Sefarers sent home
As you have probably heard, there have been a number of seafarers sent home from the USA recently. They have also had their C1/D visa removed, meaning their chances of working on cruise ships in the future is very unlikely.
We have some information that we want to share as wide as possible to all seafarers so that you can protect yourselves.
Searching for illegal content
The USA is using advanced technology to check the status of visa holders entering the country, including those with C1/D visas. This covers seafarers and guests on cruise ships. One of the things they are checking is digital content, including inappropriate sexual content and content involving children. This material is illegal and can end with a prison sentence.
If any such material is found during one of these checks, the visa holder will be refused entry to the USA and the visa revoked. In some cases, there have been criminal charges issued and the seafarer has been to court and sent to prison.
The technology used by the authorities can search even those who had visas issued many years ago.
Banned from entry to the USA
Here is an example of what happened to one seafarer:
He was detained by CBP Officers on arrival at a US airport under allegations of possession child sexual abuse content (pornography). No explicit photos or videos were found on his phone or other devices but forensic checks had revealed his membership in several Telegram groups linked to such content.
As a result, he received a 5-year ban from entering the USA.
Although it appears most seafarers in this situation are not allowed to enter the United States and sent home, there is no guarantee that you will not be charged and/sent to prison for this activity. In any case, you will be refused entry and/ or sent home, you will lose your C1/D visa and you will banned from entry to the USA in the future.
Advice to all seafarers
All digital platforms are being monitored, including Telegram and Whatsapp.
Your whole career could be lost due to this activity.
If in doubt, do not get involved.
If you see that there is suspicious or sexual content in a group:
- Leave the group immediately.
- Report it as spam and block them.
- Do not click on any links or download any material.
- Notify the chain of command on board, or the authorities if you are at home.
Interacting with any such content will mean that you are involved, even just clicking on a link.
Avoid ALL potential illegal sexual contents and groups and report anything suspicious immediately to protect yourself.
Background checks are now being carried out in cooperation with many other countries so your visa can be refused even before you get to the USA if such illegal content is found.
Please share this information with all your colleagues. If you have any questions, you can contact us at mail@nsu.org
