General information for vessels arriving from foreign ports

U.S. Customs Requirements:
  • Cargo declaration (1302) giving full description of all cargoes on board, including cargo in    transit or cargo for discharge at another port.
  • Original ships certificates, i.e.., nationality, load line, tonnage
  • Certificate of financial responsibility (if over 300grt)
        Note - The operator named in the certificate of financial responsibility must correspond with the ship owner,      otherwise a letter from the ships owner, on their letterhead, is required stating they are the registered owners      and certify that the party named in the certificate are the legal operators, and responsible for the CFR.
        * Alternatively, a bareboat charter party agreement between both parties is acceptable.
  • Safety equipment (if over 500grt)
  • Clearance from last port
  • Tax receipts from previous U.S. Port Calls
  • Crew List (I-418)
  • Ship's Store Declaration (1303)
  • Crew's Effects Declaration (1304)

    Examples of U.S. Customs penalities are:
  • Improper Declarations
  • Landing undocumented Cargo
  • Contraband
  • Illegal Drugs
  • Narcotics
        All penalties and associated fines will be levied against the Master

     U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Requirements:
    Valid U.S. Visas are required to obtain crew landing permits. A visited crew list obtained from a U.S. consulate at the previous port is also acceptable. It should be sent to the first U.S. Port agent prior to ships arrival. Not having either of above, it will be up to the Boarding Inspectors discretion to grant a Visa waiver.

    The Boarding Inspector will usually grant this waiver if the vessel is arriving from a Port where there was no U.S. Consulate available, or if the ship was diverted to a U.S. Port while at sea.
        Related Forms: Crew List (I-418), and Crewman's Landing Permit (I-95a)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture:
  • Inspectors will board the ship to ascertain the origin of foodstuffs. Any fresh produce or    meats from USDA banned countries must be sealed in bins or reefer compartments.
  • Garbage containers will be checked to see if lids are in place.
  • USDA compliant contractors are available to supply containers and remove and dispose of    garbage.
  • Landed dunnage which fails USDA inspection will be fumigated and disposed of according to    USDA requirements.

    U.S. Coast Guard:
  • GenMar will provide the USCG required entry documentation 48 hours prior to vessel arrival
  • Hazardous Cargo must have dangerous goods manifest completed and signed by the master
  • Ships which have not undergone USCG inspection within one year from date of arrival will be    subject to annual inspection.
  • Oil Spills are reported to the Texas Land Office and the USCG.

    Cargo Gear:
  • For the ships gear to be used in cargo operations, valid certificates must be provided to the    stevedores prior commencement of work.

    Stowaways:
  • GenMar will deal with immigration authorities, PANDI, and local consulates for quick    repatriation of stowaways.

    Ship Arrests:
  • Legal arrests will be handled by our office and local PANDI representatives. Additional fees    will be requested based on the time and involvement required to free the ship.


    For a more detailed listing of the services we perform, please CONTACT us.