§1281 Alien Crewmen

Summary

Owners, agents, consignees, masters, or commanding officers must give an immigration officer a full and accurate list when a ship or plane arrives from outside the United States. The list must name all non‑U.S. crew, their jobs, when and where they joined, and who will be paid off or discharged at that port — or whatever information the Attorney General requires. Vessels that only run on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways must provide lists when the Attorney General tells them to. Those same people must also report in writing right away if any crew member illegally lands, with a description and any helpful information to find them. Before leaving any U.S. port they must give a list of non‑U.S. crew who joined after arrival but will depart now, and of anyone paid off, discharged, deserted, or who landed. If required lists or reports are missing, the Attorney General can require payment of $200 for each affected crew member to the Commissioner. Hiring a crew member to do longshore work not part of normal ship duties brings a $5,000 fine that becomes a lien on the vessel. A vessel or aircraft cannot get clearance while liability or the fine is unresolved or unpaid, unless a bond or deposit covering the fine is posted. The Attorney General may make rules about when a vessel or aircraft is considered arriving or departing.