SUBJECT:  Blanket Delay in Departure Due to LMR Closure/Fog

Southern Currents 19-023

Blanket Delay in Departure: The CBP Area Port Director has approved a blanket Delay in Departure for those vessels unable to depart the lower Mississippi River    due to USCG Restrictions/fog. The blanket Delay in Departure grants an additional 24 hours for vessels to depart port after clearance has been granted, i.e. allows a vessel up to 72 hours to sail after clearance. Example:  The delay in departure for a vessel’s clearance granted on Friday, March 1, 2019 allows until Monday, March 4, 2019 for the vessel to depart. There is no requirement to have a Vessel Entrance and Clearance Specialist (VECS) stamp/annotate a vessel’s clearance “Delay in Departure” when a blanket Delay in Departure is authorized. If a vessel cannot depart within 72 hours the original clearance should be surrendered to the Marine Desk which granted the clearance, and cancelled.  A fax copy of the clearance will not be accepted. A delay in departure does not provide additional time for filing complete outbound manifests and export declarations. Questions in the Port of New Orleans should be directed to Chief Denise Emmer(504) 670-2052 or via e-mail at denise.emmer@cbp.dhs.gov

Denise Emmer
Chief of Trade and Training
Professionalism Service Manager
Port of New Orleans
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office (504) 670-2052
Cell (504) 330-0153Denise.emmer@cbp.dhs.gov