2007 CBP REPORT FOR BOATERS by John Dawson, RBAW Director 2006 CBP REQUIREMENTS Don't forget the 2006 Customs & Border Protection requirements that still apply! The cost of the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) User Fee Decal increased to $27.50 on April 1, 2007 (this is the decal that is required for pleasure boats 30 feet and over). For those boaters who have not previously purchased a decal or are not using the annual decal renewal process, the procedure for obtaining a decal has changed for 2007. Decals can no longer be purchased directly from local CBP offices or at CBP docks when re-entering the USA. For boaters returning to the USA without a decal, the inspecting CBP Officer will provided the boater will a decal application form which will be filled out, signed and along with the decal fee be given to the officer to be submitted. Once the application has been processed a decal will be mailed to the boater. Decal information and application forms may be obtained on line. Go to www.cbp.gov, click on Travel, click on "User Fee Decals and Transponders" and after reading all the information click on "forms". Follow the instructions. On line processing takes about two days and boaters should have their decal in about three to four days after that. For further information boaters should call one of the CBP offices. CBP is, rightfully so, discouraging boaters from waiting till the last minute and then calling to say they are going to Canada and need a Decal. They(CBP) will probable tell the boater to wait till they re-enter the USA then go to a CBP dock and go through the Decal application process. Starting February 1st, CBP instituted what is referred to as the "Boater Registration" program which in some respects is similar to the old PIN program. Not to be confused with the State Boat Registration Number, this is a number that is only available to holders of NEXUS and I-68s. A BR (Boater Registration Number) will be given to each holder of a NEXUS or I-68. When a boater calls for an appointment to obtain an I-68, advise CBP that you also wish to obtain a BR Number. CBP will advise what additional documentation will be required. If a boater has an I-68 that will not expire before the end of the normal boating season or a NEXUS, gather all the pertinent information for your boat to include all required registration and or documentation data plus moorage location, call CBP and state that you would like to obtain a BR(s) number. CBP may state that at the time of your call they are extremely busy but if you call back later they would be glad to accommodate. Don't take offence, call back later. CBP would like all qualified boaters to obtain a BR Number prior to crossing into Canadian waters as it will expedite re-entry back into the USA. Boaters with questions about obtaining User Fee Decals or BR Numbers should contact CBP in Bellingham at 360/734-5463, Boeing Field at 206/553-0667 or call the Small Boat Reporting Number 800/562-5834. There may be CBP offices closer to your home. The CBP Officers at the referenced phone numbers can advise. There are some excellent Pacific Northwest Cruising Guides available that provide invaluable boarder crossing information and pertinent telephone numbers for customs contact. It is suggested that all boaters consider these guides part of their mandatory onboard charts and publications. Canadian Customs is in the process of implementing a program whereby a boater may use a NEXUS in lieu of a CANPASS. This program should be in effect by the start of summer. All current CANPASSes will still be valid once this program is implemented. Another website that boaters may find useful for travel information is www.travel.state.gov/travel. Home | About RBAW | Boater News | Events Calendar Our Members | You Can Help | Join RBAW | Contact Us Design & Development by Dan Larsen