Carrier Requirements News

The maritime industry is notorious for braving the elements. One element however — the human one — poses greater safety risk than rough seas or gale-force winds and is requiring more companies to take an aggressive approach in emphasizing every employee’s role in their risk management efforts. While maritime companies have developed technologically sophisticated hull designs, stability systems, propulsion systems, and navigational equipment, overall the industry’s safety record could be better. It is undoubtedly one of the world’s most risky and complex industries. And as such, it requires very attentive focus on safety and risk management issues, especially in light of the economic and workforce issues facing the industry today.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Jan. 26 that it will not extend the effective date for new information requirements on maritime cargo destined for the United States. The Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements interim final rule went into effect January 26 and requires maritime cargo carriers and importers to submit additional data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before vessels are permitted entry into the country. The determination not to postpone the January 26 effective date was made after consideration of the factors set forth in the memorandum from the director of the Office of Management and Budget, “Implementation of Memorandum Concerning Regulatory Review,” dated January 21.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued the interim rule regarding importer security filing and additional carrier requirements (better known as “10 + 2”). The rule will require importers to notify CBP at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded on a vessel bound for the United States of the following: (1) manufacturer or supplier name and address; (2) seller name and address; (3) buyer name and address; (4) “ship to” name and address; (5) container stuffing location; (6) stuffer name and address; (7) importer of record number; (8) consignee number(s); (9) country of origin; and (10) the commodity’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States [HTSUS] number.

For a half century, GTR Campbell has offered a turnkey ship creation service, applying a unique project-oriented philosophy that turns conflict of interest into mutual interest. New regulations may have changed a design's lifespan but not the series concept. Today, Antony Prince is internationally recognized as the President of GTR Campbell Marine Consultants and successor to the legacy of the company founder, famed naval architect George Campbell. But 10 years ago, Prince was just a man with a plan and some mighty big shoes to fill. Prince had been George Campbell's close friend and associate for over 20 years. In 1990, the aging Campbell turned the company over to his protégé, cautioning that, for a consultancy, reputation was not easily transferred from one man to another.