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Prayer Requests:
For the repose of the soul of Deacon Bill Pollack, retired from AOS San Diego. May God console and comfort his wife Cecilia and their family. Join us in prayers of thanksgiving for this servant of the People of the Sea.
For the many Filipino Seafarers who are currently at sea, and do not know the status of their families at home, or the status of their homes, due to inability to make contact with them in the aftermath of the Typhoon.
Prayers of thanksgiving for Sr Mary Nhung Nguyen, cousin of Fr Joseph Phan, AOS - Oakland. Sr Mary is in the Philippines. She had not been heard from for over a week after the Typhoon. She has now contacted family and is alive and well. Their order was taking care of others and she had not been able to contact family. Prayers of thanksgiving are now in order!
For the repose of the Soul of Fr. Anthony Hannick, Cruise Ship Priest Member, who passed away recently. Fr. Hannick was from Ireland, and was known for bringing several priests into the AOS-USA Cruise Ship Priest Program to serve the People of the Sea. We thank God for the work of this good Priest.
For the hundreds of refugees and ferry travelers who have died in the last three weeks in maritime disasters in Nigeria and off the Coast of Lampedusa.
For the thousands of Indian Fishing Families impacted by the Typhoon.
For the 19 missing crew members of the M/V Chenglu 15, lost off the South Korea Coast on October 14.
For the continued healing of our AOS USA past vice president, Chris Fogarty, who is now home and undergoing therapy.
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US Merchant Mariners Respond to Two Humanitarian Crises
In past issues of the AOS USA Maritime Updates, we have shared
 | | M/V Richard E. Byrd accompanied the the aircraft carrier Washington to the Philippines immediately after Typhoon Haiyan. This vessel is operated by the Military Sealift Command, and crewed by US merchant mariners |
the great work of Capt. Jeremy Allen and the crew of the M/V Stephen L. Bennett, and their delivery of Food For Peace cargo and clothes and shoes to Bangladesh and Kenya.
As a member of the
United States Merchant Marine since1978, I am proud that my merchant marine brothers and sisters immediately have answered the call in two major humanitarian crises.
In this issue, AOS USA shares the stories of US mariners responding to Typhoon Haiyan, and the activation of the M/V Cape Ray as the disposal ship for Syria's chemical weapons.
Through the intercession of Our Lady Star of the Sea, may our Lord Jesus be with our brothers and sisters of the sea in their important missions.
Fr. Sinclair Oubre, J.C.L.
USMM AB-Limited
AOS - Beaumont
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Seasfarers Aids in Philippine Recovery
Seafarers Log, December 2013
Editor's Note: This article was written in mid-November shortly after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines.
Seafarers are answering the call to action following the devastation brought to the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan.
With thousands dead, millions displaced and infrastructure in many places destroyed, the need for relief has been enormous. Heeding that call, the SIU, its members and its international partners have mobilized to do their part in helping the country recover from the second-deadliest storm in its history.
In the days following the storm, which made landfall Nov. 8, several SIU-crewed ships were activated and dispatched to the region to provide emergency supplies, medical services and housing. Stateside, the SIU activated and began soliciting donations for the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to help financially with what is expected to be a daunting recovery. Individual members, meanwhile, pitched in on a personal basis, with at least one crew holding a relief fundraiser for victims of the storm.
The SIU also teamed with the affiliated International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and other international partners to provide further relief and ensure the donated funds make their way to mariners and their families.
When it came to the at-sea relief effort, several SIU-crewed ships sailed with the U.S. Navy's George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWSG) - an assembly of vessels sent to support the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade in assisting the Philippine government. The SIU ships participating included the USNS Bowditch, the USNS Charles Drew and the Emory S. Land. The Bowditch is operated by Maersk Line, Limited, while the latter two vessels are part of the SIU Government Services Division fleet.
