Not trying to defend anyone for their crimes especially sex offenders but as a general principle I’m not for the US government putting restrictions on licenses for people who commit crimes and have paid their debt / served their time. I feel like it’s a slippery slope, next thing you know petty crimes could prevent people from working on ships people convicted as young and stupid teens could prevent them from having a successful career at sea. This is also the US getting involved in a private transaction too. If a company wants to hire someone they should be able to. It’s up the the company to evaluate the risks and make that decision. I’ve sailed with felons (non sex crimes) who were the best sailors and most dedicated guys, they knew they messed up in the past and were a happy to be given a chance to work hard and be successful despite land jobs turning them away.
I think the real issue from all this KP cadet drama is that the USCG now is able / willing to revoke or suspend peoples licenses who have been accused of something but not convicted.
I think you’re going to see ALOT of crew members not even talk to cadets or engage with them AT ALL. Many C/m and 1ae have have families that depend on their income and can’t risk loosing their jobs. A false accusation by someone looking for a payout could destroy someone’s life.
Not talking to Cadets eliminates this possibility. If everyone and the cadets know that you do not talk to them there’s nothing they can say or twist to falsely accuse you. I don’t get paid extra to teach cadets. I don’t want them on my watch, I don’t want them near me tying up, I don’t want them near me when I drop the anchor, and I will not eat in the same mess as them without others being present.
We are in a new era of sailing. I intend to protect my family and livelihood. Even if that means taking extra precautions as in not talking or acknowledging the cadets.