Crew are persons serving in a capacity required for normal operation and service on board a vessel. Non-crew are anyone else such as supernumeraries or passengers.
Supernumeraries and passengers must be manifested on a passenger manifest (I-418) separate from crew. In addition, they must comply with standard document requirements based on their nationality, immigration status, and point of embarkation.
A Supernumerary is a person in addition to the regular compliment of crew, but having no shipboard responsibilities. Examples include, but are not limited to: electricians, chemists, mechanics, owner’s representatives, HVAC technicians, and engineers. Supernumeraries who plan to stay on the vessel must either possess a valid B-1 visa, an approved ESTA and be arriving on a signatory carrier, or can use a valid C-1 visa if they intent to depart the U.S.
Passengers who plan to stay on the vessel must either have a valid B-2 visa, an approved ESTA and be arriving on a signatory carrier, or can use a valid C-1 visa if they intent to depart the U.S.
Carriers that bring supernumeraries or passengers who are not in possession of the required documentation will be subject to carrier fines. In addition, carriers who are not signatory carriers and are transporting ESTA approved travelers will be subject to carrier fines.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Chief CBP Officer Kevin Alombro at (504) 670-2050 or at kevin.m.alombro@cbp.dhs.gov.
