A dozen SIU members on May 8 realized significant milestones in their respective careers when they earned status as recertified bosuns.The mariners completed the highest level of vocational education available to members of the deck department at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. During the month-long course, the 12 Seafarers—Bosuns Reginald Watkins, Rufino Giray, Daniel Teichman, Richard Barnes, Winfred Itima, Robert Natividad, Mike Shappo, Amante Gumiran, Scott Palen, Paul Wade, Timothy Jackson and William Richards—learned more about the industry in which they work. Each now is better equipped to assume leadership roles by taking this knowledge back to their shipmates at the hiring halls and aboard individual vessels.
The course included a mixture of classroom and practical training as well as visits to the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs to meet with representatives of the various departments and to the Maritime Trades Department at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C.
After being presented with their graduation certificates during the May membership meeting at Piney Point, the recertified bosuns approached the podium to address union officials, members and guests in attendance. All gave a few words of thanks for the opportunities they were afforded at the Southern Maryland-based school and emphasized that the class will help enable them to do a better job at sea. They also imparted a few personal words of insight to the unlicensed apprentices who are following in their footsteps.
Watkins sails out of the port of Mobile. Ala., and has been going to sea since the early ’80s.
The course was a lot of fun and very informative for Watkins, who “really enjoyed the small arms, CPR and firefighting classes.”
“I joined the union in 1980 when I was 22 years old,” Watkins told those in attendance.
“The union has changed my life a great deal, and I thank all of the union officials for the tremendous job they have done over the years in keeping our jobs secure.
“A winner never quits and a quitter never wins,” he continued. “I wanted to be a bosun for a long time. A lot of people told me that I could not, but I did not quit because I knew if I kept knocking then the door would be opened. Well that door has opened for me today,” Watkins said.
“To the trainees, work hard and pay attention while you are here so that you can learn,” he concluded. “When you go to sea, always be sure that you are loyal, hard-working and dedicated to your jobs. That way, you’re sure to be successful.”
Giray proudly has worn the SIU colors for some 20 years. He sails out of the port of Honolulu, Hawaii and initially went to sea aboard an American Hawaii Cruises vessel.
“In addition to working as a mariner in the cruise industry, I also have sailed as a bosun aboard commercial ships, cable ships and container ships,” he told his union brothers and sisters.
“I learned a great deal during the course, and it is an honor to be a part of this class,” Giray continued. “I’m very grateful to the people who made it possible for me to have this opportunity—President (Michael) Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez and the other members of the staff….thank you all very much.” He also expressed his gratitude to Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz and Patrolman Frank Iverson for their unwavering support.
Giray applauded the school’s vocational department and its instructors for “a job well done” and expressed gratitude “to the entire Paul Hall Center staff for their accommodations and superior service while I was here.”
“Study hard and ask questions,” Giray told the trainees. “You should always listen, pay attention to your superiors and work as a team. Go out there and do the very best you can, and no matter what, never give up.”
Teichman is a highly seasoned veteran of the seas, having sailed for more than 43 years—the last 18 or so with the SIU. He noted that in addition to working as a member of the unlicensed crew, he previously had sailed as a mate and a chief engineer.
He lauded the officers and staff of the school and throughout the SIU, as well as those at the various ports “for their work and consistent efforts to keep union jobs going here in the United States. Going to sea has enabled me to enjoy complete financial independence.
“I learned a lot during this class,” continued Teichman, who sails out of San Francisco. “My eyes were opened to a great many facts about the work that goes on behind the scenes. I’d especially like to thank (SIU Vice President Contracts) George Tricker who used to be my port agent in Los Angeles and Augie Tellez who gave me an awful lot of information in the time we had together. And to Mike Sacco, thank you very much.”
Turning to the trainees, Teichman said, “You need to remember all of those who have gone before you and always think of those who will come after you and take care of you. Just do your jobs when you go to sea and everything will be fine for you.”
Spending time at the Paul Hall Center is becoming a regular occurrence for Barnes, who has upgraded his skills at the institution twice in the past. He sails out of the port of Tacoma, Wash. and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
“I joined the SIU in 1992 and have seven years in the U.S. Navy and a stint in the oil patch,” Barnes said. “I’ve sailed with various companies on tankers, bulkers, containerships and in capacities from AB to bosun.
“I’ve been to three different countries during my career,” he continued, “but my most memorable was South Africa where I met my wife of seven years.”
Commenting on his recertification instruction, Barnes offered, “I gained good insights about contracts and benefits during my training. This was a real help to me because on the ships, you don’t want to give wrong answers to questions.
“The instructors were very knowledgeable and just great to be around,” he continued. “I’d like to thank the school staff for a very memorable stay here and I salute the union’s officials for their hard work during the 2006 negotiations.
“To the trainees, as a bosun, I want to tell you to always be ready to give 100 percent without a squabble,” Barnes said. And when you are at sea, “there’s never a wrong question, so don’t be afraid to ask it. We’re all out there to make a living for our families, ourselves and to safeguard the future of the SIU. So always give your best,” he concluded.
