After several calls to U.S. Customs & Border Patrol regarding fishing in Canadian waters and returning to U.S. waters I have some answers for anglers. Also note, when entering Canadian waters you do not need to call Canadian Customs unless you plan to anchor, go ashore or physically meet or touch another vessel. If you do plan to anchor YOU MUST call and get a clearance number at: 1-888-226-7277 this phone number is answered in Ottawa so don’t be surprised if they tell you you must go to port to clear customs. About half the time last year this happened to anglers. When it did they just said they would drift instead of anchoring. Remember, if you anchor you need a clearance number.
Now back to re-entering the U.S. after fishing in Canadian waters. The U.S. CBP officers I have spoken with said the following.
“We recommend anglers returning to U.S. waters either call us by phone or use the CBP-Roam App. If you don’t make the call or use the app and are contacted by the U.S. Coast Guard or WDFW they will require a clearance number. And, if you go fishing, crabbing or shrimping and acquire anything it is required that you MUST call us or use the CBP-Roam App.”
In other words, if you are successful in Canadian waters you MUST call 1-800-562-5943 or use the new CBP-Roam App. The app is awesome and uses your phone’s GPS, which must be turned on to allow the app to know where you are. You can only use the app when in U.S. waters. The app allows you to create an account and input your travel documents, passsport, Nexus or Enhanced Driver’s License. You can also have a list of contacts with your app to make it easy when using the app. The app requires you to take a picture of your documents for each person as well. Another cool feature is the video chat. If U.S. Custom’s officials want a face-to-face interview they simply switch on the video chat saving you from having to go to the Custom’s dock.
Also note, as stated below, the old Small Vessel Reporting System is no longer in use.
Please read the text below explaining the new CBP-Roam App and how it works.
CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM)
Beginning September 5, 2018, SVRS will no longer be in service and float plans will no longer be accepted. Boaters looking for a new, faster way to report their arrival and/or apply for a registered boater program may use the CBP ROAM app, available for free on the Apple App and Google Play stores. Boaters may also continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers, if desired.
As part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) comprehensive effort to improve the security of our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel, CBP has launched the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) app.
Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements
Pursuant to 19 CFR 4.2, operators of small pleasure vessels, arriving in the United States from a foreign port or place to include any vessel which has visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside the territorial sea, are required to report their arrival to CBP immediately (see 19 U.S.C. 1433).
The master of the vessel reports their arrival at the nearest Customs facility or such other place as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations. These reports are tracked in the Pleasure Boat Reporting System. Pursuant to 8 CFR 235.1, an application to lawfully enter the United States must be made in person to a CBP officer at a U.S. Port of Entry (POE) when the port is open for inspection.
Click here for more information on CBP reporting requirements.
Overview of CBP ROAM APP
The CBP ROAM app is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart device or a tablet located at local businesses to satisfy the above reporting requirements. In limited areas, travelers arriving in remote locations may also be eligible to use the CBP ROAM app. Contact your local POE to confirm arrival notifications via the CBP ROAM app are accepted.
The CBP ROAM app also qualifies as an Alternative Inspection System that satisfies the boat operator’s legal requirement to report for
face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1 with some exceptions:
- Travelers who require an I-94;
- Travelers who wish to obtain a cruising license;
- Travelers who must pay duties on imported goods; and
- Other circumstances as applicable.
To use the CBP ROAM app, travelers input their biographic, conveyance, and trip details and submit their trip for CBP Officer (CBPO) review. The CBPO may initiate a video chat to further interview travelers. Once the CBPO reviews the trip, travelers will receive a push notification and an email with their admissibility decision and next steps, if applicable. Travelers using the CBP ROAM app may use the app to apply to become Verified Travelers (which includes existing LBO, SVRS, and I-68 numbers) and receive expedited processing on future arrivals.
Getting Started
Travelers should download the CBP ROAM app on their web-enabled smart device. Note that a free login.gov account is required to use the CBP ROAM app. After opening the CBP ROAM app, tap “Sign In”.
- Travelers who do not have a login.gov account should “Create an account” and follow the instructions
- Travelers who already have a login.gov account should sign into their existing account, and will be redirected back
to the CBP ROAM app
After signing in to the CBP ROAM app, users can create and save traveler and conveyance profiles. These profiles can be reused for repeat entry into the United States.
Availability
To use CBP ROAM on your personal smart device, download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In certain locations, the CBP ROAM app can also be accessed on tablets at partner locations.
For any questions or concerns about the CBP ROAM app, please email us at cbproam@cbp.dhs.gov.
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