With the unofficial start of summer in the rearview, Michigan marine travelers crossing international borders in the Great Lakes are reminded to report their vessels to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations (CPB).
Federal officials say operators of small pleasure vehicles arriving from a foreign port or place can report their arrival or apply for a registered boater program using the CBP ROAM app.
The app allows boaters to satisfy legal requirements under federal regulations, with some exceptions, including travelers who require an I-94 form and those who must pay duties on imported goods, among other circumstances.
“We’re dedicated to modernizing the reporting experience by offering various options that prioritize both border security and the needs of the recreational boating community,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon.
Additionally, boaters can continue to report their arrival to the nearest CBP office at the point of entry via telephone.
Boat reporting requirements can be found at CBP.gov or cbproam@cbp.dhs.gov.
Boaters must also report to CBP if they’ve visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside territorial waters.
The U.S. and Canada share all five Great Lakes, except for Lake Michigan.
The collaboration, established with the creation of the International Joint Commission in 1909 and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, signed in 1972, helps prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of the shared boundary waters, according to the University of Waterloo.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan boaters can use an app to report to customs
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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