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Old 26-09-2012, 17:09   #31
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Re: Ripped Off by CBP!!!

Went to get our Local Boater Option cards today. Pretty painless actually. There is no charge and the cards do not expire. The cards are only good for Florida but returns but that is where we plan to return in February.They did tell us that most people do not file a float plan since cruising by it's nature, changes often. I know we all get frustrated by red tape but these guys are just trying to do their jobs and I appreciate them.
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Old 26-09-2012, 17:36   #32
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Re: Ripped Off by CBP!!!

19 CFR 24.22

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(e) Fee for arrival of a private vessel or private aircraft —(1) Fee. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the master or other person in charge of a private vessel or private aircraft must, upon first arrival in any calendar year, proceed to CBP and tender the sum of $27.50 to cover services provided in connection with all arrivals of that vessel or aircraft during that calendar year. A properly completed Customs Form 339, Annual User Fee Decal Request, must accompany the payment. Upon payment of the annual fee, a decal will be issued to be permanently affixed by adhesive to the vessel or aircraft, in accordance with accompanying instructions, as evidence that the fee has been paid. Except in the case of private aircraft, and aircraft landing at user fee airports authorized under 19 U.S.C. 58b, all overtime charges provided for in this part remain payable notwithstanding payment of the fee specified in this paragraph.

(2) Prepayment. A private vessel or private aircraft owner or operator may, at any time during the calendar year, prepay the $27.50 annual fee specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section. Prepayment must be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this paragraph and paragraph (i) of this section. Prepayment may be sent by mail, along with a properly completed Customs Form 339, Annual User Fee Decal Request, to the following address: Customs and Border Protection, Decal Program Administrator, P.O. Box 382030, Pittsburgh, PA 15250–8030. Alternatively, the decal request and prepayment by credit card may be made via the Internet through the “Traveler Information” links at CBP's website ( CBP.gov - home page ). A third option, prepayment at the port, is subject to the port director's discretion to maintain user fee decal inventories.

(3) Exceptions. The following are exempt from payment of the fee specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section:

(i) Private pleasure vessels of less than 30 feet in length, so long as they are not carrying any goods required to be declared to Customs;

(ii) Any private pleasure vessel granted a cruising license under §4.94 of this chapter, during the term of the license; and

(iii) Any private vessel which, at the time of arrival, is being transported by any vessel other than a ferry.
Both the fee and the decal/sticker are federal law and are required for all boats > 30 ft entering the US after calling at a foreign port. Any CBP officer who tells you different is wrong. He/they/that office may not enforce the requirement, but it is a requirement. LBO/Nexus/OARS/I-68 are all voluntary additional reporting options, but they do not exempt you from the fee.

Quote:
Local Boater Option (LBO) Pilot Program
Participants in this program may report their arrival to CBP by calling one of the locations mentioned below. Participants in this program do not have to report for an in-person inspection, unless directed by a CBP officer. Participation in the LBO program does not exempt boaters from decal requirement.
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Old 26-09-2012, 18:25   #33
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Re: Ripped Off by CBP!!!

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Originally Posted by Dsanduril View Post
19 CFR 24.22
Both the fee and the decal/sticker are federal law and are required for all boats > 30 ft entering the US after calling at a foreign port. Any CBP officer who tells you different is wrong. He/they/that office may not enforce the requirement, but it is a requirement. LBO/Nexus/OARS/I-68 are all voluntary additional reporting options, but they do not exempt you from the fee.
And therein lies the root of the problem whenever you cross any border - during the time you are in that no-mans land between one country and the other you are 100% entirely at the whim of whatever fool happens to be on the other side of the counter/window. He may or may not know more about the process than you do but he for sure has all the power. Right/wrong lawful/unlawful are irrelevant in those moments - its all about the guy and you have no power whatsoever. Once you accept that it doesn't get easier to live with but it does get easier to understand.
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Old 26-09-2012, 18:59   #34
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Re: Ripped Off by CBP!!!

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Originally Posted by bobofthenorth View Post
And therein lies the root of the problem whenever you cross any border .... Once you accept that it doesn't get easier to live with but it does get easier to understand.


A great example from this thread, the CFR clearly states that you can pay the fee and get the decal when you clear Customs. Pay ahead is an option. Wouldn't want to have to explain that to the man behind the counter, he might find some other sticky rules I really don't want to run afoul of.
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