General Information for U.S.A.

Month	High	Low
January	5° C	-3° C
June	29° C	16° C
September	25° C	14° C

CHARTS: Domestic USA nautical charts and publication are produced by the Office of Coast Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Full details of publications available at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

Note: All traditional NOAA paper nautical charts will be cancelled by January 2025. NOAA has already started to cancel individual charts and will shut down all production and maintenance of traditional paper nautical charts and the associated raster chart products and services by January 2025. Furthermore, corrections to paper charts may not be issued if the chart is due to be phased out.

Mariners and other users of nautical charts are encouraged to use the electronic navigational chart (NOAA ENC).

International nautical publications and Notices to Mariners, including Sailing Directions and USCG Light Lists available from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Details at msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal

Local Notices to Mariners and maritime information available at www.navcen.uscg.gov

Requirements: The US Coast Guard (USCG) is responsible for establishing regulations that govern nautical chart and publication carriage requirements in US waters. These regulations can be found in Title 33 and Title 46 of the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Other recent Federal Register Notices issued by the USCG and NOAA also address current policies. Details available at nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/charts/chart-carriage-requiements.html

Code of Federal Regulations:

Title 46 CFR - Shipping

Title 33 CFR, Part 164 - Navigation and Navigable Waters, Navigation Safety Regulations

Title 15 CFR, Part 995 - Certification Requirements for Distributors of NOAA Hydrographic Products.

Federal Register Notices:

Federal Register July 14, 2004: Vol. 69, No. 134 - Carriage of Navigation Equipment for Ships on International Voyages

Federal Register August 15, 2002: Vol. 67, No. 158 - Carriage of Navigation Equipment for Ships on International Voyages

Federal register June 10, 2002: Vol. 67, Number 111 - Identification of Items that are “Nautical Charts'' under 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

USCG Circulars:

Navigational and Vessel Inspection Circular No. 01–16 (NVIC 01–16) - Use of Electronic Charts and Publications in Lieu of Paper Charts, Maps, and Publications.

See Notices.

DOCUMENTS:

1 Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94) (for each passenger)

1 Cargo Manifest (Form 1302), (the original showing all cargo on board, and 2 copies showing only cargo for this port)

1 Conditional Landing Permit (Form I-95) (for each crew member)

3 Crew Effects Declarations (CF 1304)

3 Crew Lists (Form I – 418)

1 International Load Line Certificate

1 International Tonnage Certificate

1 Last Port Clearance

3 Stores Lists (CF 1303)

3 Passenger Lists (Form I – 418)

1 Ports of Call List

1 Certificate of Registry

1 Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

1 US COFR – Water Pollution

1 US Tonnage Tax Certificate (CF 1002) (and CBP user fee receipts)

1 Vaccination List

1 Vessel Entry & Clearance Statement (CF 1300)

Vessel's certificates may be inspected by a Coast Guard Boarding Officer during the vessel's Port call. Certificates that may be required by the Coast Guard Boarding Officer include:

Certificate of Civil Liability

Garbage Log Book

International Load Line Certificate

IOPP Certificate

Official Log Book

Oil Record Book

Ship Safety Radio Certificate

Ship Safety Construction Certificate

Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

US COFR – Water Pollution

US National Cargo Bureau Certificate (if applicable)

Note: The vessel's navigational charts are also subject to Coast Guard inspection. Mariners should have on board, and corrected up to date, the largest scale charts for the intended route of transit through the port. Certain foreign charts have been approved for use. Contact Captain of the Port for details.

ISPS COMPLIANCE: Foreign flagged ships that fit the definition of a bulk carrier, tank vessels, and passenger vessels must be ISM compliant and hold a valid Document of Compliance and Safety Management Certificate.

Also see Pre-Arrival Information.

APPROACHES: Regulations Regarding Northern Right Whales: As few as 400 North Atlantic right whales remain alive, making them one of the most highly endangered animals in the world. Right whales can grow up to 50 ft. long and weight up to 80 tons. The body is mostly black, but irregularly shaped white patches may be present on the underside. The best field identifiers are a broad back with no dorsal fin, irregular bumpy white patches on the head, and a distinctive two-column V-shaped blow when viewed from directly behind or in front of the whale. The whales have broad, paddle-shaped flippers and a broad, deeply notched tail. Right whales are slow moving and seldom travel faster than 5 or 6 knots. They can stay submerged for 10 to 20 minutes and may appear suddenly when surfacing to breathe. They are often seen alone or in small groups.

Right whales are not easy to detect - they are dark in colour, have no dorsal fin, move slowly, and hover just at or below the water's surface. Often, a slight difference in the texture of the water's surface is the only clue that a whale may be present. Two shipmasters interviewed after their vessels struck right whales stated that they never saw a whale despite excellent visibility and sea conditions. Vessel collisions account for approx. 34% of all human-caused mortalities in this species.

NOAA Fisheries has promulgated two federal regulations under the authority of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protect Act to protect right whales from vessel collisions: the Ship Strike Reduction and the Minimum Approach Regulation.

1.	The Ship Strike Reduction Regulation, found at 50 CFR 224.105, requires that all vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft. (19.8 m.) LOA are subject to mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in seasonal management areas (SMA) along the US East Coast during times when right whales are likely to be present. The Northeastern SMA speed restrictions are in place from 1 January to 15 May in Cape Cod Bay, from 1 March to 30 April off Race Point, and from 1 April to 31 July in the Great South Channel. Speed restrictions in the US Mid-Atlantic SMAs are in place from 1 November to 30 April, and include Block Island Sound, entry into the ports of New York/New Jersey, Delaware Bay, entrance to Chesapeake Bay, and the ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC, and within a continuous area approx. 20 n.m. from shore around the major ports of Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA.
	Speed restrictions are in place in the Southeastern US SMA from 15 November to 15 April. This area extends from shore approx. 30 n.m. eastward and contains the major ports of Brunswick, GA, Fernandina Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL. NOAA Fisheries may also establish voluntary Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) when right whales are present in areas and times not covered by the SMA.
	Information about established DMAs will be announced via Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners, Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners, and NAVTEX. Mariners are encouraged to avoid DMAs or reduce speed to 10 knots or less while transiting through DMAs.
	Additional information on SMA locations and exemptions to this law, in addition to printed compliance guides and information on how to obtain an interactive CD for mariners that identifies ways to reduce the probability of collisions with whales, can be found at http://nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/
2.	As weather and conditions permit, a dedicated seasonal program of aerial and vessel surveys is conducted in the northeast and southeast to provide whale sighting information to mariners. Surveys typically occur in the following locations at the specified times:
	a)	Cape Cod Bay from December to May and year-round in the Gulf of Maine (including the Great South Channel)
	b)	South Carolina/North Carolina border south to Crescent Beach, FL, from December to March.
	Survey planes occasionally use VHF Channel 16 to contact ships directly if whales have been spotted in close proximity to that vessel. However, many right whales go undetected by surveys.
	Right whale advisories are broadcast periodically for these and surrounding areas by Coast Guard Broadcast Notices to Mariners, Navtex, NOAA Weather Radio, Cape Cod Canal Vessel Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Vessel Traffic Control, and are included in the return message from the Right Whale Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) Systems. Sighting information may be obtained by sending an email to [email protected] (northeast US) or [email protected] (southeast US).
3.	Any whale accidentally struck, any dead whale carcass, and any sighting of an injured or entangled whale, should be reported immediately to the Coast Guard or NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service noting the precise location, date, and time of the accident or sighting. In the case of an accidental strike, other information, such as the speed and course of the vessel, vessel specification, such as size and propulsion, water depth, environmental conditions, such as visibility, wind speed and direction, description of the impact, fate of the animal, and species and size, if known, should be provided.
	To report a dead, ship struck or injured whale north of Lat. 36° 33′ N, call NOAA Fisheries (toll-free) at +1 866 755 6622, and south of Lat. 36° 33′ N at +1 877 WHALE-HELP
4.	Recommended two-way routes were developed for vessels entering and transiting Cape Cod Bay and arriving and departing the ports of Brunswick, GA, Fernandina Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
	In September 2012, the northern leg of the Brunswick recommended route was shifted to direct ship traffic away from a shoaling area. Mariners should verify that their charts are updated. In order to reduce significantly the risk of ship strikes to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be avoided was established in the Great South Channel, east of the Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 g.t. and above should avoid the area from 1 April to 31 July.
	The area is bounded by:
		41° 44.13′ N, 069° 34.83′ W
		42° 10.00′ N, 068° 31.00′ W
		41° 24.88′ N, 068° 31.00′ W
		40° 50.47′ N, 068° 58.67′ W
	Information on these can be found at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike
5.	Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) Systems areas have also been established for two areas off the east coast of the US. The system in the northeastern US operates year round and the system in the southeast US operates from 15 November to 16 April. The systems require all commercial ships of 300 g.t. or greater to report to a shore-based station when entering the areas. In return, ships will receive an automated message indicating precautionary measures mariners can take to reduce the possibility of striking right whales and recent sighting locations. The reporting system requires reporting only and will affect no other aspect of vessel operation. Reports for the Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems can be sent by email to [email protected] or Tlx: 4815 6090.
	Additional information on MSR locations and reporting procedures may be obtained in the US Coast Pilots or at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/msr/
	Example Report to MSR North:
		WHALESNORTH// (reporting system area, WHALESSOUTH is the other area)
		M/48765432// (vessel Inmarsat number)
		A/CALYPSO/NRUS// (vessel name and call sign)
		B/031401Z APR// (day, time and month of report)
		E/345// (True course)
		F/15.5// (speed in knots and tenths)
		H/031410Z APR/4104N/06918W// (date, time and point of entry into system)
		I/BOSTON/032345Z APR// (destination and ETA)
		L/WP/4104N/06918W/10.0//
		L/WP/4210N/06952W/10.0//
		L/WP/4230N/07006W/10.0//
	Route information can be reported as a set of waypoints (WP) and intended speed shown above or rhumb line to port and intended speed shown below:
	L/RL/10.0 (Supersedes NTM 1(33)09) (NOAA)

Failure to report the required information may result in civil penalties up to USD32,500 for each violation. Vessels shall make reports in accordance with the format in IMO Resolution A.6481(16) General Principles for Ship Reporting Systems and Ship Reporting Requirements.

