see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Travel   Trusted Traveler Programs GOES on the web:   Online Decal/Transponder Purchase

contacts for this news release

Pembina, N.D. – The 2008 boating season has arrived and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would like to remind boaters of the reporting requirements for private boat operators arriving in the United States from Canada. New travel documentation requirements are now in effect for private boaters, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, arriving in Minnesota and North Dakota Boundary Waters.

CBP has implemented enhanced security procedures for small boat arrivals and inspection of associated crew and passengers. These procedures require physical reporting to a designated local CBP office unless enrolled in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program that would allow arrival reporting by phone. The Small Boat Reporting System (SBRS) is no longer valid and previously enrolled participants are NOT EXEMPT from reporting under these procedures. Previously issued SBRS PIN numbers are no longer valid. Boaters are strongly encouraged to apply for participation under the Alternative Inspection Systems Programs.

Affected individuals are encouraged to participate in any of the Alternative Inspection Systems Programs described in this document to expedite reporting of arrival and clearance into the United States. Participation in any of the Alternative Inspection Systems Programs does not preclude the requirement for a physical report upon request by CBP if requested by CBP officials.

Who Reports
All U.S. Citizens and aliens seeking entry to the United States must report their arrival.

When Reporting Is Required
Masters must report their arrival to CBP if having been engaged in any of the below activities:

• After having been at any foreign port or place (touched land);
• After having had contact with any hovering vessel

Documentary Requirements Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
As of January 31, 2008, all travelers age 19 and over entering the United States (including from across border waters) will be required to present a valid government photo ID and proof of citizenship. Passports and other approved documents such as a NEXUS card will establish both identity and citizenship. Otherwise, a photo ID and birth certificate will suffice. All travelers under age 19 will only be required to present a birth certificate.

At some point later in 2009, an announcement will be made where only approved WHTI travel documents will be accepted upon entry into the United States. These documents include, but are not limited to, a passport, lawful permanent resident card, or a NEXUS/SENTRI card. For more information on WHTI document requirements, contact the nearest CBP office or port of entry for assistance or the Travel website. ( Travel )

Reporting Procedures
The master or designee may go ashore only to report the arrival to CBP either in person or via Outlying Area Reporting Station (OARS), or if participating in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs, by phone. No other person may leave or board the boat and no baggage or merchandise may be removed or loaded until the report of arrival is made and release granted by a CBP officer. Each crewmember and passenger must also be in possession of an I-68 or NEXUS or SENTRI card to qualify for phone-in reporting.

Where to Report
Masters, crew and passengers participating in the I-68 and/or NEXUS/SENTRI programs may utilize the following number for phone-in arrivals: 1-800-505-8381.

Physical in-person reporting may be completed at the:

• Baudette, Minn., port of entry between the hours of 8 a.m. - midnight
• Crane Lake, Minn., port of entry from May 15 – October 15, travelers may report between the hours of 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. From October 16 – May 14, travelers may report between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Ely, Minn., port of entry from May 15 – September 30, travelers may report between the hours of 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Grand Marais, Minn., from May 1 – October 31, travelers may report to the U.S. Border Patrol Station, S. Broadway Street, between the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The boat must be made available for inspection and boarding by CBP officers if instructed to do so.

Reporting may also be accomplished using the CBP OARS system. Travelers choosing not to participate in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs or who do not physically report may utilize the OARS system. OARS sites are located at 3 locations along the U.S. - Canada border in Minnesota:

Young’s Bay	Northwest Angle, MN
Carlson’s Landing	Northwest Angle, MN
Bohman’s Landing	Rainy Lake, MN

Telephone reporting may be made 24 hours a day 7 days/week. A CBP officer will provide further instructions regarding reporting and entry processing.

Failure to Report
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code, Section 1436 to include a penalty of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition to being liable for a civil penalty, any master who intentionally commits a violation under subsection (a) of the above stated section upon conviction is liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for one year or both.

Fees
All documented or registered vessels 30 feet in length or greater are required to pay an annual processing (user fee) of $27.50 in U.S. dollars if crossing the international border.

Payment is required for the vessel at or before the time of the first arrival of each calendar year. If you report your arrival in person or by telephone and a fee is applicable, you may charge the fee to your American Express, Discover, Visa or Master Card. A non-transferable decal will be issued upon payment and mailed to your address of record. CBP will not grant a clearance if outstanding fees are due.

