see also: in November 2006 News Releases:   Ecstasy Seized in Border Smuggling Attempt   Illegal Entry, Vehicle Breakdown Yields Pot Seizure   City, County Governments Laud Efforts of Calexico CBP Officers   CBP Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Felon   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Offers Tips for a Quick and Safe Holiday Travel Border Crossing Experience   Attempted Murder Suspects Caught at San Luis Port of Entry   CBP Border Patrol Rescues Four Members of Humane Borders ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands - As part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s comprehensive effort to improve security at our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel, CBP has implemented the Local Boater Option (LBO) program. This option is available to frequent small boat operators and passengers in the Tampa, Miami, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands area. The Local Boater Option plan will allow CBP to expedite the arrival reporting process to low-risk boaters and focus enforcement efforts on high-risk boaters. This option will allow participants, under certain circumstances, to report the arrival of the vessel by telephone, make customs declarations for any imported goods and submit necessary additional information for immigration inspection purposes. Enrollment in the program is voluntary and free of charge, and masters/passengers that elect not to participate may be required to report to the port of entry for a face-to-face inspection.

Eligibility
All U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents 14 years of age and older are eligible to participate. Both masters and passengers may register; masters will be required to provide vessel information. Submitted documentation will be reviewed and verified to establish the applicant’s immigration status and identity.

Registration Locations
In order to participate in the Local Boater Option, applicants must contact CBP at the nearest registration location designated by the port of entry. Registrants will be provided an appointment to present all required documentation to CBP Officials. The following locations will be available for registrants in the LBO program for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Port of San Juan
CBP - Pan American Dock West
Isla Grande
Tel: (787) 729-6600 or (787) 289-7963

Port of Ponce
Ponce Customhouse
63 Bonaire St.
Playa de Ponce
Ponce, Puerto Rico 00716
Tel: (787) 841-3130/3131/3132

Port of Fajardo
Fajardo Customhouse
500 Union St.
Puerto Real, Puerto Rico 00740
Tel: 787-863-0950/0102/4075

Port of Mayaguez
Mayaguez Customhouse
30 Gonzalez Clemente Ave
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00680
Tel: 787-831-3342/3343/3352

Mayaguez Public Pier
80 Road #3341 Rm 103
Mayaguez, PR 00681
Tel. 787-831-3311/3368787-831-3440/3369

Port of St. Thomas
Edward W. Blyden Terminal
Veterans Drive
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas VI 00801
Tel: 340-774-6755

Port of St. John
Cruz Bay, St. John, VI 00831
Tel: 340-776-6741

Port of St. Croix
Gallows Bay Marine Facility
St. Croix, VI 00850
Tel: 340-773-1011

Participation in this program does not preclude the requirement for a face-to-face inspection upon request by CBP officers. However, eligible individuals are encouraged to participate to expedite reporting of arrival and clearance into the United States.

Failure to Report
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code 4, 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 fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for one (1) year or both.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.