Volume 12, Issue 8

Page 4

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US Customs & Border Patrol - Local Boater Option (LBO)

 

If you enjoy fishing and want to make your next trip to the Bahamas just a little bit easier, take advantage of the LBO Program offered by the US Customs & Border Patrol. It’s a free card and simple procedure to complete, which will allow you to avoid driving up to the Saint Lucie Airport to check in with Customs within 24 hours of your return from the Bahamas. A simple phone call will suffice, and it’s FREE.

 

Read the details below, download the application form, make an appointment at the CBP office in Fort Pierce, bring your completed application with your valid US Passport, and get your card. You won’t have to go there again. To download the application form, CLICK HERE.

 

Overview

Prior to 9/11/2001, traveling to the Bahamas on your boat or as the passenger of a private pleasure boat was relatively painless. After 9/11, procedures and restrictions put in place by the newly created Department of Homeland Security made it so cumbersome; it was just easier to fly. In November 2006, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) streamlined the process for international boaters returning from foreign waters. The revised program is known as the Local Boater Option (LBO). Enrollment is voluntary, only needs to be done once, is relatively easy to use and is free of charge. On May 23, 2010, CBP announced took another step towards improving the LBO called the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS). The SVRS is a web-based system that allows you to file your "flat plan" online. You can also use the SVRS to enroll in the LBO.

 

Who is eligible?
All US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US (14 years of age and older) are eligible to participate in the LBO. The program is for boaters, not boats, though the master of a vessel will be required to provide vessel information, such as the vessel’s name, color, registration number, size, type and manufacturer. Note: Children under 14 may be included in their parents’ BR#, and should use that number when entering the US.

Who is NOT eligible?
Non-US citizens, paying passengers (such as those on a day charter boat), and paid crew on cargo boats are not eligible to use the LBO. The LBO is only available to private, non-commercial boaters who are US citizens and legal permanent resident (green card holders).

Why should I sign up?
Signing up for the LBO will facilitate your entry into the US from a foreign country. Once you have obtained a BR#, your entry into the US can be processed over the phone by CBP. Agriculture requirements can be satisfied over the phone, as well. If everyone onboard an incoming vessel has a BR#, then the vessel and passengers will not have to report for inspection in-person, unless requested to do so by CBP. 
 

Enrollment in the LBO/SVRS:

Make sure you have a valid US government-issued ID, such as a US passport, or US military ID.  

Visit the Small Vessel Reporting System website. You can apply online or print and complete the enrollment form to bring with you on your appointment. Note: passengers need only complete the top half of the form, while boat owners/captains must complete the entire form.  

 

Call your local Port of Entry office to schedule an appointment:

                 Ft. Pierce, St. Lucie County Intl. Airport
                 7 days a week 10AM – 6PM
                 2990 Curtis King Blvd
                 Ft. Pierce, Florida
                 (772) 461-1733

Attend your scheduled appointment and bring your valid US government-issued ID.
Be patient. Soon you'll be given a Boater Registration number (BR#) and you'll be ready to set sail.
Additionally, you must obtain a CBP decal if your private vessel is thirty feet or greater in length.