NEW YORK: U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the Remote Traveler Inspection Process Pilot (RTIP) at the Sault Ste. Marie port of entry for the 2015 boating season.
This voluntary pilot project allows pleasure boaters to report their arrival in the United States via a web-based application after being in Canada, having contact with a foreign vessel, or coming in contact with a vessel entering U.S. waters from foreign waters.
Registration for the pilot has begun and eligible pleasure boaters will be able to report their arrival using the web-based application beginning May 1.
“CBP continues to look for ways to improve the security of our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel in this case for small boaters,” said Assistant Commissioner for Office of Field Operations Todd C. Owen. “This new technology has the potential to provide an alternate, more efficient and convenient way for pleasure boaters to report their arrival in the United States.”
Prior to reporting arrival to the United States for the first time, eligible boaters must register for an account and add their documents, traveler information, and if applicable, vessel information using the web-based application.
Once registered, pleasure boaters will be able to submit their information to CBP when they enter the United States from a marina, boat, or a nearby home from a mobile device. Eligible boaters simply login to their account, enter their information including answers to customs declarations questions and submit their report arrival to CBP. A CBP officer will review the information and send an email/text with information on how to complete their inspections using Adobe Connect. Boaters will receive an email receipt at the conclusion of the inspection. The process also provides a CBP officer with the capability to perform an entry examination from a secure, remote connection using a video conferencing application.
All U.S. citizens and only Canadian citizens who are NEXUS or I-68 permit holders in the Sault Ste. Marie area are eligible to participate in the pilot which is being tested exclusively at the Sault Ste. Marie port of entry.
