Posted:
November 7, 2008
In a recent bulletin, Coast Guard headquarters directed all Captains of the Port to work with port and maritime facilities operating under the provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act to ensure fair shore access for seafarers, as well as access to ships for organizations promoting the welfare of seafarers.
The Coast Guard noted that security requirements at port facilities must be met; however, if seafarers meet the documentation and security requirements of the appropriate agencies, artificial barriers to shore access should not be imposed.
According to the bulletin, the Coast Guard has received reports of seafarers being denied shore access at some facilities within some Coast Guard Captain of the Port Zones.
"As a maritime service, the Coast Guard recognizes the importance of shore leave and access to seafarer welfare organizations as an important aspect of maintaining crew morale, readiness and well being," according to the bulletin. "Individuals seeking access through facilities for the purpose of shore leave or for the purpose of providing service to the seafarer community should not find artificial barriers imposed by a minority of facilities within our regulated stakeholder base."
The complete bulletin is available online at: www.uscg.mil/announcements/alcoast/ALCOAST52908.txt.
Coast Guard supports shore access for seafarers
In a recent bulletin, Coast Guard headquarters directed all Captains of the Port to work with port and maritime facilities operating under the provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act to ensure fair shore access for seafarers, as well as access to ships for organizations promoting the welfare of seafarers.
The Coast Guard noted that security requirements at port facilities must be met; however, if seafarers meet the documentation and security requirements of the appropriate agencies, artificial barriers to shore access should not be imposed.
According to the bulletin, the Coast Guard has received reports of seafarers being denied shore access at some facilities within some Coast Guard Captain of the Port Zones.
"As a maritime service, the Coast Guard recognizes the importance of shore leave and access to seafarer welfare organizations as an important aspect of maintaining crew morale, readiness and well being," according to the bulletin. "Individuals seeking access through facilities for the purpose of shore leave or for the purpose of providing service to the seafarer community should not find artificial barriers imposed by a minority of facilities within our regulated stakeholder base."
The complete bulletin is available online at: www.uscg.mil/announcements/alcoast/ALCOAST52908.txt.