With the summer boating season getting underway in the Great Lakes region, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a new statement reiterating a long-standing requirement.
Operators of small pleasure vessels—including pontoons, sailboats, kayaks, and noncommercial fishing boats—entering the U.S. from any "foreign port or place" are required to report their arrival to CBP immediately upon landing in the U.S.
The requirement applies to any boat that has stopped in Canada or has "visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside territorial waters," according to the CBP statement.
So if you set sail on Lake Huron from Michigan in order to stock up on fudge in Saugeen Beach on the shores of Ontario, you better tell the government about it. (Both governments, as a matter of fact—here's how to report the arrival of your private boat in Canada).
How private boaters can report arrival in the U.S.
Upon returning to U.S. soil, boaters have two options to report arrival to CBP: either by telephone call or mobile app.
For the old-school option, you'll need to locate the phone number of the CBP office nearest your point of entry.
When calling, vessel masters must have the following information available:
- name
- date of birth
- citizenship of all persons on board (including passport numbers)
- name of the boat and/or boat registration number
- CBP user fee decal number (if the vessel is 30 feet or longer)
- home port and current location
- return contact number
Alternatively—and more conveniently—boaters can download the free CBP ROAM app to a smartphone or tablet (ROAM stands for "Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile").
Then, upon arrival in the U.S., you can simply enter the above identification info and trip details, and submit your report for review. Explains the CBP: "Travelers receive push notifications and emails with their admissibility decision and next steps, if applicable."
In most cases, the app qualifies as an alternative reporting inspection system, meaning no face-to-face inspection is required, with a few exceptions (such as for travelers who must pay duties on imported goods).
“We’re dedicated to modernizing the reporting experience by offering various options that prioritize both border security and the needs of the recreational boating community,” said Marty C. Raybon, director of field operations in the CBP's Detroit office, in a statement.
The ROAM app, which replaced the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) back in 2018, can also be used by pleasure boaters to apply for and update cruising licenses.
For more information, visit cbp.gov or email the agency at cbproam@cbp.dhs.gov.