Shore leave

Shore leave is the leave that professional spacers get to spend on dirt side. It is also known as "liberty" within the United Stars Marine Corps. The Union Spatial Navy officially uses the term Shore leave, as many of these traditional terms were introduced by Admiral McElligott. (Who introduced many terms from the Age of Sail). Spacers often use the term "Dirtside Liberty regardless if it is a planet, asteroid, moon or even a space station". Civilian spacers often abuse Shore leave and take it as a prime opportunity to drink in excess, indulge in other pleasures denied to them aboard and desert. Many captains are forced to take on new members of the crew to replace the ones lost due to shore leave. Many taverns close to civilian space ports, especially outside the Union are known recruiting spots.Not all recruiting is done on pure voluntary basis. Spacers that are known to desert, often end up as pirate crews as no regular ship will take them on.

The United Stars Spatial Navy
Shore leave rights are always and solely granted by the Captain of the ship. Union armed forces members are expected to act lawful. Excessive, disruptive or down right criminal behavior is not permitted. Large ships often deploy their own "Shore Patrol". In general Union ship crews are known to be very civilized and professional and Shore leave abuse is rare. Desertion is even less common, not just because of the consequences, but because no one is forced to stay in the service. Shore leave can last up to 6 month. If the time exceeds 6 month, shore leave becomes leave of absence and the length is determined for each crew member. Shore leave that exceeds 6 month might also trigger re-assignment, especially if there is no vacation time accumulated. Shore Leave is paid time, but only basic pay is accumulated. No hazard pay or any of the "on board" bumps are extended.

Shore Leave at a Non Union shore (Planet or Base).
Union personnel taking shore leave at a non union port, must remain in uniform and complete a Foreign port orientation class. Some activities might be restricted that are otherwise permitted on Union ports.