USSA and Rybovich Shipyard and Marina – Reception for U. S. Congressman Ron Klein

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2009 Longshore Reforms

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Ron Klien Support efforts in the reform.

Strong Leadership, Unwavering Commitment. The Key to Important Longshore Reforms 2009

In 1927 the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) was created as a gap-filling measure between scare workers compensation and traditional maritime law. If a worker was injured on the dock, while loading and unloading cargo, there was now protective legislation in place that would cover his/her injuries. Clearly the recreational boating industry was not what it is today and there was no specification of the type of work being performed nor the type of vessel.

Fifty years later there were amendments made to the LHWCA that addressed the protection of land-based workers, responding to longshoremen (and their unions respectively) who were excluded from federal coverage when they left a ship. These amendments expanded the universe of those who were required to have LHWCA coverage, including the recreational marine industry, who primarily worked in marinas, boatyards, recreational docks and even manufacturing facilities.

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Guide to U. S. Entry

Before Arrival
Step 1

Visas and Passports
Whether arriving with passengers, owners, or crew, EVERYONE entering the United States is required to have a valid Passport.

Foreign crew must have a valid B1/B2 for the US, specific to the vessel they are entering and employed upon, in addition to a valid Passport (not due to expire before the vessel is due to leave). Generally, Embassies do not like to issue visas to applicants who are not a resident of the country where the Embassy is located, as they don’t feel they have enough knowledge of the applicant’s history. So, it’s best if the application is made in their home country. If they don’t have a Visa, they must have an I-94. A Visa Waiver will NOT allow a non-US citizen or Legal Resident entry except by commercial carrier (airline).

To obtain a US Visa, send your crew member to a US Embassy with a letter of employment on yacht letterhead stating:

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