Here is an overview of the LBO, CBP and customs process and various tools for cruisers returning from the Bahamas or any foreign port back to the USA.
First, you must obtain a DTOPS decal for your boat from the US Customs and Border Patrol website. It costs $27.50 and must be renewed each calendar year you plan to leave and return to the U.S. on your boat. Here is a summary of what to do:.
www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/uftd-info
You can skip the opening paragraph that explains the tax history of these fees and go right to the instructions. It is a little complicated because this applies to airplanes and commercial trucks, as well as private boats. You should take notes, as you will create passwords and 5 security questions. NOTE: Your "Conveyance ID" is your complete hull number.
Now, here is some info to make your re-entry into the US less expensive and more convenient. These steps are OPTIONAL. The alternative to doing these is that you must clear in by the captain appearing in person within 24 hours at a US Customs office, usually located at an airport. Your crew cannot go ashore until the captain has taken all passports to clear in. Or, you must take a slip at a marina and wait to be boarded by a Customs officer. They will NOT come aboard your boat at anchor.
First of all, you need to obtain Local Boater Option Cards (LBO) for each person. There is an office at a Federal Building in Key West, Florida and in Miami, Florida for this. You need to go to
svrs.cbp.dhs.gov/Default.aspx
complete the Application Wizard and then make an appointment for a face to face interview. This Application Wizard must be completed for each person individually. LBO cards are free and will be issued to you immediately during your appointment and do not need to be renewed. You will need valid passports and driver's licenses and you may be fingerprinted. (FYI You cannot take cell phones into the building, so you may want to plan for one to wait outside while the other one has their appointment.)
After you obtain your LBO cards, then you can apply for SVRS, the Small Vessel Reporting System on-line. You choose to "Become a Participant" on-line and they send you passwords by e-mail, THEN you can log-in. This system allows you to file a float plan from the Bahamas so Customs knows you are returning. Then when you arrive in Florida, you can call them to clear in, avoiding going to a marina to be boarded
So, in summary:
1. Get a DTOPS sticker, each year
2. Get your LBO number, Local Boater Option
3. Register on the SVRS Small Vessel Reporting System
4. Sail to the Bahamas
5. When ready to return to the USA, and still outside the country, login to the SVRS site
6. File a float plan about your return from A to B USA
7. Activate your float plan online
8. Receive a float plan number
9. Sail into USA, Florida etc.
10. Anchor or Dock and phone into the LBO office and report your Float Plan number and LBO number via phone.
.... Welcome Home!
PDF of this article fof saving
Hayden and Radeen