Restricted Speed: All vessels greater than or equal to LOA 65 ft. (19.8 m.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the US, and all vessels greater than or equal to LOA 65 ft. (19.8 m.). A entering or departing a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the US, are subject to mandatory speed restrictions.

Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less are required in SMAs along the US East Coast during times when right whales are likely to be present. The purpose of this regulation (50 CFR 224.105) is to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to these endangered whales that result from collisions with ships.

Vessels may operate at a speed greater than 10 knots only if necessary to maintain a safe manoeuvring speed in an area where conditions severely restrict vessel manoeuvrability as determined by the Pilot or Master.

If a deviation from the 10 knot speed restriction is necessary, the following information must be entered into the logbook:

reason for deviation
speed at which vessel is operated
latitude and longitude at time of deviation
time and duration of deviation
Master of the vessel shall sign and date the logbook entry.

Feeding Areas:

Cape Cod Bay: (1 January to 15 May): Includes all waters of Cape Cod Bay with northern boundary of:

42° 04.94′ N, 070° 12.00′ W to
42° 12.00′ N, 070° 12.00′ W
then due west back to shore.

Off Race Point: (1 March to 30 April): Waters bounded by:

42° 04.94′ N, 070° 12.00′ W
42° 12.00′ N, 070° 12.00′ W
42° 12.00′ N, 070° 30.00′ W
42° 30.00′ N, 070° 30.00′ W
42° 30.00′ N, 069° 45.00′ W
41° 40.00′ N, 069° 45.00′ W
then due west back to shore.

Great South Channel: (1 April to 31 July): Waters bounded by:

42° 30.00′ N, 069° 45.00′ W
42° 30.00′ N, 067° 27.00′ W
42° 09.00′ N, 067° 08.40′ W
41° 00.00′ N, 069° 05.00′ W
41° 40.00′ N, 069° 45.00′ W
then back to starting point.

Migratory Route: (1 November to 30 April): Vessel speed is restricted in the following areas:

a)	Block Island Sound waters bounded by:
	40° 51.90′ N, 070° 36.75′ W
	41° 20.24′ N, 071° 49.74′ W
	40° 04.28′ N, 071° 51.35′ W
	40° 35.94′ N, 070° 38.42′ W
	then back to starting point.
b)	within a 20 n.m. (37 km.) radius of the following (as measured seaward from the COLREGS lines):
	i.		ports of New York/New Jersey:
			40° 29.70′ N, 073° 55.96′ W
	ii.		entrance to the Delaware Bay (ports of Philadelphia and Wilmington):
			38° 52.46′ N, 075° 01.54′ W
	iii.		entrance to the Chesapeake Bay (Hampton Roads and Baltimore):
			37° 00.62′ N, 075° 57.84′ W
	iv.		ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC:
			34° 41.53′ N, 076° 40.14′ W
c)	within a continuous area of 20 n.m. from shore between Wilmington, NC, to Brunswick, GA, bounded by the following:
	A	34° 10.50′ N, 077° 49.20′ W
	B	33° 56.70′ N, 077° 31.50′ W
	C	33° 36.50′ N, 077° 47.10′ W
	D	33° 28.40′ N, 078° 32.50′ W
	E	32° 59.10′ N, 078° 50.30′ W
	F	31° 50.00′ N, 080° 33.20′ W
	G	31° 27.00′ N, 080° 51.60′ W
		and west back to the shore.

Calving and Nursery Grounds: (15 November to 15 April): Vessel speed is restricted in the area bounded to the north by Lat. 31° 27′ 00.0″ N, to the south by Lat. 29° 45′ 00.0″ N, to the east by Long. 080° 51′ 36″ 00.0″ W.

For more information, visit:

www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/

nero.noaa.gov/shipstrike/

rightwhalessouth.nmfs.noaa.gov/

Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule (50 CFR 224.105) expires on 9 December 2013.

Voluntary DMAs: Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) may also be established by NOAA Fisheries Service. Mariners are encouraged to avoid these areas or reduce speed to 10 knots or less while transiting through these areas. NOAA Fisheries Service will announce DMAs to mariners through its customary maritime communication media.

PILOTAGE: Pilotage of international trade vessels in the United States is regulated by the individual states, each of which maintains a pilotage system that is suited to the particular needs and circumstances of its own waters. Every foreign-flag vessel and every United States-flag vessel engaged in international trade moving in the waters of a state is required by the state to take a pilot licensed by the state.

Columbia River Bar Pilots: Pilotage across the Columbia River Bar and up or down the river is compulsory for US vessels sailing under registry and for all foreign vessels, except foreign recreational or fishing vessels not more than 100 ft. in length or 250 g.t. Pilotage is provided by the Columbia River Bar Pilots for the river entrance, from the open sea in at least 30 fathoms of water to the easternmost wharf at Astoria, Oregon.

The Columbia River Bar is approx. 3 n.m. wide and 6 n.m. long. This entrance channel is 2,640 ft. wide. The bar channel is dredged to 55 ft. in the northern three-quarters, and to 48 ft. in the southern quarter. The channel then narrows to 600 ft. wide and 43 ft. deep.

Columbia River Bar Pilots board inbound vessels in the vicinity of the CR Buoy (Columbia River Entrance Buoy), and navigate ships beyond the Astoria-Megler Bridge, where vessels are turned over to a Columbia River Pilot.

Ordering: All vessels requiring the service of the Columbia River Bar Pilots are requested to give notification of their time of arrival directly to the Columbia River Bar Pilots office in Astoria (not through their Agent) by telephone, fax or email, at least 12 hours in advance. If the arrival time changes due to weather or other causes, the Columbia River Bar Pilots are to be notified no later than 4 hours before the original ETA expires. Failure to communicate directly to the Columbia River Bar Pilots in a timely manner may cause delay. When ordering service, advise the following:

name and type of vessel
vessel’s date and ETA at the pilot station
maximum freshwater draft (if vessel is not on even keel, provide fore and aft freshwater drafts)
any pertinent special information or instructions about the vessel and its arrival.

At least 2 hours before their ETA, vessels are asked to confirm arrival time again, and then call on VHF Channel 16, 9 or 13 when the vessel is 15 n.m. from the Columbia River Entrance Buoy (CR Buoy). The call sign for the Columbia River Bar Pilot office is KOK-360. (The Columbia River Bar Pilots office is capable of communicating by VHF radio with vessels offshore at distances greater than 60 n.m.)

Pilot Boarding: Embarking and disembarking of Columbia River Bar Pilots is accomplished by helicopter or boat. The primary method of pilot boarding is by helicopter. The Columbia River Bar Pilots also keep one of two pilot boats on standby at all times.

Vessels should not approach the CR Buoy until advised by a pilot. While awaiting pilot boarding, vessels should remain within a marshalling area approx. 5 n.m. west of the CR Buoy. Pilots boarding by helicopter will generally board within 4 to 10 n.m. northwest to southwest of the CR Buoy.

Contact: Columbia River Bar Pilots, 100 16th Street, Astoria, Oregon 97103. T: +1 (503) 325 2641. F: +1 (503) 325 5630. MARISAT: 0239104668014 (access 230 or 255). VHF Channels 9, 13, 16. [email protected] [email protected] www.columbiariverbarpilots.com/

Columbia River Pilots: The Columbia River Pilots cover over 320 n.m. of the Columbia River from Astoria at River Mile 17 to the ports of Longview, Kalama, Vancouver and Portland, and as far as the upriver ports of The Dalles and Pasco. They also cover 13 n.m. of the Willamette River from its mouth to the seawall in downtown Portland.

The Columbia River navigation channel is maintained to an operating depth of 40 ft. and 600 ft. in width. The distance between the Astoria pilot station and the mouth of the Willamette at Kelley Point is 75 n.m.

Ordering: 4 days' notice required, whenever possible, for arriving vessels. Orders for river pilots must be placed between 0700-1600 hours. The following information should be provided:

ETA
arrival drafts
tentative berth(s) schedule
berthing instructions
bunkering or other anchorage requirements
tug company to be used
ETD
anticipated sailing drafts.

All vessels and/or Agents must keep the Columbia River Pilots informed of any ETA changes.

Pilot Boarding: Inbound vessels destined for all points upriver are boarded by a river pilot above the Astoria-Megler Bridge where they take over from the Columbia River Bar Pilots. A typical inbound transit will take between 6 and 7 hours from when the river pilot boards in Astoria to when the ship arrives at the mouth of the Willamette River.

