Source: Nepia
01 May 2009 - USCG Foreign Seafarer ID Requirements to be enforced from 28 May 2009
On 28 April 2009 the USCG advised that as from the 28 May 2009 they will require each crewmember on a foreign commercial vessel en route to a US port, or on a US commercial vessel coming from a foreign port to a US port, to carry and present acceptable identification when in US navigable waters.
Vessel operators are to ensure compliance with this requirement.
Documents deemed as acceptable by the USCG include: a valid passport, a seafarer's identification document issued by a country signatory to ILO 185, a transportation worker identification credential (TWIC), a US permanent resident card, and a US Merchant mariner document or credential.
From a practical point of view it would appear that a valid passport is perhaps the most convenient and widely held document for foreign seafarers to present to the authorities. Only 14 countries have ratified ILO 185 to date. Documentation may be held by the Master and must be available for inspection on request.
Potential sanctions for non-compliance include fines of US$25,000 for both the seafarer and operator. Sanctions against the vessel may include being denied entry to a US port.
As such Members trading to the US should ensure that all crew members have valid identification documents that are acceptable to the USCG. The documents should remain valid for the entire period the vessel is likely to be in US navigable waters.
The time frame for implementation is short and it is hoped that where seafarers do not have the correct documentation that the USCG will exercise discretion whilst acceptable documentation is being sought from the relevant authority. It may also assist if seafarers/ vessel operators can provide USCG officials with evidence of, for example, passport applications forms.
This ruling does not affect the usual requirements for shore leave in place in the USA.
Click here for a copy of USCG final rule.
Click here for ratifications to ILO 185.
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