Shore Leave in US Ports
Difficulties with shore leave in USA ports. Part of the problem was security arrangements in ports or the charging of exorbitant escort fees. George Quick provides information on a new Act of Congress that addresses the problem by requiring port facilities to provide a system for seafarers and service providers to access ships in a timely manner at no cost to the individual.
I am sure you are aware of the continuing difficulties we have had in the United States with seafarer access to shore leave. Part of the problem has been port facility security regimes denying access through the terminal on the grounds of security or charging exorbitant “escort fees” to effectively deny access. This issue was addressed by an Act of Congress requiring port facilities to have a system in place to provide timely access through port facilities. This has created a problem not only for master and ship’s crew, but for visitors to the ship including service providers necessary for the continuing effective operation of the ship.
The U.S. Coast Guard has finally published proposed rule-making implementing the provisions of an Act of Congress that addresses the problem by requiring port facilities to provide a system for seafarers and service providers to access ships in a timely manner at no cost to the individual. This may have considerable benefit to IFSMA members.
I anticipate that the terminal operators may try to water down the proposed language to avoid responsibility and the costs involved. It would be helpful if your members where aware of the proposal and provided input through comments to the U.S. Coast Guard. I have attached a copy of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register and note that comments are due to the open docket on or before February 27. I have also attached a copy of an article we have circulated to our membership on the proposed rule-making.
The U.S. maritime unions are organising broad support for the U.S. Coast Guard proposal. As this effects foreign seafarers and masters, as well as American, it would be appropriate for IFSMA to submit comments in support. I will be in London for the IMO HTW 2 session and the following week for an ITF meeting. Perhaps during that time we could discuss strategy to support the proposal.
Capt. George A. Quick, VP - PMG
International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots
The U.S. Coast Guard has finally published proposed rule-making implementing the provisions of an Act of Congress that addresses the problem by requiring port facilities to provide a system for seafarers and service providers to access ships in a timely manner at no cost to the individual. This may have considerable benefit to IFSMA members.
I anticipate that the terminal operators may try to water down the proposed language to avoid responsibility and the costs involved. It would be helpful if your members where aware of the proposal and provided input through comments to the U.S. Coast Guard. I have attached a copy of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register and note that comments are due to the open docket on or before February 27. I have also attached a copy of an article we have circulated to our membership on the proposed rule-making.
The U.S. maritime unions are organising broad support for the U.S. Coast Guard proposal. As this effects foreign seafarers and masters, as well as American, it would be appropriate for IFSMA to submit comments in support. I will be in London for the IMO HTW 2 session and the following week for an ITF meeting. Perhaps during that time we could discuss strategy to support the proposal.
Capt. George A. Quick, VP - PMG
International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots