As indicated I would strongly suggest contacting the US authorities - good luck, I never had much luck getting to actually talk to someone and at the end of the day you would probably need something in writing.
I could be wrong but don't all the immigration forms (I94's) require you to declare if you had ever been refused entry to the States?
However, if you would be going to the U.S. as a crew member you would have to get a Visa in any case which, when/if issued, should resolve the problem.
As 411A says nothing we say here can be taken as Gospel
Mike Echo