Sharing heartwarming stories and practical advice, seven SIU members last month addressed fellow Seafarers, unlicensed apprentices and union officials as they graduated from the steward recertification class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.
The graduates received certificates and gave brief remarks April 7 at the membership meeting which took place at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Completing the three-week course were (in the order in which they spoke at the meeting) Josue Luis Iglesia Jr., Bob Easley, James Cameron, Roderick Clay, Grady Ingram, Charles Brooks and Hazel Johnson Jr.
Recertification is the top curriculum available to steward-department mariners at the Paul Hall Center. The course, like most others there, features both practical training and classroom instruction. Topics include detailed refreshers in safety (including fire fighting, first aid and CPR) along with sanitary conditions and computer training. Class members also study communication and nutrition.
Also, the training includes meetings with representatives from different departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans as well as a trip to AFLCIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). Without exception, each component is designed to help stewards do the best jobs possible as they sign on aboard their next vessels.
In keeping with graduation-day tradition, the stewards touched on different aspects of their experiences in the union and at the school. They also encouraged the trainees to make the most of their maritime career opportunities.
The following comments combine parts of the graduation speeches with information specifically provided to the Seafarers LOG by the stewards.
Iglesia graduated from the trainee program in 1992 and now sails from Jacksonville, Fla. He credited the SIU with timely and important help not only from a career standpoint but with life in general.
“The union and the training school saved my life,” Iglesia noted. “When I was 18 years old I was headed down the wrong path. The SIU saved me from the streets and showed me I could make something of myself and provide a good life for my family.”
A frequent upgrader, he added that he always learns new things at the Paul Hall Center, and his most recent course proved no exception. “It’s a great experience every time I come to the school,” Iglesia stated. “This class will help not only me but my staff in the galley when it comes to safety and sanitation.”
Addressing the apprentices, he concluded, “Listen and learn to work together. At sea, work hard and never be afraid to ask questions. You can have a great career.”
Easley, who sails from Tacoma, Wash., said the Paul Hall Center instructors are second-to-none and described the class as “packed with lots of good information. This is the finest maritime academy in the United States.”
He thanked SIU President Michael Sacco “and others who have sacrificed so much for the betterment of the SIU.”
Speaking to the trainees, he said, “Don’t take your opportunities for granted. It’s up to you to use these tools for success.”
Cameron has been with the union since joining in 1990 in Norfolk, Va. “I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to be the best chief steward I can be, and to be an asset rather than a liability to this union,” he declared. “I know this course will help me do a better job aboard the ship. It was very interesting and a good learning experience.” He advised the apprentices to “study hard and learn to work together. At sea, listen and do the right thing.”
Clay, who sails from both Wilmington, Calif., and Honolulu, commended the school staff and instructors. He said the campus “looks great and makes for a good study environment.”
Since joining the SIU 10 years ago, “I’ve been many places and it has been great,” he said. “This union improved my life – enabled me to take care of my family, be a homeowner and put my kids in good schools.
“I’ve worked in other jobs, but this organization has really come through,” he added. “This is a place with integrity and people who care. You don’t see a lot of that elsewhere in the world.”
A football fan, Ingram (whose home port is Jacksonville) said that for him, completing recertification felt like the equivalent of “being the number one draft pick in the NFL. This is a lifetime dream.”
He said a couple of subjects proved particularly interesting during the course: ServSafe, which focuses on different aspects of safety in the galley, and leadership skills. “ServSafe taught here at the center is very educational, informative and on the cutting edge. The leadership class gives me different insights into where I need to focus in order to be a more complete and effective leader,” he said.
Sharing how the SIU helped him achieve success, he noted, “I would like to thank the SIU for giving me an opportunity when no one else would. My career as a seaman has been fruitful. The training center is a beautiful place to achieve goals – it is our thing, our home away from home.
“To the trainees, don’t let anyone deter you.” Brooks, who sails from Norfolk, said that in addition to learning more about his profession, “I now have a better understanding of the inner workings of the union and the hard work that goes into keeping union members working. I have a lot of respect for the people working hard for the members and I thank our union leaders, starting with Mike Sacco, the SIU’s heart and soul. Because of the union I am able to work and support my family and have a good life.”
He said the apprentices are facing “a beautiful opportunity. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”
A 30-year Seafarer who sails from Philadelphia and New York, Johnson wrapped up the presentations with a mix of humor and seriousness. After claiming to have sailed on Noah’s Ark, he thanked a number of officials who recommended him for the class or otherwise have helped him along the way, including Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware, Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, New York Safety Director Jack Sheehan and Philadelphia Patrolman Robert Wisler.
Johnson also noted with pride that he comes from a family of Seafarers – his father, uncle, brother, sister, nephew, niece and two cousins all either sailed SIU or still are members of the union.
“I’ve been around the world several times,” he stated. “This union helps me provide for my family. There are a lot of people in other industries who are out of work these days. We’re not.”
He told the apprentices, “When you go out there on a ship, you’re ‘market ready.’ Ask questions and don’t come aboard thinking you already know everything.”
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