INSIDE

Gov’t introduces new reporting rules for boaters returning home

It’ll take more than a phone call for boaters to come home after a day of fishing in Canadian waters, now that new rules are in place for checking in with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The small boat reporting program, under which boaters could call from any phone using an identification number and automatically register their arrival with authorities, has been discontinued and is replaced by a modification of the old I-68 Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit.
“This is an effort to make a more uniform process nationwide and enhance border security,” said CBP public information officer Mike Milne. “The I-68 is going to be the new baseline control document.”
Under the new rules boaters will need to call in when they arrive in a U.S. port after coming from a port in Canada, hovering near another boat, anchoring or fishing while in Canadian waters. Only the master of the vessel can leave to make the call and will need to provide information about boat registration, itinerary and passengers, such as dates of birth and full names or passport numbers. After initial checks based on that information a CBP inspector will come to the vessel to inspect it and verify the passenger declaration. Boats 30 feet or longer will need to pay $25 annually to enter the U.S. through this normal inspection process.

To get around the potentially time-consuming process boaters can apply for the I-68 program at any port of entry for $32 per family or $16 per individual. Applicants need to bring three passport style photos to the port and will be fingerprinted during the application process, Milne said. Following a background check successful applicants will get an I-68 card and will be able to call an 800 number to report their arrival in the U.S., and be cleared over the phone unless the inspector feels a physical inspection of the vessel is warranted.

Participants in the NEXUS commuter lane program don’t need to get an I-68 but can use their NEXUS card to call in their arrival by boat. “If people are already in a trusted traveler program why add on,” Milne said. To call in an arrival all passengers on the vessel need to be in either the I-68 or the NEXUS program.

For Canadian boaters the telephone clearance program is only good for visits of less than 72 hours, Milne said, otherwise they need to report in person

“We’re going to be busy,” said Point Roberts supervisor Linda Robinson. With the changes in reporting requirements inspectors will make more trips to the marina, which means less time they can be in the booths processing vehicle traffic. Boaters can make the process more efficient by registering for one of the trusted traveler programs, she said, and they were looking at local solutions to see if they can make the processing easier by using computer cameras at the port so applicants won’t necessarily need to get passport photos. “We’re working on it,” she said. Boaters who don’t join one of the programs can make the process smoother by making sure no one and nothing except the master reporting in leaves the vessel, she said, and calling in with all the information on passengers and the vessel.

Who to call when you arrive?
Aberdeen 360/310-0109
Anacortes 360/293-2331
Bellingham 360/734-5463
Blaine 360/332-6318
Everett 425/259-0246
Friday Harbor/ Roche Harbor 360/378-2080
Oroville 509/476-3132
Port Angeles 360/457-4311
Point Roberts 360/945-2314
Port Townsend 360/385-3777
Seattle 206/553-4406
Tacoma 253/593-6338

Current NEXUS and new I-68 holder call 1-800-562-5943