"We have the ships conducting a variety of missions," said Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, who serves as GWSG commander. "The USNS Bowditch is surveying water conditions in the Leyte Gulf. USNS Charles Drew and USS Lassen have helicopters and supplies that are bringing emergency supplies into Tachoban, one of the worst-hit areas. Emory S. Land also provides good ship-to-shore hotel services to Tachoban."
The SIU-crewed hospital ship USNS Mercy was also activated for service in the aftermath of the storm. Berthed in San Diego, the Mercy has already spent time working in the area.
"In 2012, the Mercy participated in the annual Pacific Partnership mission, which included working with Philippine authorities in the vicinity of Tachoban, the area hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan," read a news release issued by the U.S. Navy regarding the activation of the Mercy. "Because of the long-standing partnership between the two nations, the U.S., working through the Philippine government, is able to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis."
Amid all of this, the SIU crews of the USNS 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo (operated by Maersk) and USNS Pililau (operated by AMSEA) also made the trip to the Philippines for disaster relief.
On the financial front, the SIU's decision to activate the SDRF allowed those who weren't traveling to the region to do their part in the relief effort. Designed to aid devastated mariners and their families, the fund is activated following disasters around the world and has helped thousands of people get back on their feet.
The crew aboard one SIU vessel - the Maersk-operated USNS Henson - took it upon themselves to start raising money immediately. AB David Arcilla said the crew of the Henson knew right away they wanted to help victims of the storm.
"After hearing of the deadly disaster in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan, we on the USNS Henson initiated a monetary drive to supply aid to the victims." Archilla said. "The real reward for us is being able to alleviate some of the suffering and comfort others in their  time of need."
The generosity was greatly appreciated. In a heartfelt message to the SIU and its members, Dr. Conrad Oca, president of the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines, said he was touched by the "genuine concern for our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have become helpless victims" of the storm.
"SIUNA's donation will certainly go a long way towards helping our needy and suffering countrymen in Central Philippines," Oca said, speaking not only of the Henson effort but also that involving the SDRF. "The kindness and concern you have shown are very reassuring for our people and speaks well of the convictions and principles you stand for."
The SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine have a long history of responding to such disasters. From stateside emergencies like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, to international disasters like the Japanese tsunami and the current devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, SIU crews have helped with recovery all over the world.
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SIU's Philippine Relief Effort Continues
Locals Express Gratitude for Aid Following Devastating Typhoon
 | | Representing the S.I.U. aboard m/v APL Pearl, Recertified Chief Steward, Denis Burke and Chief Cook, Francisco Zuniga Arzu, with the assistance of APL Maritime and other SIU affiliated unions on board the vessel who raised $1600.00 for the victims of the recent Super Typhoon that devastated much of the Philippines |
The work continued into December for Seafarers helping the Philippines recover from Typhoon Haiyan, which struck Nov. 8 and resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.
The SIU and its members helped in any way they could. While SIU crews sailed to the region as part of the U.S. Navy's George Washington Strike Group (GWSG) and on additional ships operated by Maersk and AMSEA, others did their part by donating to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and other organizations.
Following the example of the crew of the Maersk-operated USNS Henson - which immediately began raising money - several other vessels showed their generosity. The days following Haiyan saw the U.S. crews aboard SIU-contracted APL Maritime vessels raise nearly $6,000 for the Red Cross, an amount that was matched dollar-for-dollar by the company.
"APL Maritime wants to personally thank all the seafarers aboard the ... U.S.-flag vessels for their generosity and concerns," said Capt. Mark Remijan.
The SIU-affiliated International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is also doing its part. Shortly after the typhoon hit, the ITF Seafarer's Trust - the charity arm of the organization - authorized hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to aid Filipino Seafarers and their families. Beneficiaries of the grants included the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines, and the Philippine Seafarers Union.
