November 2003
(Updated January 2004, February and May 2005)
As reported in an earlier Steamship website article most ships entering U.S. ports are required to provide 96-hour advance notice of arrival (NOA) to the U.S. Coast Guard along with crew, passenger and cargo information, pursuant to interim rules which came into force on 4 October 2001 in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
After several sets of interim rules and periods of consultation the rules were finalised in February 2003. They were published in the U.S. Federal Register on 28 February 2003 and are self-explanatory.
The rules apply to virtually* all vessels bound for or departing from ports or places in the United States. The time for submitting an NOA is as follows:
If your voyage time is - You must submit an NOA (i) 96 hours or more; Before departure but at least 96 hours before entering the port or place of destination; or (ii) Less than 96 hours Before departure but at least 24 hours before entering the port or place of destination.
Certain changes** to a submitted NOA must also be submitted within a given time frame:
If your remaining voyage time is - Then you must submit changes to an NOA - (i) 96 hours or more; As soon as practicable but at least 24 hours before entering the port or place of destination; (ii) Less than 96 hours but not less than 24 hours: or As soon as practicable but at least 24 hours before entering the port or place of destination; or (iii) Less than 24 hours As soon as practicable but at least 12 hours before entering the port or place of destination.
The required reporting forms are available in electronic form on the National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC) website in the "Downloads" section. These include the Vessel & Voyage Information, Crew List, Non-Crew and Passenger List, Cargo and CDC List and Vessel Arrival/Departure Update Report forms which can be sent to the NVMC by e-mail, the method they prefer. However, forms may also be sent by fax (as long as they are clearly legible).
Update - January 2004
Click here to view information on ISSC Information requirements and Online Submission (E-NOA).
Update - February 2005
Click here to view information on eNOAD.
Update - May 2005
*There is an exception for recreational vessels under 46 U.S.C. 4301 et seq and also limited exemptions listed in paragraph 160.203 of the Federal register entry (see link above).
**Paragraph 160.208 of the Federal register entry (see link above).
