Hi boaters? Um, U.S. Customs would like a word

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

Pleasure boat clearance procedures are part of CBP’s comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation’s borders while enhancing and facilitating legitimate travel, including pleasure boating.

Michigan ranks as one of the most active areas in the nation for pleasure boating traffic with one of the highest concentration of registered boat owners. During this summer’s boating season, CBP is working to enhance pleasure boater’s ability to comply with Federal regulations that require all persons, U.S. Citizens and aliens, seeking entry into the United States to report their arrival.

The Master of a vessel must report their arrival to CBP after having been at any foreign port or place or after having contact with any hovering vessel.  Failure to report can result in civil penalties of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance (boat) subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Pleasure Boat operators can avoid face to face inspections by becoming enrolled in a trusted traveler program such as NEXUS, FAST or the Canadian Border Boat Landing Program (CBP Form I-68). Additional information on how to apply can be found at: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-overview

Where to Report

• Detroit Area

  • The number to call for boat arrivals is (313) 393-3949 or (313) 393-3793.  These numbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Arrival requiring an in-person report to CBP may be made at any of the following designated locations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    • Mount Clemens – Metro Beach Public Marina

    • Detroit – Erma Henderson Park

    • Trenton – Elizabeth Park

• Port Huron Area

  • The number to call for boat arrivals is (810) 985-9541 ext. 235.  This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Arrivals requiring an in-person report to CBP may be made at any of the following designated locations and times.

    • Lexington - Lexington Harbor – 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

    • Port Huron – River St. Marina – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    • Algonac – Algonac Harbor Club – 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

• Sault Ste. Marie Area

  • The number to call for boat arrivals is (906) 632-7221 or (906) 632-2631.  These numbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Arrivals requiring an in-person report to CBP may be made at any of the following designated locations and times.

    • Sault Ste Marie – Kemp Marina - 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

    • Drummond Island – Yacht Haven Marina - 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week

    • Rogers City – Municipal Marina - 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

    • Mackinac Island – Video Phone Reporting Station – 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.

Information Required for Call

• Boat Registration or documentation number

• Vessel name

• Vessel length

• CBP decal number for vessels 30 feet long or greater

• Captain’s name and date of birth

• Name, DOB, and NEXUS # (if applicable) for all persons on board

• Value of any declarable merchandise

• U.S. marina at which you arrived or will be arriving at.

HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE BOATING SEASON!

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