Itima, who previously upgraded in 2001, sails out of the port of Houston and has been going to sea for more than a quarter-century. He joined the NMU in 1989.
Reflecting on his recent training, Itima stated that small arms training and other safety-related components of the course will help him do a better job aboard ship.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this bosun recertification course,” he continued. “The school is well-organized and well-staffed, and the course content was thoroughly explained.”
To the trainees, Itima said, “You must listen, respect those above you, study hard and work together.”
Natividad sails out of San Francisco and previously has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. “I have been shipping for 28 years, three years with the Navy, seven years MSC SIU Government Services Division,” Natividad shared during his turn at the podium. “I’ve sailed 18 years in the deep sea division as an OS, AB and bosun. I’ve sailed to Australia, Japan, India and South Africa.”
He said that the course was very informative and beneficial and recognized several individuals who played key roles in his career to date. “I’d like to thank the SIU and its officers, my friend (SIU Assistant Vice President) Nick Celona, and the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco for their support,” Natividad said. “I also thank the Paul Hall Center and its staff for their education, training, jacket, hat and briefcase.”
“To the trainees,” said Natividad, “study hard, ask questions and always have a reference book handy, or know where you can get the correct information that you will need. During phase two when you are at sea, listen to your supervisors and be proud to work together as members of the SIU team.”
Natividad concluded his remarks by encouraging those present to contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation and the Maritime Defense League. “Through your donations, our union leaders will remain strong in their ongoing fight for political success for the merchant marine.”
Shappo thanked the union leadership for its hard work over the years and the Paul Hall Center staff for outstanding accommodations and providing superb training during his classes.
“I was a trainee here back in 1971,” said the newly recertified bosun, who sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. “I got a job out of here and they sent me to San Francisco on a containership that took me to Honolulu and then back to Oakland.”
Shappo over the years has sailed to many foreign countries including Egypt where “I got to go to the Pyramids and to the Cairo Museum. I also saw King Tut’s treasures and the mummies. That was very rewarding.
“When you go on the ship, the old-timers can tell you a lot,” Shappo told the trainees. “Don’t think you know everything; instead, listen to them because these guys have been at it a long time and they worked hard to learn what they have. Pay attention and try to learn from them. You can make some money out there, have plenty of time off and see the world.”
Gumiran thanked the vocational staff for providing him and classmates with a very informative training experience. A member of the SIU since 1990, he sails out of the port of San Francisco.
He lauded union officials for the fine job they are doing in leading the organization.
Gumiran was direct and extremely matter-of-fact in his remarks to the trainees. “Do what you are told and do not be lazy, lazy and lazy.”
Palen is no stranger to the Paul Hall Center. Prior to entering bosun recertification training, he upgraded his skills twice at the institution.
He joined the SIU in 1992 and sails out of the port of Norfolk, Va. Palen thanked the union for providing him with the opportunities he has had so far in his career. He indicated that his training was very beneficial, and he praised the school and its vocational staff for their professionalism.
He told the trainees, “The SIU will supply you with the skills you need succeed.”
“I joined the SIU in 1979 when I was 18 and have been shipping for 28 years,” said Wade. “It seem like it was just yesterday that I was in Bungalow 9 getting my head shaved (as part of the entry requirements for the trainee program).”
He sails out of the port of Houston and has visited ports in Africa, Northern Europe, the Philippines and Japan, among other places.
Commenting on his training, Wade said, “I’d like to thank the SIU, the school and staff for this opportunity. A special thanks goes to (SIU Assistant Vice President) Jim McGee and (SIU Vice President Gulf Coast) Dean Corgey down in Houston for being good friends.
“To the trainees, do the best you can and try to follow directions,” Wade added. “Bosuns are not out there to pick on anyone; they’re just trying to get the job done. Be a part of the team and help them.”
Jackson thanked the union officials for their continued support and expressed his gratitude to the Paul Hall Center and vocational staff for their accommodations and academic expertise. He has been a member of the SIU for 16 years.
“I have been around the world many times, seen a great deal of things and have had plenty of fun,” said the mariner who sails out of the port of Mobile.
“Always listen to your department heads and veteran seamen,” Jackson advised the trainees. “They will teach you the best and safest way to get a job done. Work hard, learn your job well and always be willing to be a part of the team.”
Richards has been sailing with the SIU since 1991. “I have sailed around the world several times and talked to everyone twice,” he told his fellow union members.
“I have never wanted for anything as an SIU member,” Richards, who sails out of the port of New York, continued. “The union has allowed me to pursue my dream of seeing the world, owning a home and becoming a productive member of society.”
Richards expressed his thanks to the SIU and its officers as well as the Paul Hall Center and its staff for the opportunity to attend the bosun recertification course. “This had been a memorable time,” he said.
“Take advantage of this opportunity,” Richards advised the trainees. “You have made the right choice. Remember to study hard, ask questions and always remember it is a team effort.”
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