Question about re-entering the US from the Bahamas

[Lowcountry]

I think that some changes have been made with regard to reentering the US from the Bahamas since the last time I did it (June 2009). I have read a bit about the SVRS and LBO systems, but I am uncertain as to whether or not I HAVE TO participate in one of these programs. Can I not just present myself, passport and ship's papers to the actual Customs office in West Palm once I return? That is how I did it last time, and would prefer to just do the same this time. Any insight is appreciated. I will be leaving for the Abacos in two weeks, and will return to the US at the end of April.

[starchaser 2011]

You don't need to be part of those programs, but you will need a customs decal.

[Gary H]

My wife and I have registered for the Local Boater Option. It is just that: an option. Traditional methods of entry are still approved.

EDIT - someone beat me to the enter key.

[pete33458]

Honestly, almost every time I've used LBO I've had to go to the office anyway for something or another. Last time, it was because one of our party had renewed their passport... So you go through all the lengthy phone reporting for everyone on board, including the new passport information, and then at the end they tell you that you have to come in to the office anyway... For this reason I'm not using the SVRP, it seems like just another way to find some detail that makes you report in person. pete

[ggray]

I've been meaning to inquire about this issue ever since we returned from Bahamas in 2010.

When we returned to Virginia we had to be inspected by USDA (I suppose) regarding the food products we had on board (even what had been loaded in the States), and also trash. He said we would have to take the trash somewhere to have it incinerated. Said all the airplanes had to do this as well. And that it was costly.

He was nice, though, and said since he was next going to the airport, if we carried the trash to his car, he would take to the airport and throw it in with trash from the airplanes.

I was shocked, and figured I'd read complaints about this here at CF, but never did.

Has anyone had anything like this happen to them?

[Group9]

Originally Posted by pete33458

Honestly, almost every time I've used LBO I've had to go to the office anyway for something or another. Last time, it was because one of our party had renewed their passport... So you go through all the lengthy phone reporting for everyone on board, including the new passport information, and then at the end they tell you that you have to come in to the office anyway... For this reason I'm not using the SVRP, it seems like just another way to find some detail that makes you report in person. pete

Last time I came in, even with the decal, they had us come to the Customs office at the Port of Miami after our telephone check in. I've never really understood how that really accomplishes anything. Like if we had smuggled some drugs or aliens in with us, that we would have brought them with us to show them.

[jkangas]

When we cleared at jeckle island, GA May 2012, clearing was a 5 minute phone call. Same thing in Port Orange,FL. back in spring 2911. Last few times we cleared in Charleston, SC DHS came to the boat but were very friendly and no hassle. It seems like the procedure is not consistent from area to area.

[FSMike]

Last I recall, clearing in north of Fort Pierce is different from clearing in in Fort Pierce and south.

[Richard_W]

Originally Posted by jkangas

It seems like the procedure is not consistent from area to area.

It's not consistent on purpose ... it keeps you on your toes and guessing. Sometime they let you go on your word, sometime they will select you for in person inspection, or in-depth shakeout.

[AnchorageGuy]

The LBO (now SVRP) is not requires and the decal would appear to be required if you read the Homeland Security information on it. However, if you don't have the decal, they will not send you back to where you came from. You will just have to report in person, probably, maybe, and may be subject to inspection. And then again you might be subjected to all of this with a decal and with a decal and an LBO, now SVRP. Ain't our new Homeland Security grand? I highly recommend checking in anywhere besides Key West. They are the most unprofessional, rude, U.S. officials we have ever encountered, maybe not only in the U.S., of anywhere we have traveled in over 20 years. Chuck

[beachbum29]

So what happens if you don't check in?

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by beachbum29

So what happens if you don't check in?

You get shot.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by beachbum29

So what happens if you don't check in?

CBP reminds boaters that failure to report entry into the US can result in fines of up to $10,000 and seizure and forfeiture of the vessel.

[starchaser 2011]

If you check in without a decal you will be required to buy one for 30.00.That will get you in for that one time.It will not purchase a decal for the year. If you intend to leave and return another time in that calendar year you will still need to purchase a decal. Some thing important to remember is that it is for the calendar year, not a year from when purchased. It is all a money grab, but keep checking in without a decal and border protection types can get pretty upset with you.These are not people you want to piss off. They can and if pushed will seeze your boat till things get sorted out and you may be invited to be their guest for a while. I live on the US /Canadian border. I've had some interesting conversations with the folks in the blue suits on both sides of the border.
What happens if you don't check back in? Not really sure.I know people who walk that line. Good luck to them. I have had enough trouble trying to do things the legal way to want to find out what happens when you don't. I do know that the entry into another country is on your passport and when you check in (or don't)is on the US data base. Do it enough times and you have some explaining to do fines to pay and possibly lawyers and judges to talk to.
No Mark they won't shoot you.....the first time

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by starchaser 2011

If you check in without a decal you will be required to buy one for 30.00.That will get you in for that one time.It will not purchase a decal for the year. If you intend to leave and return another time in that calendar year you will still need to purchase a decal.

I have found this statement not to be true on many occasions. The last time, we cleared into Charlston April 2012 and got a great welcome from the DHS folks. We were told to buy the decal online after clearing in. It was mailed to my house. The decal is good for the remainder of the calender year. If your craft is under 30' a decal is not required.

No-one ever followed up to see if we purchased it unless they did it electronically. The DHS folks could not have been nicer and four of them came down to the boat. No search and no hassle. I did give them a courtesy call 4 days out to let them know we were on our way and when we would arrive. They did take boat and crew info at that time.