New Regs on Re-entering US Waters

[CHRIS]

I am copying the article so all can see

For one I am extatic

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...l/15939518.htm

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
Boaters get new shortcut to reenter U.S.A new program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows boaters to bypass a step in the required process to reenter the country after traveling abroad.
BY EVAN S. BENN
ebenn@MiamiHerald.com
Recreational U.S. boaters returning home from foreign ports may no longer have to go to an immigration and customs office for a reentry interview.

On Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched a program that gives boaters the option of registering in advance with the agency, thus eliminating -- in most cases -- the requirement to visit a passport control office after every visit to a foreign port.

It removes one step from the current process: Boaters have to call an 800 number to announce their arrival, then they have 24 hours to report in person to a passport control officer for a face-to-face interview. The only places to go for those interviews in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the Port of Miami-Dade and Port Everglades.

''The problem is, that process can be a real pain in the neck for people who dock far away from the ports and then have to get in the car and drive for the interviews,'' said Jennifer Connors, a Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman.

With the new process, boaters can complete a one-time registration with their local U.S. Customs and Border Protection office. They must present proof of citizenship or legal permanent residence and submit identifying details about their vessels.

Boaters are given a personal registration number when they sign up for the Local Boater Option program.

After registering, boaters arriving from foreign ports will still have to call an 800 number to connect with passport control officers. The boaters will give their registration numbers over the phone and, in most cases, they will not have to report in person after arriving back in the United States.

''We can still require that boaters come in for an interview, but for most of our honest boaters who we've been seeing all these years, it'll be a relief not to have to go through that process,'' Connors said.

Every person aboard an incoming boat must have a registration number in order to bypass the interview process after docking, Connors said.

Part of the reason the agency decided to start the new program was because U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials did not want boaters to stop reporting in after foreign trips or visits with other vessels, as they are required to do, Connors said.

''We didn't want people to stop calling us at all just because part of the process was an inconvenience,'' Connors said. ``That wouldn't be helping to secure our borders at all. We need to know the comings and goings on our shores.''

To enroll in the Customs and Border Protection's Local Boater Option, set up an appointment by calling 800-432-1216 or 800-451-0393.

[Shark Tagger]

sweeeeet! thanks for the info.

[e-money]

Policy is not in place yet.

If you call customs they will tell you story leaked early.

I cleared yesterday and asked & was directed to Customs at Port of PB.

[Disco Lady]

CONO!!!!!!!!! its about time!!!!