CBP Announces 2007 Pleasure Boating Clearance Procedures for Pacific Northwest

(Thursday, May 24, 2007)

Seattle - U.S. Customs and Border Protection implemented revised clearance procedures for small boats arriving in the United States from Canada in January 2006 for Puget Sound boaters. The private boat clearance procedures are part of CBP's comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation's borders while enhancing legitimate travel, including private boaters.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the busiest international boating areas in the United States. Since January 2006, private boaters have been required to report to specified ports of entry for inspection if they are not currently enrolled in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program that would allow arrival reporting by phone. Only boaters participating in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs are allowed to report their arrivals by phone.

Participation in the Alternative Inspection Systems Program requires the payment of a fee and passing a background check by CBP and Canadian authorities.

Participation in the I-68 program requires each applicant to appear in person for an interview at a Customs and Border Protection port of entry.

Fees are $16 (U.S.) for an individual or $32 (U.S.) a family. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens and landed immigrants of Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to apply for I-68 seasonal boating permits. Private boaters are encouraged to apply BEFORE attempting their first trip to expedite the border clearance process.

In-Person Reporting Locations

Arrivals requiring an in-person report to a CBP Officer may be made at any of the following designated ports of entry. The boat must be made available for inspection at a CBP designated area for possible boarding at the time of report. Regular hours of service are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. from September 17 to May 13. Extended summer hours for each of the below ports are 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday Harbor ~ (360) 378-2080

Roche Harbor ~ (360) 378-2080

Port Angeles ~ (360) 457-4311

Point Roberts ~ (360) 945-2314

Anacortes ~ (360) 293-2331

All other ports will require appointments to be made in advance for face-to-face inspections.

"These private boating procedures enhance CBP's ability to carry out our twin goals of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while at the same time facilitating legitimate travel and trade," said Thomas Hardy, director of CBP's Seattle field office. "Participation in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program provides real benefits for those enrolled."

Boaters are encouraged to contact their nearest CBP office with questions regarding clearance procedures for boaters. Please refer to Pleasure Boats section on CBP website for the listing of the nearest CBP office. ( Pleasure Boats ) Applications for NEXUS participation can be made via the website. ( NEXUS )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release

Mike Milne, Press Officer
Phone: (206) 553 6944 Ext: 614
Fax: (206) 553-4056

1000 Second Ave.
Suite 2200
Seattle, WA 98104-1049

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