DTOP 2019 Decal Renewal

[DaveJ]

Being Canadian, and owning a boat over 30', I need this sticker to enter the U.S. I applied for mine on Feb 5th and have not heard from them as to the status. I have been asked for the sticker # when using the video phone when entering, then they have all the info they need on the boat. Last time I was asked if my wife was with me, they called her by name, so there must be a file associated with this.
There is a difference between an under 30' and over 30' boat if you are not a U.S. registered boat. If you are under 30', you must report at every port that you enter, very inconvenient when on an extended trip. Over 30' and with the sticker, you just need to report at the port of entry, and tell them where you expect to go.
I'll pay the $28 for this convenience, but it still doesn't explain the 30' rule and the cost....
PS- about the only place where Canadian $$ is at par!

Cheers
dj

 

[dlochner]

@DaveJ, do you have a Nexus card? It makes reporting easy on both sides of the border.

 

[DaveJ]

We got Nexus cards last year and have not used them when crossing on the boat. We'll be going mid-June to Wilson NY and will try them. I'll detail my experience on this site....hopefully it's a boring read....

Cheers
dj

 

[dlochner]

You can make entry even more boring by downloading the ROAM app. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-overview/roam

I think Canadians are allowed to use it.

Last summer I used the app to clear in from about 8 miles offshore, as soon as I got a good cellphone signal. After submitting the required information, I waited a few minutes before receiving clearance. No muss, no fuss.
One hint, enter the boat and traveller info before trying to connect. Unless you are an exceptionally fast typist on a cellphone you will be timed out of the connection before the data enters.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

@Charlie Jones s/v Tehani did this border crossing involve you sailing a boat bigger than 30ft?

first time no- my 25. second time, a Tartan 41

 

[Hello Below]

You can make entry even more boring by downloading the ROAM app. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-overview/roam

I think Canadians are allowed to use it.

Absolutely Canadians are allowed to use the CBP ROAM app.

I crossed over the Canadian/US border late last month. I submitted a Report Arrival with the app and within 2 minutes I received a call, through the app, from the local CBP agent. The normal questions were asked and when he realized my Cruising License was to expire in a bit over a month, he suggested if convenient that I drop in and have it renewed at no cost. I received an email providing me with my PBRS Clearance Number and I could have been on my merry way. However, I was within an hour of the closest POE and in no hurry, so I decided to renew the Cruising License at that time.
Everything was very straight forward, very convenient and the CBP agent was also very professional to work with. It was a good day.

https://waggonerguide.com/new-roam-app-replaces-small-vessel-reporting-system/