30 Sep 2004 -
World Maritime Day 30 September 2004
Description of current situation by serving British ship's officer
As I live in Newcastle upon Tyne, it is a 2 day trip (depending how long is required at the embassy) to renew a C1/D1 Visa. This I will need to do this November.
At present when entering US ports, we are held under armed guard while the ship is searched, taking in most cases between 2 and 3 hrs.
In most US ports there is no shore leave, even with a British Passport.
There has been case of the ship’s personnel being held out on deck under armed guard for several hours in winter conditions at New York.
Looks as if, even though Britain supported the US in the Gulf War, we are being classified as 2nd class citizens while trying to carry out our daily employment.
This should be brought to the notice of both Blair and Prescott.
Regards
Graham Holmes.
Subject: Default-RX: US C1/D Visa - Personal Appearance
Good day All;
Re: US C1/D Visa - Personal Appearance
FYI
We have been recently informed by one of our British Masters that waiting time for personal interview in US embassy in London is ca. 6 weeks and thereafter another 10 working days for visa processing.
Therefore we advise all seafarers to make sure that proper/advanced planning is done prior applying for US visas.
Supplied courtesy of NUMAST
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