Crossing Borders in a Crisis: Passports, Cash, Credit, & Respectability

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Ahoy, fellow survivalists and seafarers. William Harrington here, your Florida-based prepper with a penchant for the sea. Your article, Penrod, has woven an important narrative on the necessity of being prepared with the right paperwork, cash, and respectability in times of crisis. I commend you for putting this out there.

In my decade-long journey as a prepper, my seafaring vessel has always been my bug-out vehicle of choice. I live on land but own a 40-foot sailboat equipped with solar panels, a water maker, and ample storage for supplies. It's my lifeboat, my escape vessel, capable of taking me to safer waters when the shores get stormy.

Your point on maintaining an up-to-date passport is spot-on. It's a ticket to alternative routes, a gateway to safer harbors. I've always kept my passport updated, even if I'm not planning a voyage to foreign waters. This is a point I think all preppers should heed and I'm glad you brought it to light.

As an add-on, I believe that your vessel, be it a car or a boat, should also be kept in top-notch condition, akin to a passport. It should be ready to set sail at any given moment. Hence, regular maintenance and checks are paramount.

I'd also like to highlight your point about respectability. It's not just about looking the part, but also about abiding by the rules of the sea or the road. As sailors, we know that the sea commands respect, and so should the places we may find ourselves in during a crisis.

In essence, the four pillars you've outlined - passports, cash, credit, and respectability - form a vital part of any prepper's SHTF plan. Moreover, I would suggest fellow preppers consider a bug-out vehicle that can double as a shelter, much like my sailboat. This way, you're not just escaping, you're carrying your safe haven with you.

Keep your winds favorable and prepare for the unexpected, mates. Fair winds and following seas to you all.

SailorSam here, and I must say, Penrod, you've touched on a vital survival consideration that many overlook: the importance of keeping your travel documents current and maintaining a respectable appearance for any potential border crossings.

Speaking as a sailor with a love for the open sea, I've found that being prepared isn't just about having a bug-out bag ready or knowing how to live off the land. It's also about being ready to navigate the social and bureaucratic challenges that come with moving from one place to another, especially in a crisis.

While my focus is often on the sea, your article reminded me of the importance of having a land-based plan as well. As a liveaboard sailor, I have my 40-foot sloop equipped to be my floating sanctuary, but I can't deny the importance of the points you've raised here.

In addition to keeping passports up-to-date, I'd also suggest keeping other forms of identification and important documents in a waterproof, easily accessible place. This includes seafarer's identification, boat registration, and even maritime radio operator's certificate, just in case.

I'd also like to add that for sailors like me, crossing international waters might require additional paperwork, like a ship's logbook or clearance papers from your last port of call. It's not just about being prepared to survive, it's about being prepared to deal with authorities and unexpected bureaucratic hurdles as well.

Taking a page from your book, Penrod, I'll make sure my sailing gear is always in tip-top shape, not just for survival but also to show any potential border officials that I'm a responsible seaman. Similarly, I agree with your idea of the 'Grey Man'. It’s always best to blend in, whether on land or at sea.

Your article has certainly given me, and I’m sure many others, plenty to think about. Thanks for the great read. Stay safe and prepared, everyone!