getting a LBO

[Daniel Palin]

How difficult is it to obtain a LBO? I have 2 different vessels that are capable of making the trip to the Bahamas. So I'm unsure if which vessel info I give them or can I give them both? We already have passports, I'll be in FL next month and plan on stopping in the customs office in Riviera Beach. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Guys.

 

[trit21]

Go to this website.

https://svrs.cbp.dhs.gov/Default.aspx

Register for an appointment for an LBO at the office you desire. You will need your Passport and probably another form of ID but uncertain as I did mine 8 years ago originally. You can register 2 boats not a problem. When you go to the Bahamas, if you use the website to file a float plan, you will just need to ensure you pick the correct boat along with all passengers etc. Process is pretty simple really, not much to it to get the LBO. Now upon check in, sometimes it is a royal PITA. Almost easier to show up at the airport and just check in like the old days. I think that is because they have 2 sets of number and since my LBO is part of the old numbering system, information is hard to modify and change so CBP has a hard time checking me in every year. Took almost an hour this year.

 

[ttmott]

The LBO has been replaced with the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS). I've been signed up with the SVRS for a couple of years now. Last four times back from the Bahamas I simply called in and gave them my float plan number. They asked for arrival date and time, if the boat was secured at the home port, and gave instructions for my non-SVRS passengers for clearing in at the nearest customs office. A couple of miscellaneous questions regarding what was brought back, if anything, and that was that. "Welcome Back and have a nice day".....