Six Seafarers recently completed their respective ascents to the summit of the merchant mariner culinary hierarchy when they graduated from the union’s steward recertification course. In recognition of their achievements, the graduates received certificates during the Aug. 6 membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Satisfying the rigid yet essential demands of their instructors during the month-long curriculum were Stewards Christopher Amigable, Charlfred Autrey, Adele George, Karen Fensel, Exxl Ronquillo and Douglas Swets. Each stood and spoke before the audience of SIU officials, fellow Seafarers, family members, friends and guests during the membership meeting. Collectively, they expressed their gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families and become better shipmates to their brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels.
Ronquillo, who sails from the port of Piney Point, Md., was the first to approach the podium. “I’ve been with the SIU since Sept. 29, 1989,” said Ronquillo who was born in the Philippines. “I sail as a chief steward and have sailed all over the world during my career,” he continued. Ronquillo told those in attendance that that SIU has been a very important part of his life since becoming a member because he considers the union as a partner. “It helps me to take care of myself and my family,” he said. “The SIU makes my life more secure and I am very proud to be a member.”
Ronquillo extended his thanks to union officials for all that they do for the rank-and-file members, including the affiliation with the school and making upgrade training so accessible. He also thanked the Paul Hall Center instructors and staff for their contributions and support. “I thank them all for being there and being willing to help all of us.
“To the trainees, never waste the opportunity to learn while you are here,” he concluded. “Always study hard and be the best that you can be.”
Autrey sails out of the port of Mobile and has been an SIU member since 1993. He has upgraded at the school on three previous occasions. “I’m honored to be here today,” the Atmore, Ala. native told the audience. He extended his gratitude to the union’s officials and Paul Hall Center instructors for helping him advance in his career.
Autrey told the trainees to always put their best effort forward and take advantage of each opportunity to learn. “Practice good teamwork while you are undergoing training,” he said. “Help each other out as often as you can and trust in one another’s abilities.”
“I have sailed around the world several times,” said Amigable, who most recently sailed out of the port of Tacoma as a steward/baker.
“I joined the SIU in 1984 in Seattle and have been sailing for 14 years. The union has been very important in my life over the years because of the job opportunities it has given me,” he continued. “The benefits are great.”
Born in the Philippines, Amigable previously has upgraded at Piney Point on five different occasions. “The training I received here is very valuable. I learned many new skills and I now feel more empowered with the ability to do a better job aboard my ship and to be a better shipmate to my brothers and sisters,” he said. “I enjoyed my stay very much and would encourage everyone to come here and upgrade their skills.”
Amigable then extended his thanks to the SIU leadership for “the job security, good contracts and safe and reliable working conditions they provide for union members.”
“To the trainees, you all have made a wise career choice and it’s good to see all of you here,” Amigable added. “I urge you to study hard, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Listen to your instructors, learn from your instructors. Learn to work together with your classmates and always carry your part of the load.”
U.S. Virgin Islands -born George was a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 506 in 1993. She sails from the port of Norfolk, Va. and has upgraded many times.
“I came back here five times before to attend upgrade training,” she said. “I learned a lot each time I was here, but this time I especially learned a great deal about working together as a group…. I would like to thank the union officials and the instructors here at the school for all that they do.
“To the trainees, listen to your supervisors and always work together as a team,” she concluded.
Swets is a veteran of the U.S. Army with some 30 years of service. “I served as a facility manager in the Army,” he said. “I later worked in a culinary capacity for 10 years with the Disney Resorts. I now sail as a chief steward.
“I have been sailing with the SIU since 1987,” said Swets, who first donned the union colors in Honolulu. He currently sails out of the port of Oakland.
“Joining the union and sailing changed my life for ever,” Swets told those in the audience. “It challenged me to work hard… and afforded me the opportunity to reach my goals.” Being at sea also gave Swets the time to read a great many books which were penned by some of his favorite authors. He shared some of their respective philosophies and views on humanity with those in attendance.
Swets said that thanks to the SIU, he had made several voyages around the world. “I have traveled to such ports as Shanghai, Bombay, Singapore, Burma, Thailand, Southampton and Amsterdam,” he said. “I have made four trips around the world by way of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal. I also have traveled around the Cape of Africa.”
Swets said the overall training experience at Piney Point was “great and I will definitely encourage others to take advantage of what is available here. Being here and undergoing the training will help me do a better job aboard ship. It also has given me a better working knowledge of the union and its officials.”
He continued his remarks by thanking everyone responsible for his success to date as a Seafarer and this most recent opportunity to attend training. “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me,” he said.
Swets had a lot of advice for the trainees. Using quotes from some of the books he had read over the years, he told the unlicensed apprentices, “The surest way to doom yourself to failure is to perform poorly the work you are paid to do. Today and every day, deliver more than you are getting paid to do. Don’t give up on your dreams…. Take responsibility for your choices and choose to be a winner.”
Fensel launched her career with the union in Hawaii. “I’ve been sailing with the SIU since 1987,” she told the audience. “This career has opened many doors for me over the years. I first came to Piney Point in 1991 and have returned many times since to upgrade my skills. I thank the officials for helping to keep this school open and the instructors for keeping it running.”
She told the audience that she enjoyed the meetings she had with union officials, including President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Meeting and talking with them really opened my eyes to all of the hard work these officials have done and the accomplishments they have achieved for our union and its members. I’d like thank all of them for their hard work in getting us good contracts,” she said.
Directing her attention to the trainees, Fensel said, “Work hard and take pride in everything you do. You will soon be representing our union aboard vessels, so please make our officials and members proud.”
The steward recertification course, like most other classes at the Paul Hall Center, blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. Detailed refreshers in safety training (including fire fighting, first aid and CPR) and sanitary conditions are emphasized. Computer training also is a key part of the course as are study skills, communication and nutrition.
Additionally, the training includes meetings with representatives from the various departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans, along with a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). In every instance, the curriculum is designed to help stewards do an even better job when they go to their next ships.
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