"Around 300,000 of the world's seafarers are from the Philippines, many of them from the worst-hit areas. These grants will allow us to provide targeted help to them," said ITF Seafarers' Trust Chair David Heindel, who also serves as SIU secretary-treasurer. "The Seafarers' Trust is trying to alleviate at least some of the awful effects of the tragedy that hit the Philippines, a country which is fundamental to the maritime world. With this aid the trust is hoping to help many seafarers get back on their feet, and to support them at this difficult time."
The SIU crews directly assisting people in the Philippines have also kept busy. Sailing as part of the GWSG, the crews of the USNS Bowditch, the USNS Charles Drew and the Emory S. Land were greeted warmly by the locals.
"The Americans have brought food and water to us," said Guiuan Mayor Sheen Gonzalez, according to U.S. Navy news reports. "But more importantly, they have brought us transportation to and from the island. We were isolated for many days and without the Americans' help, my people would not be eating their regular meals three times a day."
The mission involved several different tasks. The Maersk-operated Bowditch spent much of its time surveying the sea floor to ensure the relief efforts were conducted safely, while Military Sealift Command vessels the Charles Drew and Emory S. Land brought supplies and transportation equipment.
According to the Navy, the Charles Drew alone was able to produce up to 50,000 gallons of drinkable water per day. That's on top of the thousands of pounds of food and supplies that were transported to those in need.
"After we delivered the water and supplies, the people were waving their hearts out as we flew away," Air Survival Equipment Specialist 2nd Class Peter Glatt told the Navy.
Other SIU ships - the USNS 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo (operated by Maersk) and USNS Pililaau (operated by AMSEA) - also made the trip to the Philippines for disaster relief.
"We appreciate all the support and gratitude we have been given by the American people," Gonzalez said.
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MV CAPE RAY OUTFITTED
FOR POSSIBLE
CHEMICAL WEAPONS DISPOSAL
From Marine Engineers Beneficiary Association's Telex Times (December 5, 2013)
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M/V Cape Ray, operated by Keyston Shipping for the US Maritime Administration will be the base for the equipment for the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
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The U.S. government is currently outfitting the M.E.B.A.-crewed MV CAPE RAY with equipment that can be used to destroy Syrian chemical weapon stocks, reported Reuters, a news agency, earlier this week.
The vessel will be fitted with the Field Deployable Hydrolysis System, which was designed by the U.S. military for the purpose of neutralizing components in chemical weapons, according to an anonymous defense official. The U.S. Army's Edgewood Chemical Biological Center states that the System can neutralize large amounts of chemical warfare components by using elements such as water, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium hydroxide.
The CAPE RAY will be deployed to the Mediterranean and utilized by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) if the organization requests U.S. help in the disposal of Syrian chemical stocks. OPCW is currently responsible for the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons. If the CAPE RAY is used it will be leased by the Pentagon, according to the defense official.
The OPCW is trying to remove the most harmful chemicals by the end of this month, and the rest by the beginning of February.
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December 17, 2013
Seafarers Should Be Protected Against Risk of Unpaid Wages
Under the MLC 2006
By MarEx
Specialist marine insurance intermediary Seacurus says that reported doubts about the insurance industry's ability to insure the liability for unpaid wages of abandoned seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 are inaccurate and ill-founded.
It is already an agreed principle under MLC 2006, which came into force in August 2013, that liability for the unpaid wages of seafarers currently falls to the recruitment and placement services which help seafarers find employment at sea. Some have rightly argued that this is a misdirected arrow and that it is the shipowner/employer, and not the agent, that should assume this liability.
In a positive move, it is now understood that tripartite talks between owners, unions and governments scheduled for April 2014 at the ILO headquarters in Geneva will finally address this issue, with talks set to concentrate on the specific inclusion of unpaid crew wages in the shipowner's MLC obligation to repatriate crew in cases of abandonment.
