New Visas for Foreign Workers in Offshore Wind
The US State Department has updated policy guidance in their Foreign Affairs Manuel (FAM), clarifying how visas for offshore wind workers will be handled. Updated policy states that USCG does not consider offshore wind an “OCS activity” and that offshore wind workers shall be issued B visas for transit only. Issued B-1 visas will be […]
Watch out for the Harbor Maintenance Fee – It’ll get ya.
The Harbor Maintenance Fund (HMF) is a federal trust fund established by the United States Congress in 1986. The purpose of the HMF is to provide funding for the operation and maintenance of US coastal and Great Lakes harbors and ports. The HMF is funded through a tax on imports and domestic cargo that is […]
Aint no business like Customs Business
Customs business is a broad term that encompasses any activity related to the import, export, or transportation of goods across international borders. This includes customs clearance, tariff classification, valuation, and compliance with various regulations and laws related to international trade. Importing goods requires compliance with a variety of customs regulations, which can vary depending on […]
The role surety companies play in the US
Sureties and bonding companies have a long and rich history in the United States, dating back to colonial times. The concept of a surety bond, which is essentially a guarantee that a party will fulfill its contractual obligations, can be traced back to ancient times. In the context of the United States, however, the history […]
Customs Bonds – what vessel operators need to know
Customs bonds are financial guarantees that vessel operators must obtain to ensure compliance with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations when importing goods into the United States. Customs bonds are required for various purposes, including ensuring payment of duties and taxes, compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensuring that goods are properly marked and labeled. […]
CBP – Safeguarding our border and promoting economic growth
The United States Customs Service has a rich and extensive history that spans more than two centuries. The agency, which is now known as the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has been responsible for regulating international trade and ensuring the safety and security of US borders since its inception. In this article, we will […]
Customs Clearance on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Customs clearance requirements for vessels arriving from a foreign point on the US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) are determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. In general, all vessels entering the United States from a foreign port or place, including the OCS, must report their arrival to the CBP and undergo a […]
USCG Electronic Notice of Arrival and Departure
The USCG Electronic Notice of Arrival and Departure (eNOAD) system is a crucial tool for vessel operators arriving in the United States. It allows them to submit required information to the USCG and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before arriving, improving maritime safety and security. Certain vessels, such as commercial vessels, foreign vessels, and certain […]
What are the arguments against US Offshore Wind?
There are several arguments made by critics of offshore wind energy that suggest it is a scam that primarily benefits Europeans and is not a good investment for the US. These arguments include: It is important to note that while there are arguments against offshore wind energy, there are also many arguments in favor of […]
What is the Jones Act? The Basics Explained
What is the Jones Act? The Jones Act is a federal law that regulates maritime commerce in the United States. It requires that all vessels that transport goods between two U.S. ports be built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens, and that they be registered in the United States. The act also requires that all […]