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   NEXUS Program on the web:   CBSA

contacts for this news release

Champlain, N.Y. - In order to increase border security on Lake Champlain, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will set up a centralized pleasure boat clearance facility at Rouses Point, N.Y.

The facility will be staffed by Customs and Border Protection officers from Champlain, N.Y. field office and provide a single location that boaters can report for inspection. This will improve security and improve the inspectional process for the boating community. To further improve security Border Patrol will work with local law enforcement agencies to increase patrols.

U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S.Citizens entering the United States from Canada or overseas, must report for inspection immediately upon arrival. Arrival of a vessel is defined as the time when the vessel first comes to rest in U.S. waters, whether at anchor or at dock. CBP clearance on Lake Champlain may be obtained by one of the two following methods:

• Effective June 27, 2008 report for inspection at the pleasure boat clearance station located on the west side of Lake Champlain north of Route 11.
• Be in possession of a pre-approved Form I-68 or NEXUS or FAST member proximity card and call 1-800-827-2851 to report your arrival.

To help facilitate your inspection, pleasure boaters should have the below-listed information available at the time of inspection:

• Name, Date of Birth and Citizenship of all persons on board
• Name of the boat and/or Boat Registration Number
• U.S. Decal Number (if 30 feet or longer)
• Home Port and Current Location

Boaters who fail to report for inspection as required by law, may be subject to civil and criminal penalties pursuant to Title 19, United States Code, Section 1436.

Pleasure boaters and frequent cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS alternative inspection program. ( NEXUS Program ) NEXUS members will enjoy a simplified entry process while traveling across the United States-Canada border by motor vehicle or pleasure boat. Application forms are available on the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) website. ( CBSA ) For NEXUS toll free information, (U.S. and Canadian), call 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726).

For other U.S. reporting information, call 1-800-827-2851 or visit the CBP website. To report suspicious activity, boaters are encouraged to call 1-800-331-0353 for Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and Niagara River, or 1-800-247-2434 for the St Lawrence River and Lake Champlain.

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.