Seafarers Log
Bosun Romualdo Medina doesn’t know exactly how he contracted COVID- 19, but he’s certain that any inconveniences are worthwhile sacrifices in order to avoid it. “I hope every SIU member will take care of themselves and their families,” said Medina, who was stricken by the coronavirus in June aboard the…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: The following message, dated July 10, 2020, is signed by the presidents of six maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco. For a PDF copy, visit the SIU website. It has become increasingly apparent the COVID-19 crisis is not going away anytime soon. Our members aboard ships in…
Seafarers Log
New steward-department jobs for SIU members are on the horizon following the recent christening of an historic vessel. SIU-contracted Matson, Inc., christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels, the Matsonia, in a ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO – a union shipyard – in San Diego on July 2. The…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: This article was posted on the SIU website on June 24 and also was promoted via the union’s text-alert service and on social media. Some of the information previously was published in the Seafarers LOG. As you probably know, 2020 is an election year for the SIU. Due…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: The union’s executive board is constantly reviewing the latest developments with the pandemic and how it affects shipping. Modifications already have been made in order to promote maximum participation in the SIU election. If any changes are made to the absentee-ballot procedures, they will be announced in print…
Seafarers Log
The 2020 edition of the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan’s (SHPB) annual Scholarship Program has been postponed because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but grants are scheduled to be awarded this summer. According to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, the program’s deadline – which in years past was April 15 –…
Seafarers Log
While it might be making recent headlines, there’s very little about absentee voting that is new. According to the Constitutional Accountability Center, “One of the earliest known instances of absentee voting occurred during the American Revolution. In December 1775, a group of soldiers from the Continental Army sent a letter…
Seafarers Log
The Mahi Mahi, operated by SIU-contracted Matson and partially crewed by Seafarers, worked with the Coast Guard to rescue three stranded mariners from a doomed trimaran in the Pacific Ocean on July 8. The SIU crew aboard the Mahi Mahi included Recertified Chief Steward Gregory Broyles, Chief Cook Carmelo Bartolome…
Seafarers Log
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on July 8 announced a potential benefit of carrying a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The agency indicated that all active TWIC holders as well as Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) holders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents are immediately eligible for…
Seafarers Log
COVID Rules and Regulations 2.0 have been adopted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. According to officials at the Piney, Point, Maryland-based campus, these new rules, which must be strictly adhered to by all concerned, override any prior rules and regulations until further notice. Due to…