*EPF209 06/08/2004
Text: Pleasure Boaters Entering U.S. Waters Must Undergo Inspection
(Border agency puts recreational travelers on notice) (440)

As the season for pleasure boating gets under way in the United States, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is reminding recreational sailors of the requirements they must meet to be admitted to, or transit through, U.S. waters.

In a CBP notice issued June 7, the agency said that boaters must present themselves immediately for inspection by either immigration or customs officials at the port of entry. Boaters who plan to enter U.S. waters repeatedly over the course of the season have a variety of options for simplifying that process. Details are available at the CBP Web site at http://www.cbp.gov/ImageCache/cgov/content/travel/leaving_5freturning/pleasure_5fboat_5ffact_5fsheet_2edoc/v1/pleasure_5fboat_5ffact_5fsheet.doc

Following is the text of the CBP press release:

(begin text)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements

Monday, June 07, 2004

Reporting Requirements

Current laws and regulations governing pleasure boats require that individuals applying for admission to or transit through the United States must be inspected by officers. All applicants must immediately present themselves in person to an officer at the port of entry (POE) at a time when the POE is open for inspection. A person claiming to be United States citizen must establish that fact to the examining officer's satisfaction.

Small boaters are still required to comply with all reporting requirements. Boaters, family members and all guests entering the United States must report for inspection. Inspection may be obtained in one of three methods:

-- Be in possession of a pre-approved form I-68 or NEXUS member proximity card
-- Physically report for inspection to the nearest open port-of-entry (POE);
-- Utilize an Outlying Area Reporting Station (OARS)/videophone station.

The alternative inspection programs (1) are available for those traveling by boat along the Northern Border. Specifically, the I-68 Canadian Border Boat Landing Program will be resumed with additional security enhancements during the current boating season.

Any person that does not comply with these procedures may be subject to adverse actions under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and may be subject to a $5000 fine, seizure or criminal penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code, Section 1436.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently exploring options for addressing the small boat inspection process that will better facilitate boater entry, while working within the parameters of the law and ensuring the security of our nation's borders and CBP is committed to achieving that goal.

(1) For more information on Traveling and Alternative Inspection Services please visit the CBP website at

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/leavingarrivinginUS/how_do_i/ and
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/leavingarrivinginUS/vacation/know_brochure/

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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