Customs

[Freestyle]

Planning to leave Fort Lauderdale and head to the Bahamas this week.

I did not plan ahead and enroll in the Local Boater Option Program or get a Customs Decal in advance.

Do I have to have the decal before I leave or does it just mean I go to the Customs Office in Port Evergaldes when I return?

Do I just bring my entire crew or do I physically tie the boat up somewhere in Port Everglades and get inspected? Where is that pier?

I have an open day tomorrow. Is there something to be accomplished by visiting the office in advance?

Thanks for the help.

Bruce

Freestyle
1976 43 DCMY
Bruce

 

[Pascal]

AFAIK... but rules change quickly sometimes...

you need the decal before leaving or you will need to visit the customs office upon returning.

you normally dont' need to physically check in with customs on your way back when you have a decal, you must call them, give them the information they need and they will give you a clearance number

BUT... you may need to visit immigration in person with all your passengers and crew. In the past, only non citiznes (including resident aliens) had to check in but around 2002 that changed and everyone had to report. This was supposed to relaxed a year ago but i'm not sure if it did.

if you can, get the decal before leaving and ask customs and/or immigration to check what the current procedure is.

 

[Karl]

A few years ago I was in the same predicament. I called Customs and they took my credit card number and issued me a decal number over the phone. They immediately either faxed or emailed me a document to carry with me to the Bahamas. I received the decal in the mail about a week later. It was not a problem. The Customs phone number is 317-298-1245.

Remember, you and guests need either a passport or U.S driver's license and birth certificate to clear Bahamian Customs, plus you have to pay their entry fee with a check or credit card.

U.S. Customs will give you a phone number to call when you return to the U.S. They want your guests/crew to stay on your boat while you access a phone to call them. They will give you a processing number and instructions as to what to do next. I've had to bring my guests with me to Port Everglades Immigration to check in. It's a pain and I have to question how may boaters really do that, but I did.

 

[DeeRow]

I was told that the decal is mandatory. Funny thing is that they still want you to verbally tell them all your vessel information. I asked them why I needed to repeat the info that they already had from my decal application. Their reponse was that the decal didn't save any time but it was required for boats over xx ft (xx = 30? I can't remember).

When we cleared customs with the entire crew present, the customs officer was surprised that we were not using the Local Boater Option. For me, it is easier to take the entire crew to Ft. Pierce airport each time (once or twice a year) then try to get them to Riviera Beach before the trip. If you clear into an office that processes Local Boater Option, then they will register you at that time (Ft. Pierce doesn't process LBO).

Mark

 

[Freestyle]

To follow up on the advice given,

They will not issue a Decal # over the phone. I went online and registered. I have a receipt but no decal #. It will probably arrive at my house in Tampa before I re-enter. I will just have to call in, give them my receipt number and an explanation and hope for the best.

Since it is only two of us, I will probably just tie up at Lauderdale YC and cab it over to Port Everglades and let them have their way with me.

Thanks again

Bruce

Freestyle
1976 43 DCMY
Tampa