An early fit-out is just what was needed to make us forget about a slow 2009. Jobs are already calling at the Thorold hall as engine room and galley crews are returning to prepare for fit-out. The St. Lawrence Seaway has announced that the Montreal to Lake Ontario section and the Welland Canal will open for navigation on March 25th. A great indication that this will be a better year is that the locks at Sault Ste. Marie are going to open early. Usually the locks open on the 25th of March but due to requests from shipping companies the opening date has been moved up to the 21st of March. Algoma and V-Ships have indicated that the majority of their ships will be fitting out by the end of March to coincide with the seaway opening and the remainder coming out in early April.

Congratulations to all of 2010’s STI graduates.

Many members spent a portion of their time off this winter attending upgrading courses through the Seafarer’s Training Institute. This year 3 courses were held in Ontario with Cook , Tunnelman and AB courses being run during the month of February. The Cook course was once again held at Niagara College. Much to the pleasure of the participants, instructor Rod Sneyd returned for a second year . Topics covered this year included menu planning, cost control and heart healthy cooking. Georgian College in Owen Sound played host to the Tunnelmen and AB courses. The tunnel course involves a great deal of instruction on safe working practices. The AB’s received both in class instruction as well as the opportunity to make use of Georgian’s new simulator.

Successful winter meetings

The SIU held their annual winter meetings in Newfoundland and Cape Breton in February. President Michel Desjardins and Vice-President Mike Given have greatly appreciated members’ attendance and are looking forward to next year’s annual winter meetings. Apologies from Executive Vice-President Brother Jim Given as he was attending a labour board hearing in Vancouver while winter meetings were held in Newfoundland and Cape Breton. One of the things that sets the SIU apart from other maritime unions is the importance we place on regular ship visits and getting out to see our members. It’s always enjoyable to visit everyone in their hometown to let them know what’s happening in the industry and it gives us a chance to find out what’s happening in your community.

TGL Marine

We are currently in negotiations with TGL Marine, the owners of the tug and barge Sarah Spencer/Jane Ann IV. The ship did not operate in 2009 but the company hopes to run it in 2010. We will be working hard over the next few weeks to try to get a deal in place before the beginning of the shipping season.

Changes in security procedures

Changes in security in the port of Hamilton are raising some concerns. With the gates now being closed we are concerned about how this will affect shore leave for seafarers as well as their safety. We have questioned those in charge of security for the port and will continue to do so until we are satisfied that these security measures don’t interfere with your freedom or your safety.

Security along the Welland Canal remains the same. You may gain access to your ship at any lock except lock 6. We remind you to keep your ID visible and to wait for lock personnel to open the gate for you. Any violation of the procedures may cause you to miss your ship or even may lead to you being denied access in the future.

2010 – Year of the Seafarer

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for the safety, security, pollution control as well as the certification of seafarers, has declared 2010 the year of the seafarer. Events are planned throughout the year to pay tribute to seafarers and to highlight the vital role they play in the global economy. They also plan to use the events to promote the industry as a career possibility for young people.

ITF – Inspections to continue

With the seaway about to open we will see the return of foreign ships flying flag of convenience. As we are part of the ITF we will be inspecting these ships to ensure they are complying with their collective agreements or if they are not covered by an agreement we will encourage them to sign one. The ITF has a global network of inspectors that ensure seafarers have representation in wage disputes, are treated fairly when involved in accidents, are looked after when abandoned in ports and are not denied shore leave in the name of security. Last year was a busy year for ITF inspectors as thousands of seafarers where abandoned because of the economic crisis. The ITF was able to secure millions of dollars in wages owed to abandoned seafarers. They were also able to have the abandoned seafarers sent home.

Good season to all and work safely.