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Well, this has been interesting (and off topic in places). I just wanted to point out in response to the posts about why the ship couldn't move, or why it was in danger, or why we didn't just keep going about our business with the people on board.
Shipping isn't simply a matter of "hey, I got this cargo, who wants it?" Modern shipping is an incredibly tightly regulated industry. A 750 foot cargo ship can't simply tie up at the nearest marina. All ports and ships since 9/11 operate under MARSEC levels. Level 1 is the level at which ships and ports operate normally. Level 2 is a hightened state of security. Level 3 is imminent danger of a terrorist action or security breach. Before we enter a port, the ship has to send a security list of all crew/expected visitors/service contractors, etc. The ship has to declare that it is operating at MARSEC 1. The port has to respond also with the declaration that it is operating at MARSEC 1. We can operate and dock at a Port at MARSEC 2, it just means that the ship and port are on lockdown, with no shore leave for crew. When a ship is boarded like we were, that is a terrorist act under MARSEC, no matter if it is a political statement, peaceful protest or whatever your personal opinions are about what constitutes a terrorist.
When a ship goes to MARSEC 3, no port anywhere in the world will accept it at that level. We had to go to anchor and wait. Once the activists were removed, we on the ship had to wait for the government to declare us safe to move. We can elevate our MARSEC levels as we see fit to protect ourselves, but we can't stand down to level 2 or 1 on our own after that. Transport Canada Marine Safety has to review the situation and decide that it is safe for us to move. The activists were removed about 2 pm. We got the clearance to move at 1:30 am!
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I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
- Job 30:29
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