hansen64
Member
The procedure for traveling to the Bahamas has changed as of May 1st. You now have to register online www.cbp.gov to obtain a password under the travel tab "Small Vessel Reporting System" . If you already have a local boater’s card you can just get a password and not have to enter in all your personal information. I haven’t tried it yet but have the letter back in my office with the directions. I’ll get it on Monday and update this information if needed.
The new procedure is to go online prior to your trip and enter in all passengers, boat registration information and travel itinerary. They will issue you confirmation number. When you return to the states you will need to call an automated number and enter in the confirmation code you received. Hopefully this will make the process easier.
Here is the statement from SVRS:
Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS)
As part of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) comprehensive effort to improve the security of our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel specifically for boaters who are enrolled in the Local Boater Option (LBO) program and perspective participants, CBP has implemented the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS); available to all U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. SVRS is a web-based automated on-line reporting system created for LBO participants to expeditiously report their intended arrivals from foreign. In addition, the web-based system will facilitate the enrollment of new applicants for SVRS. New applicants will be able to enroll and make an appointment for a face to face interview with a CBP Officer at an authorized reporting location of their choosing. Once participation in the SVRS is granted by CBP, the participant will receive an email with their Boater Registration (BR) number and password for SVRS. Current LBO participants must apply on-line for a password to access the float plan functions of SVRS by accessing SVRS. ( Small Vessel Reporting System )
The new procedure is to go online prior to your trip and enter in all passengers, boat registration information and travel itinerary. They will issue you confirmation number. When you return to the states you will need to call an automated number and enter in the confirmation code you received. Hopefully this will make the process easier.
Here is the statement from SVRS:
Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS)
As part of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) comprehensive effort to improve the security of our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel specifically for boaters who are enrolled in the Local Boater Option (LBO) program and perspective participants, CBP has implemented the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS); available to all U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. SVRS is a web-based automated on-line reporting system created for LBO participants to expeditiously report their intended arrivals from foreign. In addition, the web-based system will facilitate the enrollment of new applicants for SVRS. New applicants will be able to enroll and make an appointment for a face to face interview with a CBP Officer at an authorized reporting location of their choosing. Once participation in the SVRS is granted by CBP, the participant will receive an email with their Boater Registration (BR) number and password for SVRS. Current LBO participants must apply on-line for a password to access the float plan functions of SVRS by accessing SVRS. ( Small Vessel Reporting System )
