Understanding Advanced Notice of Arrival: Legal Requirements for Vessels

Definition & Meaning

An Advanced Notice of Arrival (ANOA) is a formal requirement for vessels entering United States waters from foreign ports. This notice must be submitted 96 hours before the vessel's arrival. The requirement applies to all vessels of 300 gross registered tons or more, which must notify the U.S. Coast Guard's National Vessel Movement Center. Vessels under 300 gross registered tons must inform the appropriate Captain of the Port.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A cargo ship weighing 500 gross registered tons departing from a port in Europe must submit an ANOA to the U.S. Coast Guard 96 hours before arriving at a port in New York.

Example 2: A small fishing vessel of 250 gross registered tons arriving from Canada must notify the local Captain of the Port in Seattle 96 hours prior to its arrival. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Specific Requirements
California Requires additional environmental impact assessments for certain vessels.
Florida May have specific local regulations for reporting to the Captain of the Port.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Differences
Notice of Arrival A general term for notifying authorities of a vessel's arrival. ANOA is specific to U.S. regulations and has a defined timeframe.
Customs Declaration A document declaring the contents of a vessel for customs purposes. Customs declarations focus on cargo, while ANOA focuses on vessel arrival.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a vessel operator, ensure you submit your ANOA on time to avoid penalties. You can use templates from US Legal Forms to help prepare your notice. If you have questions or your situation is complex, consider seeking advice from a maritime attorney.

Quick facts

  • Typical submission timeframe: 96 hours before arrival.
  • Jurisdiction: U.S. Coast Guard and local Captain of the Port.
  • Failure to comply may result in fines or delays.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Missing the deadline can result in fines and delays in your vessel's entry into U.S. waters.