Contact: Columbia River Pilots. T: +1 (503) 289 9922. F: +1 (503) 289 9955. [email protected] www.colrip.com/

Interport Pilots Agency Inc: Interport Pilots Agency Inc offers pilot service for Long Island and Block Island Sound, New York harbour, Delaware Bay and River, and the C&D Canal to Baltimore. Interport's pilots have Federal licences for all service areas and Connecticut State licence for Long Island Sound and all Sound ports. Pilotage is usually arranged by Agent.

The pilot boats, ``Connecticut Pilot'' 1 (65 ft.) and ``Connecticut Pilot 2'' (48 ft.) are based in New London at the State Pier. Pilot boats monitor VHF Channel 16 at least 2 hours before arriving vessel's ETA.

Pilot Boarding: Pilots board at the Montauk Pilot Station (41° 02.00′ N, 071° 42.00′ W), approx. 3 n.m. east of the Montauk Sea Buoy (Mo (A) MP) or at the Point Judith Pilot Station (41° 17.00′ N, 071° 29.00′ W), approx. 5 n.m. due south of the Point Judith R2 Buoy (Fl.R.4s). The Montauk Channel is a more direct route to Long Island Sound ports. However, its use is subject to draft and weather restrictions. Deep draft vessels are boarded at the Point Judith Pilot Station.

Contact: Interport Pilots Agency Inc, 906 Port Monmouth Road, New Jersey 07758. T: +1 (732) 787 5554. F: +1 (732) 787 5538. [email protected]

Northeast Marine Pilots: Provides pilotage for Bridgeport, Cape Cod Canal, Mt Hope Bay, Narragansett Bay, New Bedford, New Haven, New London, Northport, Port Jefferson, Providence and Riverhead Long Island.

Ordering: All orders for pilot service are to be made a minimum of 36 hours in advance during office hours (Monday to Friday 0800–1630 local). All business inquiries are also to be made during office hours unless there is an emergency. After hours, and on weekends or holidays, one dispatcher is on duty for important ETA changes and short notice schedule changes only.

Contact: T: +1 (401) 847 9050. F: +1 (401) 847 9052.

VHF Channels 16, 13, 10.

[email protected] www.nemarinepilots.com/

Southwest Alaska Pilots Association (SWAPA): SWAPA is the only service authorised to provide pilotage in the south-central Alaska region which extends from Long. 141° to 156° W. This includes Icy Bay, all of Prince William Sound, Seward/Resurrection Bay, all Cook Inlet ports and all Kodiak Island ports.

Pilotage services can be arranged through the Agent or directly with the Pilots. SWAPA maintains 24–hour dispatch at Homer via T: +1 (907) 235 8783. for all ports except Valdez. Facsimile messages during business hours (Monday to Friday, 0800–1700 hrs.) can be sent to the Homer Dispatcher F: +1 (907) 235 6119.

Valdez Pilot Station T: +1 (907) 835 2134. F: +1 (907) 835 5372.

VHF: Homer Pilot Station works on VHF Channel 10 throughout 24 hours. Valdez Pilot Station works on VHF Channel 13 throughout 24 hours. Baranof, Colombia and Emerald Island pilot boats work on VHF Channel 13.

Pilot Boarding Stations: Approx. positions as follows:

Yakutat – 1.0 n.m. 315°(T) from Yakutat Bay entrance lighted whistle buoy No. 4, 59° 36.30′ N, 139° 52.50′ W
Icy Bay – 9.0 n.m. × 180°(T) from Claybluff Point; 59° 49.00′ N, 141° 35.00′ W
Cordova – 2.0 n.m. × 180°(T) from Sheep Point; 60° 35.00′ N, 146° 00.00′ W
Valdez and Whittier – approx. 3.6 n.m. × 246°(T) from Bligh Reef Buoy; 60° 49.00′ N, 147° 01.00′ W
Seward – 1.1 n.m. × 152°(T) from Caines Head Light; 59° 58.00′ N, 149° 22.00′ W
Cook Inlet – 1.0 n.m. × 180°(T) from Lands End Light; 59° 35.00′ N, 151° 25.00′ W
Kodiak (City) or Woman's Bay – 2.0 n.m. × 100°(T) from St Paul Harbor Entrance Light; 57° 44.00′ N, 152° 22.00′ W
Discoverer Bay – 2.0 n.m. × 000°(T) from Posliedni Point; a 58° 28.00′ N, 152° 20.00′ W
Port Wakefield – 1.0 n.m. × 298°(T) from Kekur Point; 57° 52.00′ N, 152° 49.00′ W
Port Bailey – 1.5 n.m. × 000°(T) from Dry Spruce Bay Light; 57° 59.00′ N, 153° 06.00′ W
Uganik – 2.0 n.m. × 284°(T) from East Point; 57° 51.00′ N, 153° 32.00′ W
Larsen Bay – 1.0 n.m. × 090°(T) from Harvester Island; 57° 39.00′ N, 153° 57.00′ W
Alitak – 2.4 n.m. × 131°(T) from Cape Alitak Light; 56° 49.00′ N, 154° 15.00′ W
Old Harbor – 1.0 n.m. × 082°(T) from Cape Liakik; 57° 07.00′ N, 153° 25.00′ W

Contact: PO Box 977, Homer, Alaska 99603. T: +1 (907) 235 8783. F: +1 (907) 235 6119. [email protected] www.swpilots.com/

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids: Vessels carrying oil or hazardous materials in bulk must have automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA). A fine for failure to carry an ARPA may be multiplied by the number of days of the violation.

The United States Coast Guard has stressed, however, that its official policy is enforcement by denial of entry and restriction of operation and not primarily by the enforcement of fines.

While the Coast Guard recognises that the Public Law enables financial penalties to be incurred, it is believed that the terms of the Port and Tanker Safety Act under which the US Coast Guard operates directs it to monitoring and identification of previous offenders and enforcement by prevention of entry into US ports or subsequent restriction of trade and departure.

PRATIQUE: Under 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 71.31, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) may issue a controlled free pratique stipulating sanitary measures that must be completed as a condition of granting the pratique.

Vessels arriving in the United States no longer need to complete a Maritime Declaration of Health.

Notice of Communicable Disease Prior to Arrival: As per US foreign quarantine regulations (42 CFR 71.21), the Master of a ship, destined for a US port, must immediately report to CDC quarantine station with jurisdiction over the next port of arrival any of the following occurrences among passengers and crew during the 15-day period preceding the date of expected arrival:

temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher, accompanied by a rash, glandular swelling, or jaundice, or which has persisted for more than 48 hours; or
diarrhoea, defined as the occurrence in a 24-hour period of three or more loose stools or of a more than normal (for the person) amount of loose stools; or
the occurrence on board of any death, regardless of the signs and symptoms.

Quarantine Stations: Contact information, operating hours, and jurisdictions for all quarantine stations can be found at www.cdc.gov/quarantine/QuarantineStationContactListFull.html/

If unable to reach the quarantine station or for assistance:

CDC Emergency Operations Center (24/7): T: +1 (770) 488 7100.

At sea: T: +1 (866) 477 2553.

Reporting Illness or Death to Quarantine Stations: Illness and death reporting can be done via telephone, fax, email or (cruise ships only) through the electronic Maritime Illness and Death Reporting System (MIDRS). Reports via MIDRS may be submitted at the MIDRS website https://www.cdc.gov/MIDRS/GILogin.aspx/ or by MIDRS email: [email protected]

Note, this email address will only accept either the completed MIDRS illness and death template or completed GI illness template. No other emails or formats can be processed at this email address.

Reports of Gastrointestinal Illness: In addition to illness and death reports sent to Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ), cruise ships also provide notification of gastrointestinal illness on board to the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) via MIDRS. More information on VSP can be found at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/ or by calling T: +1 800 323 2132.

Ship Sanitation Certificate Requirements: At US ports of entry, the authority to issue, inspect or require Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates/Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (Ship Sanitation Certificates or SSCEC/SSCC) resides solely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, which is the competent authority under the IHR (2005) for ports of entry in the United States. Although CDC reserves the right to inspect vessels and issue SSCEC/SSCC, these certificates are not required for ships arriving at US ports to embark or disembark passengers, crew or cargo. Under federal regulations found at 42 CFR, Part 71.31, CDC grants controlled free pratique to vessels entering US ports of entry. Therefore, port authorities, public agencies and private organisations are prohibited from issuing or requiring SSCEC/SSCC for merchant vessels at US ports. Such actions would contradict CDC's exercise of federal authority under the Supremacy Clause to the US Constitution.

Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC): Due to population outbreaks, North American ports periodically experience a high number of vessels arriving with Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC) egg masses.

Vessels must arrive in North American ports free of FSMC and should have obtained pre-departure certification. When vessels arrive without FSMC certification, or when FSMC is detected, significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities as well as in routine clearance can occur.

Country	Port or Prefecture	Specified Period
Russian Far East	Nakhodka, Ol'ga, Plastun, Pos'yet, Russkiy Island, Slavyanka, Vanino, Vladivostock, Vostochny, Zarubino, Kozimo	15 June–15 Oct
People's Republic of China	All ports in northern China, including all ports north of Shanghai, on or north of 31° 15′ N	1 June–30 Sept
Republic of Korea	All ports	1 June–30 Sept
Japan - Northern	Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata	15 June–15 Oct
Japan - Central	Aichi, Chiba, Fukui, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Kanagawa, Mie, Niigata, Shizuoka, Tokyo, Toyama	1 June–30 Sept
Japan - Southern	Ehime, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, Okayama, Osaka, Saga, Shimane, Tokushima, Tottori, Wakayama, Yamaguchi	15 May–31 Aug
Japan - Far Southern	Okinawa	25 May–30 June

Specified risk period is the period when there is a risk of FSMC flight and egg mass deposition.

