Trusted boaters to get quicker check-in on return from foreign ports

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has rolled out a new, expedited small-vessel reporting system in time for Memorial Day.

BY SUSAN COCKING

SCOCKING@MIAMIHERALD.COM

Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the federal government has announced a new, quicker procedure to process recreational boaters returning to South Florida from the Bahamas.

The small-vessel reporting system rolled out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows boat owners and passengers who are already members of the agency’s Trusted Traveler Program to register online for free, expedited clearance when they return home from foreign ports.

These “trusted travelers” may visit www.cbp.gov/svrs to enroll for the new service before casting off for the weekend. They are not required to sign up in person. Boat skippers and passengers who haven’t been prescreened through CBP’s NEXUS or Global Entry programs may apply online, then schedule a visit to an enrollment center in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Riviera Beach or Key West — probably too tight of a deadline for those who wish to travel this weekend.

“If they’re not able to catch it Memorial Day, then they’ll be ready in time for Fourth of July,” CBP spokeswoman Migdalia Travis said.

Once enrolled, a boat owner files a float plan and receives a special identification number before leaving the United States or prior to heading home if the voyage begins abroad. On arrival in South Florida, the skipper calls a CBP phone number, gives the float plan ID number, answers a few questions, and receives clearance without having to report anywhere else.

Boat owners and passengers who haven’t signed up for the new program will have to follow normal clearance procedures. That means immediately reporting their arrivals back in the United States by calling 1-800-432-1216 or 1-800-451-0393, or going to a designated reporting location such as the Port of Miami, Port Everglades, Opa-locka Executive Airport or the general aviation facility located at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

In addition, the CBP will deploy teams of officers to several South Florida marinas in order to process traveling boaters this weekend. Boaters may report to Miami Beach Marina, 300 Alton Rd., on Sunday or Monday from 1 to 7 p.m.; or Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. In Fort Lauderdale, they may go to Lauderdale Marina, 1900 SE 15th St., on Sunday or Monday from noon to 6 p.m. In Palm Beach, officers will be at Sailfish Marina, 98 Lake Drive, Singer Island, on Monday from noon to 6 p.m.

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

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/25/2235059/trusted-boaters-to-get-quicker.html#ixzz1NT9VHnBz

 

Comments

[Jack Napiare]

That's good. They could use the help.