The U.S. Coast Guard and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apparently have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and developed standard operating procedures regarding detention of certain high-risk crewmembers. When the CBP determines that a foreign crewmember is to be considered high risk, the
Coast Guard assists in ensuring that the master of the vessel has provided effective security measures to keep the crewmember from gaining illegal entry into the United States. Generally, this entails hiring a security service to provide a visible deterrent to unauthorized departures from the vessel. Needless to say, expenses related to hiring the security service are borne by the vessel. Operating procedures under the MOA may vary from port to port. (HK LAW)