For vessels that have called at the areas regulated for FSMC during the specified risk periods, as outlined in the above table, the following measures are required:

Vessels should be inspected and certificated free of FSMC by a recognized certification body. A copy of the certificate, stating that the vessel is free of FSMC life stages, should be forwarded to the vessel’s US or Canadian agents. A certificate is valid until the ship calls on another port in a regulated area during the specific risk period.
Vessels must arrive in North American ports free from FSMC. To avoid facing re-routing, being ordered out of port for cleaning and other potential impacts associated with mitigating the risk of entry of FSMC to North America, shipping lines should perform intensive vessel self-inspections to look for, remove (scrape off) and properly dispose of or destroy all egg masses and other life stages of FSMC prior to entering US and Canadian ports.
Vessels must provide two-year port of call data, at least 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port, to the vessel’s Canadian or US agent. The agent is to ensure that this information is provided to US or Canadian officials.

Further reference should be made to:

www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/flighted-spongy-moth-complex

inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/fsmc

Authority: Under the US Code of Federal Regulations Title 42, Parts 70 and 71 ( ecfr.gov/ ), CDC is authorised to detain, examine, and conditionally release persons arriving in the United States and travelling between states who are suspected of carrying communicable diseases. More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/quarantine/SpecificLawsRegulations.html/

Agricultural Requirements: All ports.

Arrival Notification: The vessel's Master or Port Agent must provide advance notification of intent to arrive. Notice is to be received by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) no less than 12 hours before the estimated time of arrival and must include:

the name or other identifying feature of the vessel
the date and estimated time of arrival
the specific location of arrival (dock, pier, mole, anchorage, etc.)
the names of all foreign and non-continental United States ports where any cargo, crew or passenger destined for the continental United States has been boarded since the vessel's most recent arrival in the United States.

Changes in the above information must be communicated as soon as known. If the place of arrival is an anchorage, subsequent movement to a pier, wharf, etc., must be reported as soon as known.

Documents: The cargo, stores, and crew effects lists or manifests must be available for review by the boarding USDA Inspector.

Inspection: The USDA Inspector will examine the galleys, storerooms, lockers, mess areas and crew quarters in some instances for prohibited plant materials (fruit, vegetables and plants) and meat products. Also, inspections may be made of onboard cargo and cargo holds.

Stores Sealing: The USDA Inspector will place under seal certain fresh fruit and vegetables in stores on board vessels calling at ports in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and California. Routine sealing will be limited to fruit likely to carry exotic tropical fruit flies. In addition, USDA Inspectors at any port may require sealing of any vessel's stores when pest infestations are detected. It is recommended that each vessel construct a special compartment for sealing fruit and vegetables so that it will not be necessary to seal the entire vegetable locker.

Garbage: All food waste on board vessels arriving from foreign or offshore areas (except Canada) must be handled in accordance with USDA Regulations. Garbage must be held on board vessels in leakproof, covered containers inside the rails for later disposal or, it may be removed with permission and under supervision of a USDA Inspector for incineration or sterilisation in approved facilities.

Penalties: Monetary civil penalties may be imposed for violation of USDA Regulations including, but not limited to:

failure to provide adequate arrival notification
breaking US Department of Agriculture seals
unauthorised or unsupervised removal/disposal of garbage
unauthorised removal of fruit, vegetables, meats or animal products, or live plants
failure to keep garbage in other than closed, leakproof containers.

Treatments: If quarantine-significant pests are found on board a vessel, an Emergency Action Notification may be issued to the Master. It will prescribe what treatments are required for the affected articles or area of the vessel and when this treatment must be accomplished.

Honeybees: Honeybees may not be brought into the United States. This is a precaution to keep out Africanised bees, which could gravely upset beekeeping in North America. Do not disturb any signs of bees on board, such as live swarms, dead bees, or hives. Contact the Agent before entering US ports for appropriate instructions regarding disposal and treatment from the USDA inspector.

Animals/Birds: All live animals or birds on board vessels must be retained on board and reported to the USDA Inspector.

For Additional Information: Write to ``Quarantines'', USDA, APHIS, PPQ, Port Operations, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, Maryland 20737, USA. T: +1 (301) 734 8295. F: +1 (301) 734 5269.

Notice:

To: Ships' Masters:

From: United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) implements routine sealing of certain fresh fruit and vegetables in stores on board vessels calling at ports in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and California. Routine sealing will be limited to fruits likely to carry exotic tropical fruit flies. In addition, APHIS Officers at any port may require sealing of any vessel stores when pest infestations are detected.

It is recommended that each vessel construct a special compartment for sealing their fruit and vegetables so that it will not be necessary to seal the entire vegetable locker.

You are reminded that the following may result in a civil/monetary penalty:

breaking US Department of Agriculture seals
unauthorised or unsupervised removal/disposal of garbage
unauthorised removal of fruit, vegetables, meats or animal products, or live plants
failure to keep garbage in other than closed, leakproof containers.

Further information can be obtained on T: +1 (713) 229 3541. or www.aphis.usda.gov/

Purser's Note: It is advisable to have a locker ready before arrival in order that fruit and vegetables may be transferred for sealing.

PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: APIS: Commercial sea carriers must use the eNOA/D internet portal run by the US Coast Guard NVMC to transmit their APIS manifest electronically to CBP. An APIS manifest must be submitted to CBP at least 24 hours before arrival and at least 60 minutes before departure. The pre-arrival manifest may be submitted up to 96 hours before arrival.

The primary objective of APIS enforcement is to obtain accurate advance information from arriving or departing commercial passenger or cargo vessels. Failure to transmit an APIS manifest electronically using the eNOA/D internet portal will result in penalty action against the Master in care of the carrier. From 31 October 2005 sea APIS manifests that are incorrectly transmitted will be considered for penalty action for missing or insufficient data or sufficiency errors.

eNOA: All vessels must submit eNOA, using the new electronic format to [email protected] enoad.nvmc.uscg.gov/

If vessel/owners are unsure if they are using the correct version, please contact Agents as soon as possible. An XLS workbook version is also available for users; published 26 May, 2015, the official NVMC XLS workbook for submitting a Notice of Arrival/Departure (NOAD) has been made available. It is requested that the worksheets/workbook are completed electronically and sent via email or imported into the eNOAD Web Application. Alteration of the official workbook will result in significant delays in processing. The workbook is available at www.nvmc.uscg.gov

If voyage is foreign to USA, it is recommended that initial eNOA submitted 6 days before arrival, or mandatory 96 hours before vessel's arrival; submitting at least 124 hours in advance may avoid any issues with delays from a late submission.
If voyage is USA to USA (and transit time is less than 96 hours), it is recommended that initial eNOA be submitted 2 days before arrival, or mandatory 24 hours before vessel's arrival.
If voyage is USA to USA (and the transit time is greater than 96 hours), it is recommended that initial eNOA be submitted 6 days before arrival, or mandatory 96 hours before vessel's arrival.

Full requirements for notice of arrival can be found in 33CFR Part 160. User guide available at www.nvmc.uscg.gov/NVMC/Forms/eNOADUserGuide.pdf

These regulations apply to US and foreign vessels bound for or departing from ports or places in the United States but do not apply to recreational vessels. Towing vessels controlling a barge or barges required to submit a NOA must submit only one NOA containing the information required for the towing vessel and each barge under its control.

Exemptions:

passenger and supply vessels employed in the exploration for, or in the removal of, oil, gas, or mineral resources on the continental shelf.
oil Spill Recovery Vessels (OSRVs) when engaged in actual spill response operations or during spill response exercises.
vessels operating upon the following waters:

	i.		Mississippi River between its sources and Mile 235, Above Head of Passes
	ii.		Tributaries emptying into the Mississippi River above Mile 235
	iii.		Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Plaquemine-Morgan City alternate waterway and the Red River
	iv.		the Tennessee River from its confluence with the Ohio River to mile zero on the Mobile River and all other tributaries between those two points.

If not carrying certain dangerous cargo (for a definition of Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDCs), see www.nvmc.uscg.gov/ or controlling another vessel carrying certain dangerous cargo, the following vessels are exempt from NOA requirements:

vessels 300 g.t. or less except for vessels entering any port or place in the Seventh Coast Guard District as described in 33 CFR 3.35–1 b)
vessels operating exclusively within a Captain of the Port Zone
vessels arriving at a port or place under force majeure
towing vessels and barges operating solely between ports or places in the continental United States
public vessels
except for tank vessels, US vessels operating solely between ports or places in the United States on the Great Lakes.

Vessels less than 500 g.t. need not submit the International Safety Management (ISM) Code Notice (Entry 7 to Table 160.206).

Vessels operating solely between ports or places in the continental United States need not submit the Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302), (Entry 8 to Table 160.206).

This section does not exempt any vessel from compliance with the US Customs Service (USCS) reporting or submission requirements.

