Foreign Clearances

• Advance Notice Requirements
• Post Cruise Obligations

Overview

A vessel may pass through territorial waters freely but may not collect data without advance permission. The Chief Scientist is responsible for reviewing the background information on Marine Science Research Authorizations and for informing the Manager of Marine Operations of any operations within 200 miles of the coastline of a foreign country or any desired foreign port call.

Select the appropriate form:

• R/V Thompson UN Standard for cruises into waters of Foreign Nations (MsWORD)
• R/V Barnes UN Standard for cruises into waters of Foreign Nation (MsWORD)

Advance Notice Requirements

United States Department of State
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20520

NOTICE TO RESEARCH VESSEL OPERATORS NO. 68 (Rev. 4)

SUBJECT: Advance Notice Requirements for Foreign Research Clearance Requests

It is essential to assure that foreign marine scientific research clearance requests meet coastal state lead-time requirements, which may vary. All requests should be submitted in compliance with UNOLS “Handbook for International Operation of U.S. Scientific Research Vessels,” and should reach the U.S. Department of State (OES/OA) at least one month earlier than the stated prior notice requirements of the foreign coastal state. This is to allow time for State Dept. processing of the request through the U.S. Embassy to reach the foreign ministry in compliance with foreign requirements. The following are stated lead-times (plus one month processing) for various coastal states:

7 months: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Fiji, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, Soviet Union, Spain, Trinidad/Tobago, Turkey

5 months: Ecuador, France, Peru, Venezuela

4 months: Denmark, Guyana, Honduras, Netherlands, Oman, Panama, United Kingdom

2 months: Bermuda, Canada, Sweden

All other requests for foreign coastal states which have not stated lead-time requirements should reach the Department of State no later than 3 months prior to the start of the research.

Although it is recommended that all requests be submitted the Department of State for processing, the following coastal states have stated that requests must be submitted through official channels:

Please contact Research Vessel Clearance Officer at the address below if you have any questions:

Office of Ocean Affairs
OES/OA, Room 5801
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20520

Elizabeth Tirpak
R/V Clearance Officer
Tel: (202) 647-0238
Fax: (202) 647-1106
Email: tirpakej@state.gov