CBP Seattle Provides Info on Crew/Passenger Manifest Program

CBP will allow any commercial vessel entering U.S. water to participate in the electronic Form I-418 Crew and Passenger Manifest Permanent Program in order to allow for a smooth transition to use of the electronic form, said CBP's Seattle Field Office in a trade information notice. Those interested must provide a CBP invitation letter to the area port director and make a verbal or written request to participate, after which CBP can grant the request verbally or on paper, the notice said. Once a vessel is approved, it is no longer required to submit paper arrival and departure Form I-418 and the electronic version must be submitted to the National Vessel Movement Center over Internet or email, said CBP.