US Cruising Permit - How do I get one?

[Phil Mavis]

Hi all.

Last year we sailed south from Canada and cleared customs in Bar Harbour. At that time, we had our boat with us so getting a cruising permit wasn't an issue.

We left our boat in Florida to return to cruise this year. When we return to the boat, we will clear into the US by vehicle in BC, drive down to Florida, work on the boat and finally launch her to cruise for 2018 and 2019.

What is the procedure to get a cruising permit once I'm in the states? Our boat is inland at Indiantown.

Thanks for your help.

[gunkylump]

This may help you:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-...-boat-overview

[Nicholson58]

Noonsite is a good source for this. Also, contact the regional customs office near your boat. The marine may also help

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Phil Mavis

Hi all.

Last year we sailed south from Canada and cleared customs in Bar Harbour. At that time, we had our boat with us so getting a cruising permit wasn't an issue.

We left our boat in Florida to return to cruise this year. When we return to the boat, we will clear into the US by vehicle in BC, drive down to Florida, work on the boat and finally launch her to cruise for 2018 and 2019.

What is the procedure to get a cruising permit once I'm in the states? Our boat is inland at Indiantown.

Thanks for your help.

When did you get your US cruising permit and was it for 1 year? If you got it last year you cannot get a new one until the boat has left US waters for at least 15 days. If it has expired you have to go to Customs and get a one trip permit to get the boat out of the US.

[Phil Mavis]

Thanks all!

[boatpoker]

That one trip permit is called a "permission to proceed" and you can pick it up at customs in West Palm ($19.00 I think). You will have to leave the country, we went to Bahamas, came back and got a new cruising permit to go back to Canada.

If you don't leave the country (Bahamas) you cannot get a new cruising permit and have to get a new "permit to proceed" every time you move the boat.

[wannacat]

Check with the Customs port of entry office that you will be using to get your new permit at. Port Everglades in Lauderdale only required me to leave to Bimini and back for 7 days and re-issued me a new 1 year permit.