Provision for Lightering Paroles for Joining Crew

The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) has issued a reminder regarding lightering paroles for crewmembers joining vessels in the USA.

There have been instances where crewmembers joining a lightering vessel have been denied parole when applying at the airport of arrival and admitted on their C1 transit visa.

Efforts by agents to obtain corrections have been difficult in many cases and WGMA recommend the following steps be taken.

- Crewmembers destined for lightering vessels must present the following items to the CBP officer at the airport of arrival:
* A letter indicating employment with a lightering vessel
* The CBP/Chamber of Shipping letter dated 7/9/2010
* The parole fee of $65
* Passport
* Custom declaration

During the inspection, if the crewmember believes that a misunderstanding has occurred they should request to speak with a CBP Chief, Supervisor, or a Passenger Service Manager.

If the agent believes that an error has occurred, he/she should contact CBP at the airport of arrival and request to speak to a Chief or a supervisor regarding the crewmember's inspection.

If the CBP airport of arrival determines that a correction or adjustment is warranted they may contact the CBP seaport where the crewmember is located for assistance.

CBP Houston has advised that the CBP Officers in Houston IAH have been briefed and crewmembers are less likely to encounter complications there.

The following link www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/ has a listing of all CBP Passenger Service Managers for most airports where CBP conducts operations. It also has a listing of all airports where CBP operates and is the best way to reach a CBP manager.