NOA Required Information: (for full information see NVMC Table 160.206 www.nvmc.uscg.gov/

1.	Vessel Information:
	a)	name
	b)	name of the registered owner
	c)	country of registry
	d)	call sign
	e)	International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number or, if vessel does not have an assigned IMO number, substitute with official number
	f)	name of the operator
	g)	name of the charterer
	h)	name of classification society.
2.	Voyage Information:
	a)	names of last five ports or places visited
	b)	dates of arrival and departure for last five ports or places visited
	c)	for each port or place in the United States to be visited, the names of the receiving facility, the port or place, the city, and the state
	d)	for each port or place in the United States to be visited, the estimated date and time of arrival
	e)	for each port or place in the United States to be visited, the estimated date and time of departure
	f)	the location (port or place and country) or position (latitude and longitude or waterway and mile marker) of the vessel at the time of reporting; and
	g)	the name and telephone number of a 24-hour point of contact.
3.	Cargo Information:
	a)	a general description of cargo, other than CDC, on board the vessel (e.g. grain, container, oil, etc.)
	b)	name of each certain dangerous cargo carried, including cargo UN number, if applicable
	c)	amount of each certain dangerous cargo carried.
4.	Information for Each Crew Member on Board:
	a)	full name
	b)	date of birth
	c)	nationality
	d)	passport or mariner's document number (type of identification and number)
	e)	position or duties on the vessel
	f)	where the crew member embarked (list port or place and country).
5.	Information for Each Person on Board in Addition to Crew:
	a)	full name
	b)	date of birth
	c)	nationality
	d)	passport number; and
	e)	where the person embarked (list port or place and country).
6.	Operational Condition of Equipment Required by § 164.35 of this Chapter
	International Safety Management (ISM) Code Notice:
	a)	the date of issuance for the company's Document of Compliance certificate that covers the vessel
	b)	the date of issuance of the vessel's Safety Management Certificate; and
	c)	the name of the Flag Administration, or the recognised organisation(s) representing the vessel flag administration, that issued those certificates
Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302) as described in 19 CFR 4.7.

Notes:

Vessels operating solely between ports or places in the continental United States need submit only the name of and date of arrival and departure for the last port or places visited.
A copy of INS Form I–418 may be submitted to meet the requirements of entries 4 and 5 in Table 160.206.

Any vessel planning to enter two or more consecutive ports or places in the United States during a single voyage may submit one consolidated NOA at least 96 hours before entering the first port or place of destination. The consolidated notice must include the name of the port or place and estimated arrival date for each destination of the voyage. Any vessel submitting a consolidated notice under this section must still meet the requirements under Changes to a Submitted NOA.

Changes to a Submitted NOA:
1.	Unless otherwise specified in this section, when submitted NOA information changes, vessels must submit a notice of change within the times required in When to Submit a NOA.
2.	Changes in the following information need not be reported:
	a)	changes in arrival or departure times that are less than 6 hours
	b)	changes in vessel location or position of the vessel at the time of reporting
	c)	changes to crew members' position or duties on the vessel.
3.	When reporting changes, submit only the name of the vessel, original NOA submission date, the port of arrival, the specific items to be corrected, and the new location or position of the vessel at the time of reporting. Only changes to NOA information need to be submitted.

Methods for Submitting NOA:
1.	NOAs should be submitted to the NVMC, United States Coast Guard, 408 Coast Guard Drive, Kearneysville, WV, 25430. T: +1 (800) 708 9823. or (304) 264 2502. F: +1 (800) 547 8724. or (304) 264 2684. [email protected] www.nvmc.uscg.gov/
	The NOA may be submitted using any electronic format available on the NVMC website.
2.	Saint Lawrence Seaway Transits:
	Those vessels transiting the Saint Lawrence Seaway inbound, bound for a port or place in the United States, may submit the required information to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation of Canada. F: +1 (315) 764 3235. or 764 3200.
	The Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302) in entry 8 in Table 160.206 must be submitted electronically to the United States Customs Service (USCS), as required by paragraph d) of this section.
3.	Seventh Coast Guard District:
	Those vessels of 300 g.t. or less operating in the Seventh Coast Guard District must submit an NOA to the cognisant Captain of the Port (COTP).
	The Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302) in entry 8 in Table 160.206 must be submitted electronically to the USCS, as required by paragraph d) of this section.

4. Submission to the Automated Manifest System (AMS):

as of 1 July 2003, the Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302) in entry 8 in Table 160.206 must be submitted electronically to the USCS Sea AMS by one of the following methods:
1. by direct connection with USCS or by purchasing the proper software

2. using a service provider or a Port Authority.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has developed an online Notice of Arrival (eNOA) submission application, as referred to above. This method provides a Submitter with the means for managing vessel arrival information online, and automatically sends an output file containing arrival information to the National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC). NOAs submitted via this method will constitute the official NOA. Duplicate submittal through other means will not be required.

Exemption: Vessels lightering offshore, outside US territorial waters, and those discharging at LOOP are not required to comply with the AMS requirements.

When to Submit an NOA:
1.	Except as set out in paragraph 2 (below) of this section, all vessels must submit NOAs within the times required in paragraph 3 (below) of this section.
2.	Towing vessels, when in control of a vessel carrying CDC and operating solely between ports or places in the continental United States, must submit an NOA before departure but at least 12 hours before entering the port or place of destination.
3.	Times for submitting NOAs as follows:
	a)	voyage time 96 hours or more: before departure but at least 96 hours before entering the port or place of destination
	b)	voyage time less than 96 hours: before departure but at least 24 hours before entering the port or place of destination.

Submission of Changes to NOA:
1.	Towing vessels, when in control of a vessel carrying CDC and operating solely between ports or places in the continental United States, must submit changes to an NOA as soon as practicable but at least 6 hours before entering the port or place of destination.
	For all other vessels, times for submitting changes to NOAs are as follows:
	a)	remaining voyage time of 96 hours or more: as soon as practicable but at least 24 hours before entering the port or place of destination
	b)	remaining voyage time of less than 96 hours but not less than 24 hours: as soon as practicable but at least 24 hours before entering the port or place of destination
	c)	remaining voyage time of less than 24 hours: as soon as practicable but at least 12 hours before entering the port or place of destination.

Submission of the Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302): All vessels must submit to USCS the Cargo Declaration (Customs Form 1302) in entry 8 to Table 160.206, within the times stated above, with the following exceptions:

1.	Except for vessels carrying containerised cargo or breakbulk cargo, vessels carrying bulk cargo may submit the Cargo Declaration before departure but at least 24 hours before entering the US port or place of destination.
2.	Vessels carrying breakbulk cargo operating under a USCS exemption granted under 19 CFR 4.7b)4ii may, during the effective period of the USCS exemption, submit the Cargo Declaration before departure but at least 24 hours before entering the US port or place of destination.

Waivers: The Captain of the Port may waive, within that Captain of the Port's designated zone, any of the requirements of this subpart for any vessel or class of vessels upon finding that the vessel, route, area of operations, conditions of the voyage, or other circumstances are such that application of this subpart is unnecessary or impractical for purposes of safety, environmental protection or national security.

Notice of Hazardous Conditions: Whenever there is a hazardous condition either on board a vessel or caused by a vessel or its operation, the owner, Agent, Master, operator, or person-in-charge shall immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety Office or Group Office (Compliance with this section does not relieve responsibility for the written report required by 46 CFR 4.05–10).

Also see Cargo Operations – Lightering Zones.

Cargo:

Advance Electronic Information: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires advance transmission of electronic cargo information before cargo can be brought into or taken out of US waters. All incoming cargo must be reported on the Automated Manifest System (AMS).

For more information see www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/automated_systems/ams/

Food: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must receive electronic notification, no more than 5 days nor less than 8 hours before arrival, of all food imported into the USA. Notice can be submitted either through the CBP's Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or the FDA's Prior Notice System at www.access.fda.gov/

24-Hour Rule: Carriers and/or automated NVOCCs must submit a cargo declaration 24 hours before cargo is loaded at a foreign port.

eNOD: All vessels must submit NOD using the new electronic format or XLS workbook to [email protected]

If vessel/owners are unsure if they are using the correct version, please contact Agents as soon as possible. Vessels are to copy in Agent with every submission sent to NVMC. Vessels should send updated eNOD only if the new ETD has changed more than 6 hours from the last ETD advised to NVMC.

If voyage is USA to foreign, vessel should submit initial eNOD at least 1 hour before departure.
If voyage is USA to USA, vessel does not submit an eNOD. Do not attempt to file an eNOD for USA to USA voyage.

Continuous Synopsis Records: Application procedures for Continuous Synopsis Records (CSR)s for US vessels have been established. CSRs for foreign vessels will be along similar lines, but not CG-generated forms.

The US Coast Guard Maritime Safety Information Bulletin 02-04 on Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety and Security, dated 2 March 2004, states the following:

Numerous requirements will come into effect on 1 July 2004 under the International ISPS Code. Vessels not in full compliance will be restricted from operating in the US as well as a majority of foreign ports party to the ISPS Code. In concert with the ISPS Code, amendments were made to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, (SOLAS), to enhance navigation, maritime safety and maritime security.

CSR, Form CG-6038, are required for cargo vessels of 500 g.t. and over, and passenger vessels that carry more than 12 passengers, when either type of vessel is engaged on an international voyage. The CSR provides an onboard record of the history of the vessel (e.g. flag, ownership, associated organisations, etc.).

For US vessels, the Coast Guard recently issued a Notice of Availability for the Continuous Synopsis Record application and amendment forms. Foreign flag vessels shall apply for Continuous Synopsis Records via the procedures established by their flag administrations.

