ENOAD Demystified: What Every Shipping Professional Must Know Before Entering the U.S.

 🚢 ENOAD Demystified: What Every Shipping Professional Must Know Before Entering the U.S. ⚓

❓ Three Quick Questions to Spark Your Curiosity

1. Did you know failing to file or amend an ENOAD could delay your vessel at berth or even attract penalties from U.S. Coast Guard?
2. Are you clear on whether one ENOAD covers multiple U.S. ports or whether each port requires a separate submission?
3. Would you know what to do if Charterers change the loading port at the last moment while your ship is already en route?

If you answered “No” to even one, this post is for you.

🔎 Clause Breakdown: What is ENOAD and Why is it Required?

ENOAD (Electronic Notice of Arrival/Departure) is a mandatory reporting requirement under U.S. Coast Guard (33 CFR Part 160).
It ensures:

1. Security – vetting crew, vessel, and cargo before arrival.
2. Planning – customs, immigration, and port authorities prepare inspections.
3. Compliance – aligns with ISPS Code and national security.

💡 Think of it as the vessel’s advance “passport check” before entering U.S. waters.

 

🧭 Practical Implications with Examples

• Filing Timeline:
• Normal: 96 hours prior to arrival.
• If voyage is <96 hrs: must file before departure from last foreign port.
• Example 1 – Mexico to U.S.
  A vessel finishing discharge in Mexico is ordered to a U.S. port 2 days away. Filing ENOAD before sailing is correct ✅.
• Example 2 – Port Change Mid-Voyage
  A vessel filed ENOAD for Houston, but Charterers later fix cargo at New Orleans. The Master/agent must amend ENOAD immediately. Failure may cause detainment or delay ❌.
• Common Pitfalls:
• Believing one ENOAD covers “all U.S. ports” (not always true).
• Late amendments when Charterers delay finalizing orders.
• Incomplete crew/cargo/security details.

 

📚 Case Law & BIMCO Commentary

• While ENOAD is not a BIMCO clause per se, BIMCO’s Voyage Orders & Compliance Guidelines stress Masters’ duty to comply with port entry regulations.
• Case precedents show vessels detained or fined when ENOAD errors delayed U.S. vetting. The liability often falls under “Owners’ responsibility” unless specifically shifted in charter party.

 

🛠️ Actionable Steps for Operators, Managers & Masters

1. Always confirm ETA and last port clearance before filing ENOAD.
2. If voyage <96 hrs, submit ENOAD before departure.
3. Keep ENOAD flexible: update promptly when Charterers alter orders.
4. Coordinate with agents – they’re your frontline for amendments.
5. Educate crew: treat ENOAD as important as ballast water or MARPOL compliance.
6. Document every submission/amendment to avoid disputes with Charterers/Owners.

 

✅ Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Shipping is about foresight. ENOAD is not just paperwork—it’s a passport for your vessel. Done right, it ensures smooth entry. Done wrong, it delays operations, triggers fines, and causes disputes.

If this insight helps you or your team, I invite you to:
💙 Like this post
💬 Comment your experience with ENOAD filings
🔗 Share with your shipping fraternity
📌 Follow ShipOpsInsights by Dattaram for more clarity on complex charter party and operational issues.

Let’s keep shipping smarter, safer, and smoother. ⚓🌊

 

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is for educational and professional insight purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult relevant authorities, charter party terms, and agents for operational compliance.