The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) has lashed out at the US government over its refusal to grant shore leave to crew members onboard a Hanjin Shipping vessel.

The union says US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has said it believes there is a risk the men on the 4,530-teu Hanjin Marine (built 2013) will try to stay ashore if they are allowed off the containership, even though they are fully paid and have sufficient food to stay on the vessel for two months.

The crew has displayed a banner on the vessel’s gangway declaring, “We deserve shore leave.” Dockers in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union sounded horns and cheered in support.

Not budging

ITF inspector Jeff Engels said he told the agency by phone that shore leave is a “human right”.

“They still did not budge,” he said.

Seafarer advocates have long sought greater access to shore for seafarers, but CBP officers are required to shut the door if there is doubt that a mariner will not return to the ship, even if he has a D1 crew visa.

In a statement provided to TradeWinds, CBP said that its officers have discretionary authority to determine whether a foreign crew member meets the eligibility requirements to come ashore. Intent to return to the ship is one of the factors taken into consideration.

“Crew members who are foreign nationals are granted special permission to disembark the vessel, under CBP supervision, for exigent circumstances, such as seek medical attention,” the agency said. “CBP closely monitors these situations, and vessels are authorised to receive supplies.”

‘Unacceptable’

ITF president Paddy Crumlin said three Hanjin ships that called in southern California had similar challenges obtaining shore leave.

“This is morally and legally unacceptable. These are professional seafarers, working in a professional manner, carrying out all their tasks responsibly, and hoping that the situation with Hanjin will be rectified without the loss of jobs,” he said.

“Denying them an escape from their work environment is an abuse of humanity.”