly to the union’s president and other officials and department heads was a highlight of the experience for him.
McField advised the trainees that the only way they can learn is by asking questions.
Coleman agreed that being able to talk directly with the union officials has given him a better understanding of the politics involved in the maritime industry. “I never realized the extent politics played in the whole system,” he said. “We’re really one big voice, and SPAD is so important.”
Coleman, who has sailed from the port of Houston since 1988, thanked the staff at the school for their time and patience. He addressed the trainees by reminding them of their role as mariners. “You’re going to have a chance to go out and see the world,” he told them. “Keep in mind that anywhere you go, you’re a merchant seaman. And not only do you represent the SIU, you also represent America. Give us a good name.”
After spending the first part of his career as a commercial fisherman, Pompel joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Seattle. Having worked in another part of the industry, he now has a better sense of the benefits and job security enjoyed by Seafarers.
Sailing with the SIU has allowed him to live where he wants, enjoy a comfortable income and, when he wants to sail, he knows he has a job.
He thanked the SIU and the staff and instructors at the school for the opportunity to upgrade, and also thanked all the old-timers who taught him how to live and work at sea.
He told the trainees, “You’ve got brothers and sisters on the ships willing to teach you. Just show a good attitude and some hard work, and the payoff for your time here will be rewarded.”
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