New Online Reporting Program to Expedite Customs Process for Boaters U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new online reporting tool called the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) to expedite the inspection process for boaters entering the U.S. The SVRS is free, voluntary and open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who are citizens of visa waiver countries. Boaters who are already enrolled in CBP’s Local Boater Option (LBO) program, Trusted Traveler Program members (e.g. NEXUS or Global Entry) and current holders of an I-68 (Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit) can simply apply online to participate in the SVRS program. Boaters who are new to the program must fill out an online application and then schedule a face-to-face interview at a local CBP reporting location: http://hd.nmma.org/t/54622/2168062/8721/28/
Once approved by the SVRS, boaters will receive an email with their Boater Registration (BR) number and SVRS password. Registered boaters can then file float plans with SVRS that are assigned a float plan number. Upon return to the United States, boaters can then call a SVRS dedicated telephone line and answer a series of questions (similar to those on a traditional Customs Declaration form) and subsequently be cleared to enter the U.S. Boaters who do not participate in the SVRS program are required to report in person to a CBP facility for immigration processing within 24 hours of arrival. The SVRS is currently available on the U.S/Canada border as well as in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with plans to expand the program to cover rest of the U.S. in coming months. Click here for more information and to register for the SVRS: http://hd.nmma.org/t/54622/2168062/8724/29/
