BIMCO's unrelenting efforts to illustrate the difficulties that U.S. visa policy has created in the maritime trades have now resulted in the acquisition of valuable advice and guidance provided by US officials. On September 17, BIMCO officials met with officials of the US State Department International Affairs Group in Washington DC to discuss concerns regarding US policy affecting foreign seafarers employed on ships trading to US ports. During the meeting BIMCO was informed that on 18 July 2003 the Director of the US State Department Office of Field Support and Liaison Visa Office sent instructions to all US Embassies and Consulates to give priority to seafarers seeking visas.