To all stakeholders
Re: COVID – 19 // Houston, Galveston, and Freeport, Texas Updates
Following excerpt is from the CBP email below. We cannot stress enough regarding the departing flights off crew. Presently not many flights are departing IAH –
George Bush International Airport flying direct out of IAH non-stop to a foreign airport on the same day the sign off crew departs the vessel. With CBP always advising each vessel repatriation request is a “case by Case” decision.
Since international nonstop flights out of IAH Houston are limited and difficult to arrange for departing IAH on the day the crew is to depart the vessel, CBP Houston
has allowed crew to depart out of Dallas / Fort Worth Airport on the day following departure from the vessel. CBP has required up to 4 safe guards to stay with crew from the time of departing the vessel to their departing flight from DFW. Also required is
the crew must be driven from Houston hotel to DFW (all ground transport – No flights from Houston to DFW will be allowed). Costs for transport from the vessel to hotel and then to DFW – about $ 4000.00 and 4 safe guards about - $ 3800.00.
If you have any further questions – Please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.
Quote
CBP is requiring sign off crew must have a direct flight from IAH directly out of the U.S and prefers departure without any overnight stay in the U.S.. Due to COVID-19,
very few flights are available for the sign off crew
Unquote
CBP // PIN 20-008
From: LANDRY, JOHN G <JOHN.G.LANDRY@CBP.DHS.GOV>
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 1:21 PM
To: HOUSEA Passenger Managers <HOUSEAPassengerManagers@cbp.dhs.gov>
Subject: Temporary Restrictions on Crew Shore Leave Rescinded
This notice rescinds the temporary restrictions specified in Public Information Notice 20-005 dated March 23, 2020 that were implemented to address the public health emergency and community spread of COVID-19.
Crew shore leave processing and inspection will now return to previously established procedures.
At this time, crew sign-offs (D-2) will still be reviewed and granted if the crewmember has direct and continuous travel out of the United States, the crewmember is not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the crewmember
has valid travel documents, and there is no other restriction on the crewmember’s travel.
Please note, due to evolving travel restrictions worldwide, this activity is subject to change on short notice. A trade notice will be sent if CBP Houston/Galveston Area Port implements any major changes.
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Local questions regarding issues related to this notice should be directed to the Houston Seaport at 713-454-8002
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John G. Landry
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Watch Commander
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Area Port of Houston/Galveston
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">U.S. Customs and Border Protection
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">832-549-6780 - Mobile
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">713-454-8002 – Office
<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">713-454-8015 – Direct
Governor Abbott Issue a state wide order for everyone to wear a face mask, due to recent rise in COVID-19 illnesses In Texas.
No significant changes for vessel movements.
Houston, Galveston, Texas City and Freeport - All vessel traffic operating normally, with no delays or stoppages due to COVID-19.
Vessels are precleared via agency with USCG, CBP, and Pilots for COVID-19 prior to arrival designated port anchorages.
For crew changes, please contact our Houston Operations department. CBP Houston allows crew changes in Houston / Galveston / Texas City and Freeport.
CBP is requiring sign off crew must have a direct flight from IAH directly out of the U.S and prefers departure without any overnight stay in the U.S.. Due to COVID-19,
very few flights are available for the sign off crew
Texas is slowly opening up. Phase 1 - Restaurants have opened dining rooms, with social distancing. Governor Abbott has approved further businesses to open / Businesses
in offices, Child care, Bars, Sports, Gyms, Personal care services, bowling alleys, and Zoos – Phase 2. Face masks are still encouraged while out in public.
Texas Health and Human Services
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Office of Texas Governor
https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus
Houston, TX Health Department
https://www.houstontx.gov/coronavirus-info.html
Sincerely,
Bob Lain
Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc.
As Agents Only
16651 Ronan
Houston, TX 77060
Main: 281-582-9200 DO Tel: 281-582-1231 Fax: 281-582-9222 Mbl: 281-924-2146
hou@moranshipping.com
blain@moranshipping.com
www.moranshipping.com
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