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Bahamas Chatter: Small Vessel Reporting System replaced by CBP ROAM on 9/5/2018
Small Vessel Reporting System replaced by CBP ROAM on 9/5/2018

Posted: 31 Aug 2018 02:08 PM PDT
Effective September 5, 2018, the Small Vessel Reporting System will no longer be in service and float plans will no longer be accepted. Instead, pleasure boaters are encouraged to use the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) application when boating into the U.S. from a foreign port or place. Existing SVRS numbers will continue to remain valid and may be entered in the CBP ROAM app for expedited processing. Boaters may also continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers or report to a port of entry, if desired.

The CBP ROAM app is a convenient and efficient way to report your U.S. entry from a smart device. Travelers can use the CBP ROAM app to input their biographic and trip information, followed by a video interview with a CBP Officer, to meet reporting requirements. While all travelers may use the CBP ROAM app, there may be circumstances in which a boater must still report in person to CBP, including, but not limited to, if an I-94 or other document is required, if customs duties must be paid, or in other relevant circumstances. Please refer below for additional detail and information:

Where can I download the CBP ROAM app?

Download CBP ROAM on your Android or Apple device! Detailed instructions on how to install and use the app on a personal device are attached for your reference. In certain locations, travelers can use a CBP tablet located at a partner organization to access the CBP ROAM app.

Where can the CBP ROAM app be used?

The CBP ROAM app can be used to report U.S. entry by boat in the Great Lakes, most of the Eastern Seaboard (from Delaware to Florida), U.S. territories in the Caribbean, Texas, and San Diego, California. Additional locations are being added, and travelers should contact their local port of entry to confirm whether arrival submissions via the CBP ROAM app are accepted.

How do I use the CBP ROAM app to report my U.S. entry?

After downloading the CBP ROAM app and creating an account on login.gov, enter your traveler, mode of travel, and trip details for your U.S. entry. After submitting the trip, a CBP Officer will review your submission and may initiate a video interview if necessary. Following the video interview, you will receive a notification and an email with your clearance status and/or next steps. For expedited processing, individuals without a Trusted Traveler number may also apply to enroll as a “Verified Traveler” through the CBP ROAM app; approved travelers will receive a Verified Traveler number that can be used for future trips.

For more information on the CBP ROAM app, visit the CBP ROAM page on CBP’s website. For CBP ROAM questions or comments, please reach out to cbproam@cbp.dhs.gov.

Happy boating and stay safe!

U.S. Customs and Border Protection