see also: in January 2006 News Releases:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Marijuana and Methamphetamine in Yuma   $1 Million in Cocaine Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   Second Phase Of Enforcement for Wood Packaging Material Import Regulations to Begin Feb. 1   DHS Engages Private Sector on Border Technology   CBP Border Patrol Arrests Five Mara Salvatrucha Gang Members   CBP Border Patrol Agents Rescue 2 Aliens From Tractor Trailer   Maldives to Participate in Customs Asia Pacific Enforcement Reporting System ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers on the web:   NEXUS website

contacts for this news release

SEATTLE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented revised clearance procedures for small boats arriving in the United States from Canada. The new private boat clearance procedures are part of CBP’s comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel, including private boaters.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the busiest international boating areas in the United States. Private boaters will be required to report to specified ports of entry for inspection if they are not currently enrolled in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program that would allow arrival reporting by phone. Only boaters participating in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs will be allowed to report their arrivals by phone. Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) issued under the old Small Boat Reporting System are no longer valid. Participation in the Alternative Inspection Systems Program requires the payment of a fee and passing a background check by CBP and Canadian authorities.

Participation in the I-68 program requires each applicant to appear in person for an interview at a Customs and Border Protection port of entry. Fees are $16 (US) for an individual or $32 (US) for a family. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, Canadian citizens and Landed Immigrants of Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to apply for I-68 seasonal boating permits. Private boaters are encouraged to apply BEFORE attempting their first trip to expedite the border clearance process.

NEW FOR THE 2006 BOATING SEASON

Arrivals requiring an in-person report to a CBP Officer may be made at any of the following designated ports of entry. The boat must be made available for inspection at a CBP designated area for possible boarding at the time of report. Regular hours of service are 8 A.M–5 P.M. from September 17th to May 13th. Extended summer hours for each of the below ports are 8 A.M–8 P.M.

Port	Contact Number
Friday Harbor	(360) 378-2080
Roche Harbor	(360) 378-2080
Port Angeles	(360) 457-4311
Point Roberts	(360) 945-2314
Anacortes	(360) 293-2331

All other ports will require appointments to be made in advance for face-to-face inspections.

"These revised private boating procedures enhance CBP’s ability to carry out our twin goals of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while at the same time facilitating legitimate travel and trade," said Thomas Hardy, Director of CBP’s Seattle Field Office. "Participation in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program provides real benefits for those enrolled."

Details of the new private boating international clearance procedures are outlined in the corresponding fact sheet that can be found in the Fact Sheets section of the CBP.gov website. Boaters are encouraged to contact their nearest CBP office with questions regarding these new clearance procedures for boaters. Please refer to CBP.gov for the listing of the nearest CBP office. Applications for NEXUS participation can be made via the NEXUS website. ( NEXUS website )

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.