T&T: Customs in Stuart or Ft. Pierce, FL

[Milt Baker]

Robert,

I just discovered and signed up for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)
Local Boater Option (LBO) program.  Judy and I were able to sign up
at Port Everglades, but I believe you can do the same at virtually any
location where there is a Customs and Border Patrol Office.

As it was explained to me, signing up for the LBO program allows the
master and passengers of any pleasure vessel to avoid the requirement to
show up in person to clear into the country--in most cases.  Signing up
took about an hour, involved completing a simple form and handing it in,
then waiting while the CBP guy runs a quick computer background check.
Passports and documentation papers were required.  In order to avoid the
check-ins, every crew member must be a participant in the LBO program.

You may be able to sign up for the LBO program at the same time you clear
into the country.

Further info in the following press release from the CBP website.

--Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater



CBP Announces Local Boater Option for Florida Boaters

(Wednesday, November 08, 2006)

contacts for this news release

Miami bU.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the launch of a
new Local Boater Option, designed to assist
 honest international boaters as they return to the United States from foreign
waters.

CBP will implement revised clearance procedures for pleasure boats arriving in
the United States from foreign waters. In the
 pleasure boat environment, the master of any vessel must report their arrival
to CBP after having been at any foreign port or
  place or after having contact with any hovering vessel.

For pleasure boats returning to locations in Florida, pleasure boat arrival
reporting is a two-step process:

    * All pleasure boats arriving in South Florida must call 1-800-432-1216 or
1-800-451-0393 to report their arrival.
    * Upon completion of telephonic arrival notification, boaters will be
directed to the nearest Port of Entry to present
     themselves and any passengers for a face-to-face interview.

With the addition of the new Local Boater Option:

    * Boaters will be given the opportunity to register their biographical
data and vessel information with CBP.
    * Registrants will also present themselves in person and present proof of
citizenship or legal permanent residence at the
     time of the application. This option is available to U.S. citizens and
legal permanent residents only.
    * Registration in the CBP system will result in the issuance of a pleasure
boat registration number. Boaters will utilize the
     registration number when they notify CBP of future arrivals.
    * There is no fee for the Local Boater Option.
    * Boaters are encouraged to call their local CBP Port of Entry to schedule
an appointment for enrollment in the Local Boater
     Option.
    * Time permitting, arriving boaters will be given the opportunity to
register upon arrival during their face-to-face interview
     at CBP Private Aircraft Facilities and Ports of Entry.



Robert wrote:

Next week I am bringing the MARY KATHRYN back into the States and I thought
I would check to see if there are any new developments in customs
procedures.