International Carrier Bond

SIM International Carrier Bond Facility for AMS and APIS ICBs

In June 2005 (enforceable February 2006), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department (CBP) requires vessel operators to file crew and passenger manifests via the Automated Passenger Information System (APIS). Shoreline Insurance Managers Ltd. (SIM) has arranged a facility for Shoreline Mutual Members and Arvak Insureds to obtain the Bonds (for both AMS and APIS purposes). SIM will process all the paperwork and pass it onto an NAIC approved Surety Bond Company. All Bonds will be for $100,000 with an annual fee of $1,750. Bonds for the port of Miami are $150,000 at an annual fee of $2,500.

NOTE: Bonds are issued to the entity responsible for the cargo and/or crew manifests irrespective of the number of vessels - we do not track vessels at all for ICB purposes

  • Ensure that a SCAC number for the carrier is applied for and received from the US Customs Office. (If you do not have a SCAC number the process for obtaining this is available here. A SCAC code is not required for APIS Bonds
  • Obtain the Application Form
  • Complete the section entitled Information Required for Bond Application
  • Obtain the required signature(s) of authorized representative(s) of the carrier for the form headed Procurement Agreement. Please note the Standard Terms & Conditions pertaining to this agreement.
  • Obtain the required signature(s) of authorized representative(s) of the carrier for the form headed Power of Attorney. This document authorizes SIM to sign the bond and also the carrier's indemnity to the bond issuer.
  • Return the completed forms to SIM.
  • SIM will send an invoice for payment of the fee detailing our banking information. The amount will be $1,750 for a $100,000 bond and $2,500 for a $150,000 bond. It is the responsibility of the carrier to determine their appropriate bond amount.
  • Upon receipt of premium SIM will arrange a 1-year period for each bond. At subsequent renewals the bond may be adjusted in line with the COFR Guaranty expiry where appropriate and where it will promote administrative convenience.
  • Upon issuance of the bond SIM will return a copy of the countersigned Procurement Agreement.