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04/22/2005: "Trusted Traveler Program Allows Easy Boat Entry From Canada"

Avoid Coast Guard Escort With The "TT" Program

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented enhanced security 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 enhance security at our nation's borders.

Private boaters will be required to report to specified ports of entry for inspection if they are not currently enrolled in a "trusted traveler" program. 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 Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) issued under the old Small Boat Reporting System are no longer valid.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 trusted traveler programs requires the payment of a fee and passing a background check by CBP and Canadian authorities.



The Pacific Northwest is one of the busiest international boating areas in the United States. These new procedures are designed to augment a myriad of security enhancements implemented by CBP at our borders since the terrorist attacks on America on 9/11/01.

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.

"These new procedures allow CBP the 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. "Those boaters enrolled in our expedited travel programs will reap the benefits of our call-in inspection process."

A fact sheet providing boaters regarding enrollment details can be found at the following link: FACT SHEET