CSRs for all US vessels will be administered by the National Vessel Documentation Center. The Coast Guard will be able to issue CSRs commencing 1 March 2004.

A copy of the application, Form CG-6039, can be accessed at www.uscg.mil/forms

Upon completion of the application, it can be sent via email to [email protected] , or mailed to: CSR Desk, PO Box 1750, Falling Waters, WV 25419-1750.

Upon review and validation of the application, a Continuous Synopsis Record will be mailed with a blank Amendments and Index to CSR , Form CG-6038A, for placement on the vessel. Valid CSRs will not be sent by email.

The vessel's owner or operator is responsible for keeping the CSR current. The vessel's Master is considered a valid representative of the owner or operator for the purposes of updating the CSR. The CSR must be amended for any changes relating to entries referred to in SOLAS Chapter XI, Regulation 5, Paragraph 3.4 to 3.12. The completed Form CG-6038A shall be attached to the Continuous Synopsis Record; a copy of the Form CG-6038A shall be sent without delay to the CSR Desk via the means for submittal of Form CG-6039 noted above.

A copy of Form CG-6038A is available via www.uscg.mil/forms

Upon receipt and review of the amendment, the Coast Guard will issue an updated Continuous Synopsis Record, accompanied by a blank CG-6038A for future amendments.

Do not destroy old CSRs upon receipt of updated CSRs. All CSRs are required to be maintained on the vessel.

Also see ISPS Compliance.

CARGO OPERATIONS: Coast Guard Regulations: The US Coast Guard has announced its intention to develop the following regulations implementing sections of the 1978 US Port and Tanker Safety Act requiring:

existing crude oil carriers of 20,000 d.w.t. or above but less than 40,000 d.w.t. to have SBT or a crude oil washing system (COW)
existing product carriers of 20,000 d.w.t. or above but less than 40,000 d.w.t. to have SBT or dedicated clean ballast tanks (CBT).

BALLAST: The mandatory reporting requirements for ballast water exchange can be found in 33 CFR 151 Subchapter O, Subpart D, and available to view at www.ecfr.gov

Ballast water reporting requirements exist for each vessel subject to 33CFR151 subpart D bound for ports or places of the United States regardless of whether a vessel operated outside of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), unless exempted in 33 CFR 151.2015 of Subpart D.

Unless operating exclusively on voyages between ports or places within a single COTP Zone, the Master, owner, operator, agent, or person in charge of a vessel subject to Subpart D and Subchapter O must submit a Ballast Water Report to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) by email or using the online application at invasions.si.edu/nbic/submit.html

National Ballast Information Clearinghouse: The National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) is a joint program of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and the United States Coast Guard that collects, analyses, and interprets data on the ballast water management practices of commercial ships that operate in the waters of the United States.

The principal aims of NBIC are to quantify the amounts and origins of ballast water discharged in US coastal systems and to determine the degree to which such water has undergone open-ocean exchange or alternative treatments designed to reduce the likelihood of ballast-mediated invasions by exotic species.

Note: The NBIC has no authority over vessel ballast operations. The electronic submission of ballast water reporting forms to the NBIC may result in the submitter receiving an electronic confirmation of a successful reporting form submission; however, this notice of receipt is not an approval to conduct ballasting operations nor required to conduct ballasting operations. All vessel Masters, owners, operators, agents or persons in charge are reminded that they are required to conduct ballast water operations in accordance with the applicable sections of 33 CFR 151 regardless of whether they have received confirmation of a successful reporting form submission.

California Requirements: California State requires that all vessels of 300 g.t. or more, and are carrying or capable of carrying ballast water, submit a Ballast Water Management Report:

on voyages more than 24 hours, at least 24 hours before the vessel arrives at a California port
on voyages less than 24 hours, prior to departing the port of departure.

This is in addition to the requirement to submit a Ballast Water Report to NBIC, as above. Forms must be filed with the California State Lands Commission. Effective 1 July 2016, the California State Lands Commission will only accept the Ballast Water Management Report (BWMR) available at www.slc.ca.gov/Programs/MISP_Reporting.html

For submission to the California State Lands Commission, send to [email protected] or F: +1 (562) 499 6444.

Annual Vessel Reporting Form: As of 1 October 2017, all vessels must submit the Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form 24 hours in advance of the first arrival at a California port for each calendar year.

www.slc.ca.gov/Programs/MISP_Reporting.html

Ballast Water Management Systems: In accordance with California Public Resources Code section 71204.3(c)(4) and California Code of Regulations (C.C.R.), title 2, section 2284, the Master, owner, operator, or person in charge of a vessel that arrives at a California port is authorised to manage their vessel’s ballast water using either of the following:

United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type Approved Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS); or
USCG accepted Alternative Management Systems (AMS).

The use of either a USCG Type Approved BWMS or a USCG accepted AMS is considered an alternative, environmentally sound method of management that has been approved by the California State Lands Commission or the USCG as being at least as effective as ballast water exchange, using mid-ocean waters, in removing or killing nonindigenous aquatic species.

POLLUTION: Any vessel which does not have a valid IOPP Certificate on board will not be allowed to transit US waters.

Spill response arrangements within the USA are governed by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90). Under the Act, tankers within US waters must operate a vessel response plan (VRP). This must detail, inter alia, pre-contracted resources sufficient to deal with a number of spill scenarios including the loss of the entire cargo and an appointed Qualified Individual with full authority to implement the plan together with the spill management team.

OPA'90 limits the liability of the polluter for removal costs and pollution damage according to the size of the vessel involved. These limits may be broken, inter alia, if the polluter fails or refuses to adequately report the incident or fails to cooperate with the authorities. In addition, within some states, the rights of the polluter to limit liability for oil pollution has been completely removed.

In the event of a spill, the Act places the responsibility for response onto the polluter, under the coordination of a designated Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC). The polluter would be expected to enact the VRP, providing pre-contracted personnel and resources or engaging appropriate contractors. If the work is performed unsatisfactorily, the FOSC is empowered to take over the clean-up and appoint contractors at the owner's expense.

The response to a spill is determined by the severity of the incident. For a standard response in coastal waters, a unified command comprising the FOSC, State On-Scene Coordinator (SOSC) and the polluter's representative. For a marine spill, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) will designate the FOSC from the USCG Marine Safety Unit of the Captain of the Port zone where the spill occurred while the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will designate the FOSC for spills in inland areas.

Full details of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 can be found on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. www.epa.gov/oem/content/lawsregs/opaover.htm#key/

Contact: Spill Notification Point: National Response Center, US Coast Guard. T: +1 800 424 8802. T: +1 (202) 267 2180. F: +1 (202) 267 1322. [email protected]

Competent National Authority: Office of Current Operations, US Coast Guard. T: +1 (202) 327 2100. [email protected]

Oil Spill Removal: Over 100 private Oil Spill Removal Organisations (OSRO) have been classified by the USCG to operate in designated environments within US waters dependent upon their capability. The following, but not limited to, provided such services:

ECM Maritime Services, LLC. 24-hour Emergency T: +1 (203) 857 0444. T: +1 (281) 464 3328. www.ecmmaritime.com/

Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC). T: +1 (703) 326 5600. Emergency (freephone within USA) T: +1 800 259 6772. www.msrc.org/

National Response Corporation (NRC). 24-hour Emergency T: +1 (631) 224 9141. www.nrcc.com/ T: +1 (631) 224 9141. W: www.nrcc.com

California, USA: The Californian Air Resource Board (CARB) has, since 1 July 2009, enforced the use of diesel oils (MDO) or gas oils (MGO) in California Regulated Waters. The following regulation is in force when operating within the 24 n.m. regulatory zone off the Californian coastline:

from 1 January 2014, MGO or MDO shall be at or below 0.1% sulphur. Reference to the full text to CARB Marine Notice 2009-2, Regulations on Fuel Sulphur and other Operational Requirements for Ocean-Going Vessels within California Waters and 24 NM of the California Baseline 7 May 2009 (or California OGV Fuel Regulation) should be made.

The 24 n.m. regulatory zone off the Californian coastline includes 24 n.m. from the shoreline of the offshore islands. There is also a small area within the 24 n.m. boundary off Point Conception in which vessels are exempt from the Clean Fuels Regulations. This is to encourage vessels to travel in the established shipping lanes in the Santa Barbara Channel.

Note: American Emission Control Area (ECA) requirements as per MARPOL Annex VI came into effect 1 January 2015. The ECA encompasses regulated California waters; however, the two sets of regulations are not identical as some of the provisions under the ECA Regulation that provide for alternative compliance options are not specifically identified in the California OGV Fuel Regulation. Vessels should continue to comply with both the California OGV Fuel Regulation and the requirements under MARPOL Annex VI for the North American ECA.

www.arb.ca.gov/ports/marinevess/ogv.htm

NPDES: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a system under the US environmental protection rules (Clean Water Act) to minimise pollution within US territorial waters (3 n.m.). All the requirements are laid out in a document called the Vessel General Permit (2013 VGP). These requirements are additional to international environmental rules such as MARPOL.

The VGP provides for coverage for incidental discharges (discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel when operating as a means of transportation) into US waters from commercial vessels with LOA greater than 79 ft. and for ballast water discharges from commercial vessels of all sizes. The permit contains effluent limits for different types of discharges including ballast water, deck washdown and run-off, bilge water and grey water, as well requirements for the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in all oil-to-sea interfaces.

