Sign of the times? Going ashore was once one of the perks of the job, something everyone looked forward to but now with ISPS and Security it has become difficult but on top of that you may have to deal with being the possibility of being attacked! The following is an example of what I mean.
We arrived in port yesterday evening, to an oil terminal beside a small village beside a big city that shall remain nameless to protect the innocent . On arrival we had the usual paperwork with the officials, agents, surveyors and loading masters. As the paperwork was drawing to a close the agent asked me if any of the crew wanted to go ashore. I replied that I’m sure there are a few of the lads that would like to do some shopping see the sights etc., his face changed into a grim expression and he handed me a piece of paper from the local law enforcement agency, unsigned and with no header in fact nothing to determine it’s origin except the name of the local constabulary was mentioned in the text.
Advice to sailors….it started, Police are warning sailors especially foreign nationals are being subjected to physical and verbal abuse by a small minority of local youths…….
It went on to say that you should travel in groups, avoid short cuts, stay in well lit areas etc., then it said that police resources are limited and that if you were subjected to any abuse you should run away shouting and not fight, but you are allowed to use REASONABLE FORCE in self defence with something you might be carrying anyway for example a torch or bunch of keys…..Maglite orders will be on the increase….(What if you “happened” to be carrying a piece of 2″ by 4″?)
So much for a nice run up the road. Better to stay onboard and watch satellite TV and surf the net than go ashore and be beaten up by a bunch of skinheaded hooligans.
Recent Comments