U.S. Reporting Requirements

[GordMay]

From U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pl...asure_boat.xml

Reporting Requirements for Pleasure Boat Operators

When a private vessel arrives at a port of call in the United States, the Master of the vessel must report arrival immediately to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and must physically present themselves and their passengers for admission into the U.S. If all passengers on board are participants in an alternate inspections program such as the I-68, they need not present themselves for inspections but must still report arrival.) For a list of ports that accept private vessel arrivals please see our brochure "Pleasure Boats/Reporting Requirements" by clicking on the link on the right side of this page.

If the vessel is U.S. flagged or is a foreign-flag vessel that does not qualify for a cruising license, and is 30 feet or longer in length, the owner must obtain a user fee decal, which is available for $25 (See "related links" to the right for more information).

If a foreign flagged vessel will be sailing to a number of ports during a stay in the United States, it may be eligible for a cruising license. This license exempts pleasure boats of certain countries from having to undergo formal entry and clearance procedures at all but the first port of entry. If your vessel is eligible, please request the cruising license at your first port of entry. Eligible countries are listed in the "Pleasure Boats" brochure.

There are certain entry requirements of which boaters should be particularly aware. One is the requirement to obtain approval from ATF - in advance - for the entry of all firearms on board the vessel. If you do not have the approved ATF Form 6 for firearms, CBP will detain them. Please see our brochure for further information, or go to the on-line form by clicking on the appropriate link to the right in the "On the Web" section.

Another requirement is to declare currency and negotiable monetary instruments, if you have more than $10,000 on board. Failure to do so could result in the seizure of the money. The form for declaring currency is to the right in the "On the Web" section.

Finally, CBP now strictly enforces the requirement to declare all foodstuffs on board, in particular, fresh fruits and vegetables and meat products. While many items may be admissible, it is essential that they be declared so that a CBP officer can inspect them to make sure they are free of pests or disease. Failure to declare could result in a $1,000 fine.

Vessels that are entered into the United States for display at boat shows, testing, to take part in a race (not for money) and will not be in the United States for more than 90 days, may be admitted without formal consumption entry or bond. A certificate identifying the boat will be issued to the importer and must be delivered with the vessel to the CBP office at the point of departure from the country. If a vessel entered for such purposes will be in the country for more than 90 days the importer will be required to post a bond. Any boats entered for sale or for sale on approval are not eligible for the Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) program and must be entered as a formal entry on a form CF7501.

[Harriet]

Gord,
Thanks for pointing out the foodstuffs issue. We were stunned when we returned from the Bahamas last year and were told that we would have to get rid of all our fresh produce! After talking to the Agriculture Dept. rep. for a few minutes, she gave us the go-ahead to keep what we had. But it was news to us, and I'll bet not many cruisers were aware of this requirement.

Also, when you return to the U.S., go to a dock before calling to clear customs. We tried to clear from Lake Sylvia in Ft. Lauderdale, and you can't believe the hassle we got. Obviously, the feds want you where they can get to you easily.

[Vasco]

Clearing in seems to be a hit and miss affair. Last year, after much discussion with other cruisers, we cleared in at Lake Worth. Anchored, called the 800 number, explained to the person at the call center where exactly Lake Worth was, dinked ashore later, walked five or six blocks to the Homeland Security office. Quiet office, everything done in 15 minutes including getting a cruising permit. Didn't even ask for our decal number. One of the better times clearing in.

[Sunspot Baby]

For the last two years, we also cleared at West Palm Beach (Lake Worth) with zero hassle. Once we called the 800 number from anchor, and once from the fuel dock. Both times we walked to the cruise terminal and cleared Immigration/Homeland Security.

I may hit a wrinkle someday, but so far, so good.

Sunspot Baby

[ConchCruzer]

I'm sorry to hijack this thread. Vasco, please email me, it is in regard to one of your pictures.

Thanks,
ConchCruzer
www.iphotos.com/eventyr
dforter@aep.com

[BC Mike]

Agricultural type contaminants is a big issue. NZ has tight controls on this.
When I returned from England to BC Canada the last times there was a questionaire.
Have you been on a farm in England? yes. Have you been on a sheep farm? yes. Will you be visiting a farm in Canda? yes. Will you be visiting a sheep farm? yes.
There were more questions all with yes answers. I caused sufficient confusion that they did not know what to do with me, they had to check the manual. I offered to leave my shoes and clothing with them so they could figure out what to do on there own time.
I have answered that same questionaire two times after two trips and been treated differently each time.
Sailing in some BC WA waters involves crossing from one country to the other, almost with each tack.

Michael

[GordMay]

Michael advises that ”... Sailing in some BC-WA waters involves crossing from one country to the other, almost with each tack ...”
Just as in the Great Lakes, you’re not actually “in country” ‘till you go ashore, anchor, fish, or the like ... (see "free passage").

[BC Mike]

That is what I thought.
I was thinking of launching at Crescent Beach BC. From there I will go through WA waters to get past a point of land that goes from BC in to WA. Actually the BC ferries from Tsawwassen are right on the border when they leave the ferry terminal.
Michael