[goplay]

What are the immigration requirements for foreign nationals of a US flagged vessel that enters the US?

Other than the general requirements, do they need to have a working visa since they are employed by the vessel? To keep it simple, assume the foreign national is from a EU or Commonwealth country (CDA, Australia, etc). Assume also, that the crew are being paid directly by vessel owners who are US nationals.

If no special visa is required, I assume they are allowed in the country for a maximum amount time, 6 months?

Would it make any difference if the crew were paid by a foreign company instead of the US flagged/owned vessel?

[Garry Hartshorn]

To work on a US flagged vessel in US waters you must be a US citizen or hold a green card, if in command of vessel you must be a citizen.

[Marmot]

To work on a US flagged vessel in ANY waters 75 percent of the crew must be U.S. citizens or hold a green card. All licensed officers must be U.S. citizens unless the vessel is an uninspected passenger vessel of less than 5 tons.

[goplay]

Thanks... I suspected the Jones Act would have a bearing on this.