Thomas Brown, managing director of Seacurus, says, "It is time for clarity and certainty on this important issue. The fact is that any cover that does not provide for the indemnification of unpaid wages fails to adequately protect seafarers against the real risk of abandonment. Effective employment protection must include crew wages, without which seafarers risk becoming the cashflow casualties of their employers' insolvencies.
"It has been suggested by some industry commentators that insurance to cover unpaid wages would be unfeasibly expensive for owners, and that in any case it is only those owners who are likely to default who will need the cover. This is wrong on both counts. Firstly, the CrewSEACURE policy launched earlier this year by Seacurus provides comprehensive cover at low cost, with premiums of as little as $50 per seafarer per year available today. Secondly, the point about only bad owners requiring cover in respect of unpaid wages is immaterial, since the proposed requirement for cover will be mandatory on all shipowners. Mandating the requirement in this way will force out of business those owners who - it is claimed - 'need the cover', as they will be unable to obtain the requisite financial security called for by MLC.
"If you cannot pay your crew, you should not put your ship to sea, it's that simple. Any arguments to the contrary would serve to do our industry a disservice. Unfortunately, without the proposed amendments, there is currently no meaningful deterrent to this premise.
"The fact is that affordable cover in respect of the indemnification of unpaid wages is available, and it is available now. It is in the best interests of the industry and seafarers alike that responsible owners support the ratification and early adoption of the draft amendments to MLC in this regard."
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AOS Manila Newsletter July - September 2013
Click to read the latest e-news from AOS Manila: AOS Manila
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AOS Special Fund for the Philippines
From the Vatican , November 13th, 2013
Prot. n. 7423/2013/AM
Re: AOS special Fund for the Philippines
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Once again, we have witnessed the catastrophic power of the nature that in less than one month hit the same area twice (Central - Southern Visayas) in the Philippines . On October 15th, a devastating earthquake and then on November 7th, the Typhoon Haiyan hit the Nation, sweeping away people and property in its course. The death toll is in the thousands, while the survivors struggle to put together what is left of their lives.
Our prayers and solidarity go to all the Filipino seafarers miles away from their loved ones, not knowing their fate. We praise many of our AOS Centers around the world that have provided free telephone cards and internet access to allow Filipino seafarers to contact their families. Many of our AOS chaplains have celebrated Masses for the deceased, and have helped the seafarers make sense of such devastation and turmoil.
We appreciate that Carnival Cruise has requested AOS deploy Catholic chaplains on board of several of their ships to support Filipino crews.
The great family of AOS would like to show its closeness and manifest its solidarity to the Filipino people. Therefore, as it was done for the tsunami that struck the coast of Japan in 2011, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, which is responsible for the overall direction of the Apostleship of the Sea, has decided to set up a special fund with an initial contribution 10,000 (ten thousands) US dollars. The fund will support long-term reconstruction projects, to be realized in cooperation with AOS - Philippines , benefiting the people of the sea in the affected areas when, after the initial weeks of emergency, people will have to return to their "normal" life.
Attached, you will find the instructions for your donations in US$ or in Euros (enclosure).
Bank Transfer Document
Please be kind enough to inform our office (aosinternational@migrants.va) of any transfer of funds.
We would also be grateful if you could share this initiative, giving it all the exposure that you deem fits. In advance, we express our sincere thanks for your support and generosity, asking Mary, Star of the Sea, to bless this initiative.
Antonio Maria Card. Vegliņ
President
X Joseph Kalathiparambil
Secretary
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Important Upcoming Events for
AOS USA Members
Houston Maritime Ministry Training School
Feb 9-21, 2014
Houston, TX
http://www.venturecd.net/SeafarersCenter.org/Application.htm
AOS-USA Annual Conference
April 29 - May 2, 2014
Corpus Christi, Texas
National Maritime Day
May 22, 2014
National Day of Remembrance and Prayer for Mariners
May 24, 2014
12:10 pm Mass
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Crypt Church
400 Michigan Ave. N.E.
Washington, DC 20017-1566
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