The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has issued the following news release for World Maritime Day. The release also is available on the ITF web site hereThe ITF site includes a list of contacts for World Maritime Day events.
Seafarers and shippers sound the alarm in world’s ports
22 September 2004: The international shipping industry will sound an alarm that post 9/11 security measures are criminalizing innocent seafarers when ships around the world sound their sirens/whistles at 12:00 local time on World Maritime Day, 30 September 2004, events are held (see below) and delegations of trade unionists, shipowners and chaplains deliver letters to US Ambassadors asking their government to allow fair shore leave to seafarers who may have spent months at sea.
These letters explain that: “The most acute problems have been experienced in the United States, where in addition to the frequent denial of shore leave some companies have even been required to hire armed guards to prevent foreign seafarers from leaving their ships. However the problem is widespread, with many other countries no longer adhering to the principle that seafarers should not be required to obtain visas in order to enjoy shore leave.”
The letters – which are supported by the world of shipping, from shipowners and operators to trade unionists and religious aid organizations – also ask the US to ratify ILO Convention 185, which establishes a universal seafarers’ identity document that addresses security concerns.
More details of the coalition which is backing the need for improved security, while warning that the world’s 1.25 million seafarers are being unfairly penalized can be found here
A model letter for delivery to US Embassies can be seen here along with posters, an article on shore leave and other background material.
The list of contact persons and planned events will be updated right up to World Maritime Day here
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