Vessels of 300 g.t. or more or that have the ability to hold or discharge more than 8 cu.m. of ballast water must submit an NOI to obtain permit coverage. This applies to each individual vessel in a fleet. The NOI must be submitted electronically.

Vessels less than 300 g.t. and that do not have the capacity to hold or discharge more than 8 cu.m. of ballast water are not required to submit an NOI. Instead, operators of these vessels must complete a PARI Form (fill and print) and keep a copy of that form on board the vessel at all times. Doing so provides coverage under the 2013 VGP for these vessels.

Notice of Intent: For vessels filing original NOIs, at least 30 days’ processing time must be allowed before the vessel will be deemed “covered” by the general permit. The US Environmental protection Agency (EPA) may require additional information or time to review the NOI past the 30 days.

The NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule requires regulated entities to submit information electronically to EPA instead of filing paper reports. Access to the online portal is available to registered users.

www.epa.gov/npdes/electronic-reporting-epas-npdes-general-permits

Filing must take place at least 30 days prior to the vessel’s first entry into US territorial waters. The initial permits will be valid for 5 years. Failure to file an NOI in a timely manner will result in non-coverage of discharges from the vessel under the permit and violations of the Clean Water Act, regardless of whether the vessel discharges were in compliance with the substantive permit requirements and even if the NOI has been filed but not yet processed (at least 30-day processing period as noted above). Also note that filing provisions have been established for new vessels and vessels which will be transferred to new owners.

For each vessel, operators must also submit an Annual Report electronically for each year that they have active permit coverage. Annual Reports must be completed for each calendar year but submitted by 28 February of the following year.

A general overview of the EPA requirements and electronic reporting can be found on the EPA website www.epa.gov/vessels-marinas-and-ports/vessels-vgp

VIDA: Vessels sailing in US waters currently comply with the regulations for the Vessel General Permit (VGP). This will be replaced by the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) in the near future. VIDA restructures the way the EPA and the US Coast Guard regulate incidental discharges and will streamline the current patchwork of federal, state, and local requirements that apply to the commercial vessel community and better protect US waters.

Until the requirements of VIDA have been implemented and a new compliance system is in place ships are subject to the existing discharge requirements established in the Vessel General Permit (VGP) and the USCG’s ballast water regulations, as well as any other applicable state and local government requirements.

Also see Shore Power.

SLOPS DISPOSAL: USCG has recently published a listing of all facilities and ports that have been granted Certificates of Adequacy for shore reception facilities as required under Annexes I, II an V of MARPOL. The site provides for a search by facility name, port and/or state with designations for reception facilities for oily waste, NLS and/or garbage. The site may be reached at cgmix.uscg.mil/default.aspx under ``MARPOL Certificates of Adequacy''.

SHORE POWER: California: Shore Power for Ocean-Going Vessels: December 2007, CARB approved the ``Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Auxiliary Diesel Engines Operated on Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth in a California Port'' Regulation, commonly referred to as the At-Berth Regulation. The regulation was introduced to reduce emissions from diesel auxiliary engines on regulated ships (container, refrigerated cargo and cruise vessels) while berthed at six California ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Hueneme). Since 2014, emissions from container, refrigerated cargo and cruise vessels has resulted in a reduction of 80% of emissions from those vessel types (approximately 4,000 visits) as of 2020; however, additional reductions are needed to further protect public health and the environment in disproportionately impacted port and Environmental Justice communities. The updated regulation, effective 1 January 2023, expands the requirement to include Ro-Ro carriers and tankers and more ports and terminals across California.

The new regulation requires that every vessel coming into a regulated California port either use shore power (e.g., plug in to the local electrical grid) or a CARB-approved control technology to reduce harmful emissions.

All terminal operators who receive ocean-going vessels at California berths are subject to regulatory requirements. Any berth located at a regulated terminal (meaning any terminal that received 20 or more visits during a calendar year from a regulated vessel type) is required to reduce emissions from vessel visits. If a terminal operates as a ``low activity'' or ``low-use'' terminal, then the terminal does not have emissions control requirements. A ``berth'' is defined as a vessel’s allotted place at a wharf, pier, or dock. This does not include anchorages such as at the offshore terminal at El Segundo, or where vessels tender at anchor such as Santa Barbara or Catalina.

Ships or terminals that are unable to connect a vessel to an emissions control technology (due to equipment failure, port congestion, etc.) during a visit may be able to comply with the regulation by requesting a Terminal or Vessel Incident Event, a limited number of which are granted to each regulated terminal operator and vessel fleet per year. In limited circumstances, port and shipping entities that are unable to comply will, if their application is approved by CARB, also have an opportunity to pay into a remediation fund used for environmental projects that will benefit port-adjacent neighbourhoods.

Terminal and port operators are responsible for vessel emissions while the vessels are located at the operator’s terminals and ports. The process of reducing at-berth emissions through shore power or other CAECS (CARB Approved Emissions Control Strategy) typically involves both parties to successfully reduce emissions. Shore power connection as a method to reduce emissions in California ports has been mandatory in progressive vessel call frequency percentage since early 2000’s.

The following is 100% connection effective date for various vessel categories:

container and refrigerated cargo vessels, 1 January 2023
cruise (passenger) vessels, 1 January 2023
Ro-Ro vessels, 1 January 2025
tankers (visiting ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach), 1 January 2025
all remaining tanker vessels, 1 January 2027.

Reporting for all vessel types is required regardless of whether a vessel or terminal has emissions control requirements. Vessel and terminal operators are responsible for reporting visit information for each visit made by a regulated vessel at a regulated marine terminal. Visit reports must be submitted to CARB within 30 calendar days of each vessel’s departure. At Berth reporting templates are available to assist with the new reporting requirements and are available to download at ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ocean-going-vessels-berth-regulation/berth-reporting-templates

Forms may be submitted either in hard copy or electronically. Submit a hard copy plan by mail to: California Air Resources Board, Stationary Source Division, Project Assessment Branch, Energy Section, PO Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812, USA. Submit electronic copy to: [email protected]

If any questions related to completing these forms, contact: T: +1 (916) 327 1512. [email protected]

REGULATIONS: Refer to Code of Federal Regulations Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Water (33 CFR). Available to view online at ecfr.gov

HOLIDAYS: 1 January (New Year's Day); 15 January (Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday); 22 February (Washington's Birthday); Good Friday; Easter Sunday; Easter Monday; 30 May (Memorial Day); 4 July (Independence Day); Labour Day (first Monday in September); 12 October (Columbus Day); 11 November (Armistice Day); Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November); 25 December (Christmas Day).

NOTICES: US Coast Guard - Code of Federal Regulations No. 33 CFR 164: Chart and Publication Requirements: Sections 164.30 and 164.33 of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 164 (33 CFR 164), detail requirements for the carriage of nautical charts and publications. The regulations contained in these sections are applicable to each self-propelled vessel of 1,600 g.t. or more, operating on the navigable waters of the United States, except the St. Lawrence Seaway, and are reprinted as follows:

Sec. 164.30 - Charts, Publications and Equipment: General.

No person may operate or cause the operation of a vessel unless the vessel has the marine charts, publications, and equipment as required by Secs. 164.33–164.41 of this part. (29 September 1983).

Sec. 164.33 – Charts and Publications:

Each vessel must have the following:

1.	Marine charts of the area to be transited, published by the National Ocean Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, or a river authority that:
	a)	are of a large enough scale and have enough detail to make safe navigation of the area possible; and
	b)	are currently corrected.
2.	For the area to be transited, a currently corrected copy of, or applicable currently corrected extract from, each of the following publications:
	a)	US Coast Pilot
	b)	Coast Guard Light List.
3.	For the area to be transited, the current edition of, or applicable current extract from:
	a)	tide tables published by private entities using data provided by the National Ocean Service
	b)	tidal current tables published by private entities using data provided by the National Ocean Service, or river current publication issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers, or a river authority.

As an alternative to the requirements for the paragraph above, a marine chart or publication, or applicable extract, published by a foreign government may be substituted for a US chart and publication required by this section. The chart must be of large enough scale, and have enough detail, to make safe navigation of the area possible, and must be currently corrected. The publication, or applicable extract, must singly or in combination contain similar information to the US Government publication to make safe navigation of the area possible. The publication, or applicable extract, must be currently corrected, with the exceptions of tide and tidal current tables, which must be the current editions.

As used in this section (sec.164.33), ``currently corrected'' means corrected with changes contained in all Notices to Mariners published by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, or an equivalent foreign government publication, reasonably available to the vessel, and that is applicable to the vessel's transit.

(Amended 25 June 2001)

WEATHER/TIDES: Hurricanes: The Captain of the Port will be setting hurricane port conditions in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP). The MHCPP is available at Coast Guard Homeport at www.homeport.uscg.mil/nola

Vessels are encouraged to review this plan, as it details response requirements/actions of the Port Captains along the coast during a hurricane. The plan will outline the requirement of each port condition, including information regarding vessel movements and mooring requirements during anticipated landfall.

Important hurricane-related information will be provided via Marine Safety Information Bulletins and Broadcasted Notice to Mariners.

Coast Guard Station New Orleans. T: +1 (504) 846 6181.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Centre. T: +1 (504) 365 2200. Rescue 21 VHF DSC. MMSI Number: 003669908. www.uscg.mil/d8/sectNOLA

Coast Guard Waterways Management. T: +1 (504) 365 2280.

