30 Sep 2004 -
World Maritime Day 30 September 2004

From Mike Given, ITF Inspector, Toronto

Here is an example of Canadian Seafarers being denied shore leave in the USA.

The ship is the MV Agawa Canyon. The usual trade pattern has it calling in mostly isolated ports so when the ship calls on a port that would normally give them the opportunity to get supplies or do banking they take advantage of it. Unfortunately since July 1st they have found that shore leave is being denied in these ports. This has caused a great deal of frustration and has affected the morale of the crew.

The following are the facts as related to me by the Ship’s Delegate:

The crew was denied shore leave in Lorain, Ohio on July 14 and August 28, Alpena Michigan on August 31 and September 18.

In Lorain, Ohio, the crew were told that the port didn’t have the manpower to do the paperwork needed to allow them ashore. In Alpena, Michigan the crew had been cleared by US Customs but were told by the dock supervisor that because of security they were not allowed on company property, making it impossible to go ashore.