Visit our Popular Forums

NoTies · 07-02-2006, 07:46

Hi,
I can't quote relevant legislation in NZ but international law (followed in every country I've been to on commercial vessels) requires ship's agents to post repatriation bonds or have insurance for all crew passing through their country. One of the quirks of the system is, if I pay off ship in Australia (or any country, even if visa not required) I am not allowed to stay in the country. Instead I am escorted to the airport by the ship's agent and put on a plane out. If I want to travel Aussie I have to then turn around and fly back.

seagypsywoman · 07-02-2006, 07:53

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff temporarily waived the Jones Act upon the instruction of President George W. Bush on September 2, 2005. [1]

And here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jones_Act_(sailor_rights)

I wonder if it's been re-instated.

07-02-2006, 16:35

I have not heard that it was, and since the Katrina recovery is still an ongoing operation, I doubt it, but the complete suspension of the act was far too broad an action. I will resist the urge to go into a political rant, but suffice it to say that I would not count on those protections anytime in the near future.

CaptainK · 07-02-2006, 20:27

I tell you all one thing here.

I am what I refer to as a 300% American.

I am part native American. I was born American. And I served in the American military. Was involved in the first Gulf War. And a few things afterward. Bosnia-Croatia. Somalia. Panama (pre-Gulf war).

So if what I have to say here sounds political in any sort of way. I have that right!! Even if it sounds anti-American?

Sure now, that the Patriot Act is in place. I may be for some of what it applies to in this country. But, I am also not entirely all for it also? Especially the problem we have been having with our southern border with Mexico. The ongoing problem with illegal immigration.

There are some similiar things that are going on in this country. That have has happened in other countries. That went from better to worse. 1930's Germany, is diffinately one of the top ones.

Why would President Bush waive the Jones Act, because of Katrina is insane. If you ask me. I see no reason for the waiver. And sort of like what Kai just said.

Quote:

but suffice it to say that I would not count on those protections anytime in the near future.

Actions like that makes a man like me somewhat nervous. I put my life on the line for my country. And is this is to be my reward, for this stupid government, that is in power now. To screw everything all up. That I hold dear, and cherished. Upheld my honor and pride. Wore a uniform. And the ribbons and medals that I earned in campaigns. And combat.

If life in America is to continue to change. Because of certain radical thinking, of the powers (cowards) that be. And to make themselves more powerful than they were 4 years ago. To the trained observer. You will know the problems stemming from all this political turmoil, that this country has imposed on other nations? Good or bad? These foreign nations dislike our sticking our political noses into other parts of the world that doesn't belong. And making, or reasserting the hate more towards us. Making our so-called enemies, our true enemies.

Now I appologise for sounding like this. But, I believe it was due here. And if not for me. It always tends to keep creeping up on various threads here. Gord I'm sorry for ranting here. But, I am disgusted with my govenment. Not my country. Please accept my apology in advance here. Ok?

**Alan Wheeler** · 07-02-2006, 21:33

PLEASE!!!! No this type of stuff is not due here. It does not belong here. CaptK, I have nothing against you personally. I don't want an argument. In fact, this is all I will say about it. I am not going to drag it out. But Please, this is not the place. If ya want to talk this type of political stuff, there is another place that has a topic called "the bilge". If you go take a look, you will se just one reason why this type of stuff is detrimental to a board like this.
Remember, America is just ONE country represented here. Many of us out side of America have very different views. Hell, close to 50% of you Americans can't even agree on your internal Politics. How do you thing we feel on the outside.
Or lets look at it this way, If Pete and Darryl and I was argueing and whining about our NZ Politics and Politicians and policies, your eyes would glaze over as well.
I want to hear about sailing. If a Political aspect has some bearing on sailors and Cruisers, then that's different. Kinda what started this thread and was at most of the point, continued throught the thread.
CaptK, Please don't take me wrong. I am not on my soap box. I am still happy to buy you a beer.

CaptainK · 07-02-2006, 21:41

I'm not taking you wrong Wheels!!

But hey? At least I did warn all of you before I started ranting!! And apologized ahead of time!!

07-02-2006, 21:42

I certainly hope you did not misconstrue my respnse as being politically motivated. I do have real concerns when the few protections out there designed to help sailors are being taken away. Concerns over crew being abandoned along the way are an important issue, and it is very fortunate that most countries have provisions in place to prevent this. It is stil an unfortunate fact of life that it is a risk for anyone, male or female to get on a boat with unfamiliar crew. The best you can hope for is to so the most thorough selection possible for crew or for a boat, and be prepared to jump ship at your own expense.
I guess I should add, FWIW, the most important thing for any sailor to possess, regardless of how or with whom you choose to travel, is self reliance.

CaptainK · 07-02-2006, 21:48

I suppose I misconstrued your post Kai.

And then turned around and used it as my personal soapbox to rant about what I mentioned above!!

BC Mike · 08-02-2006, 08:56

So does the rest of the civilized world, whether they are part native or not, whether they served in the army or not.
What separates the rest of the civilized world and the Yankees and Southerners, is that the latter feel they have to tell everyone about it in a loud manner. That is precisely why the flag questions come up. If US citizens would go about their affairs in a similar manner to the rest of the civilized world, these issues might not arise. Do a search on Colonel Upham and notice that others have also served.
Michael, leaving for the boat show shortly so wait till Saturday evening to yell at me. E noho ra and you say, Haere ra.

08-02-2006, 09:04

Arrogance and bad manners are not exclusively American traits, but they are certainly the reason behind animosity in foreign ports.

CaptainK · 08-02-2006, 16:27

Yeah... whatever Micheal. Whatever?

I'll yell at ya in my own sorta way.

08-02-2006, 17:27

K you seem to have lost sight of the point. The question here is to address some of the questions that our female members have. The Jones act is a very important piece of legislation that protects paid crew. This is of great importance to anyone planning on crewing on a boat delivery, or crewing for hire.
Other questions relating to how practical is it for women to go cruising themselves, just look at some of the successful women cruisers out there, as well as the current OSTAR record holder. (I think I am remembering that correctly).
One question that Sundari has posed is what do others do about a garden. Her passion is gardening. The one thing she would add to the boat would be dirt. This has been an ongoing problem, because, as much as she enjoys sailing, she enjoys gardening more, and the two do not seem to be compatible. FWIW, I did buy her some miniature roses, and a small planter that sits on deck, but that is just not the same.