CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS & CHANGES FOR SMALL BOAT CLEARANCE 2005/2006 Any boater who went to Canada during the summer of 2005 is aware of the 2005 changes in reporting procedures required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Where in the past, many boaters were allowed to simply clear by telephone, the new procedure now requires boaters to obtain a pre-clearance document for the privilege of entering the USA by telephone. The documents required are either a Nexus Card or I-68 card, (Trusted Traveler Documents) and both mandate a visit and interview at a Customs Office. Without the card, the boater must physically take his boat to a Customs Port of Entry and meet a Customs Officer immediately after arriving from Canada. Telephone clearance enables a boater to go to any U.S. Port of choice after voice approval. This summer we sent out e-Lerts and posted an input form on the Website for boaters to send their comments good or bad about the I-68 and clearing Customs. Thanks to all of you who responded, we received almost 100 reports from boaters. Most people did not have serious problems either getting their I-68 or Nexus or clearing back in to the US by phone. It seems that the serious boaters we reach on our E-Lert system heeded our advice and got the I-68 or Nexus, and had little trouble. However many people are concerned about the effectiveness and terms of the Trusted Traveler documents, especially the 1-year duration of the I-68 and wonder why honest boaters are subject to these inconveniences. All the feedback was sent to Customs to analyze and a PDF copy can be e-mailed to any member who wants to see it. Please send request to info@rbaw.org. We received a response from Customs that they appreciated the input and the boaters survey will play a part in formulating decisions for small boat clearance in the future. 2006 CHANGES At the October 29, 2005 RBAW meeting, CBP officials presented their preliminary small boat clearance plans for 2006. The following two CBP brochures for 2006 were presented to RBAW. Boaters and Yacht Clubs are encouraged download these informative brochures and print for reference. CBP FACT SHEET Reporting Requirements for all Private Boat Operators in Puget Sound, WA - Effective Jan. 1, 2006 CBP Top Things Boaters Should Know When Entering the U.S At the Oct. 29 RBAW meeting, Port Director Kay Pannier reported the following info for boaters for 2006 and beyond (summarized): The I-68 and Nexus program for boaters will be alive and well in 2006. Phone- ins must be done after crossing the border back to USA. You cannot call from Canada. You must phone in at arrival port (master only) or with a strong cell phone signal in U.S. Waters. Manned customs docks will only be at Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, Port Angeles, Point Roberts & Anacortes. Other ports of entry can only be used with advance appointment, call customs before arrival. (800) 562-5943 If arrival occurs after the normal business hours of a port, boaters must call (800) 562-5943 to report their arrival. A CBP officer will provide further instructions. CBP hopes to issue I-68's at the 2006 Seattle boat show Photos will be issued by CBP for I-68 renewals in many CBP locations at no cost to boaters. Local CBP officials cannot change the law on the 1 year duration of the I-68 form. It must be done by CBP Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and posted in the Federal Register. CBP plans to produce a new brochure for boaters. (We will post this on RBAW website when provided by CBP.) In 2007, passports are planned to be required for air and sea entry to the USA, which includes private boats. This will be a significant change and worth preparing for early. For a plain talk explanation on what this all means to boaters, visit Bob Hale's excellent website, http://www.waggonerguide.com. Home | About RBAW | Boater News | Events Calendar Our Members | You Can Help | Join RBAW | Contact Us Design & Development by Dan Larsen