Vessel Agent Services

CDI provides experienced and capable Vessel Agent Services for vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and/or GOM Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Our team of seasoned professionals love a challenge, and the Gulf of Mexico provides. 

Almost every CDI vessel services client has a unique situation that requires innovative thinking and years of experience to handle. For us, it’s fun to identify those challenges and solve and resolve them without disrupting your business operations. Our goal is to assist your vessel with any and all of it’s needs while operating, and to prevent delays and fines upon entering the United States.

From the time your vessel departs its foreign port, we act as your representative in the United States by filing all regulatory documentation, assisting clearing US customs and border patrol, and providing vessel support and logistics. 

CDI Vessel Agent Services are customized to cater to the unique operational and regulatory requirements of the offshore oil and gas industry’s marine operations. We service ports across the Gulf of Mexico including, but not limited to, those in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Our team is especially resource heavy in the Port Fourchon area to serve the needs of the largest GOM operators. Additionally, we can provide services to any United States port-of-entry.

CDI Vessel Agent Services provide:

• Customs Clearance of Ships, Aircraft, and MODUs: your assigned Vessel Agents will assist you with C&BP clearance, filing of all required paperwork, and processing of any agriculture products and food stuffs.
• Regulatory Compliance: CDI Vessel Agents ensure vessels comply with the United States Coast Guard’s regulations, including personnel safety, environmental protection, and vessel inspections. We handle Customs Entry and Clearance of Vessels and Aircraft, and provide any necessary import services.
• Crisis Management: We provide support during a variety of crisis situations, such as those arising during hurricane season, including “reporting by exception” for hurricane and tropical storm evacuations. You can be confident CDI with react efficiently in the case of unexpected circumstances arising from a variety of scenarios. 
• Certification and Documentation: CDI Vessel Agents assist with the Certificate of Compliance (COC) process for foreign Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) and update maritime stakeholders on policy and regulatory changes. 
• Marine Operations Support: Includes facilitating port entry, providing berthing services, and handling cargo operations specific to offshore facilities or operator needs. Services are customized to the client, vessel, cargo, or situation.
• Emergency Services: In the event of a dangerous or hazardous incident, CDI Vessel Agents coordinate search and rescue operations, spill response efforts, logistics, and maintain a high-level of communication with all stakeholders.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Your CDI Vessel Agents manage the logistics of supplying offshore facilities with necessary equipment, supplies, materials, and personnel. CDI will remove and clean out non-approved stores, and replace with USCBP approved stores and supplies.
• ACE Customs Manifest: (Automated Commercial Environment) Used for all manifest, cargo release, post-release, and PGA data processing. CDI Licensed Agents handle all the details on your behalf so your crew can focus on the work to be done.
• Inland marine operations: CDI arranges for inland waterways pilots, crew personnel, supplies, equipment and logistics.

Central Dispatch understands these services are crucial for the smooth and safe operation of vessels on the GOM and GOMOCS, ensuring your vessels meet all legal requirements and are prepared for operational challenges and contingencies.  Contact us for more information or inquiries on our vessel agent services.

Customs Agriculture Domestication of MODUs at Offshore Locations

CDI Vessel Agents can assist with clearing MODUs (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit) for application in U.S. designated waters. There are many considerations for MODUs use in the U.S. including dealing with importing materials, food stores, and personnel. Certain items brought into the United States from foreign countries are restricted according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations. Prohibited agricultural items can harbor plant pests and foreign animal diseases that could seriously damage America’s crops, livestock, and the environment – and a large sector of the U.S. economy.

All workers entering the United States, including domesticated offshore locations such as marine vessels and offshore energy industry platforms, are Required to Declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in baggage or in a vessel’s stores.

Upon examination of plants, animal products, and associated items, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the point of entry will determine if these items meet the entry requirements of the United States. CDI Vessel Agents will assist with clearing customs or removing and replacing any agricultural materials so your crew can focus on their task at hand.