Decals may also be purchased via the Internet at the Online Decal/Transponder Purchase site. ( Online Decal/Transponder Purchase )

If you purchased your decal through the Mellon Bank, Pittsburg, Pa., the CBP User Fee Administrator will handle your annual decal mailings/reminders at the Mellon Bank. Please carry a copy of the decal application for verification if you have submitted payment to Mellon Bank and have not received your decal.

Alternative Inspection Systems Programs

I-68 Program
Under the I-68 program, applicants for admission into the United States by small pleasure boats are pre-registered and issued a single boating permit for the entire boating season. The I-68 permit allows boaters to enter the United States from Canada for recreational purposes and report their arrival to CBP from a telephone at the earliest opportunity. I-68 holders are still subject to reporting to a CBP port of entry upon CBP request.

• To enroll in the program, each applicant must appear in person for an interview and various law enforcement checks. Proof of citizenship is required at interview.
• Fees are $16 U.S. dollars for an individual or a total of $32 U.S. dollars for a family. The names and dates of birth of children less than 14 years of age may be listed on one or both parents’ I-68, however it is recommended that each child have a separate I-68 form.
• Once issued, an I-68 is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and must be renewed in person at a CBP office.
• The I-68 permit is not a stand-alone WHTI compliant document. Permit holders will still need to have a WHTI approved document in their possession upon arrival to the U.S.

Eligibility
U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, or landed immigrants of Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to apply for seasonal boating permits (proof of status required). When the I-68 is used by a person who is not a USC or lawful permanent resident of the United States, admission shall be for no more than 72 hours and only if they will remain in nearby shopping areas, nearby residential neighborhoods; or other similar areas, adjacent to the immediate shore areas of the United States.

Registration Locations
Applications for I-68 permits must be made in person at the following Minnesota and North Dakota ports of entry between 8 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified:

• Warroad, MN
• Baudette, MN
• International Falls, MN
• Roseau, MN
• Grand Portage, MN (May 15 - Oct. 14: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Oct. 15 - May 14: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Pembina, ND
• Dunseith, ND
• Carbury, ND (9 a.m. – 10 p.m.)

OARS
The OARS program utilizes videophone technology that allows both audio and video communication with a CBP officer at a port of entry. OARS are used to facilitate the reporting of travelers who arrive to the U.S. at very remote locations away from any CBP inspectional facilities. Use of the system is free to the traveler and requires no pre-enrollment. OARS employs the same eligibility requirements as the I-68 program.

Travelers utilizing OARS must have in their possession a WHTI approved travel document.

NEXUS
The NEXUS alternative inspection program allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be processed with little or no delay by U.S. and Canadian border officials. Approved applicants are issued a WHTI compliant photo-identification/proximity card, which is valid for five years.

Participants cross the border in a dedicated lane where they present their RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) proximity card for expedited processing unless selected for a more intensive examination. Small boat operators in possession of a NEXUS member card may report their arrival via telephone.

To enroll in the program, each applicant must complete an application and mail it to a Canadian Customs Processing Center or apply online at the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) website. ( GOES )

• Include a check for $50.00 (U.S. Currency) per person for individuals 18 years of age and over or pay online.
• Appear in person for an interview and biometrics capture (fingerprints and photo).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends applying online. Applications submitted online will be processed much faster than those that are mailed.

Eligibility
Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada are eligible for NEXUS. Non-permanent residents demonstrating a need to utilize the NEXUS system may also be eligible. Applicants must be approved by both the United States and Canada and present proof of status. For information on the application process, program requirements, and available enrollment center locations and hours, visit the Trusted Traveler Programs website. ( Trusted Traveler Programs )

In Minnesota and North Dakota, applicants may complete their enrollment at the Warroad, Minn., or Pembina, N.D., ports of entry. The International Falls, Minn., port of entry is scheduled to open an Enrollment Center and NEXUS lZane sometime in 2008. Please check the website for the most current information.

SENTRI
The SENTRI Program is a Southern Border facilitated traveler program. SENTRI participants need not apply for a NEXUS card to qualify for the small boat phone-in program. More detailed information may be found at the above listed websites. SENTRI cards are also WHTI compliant travel documents.

Reporting Suspicious Activities
Please report any suspicious activities observed to 1-800-505-8381.

Have a safe and enjoyable boating season!

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.