Surrendering US Cruising License in Maine

[svlamorocha]

Does anybody actual experience surrendering a US Cruising License at a Maine port, going to Canada for 15-20 days and coming back to get a fresh 12-month license?

[Tin Tin]

I phoned up Border security and they cancelled it over the phone, I was using Skype from BVI - that was a few years ago (2018) - get the officers badge number. Not trusting the system I phoned again a month later and yes they had cancelled it and when we re-entered the USA we were issued a new License, no drama. That was Florida, not Maine - back then the various regional border security offices had inconsistent operational procedures.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by Tin Tin

I phoned up Border security and they cancelled it over the phone, I was using Skype from BVI - that was a few years ago (2018) - get the officers badge number. Not trusting the system I phoned again a month later and yes they had cancelled it and when we re-entered the USA we were issued a new License, no drama. That was Florida, not Maine - back then the various regional border security offices had inconsistent operational procedures.

Welcome to Canada,SV Morocha. Hope you enjoy your visit.


TinTin-Inconsistant US Border Office policy has been a problem for ages.
Time for US to get it's border act together,or not. Cheers/Len

[Khushali]

I do not have actual experience but starting to learn the US cruiser permit system and found the US Homeland Security has an app called CBP Roam that allows you to apply for and deactivate a cruiser permit. I have also found a non US recreational vessel does not need permission to leave the US...Hope that helps

[s/v Jedi]

That info is correct. I also think there is a minimum period between expired cruising permit and a new one. Three weeks iirc.

[GordMay]

Greetings, and welcome aboard the CF, Khushali.

I belive there is a 15-day absence requirement, from U.S. waters, to get a new cruising license, upon your return from a foreign port. Failure to surrender the permit*, or leave U.S. waters, before it expires, can result in fines [$5,000 or +], and potential vessel seizure.
The Custom and Border Protection agent will [likely] need to see paperwork from abroad confirming departure from another country.

“Pleasure Boats - Obtaining a cruising license after old one expires” ~ U.S. Customs & Border Protection, DHS
➥ https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/A...language=en_US

* Preferably, in person, to a local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office.