After clearing customs at an international airport, a foreign visitor is free to travel throughout the Country, but not a seafarer.  Fully documented seafarers cannot disembark their ship without an escort to the port terminal gate.  With some laudable exceptions, an escort costs $100 or more for a one-way ride shorter than one mile and less than five minutes.  New York City taxi fares are a bargain by comparison.  Once outside the terminal gate, seafarers can travel freely to metropolitan centers, no longer regarded as security risks by our government.  It doesn't make much sense, but as one maritime union official noted, it is seemingly more important for governments to look vigorously committed to security regardless of whether the steps they take are reasonable or effective.

Please call, write or email President Obama, your Senators and your Representatives with a simple message: seafarers should be able to enjoy the respite of a few hours of shore leave free from from onerous escort requirements.  After all, they're here because we need the goods and materials their ships deliver.  Write to Executive Office (www.whitehouse.gov/contact) or your senator (www.senate.gov) or representative (www.house.gov).