Who Must Report?
Pleasure boat operators/master have the responsibility for reporting to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM) app or by reporting in person to the nearest CBP facility or other designed location when arriving in any port or place within the U.S. from a foreign port or place (including a hovering vessel) immediately upon their arrival in accordance with 19 CFR 4.2(a).
The master or designee of the boat may go ashore only to report the arrival to CBP either in person or by telephone. No other person may leave or board the boat and no baggage or merchandise may be removed or loaded until the report of arrival is made and release granted by a CBP officer.
Arrivals requiring an in-person report to a CBP officer may be made at one of the following designated areas. The boat must be made available for inspection at a CBP designated area for possible boarding at the time of arrival.
How do I report?
CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM)
The CBP ROAM app is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart device to satisfy reporting requirements.
Travelers using the CBP ROAM app may use the app to apply to become Verified Travelers (which includes existing LBO, SVRS, and I-68 numbers) and receive expedited processing on future arrivals.
Pleasure boat operators arriving within the jurisdictions covered by the Area Port of Baltimore may also report their arrival to (410) 962-2806 during routine business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours, vessel operators may call 1-800-973-2867.
A CBP officer will advise where the master and boat's passengers should present themselves for CBP inspection.
Boat operators may also report their arrival in person at CBP’s office located at:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP Cargo and Differed inspection Window Terminal E
BWI Airport
Baltimore MD 21240
6am to 2pm.
No other person, baggage or merchandise may be offloaded from the vessel until permitted by a CBP officer.
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code, Section 1436 to include a penalty of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition to being liable for a civil penalty, any master who intentionally commits a violation under subsection (a) of the above stated section upon conviction is liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for 1 year or both.
All documented or registered vessels 30 feet in length or greater are required to pay an annual processing fee of $25.00 in U.S. dollars if crossing international borders.
Payment is required for the vessel at or before the time of the first arrival if each calendar year. If you report your arrival in person or by telephone and a fee is applicable, you may charge the fee to your American Express, Discover, Visa or Master Card. A non-transferable decal will be issued upon payment and mailed to your address of record. CBP will not grant a clearance if outstanding fees are due.
Decals may also be purchased via the Internet at the DTOPS Web Site. (DTOPS) If you purchase your decal through the Mellon Bank, Pittsburg, PA, the CBP user fee administrator will handle your annual decal mailings/reminders at the Mellon Bank. Please carry a copy of the decal application for verification if you have submitted payment to Mellon Bank and have not received your decal.
Reporting Location
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP Cargo and Differed inspection Window Terminal E
BWI Airport
Baltimore MD 21240
6am to 2pm.
If you have questions regarding this information notice please contact a CBP Supervisory Officer at (410) 962-2329