CBP Issues Guidance on Possible Vessel Diversions Due to Hurricane Florence
Port directors will make case-by-case determinations on whether to allow carriers to unlade cargo after being diverted from another U.S. port due to Hurricane Florence, CBP said in a CSMS message. There's a hurricane watch in effect for the Carolinas, Virginia and Maryland. For diverted vessels, "the owner or agent of the vessel shall immediately give notice of the diversion to the port that granted the permit or clearance, identifying the new destination of the vessel," CBP said. "In this instance, ports should allow for electronic/telephonic Reports of Diversion by the vessel’s owner/operator or agent. The originating port should log the date/time notifications are received and advise the owner or agent of the vessel to note on the CBP Form 3171, provided to the alternative port, its request for diversion and the specific situation for the diversion."
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The master must immediately report arrival at the new destination and make entry within 48 hours, CBP said. "If necessary, the Port Director may grant permission to transship all cargo and passengers from one vessel in the U.S. to another vessel under Customs supervision," it said. CBP also provided instructions for ACE Cargo Release when the port of entry is provided on the entry or if it is not.