CUSTOMS: Refer to 19 CFR 148 Subpart G. www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-148/subpart-G

Subpart G - Crewmember Declarations and Exemptions:

148.61 Status as crewmembers: The following persons arriving in the United States shall not be treated as crewmembers:

members of the uniformed services of the United States and persons in the civil service of the United States engaged in the operation of a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft owned by, or under the complete control and management of, the United States or any of its agencies
persons engaged in the operation of a private or public aircraft
persons not connected with the operation, navigation, ownership, or business of a vessel, vehicle or aircraft engaged in international traffic.

148.62 Declaration and entry of articles by crewmembers:

1.	Declaration required. Articles which are to be landed by a crew member, including any person travelling on board a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft engaged in international traffic who is returning from a trip on which he was employed as a crew member, shall be declared upon arrival of the vessel, vehicle, or aircraft in the United States. When practicable, the clearance of articles through Customs shall be made and permission to unlade obtained before the articles are taken from the carrier. However, if no danger to the revenue will result, articles may be submitted for examination and clearance to the Customs office on the pier or at the landing place.
2.	Form of declaration:
	a)	oral declaration. A crew member may be permitted to make an oral declaration and entry if all articles he has to declare, in addition to articles for use in port on temporary leave for which no entry is required in accordance with 19 CFR 148.63, may be admitted free of duty and tax under section 321(a)(2)(B), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 USC 1321(a)(2)(B))
	b)	written declaration. A written declaration on Customs Form 5129, Crewmember's Declaration shall be required in any case in which an oral declaration is not permitted. A written declaration may be required in any case if necessary to effect prompt and orderly clearance of crew members and their effects or if deemed necessary to protect the revenue
	c)	transfer without declaration. Articles belonging to a crew member may be transferred from one carrier to another in international traffic without declaration, entry, or assessment of duty if the transfer is carried out under the supervision of Customs officers, or by a bonded cartman if necessary
	d)	entry at port where articles to be landed. Articles in the possession of or owned by a crew member of a character for which entry must be made when they are brought into the United States shall be entered at the port where the articles are to be landed. However, if the crew member remains on a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft which is to proceed to another port of the United States in a movement in which entry of the vessel, vehicle, or aircraft will not be required, entry of the articles shall be made at the port at which such movement begins
	e)	collection of duty and taxes: any duties and taxes found due shall be collected as in the case of arriving passengers.

148.63 Articles for use while on temporary leave:

1.	Exemption. Articles in the possession of and exclusively for use by any crew member during the trip or voyage, such as necessary clothing, toiletries, and purely personal effects, may be landed by such crew member for use on temporary leave without a written declaration or entry, and without payment of duty or internal revenue tax under subheading 9804.00.80, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) (19 USC 1202), if the port director is satisfied that:
	a)	the articles are reasonable and appropriate for the crew member's accommodation while on temporary leave, and are to be taken out of the United States, except for articles consumed in use
	b)	the articles are intended exclusively for the crew member's bona fide personal use
	c)	the quantities are reasonable, depending on the circumstances in each particular case; and
	d)	in the case of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, the containers have been opened and the total quantity landed shall not exceed 50 cigars, 300 cigarettes, or 2 kilograms of smoking tobacco, or a proportionate amount of each, and 1 litre of alcoholic beverages.
2.	Temporary leave. A crew member is not considered to be on temporary leave from a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft engaged in international traffic or entitled to the exemption under this section upon disembarkation when he is to remain in the confines of a pier, terminal, airport, or area immediately adjacent thereto, in order to timely embark on the carrier in the course of a continuous journey or on a concurrently scheduled arrival and departure.

SHORE LEAVE: Each crew member must complete non-immigrant visa application forms, submit a valid passport and undergo an interview and background check when entering the United States. Crew List Visas were eliminated under Interim Final Rule effective 16 June 2004.

REPATRIATION: Crewmember Visa: Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Crewmember (D) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons working on board commercial sea vessels or international airlines in the United States, providing services required for normal operation and intending to depart the United States on the same vessel or any other vessel within 29 days. Crewmember (D-3) visas may be issued to persons performing ship-to-ship liquid cargo operations (lightering activities) to or from another vessel engaged in foreign trade and who will depart the United States within 180 days. If you travel to the United States to join the vessel you will work on, in addition to a crewmember (D) visa, you also need a transit (C) visa or a combination visa as explained below.

1.	Travel purposes which require crewmember (D) visas: Examples include: pilot or flight attendant on a commercial airplane; Master, officer or deckhand on a sea vessel; lightering crew members; lifeguard, cook, waiter, beautician, or other service staff on a cruise ship; trainee on board a training vessel.
2.	Travel purposes not permitted on crewmember (D) visas: Examples include:
	a)	drydock: the primary services you will perform are drydock repairs under warranty while the boat is docked at a US port. The visa category required is B-1
	b)	fishing vessel: you are a crew member on a temporary basis on a fishing vessel that has a home port or operating base in the United States. The visa category required is H-2
	c)	coasting officer: you are a replacement coasting officer employed when an officer of a foreign vessel is granted home leave, and the vessel does not remain in US waters for more than 29 days. The visa category required is B-1
	d)	private yacht: you are a crew member on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in US waters for more than 29 days. The visa category required is B-1
	e)	outer continental shelf: you are a crew member going to the Outer Continental Shelf. The visa category required is B-1.

Crewmembers Travelling to Meet Non-Lightering Vessels: If you travel to the United States to meet and board the vessel you will work on, you need a transit (C-1) visa. (This is in addition to the crewmember (D) visa required to work on the vessel.) The interviewing consular officer may request that you provide evidence you are transiting to meet the vessel, for example, a letter from your employer or employer's agent.

If you apply for the transit (C-1) visa at the same time as your crewmember (D) visa, you may be issued a combination C-1/D visa, if the reciprocity schedule for your country of citizenship allows for issuance of a C-1/D visa, and if the consular officer determines you are qualified. Select the country reciprocity schedules for more information at:

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html

Crewmembers Travelling to Meet Lightering Vessels: Lightering is the ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo to or from another vessel. Eligible crew members temporarily landing in the United States to perform lightering activities for a period not to exceed 180 days may be issued a D-3 visa. The consular officer may issue this in conjunction with a C-4 transit visa, which permits crew members to transit through the United States to join a vessel engaged in foreign trade and undertaking lightering activities for a period not to exceed 180 days.

Further details and application process is available at:

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html

Transit Visa: Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions. Immediate and continuous transit is defined as a reasonably expeditious departure of the traveller in the normal course of travel as the elements permit and assumes a prearranged itinerary without any unreasonable layover privileges. If the traveller seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, the traveller will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose.

If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Further details and application process is available at:

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html

Visa Waiver Program (VWP): The Visa Waiver Program enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

The following are examples of activities permitted while in the United States on the VWP. In addition, transiting through the United States to other countries is generally permitted for VWP travellers:

business: consult with business associates; attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay); negotiate a contract
tourism: vacation (holiday); visit with friends or relatives; medical treatment; participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organisations; participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating; enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

Travel purposes that are not permitted on VWP include study, for credit; employment; work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media; permanent residence in the United States.

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travellers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to travelling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the VWP:

nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country)
nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to or been present in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country)
nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

VWP Designated Countries: You must be a citizen or national of the following countries to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and United Kingdom.

With regards the United Kingdom, to be eligible to travel under the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding a US bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is a web-based system operated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the United States for tourism or business under the VWP. Visit the ESTA webpage on the CBP website for more information.

Details of ESTA can be found at esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Crew ID on Board: The US Coast Guard requires crew members on foreign commercial vessels en route to a US port or destination, or on US commercial vessels coming from a foreign port or place of departure to a US port or destination, to carry and present upon demand an acceptable identification when in US navigable waters.

The vessel operator is required to ensure that crew members comply with this requirement.

Acceptable identification means one of the following:

passport
US permanent resident card
US merchant marine document
US merchant marine credential
US TWIC
Seafarer's Identification Document (SID) issued by or under the authority of a country that has ratified the ILO Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (ILO 185) meeting all of the requirements of ILO 185.

The identification document may be secured with the Master so long as it is available for examination upon demand.

TWIC: TWIC is a common identification credential for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels within the USA, and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials. This requires all workers or personnel at maritime facilities to submit to additional background checks to obtain a biometric access card as a minimal condition for unescorted access to secure areas. Individuals with a TWIC must further have a need for access in accordance with a facility’s approved security plan.

Owners/Operators: Facility and vessel owners/operators are required to notify employees of their responsibility to possess a TWIC based on their need to have unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and facilities. Notification should be provided in a timely manner to give individuals sufficient time to complete the entire enrollment process by the compliance date.

Merchant Seafarers: All credentialed US merchant mariners must obtain a TWIC. This includes all persons holding a Coast Guard-issued merchant mariner's license, MMD, OUPV, STCW Certificate, or COR. With the implementation of TWIC, the Coast Guard MMD would primarily serve as proof of professional qualifications.

Cruise Vessels: Most cruise ships that call on US ports are foreign flagged and do not have secure areas as defined by MTSA, therefore individuals working on cruise ships would not require a TWIC. For US flagged cruise ships, if an individual requires unescorted access to areas designated as 'secure' or 'restricted', a TWIC is required. If the individual only requires access to 'passenger access' areas, a TWIC is not required.

For further information www.tsa.gov/