JCSO Press Release - Customs Reporting Procedures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14 , 2003

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY - BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
Change to Reporting Procedures 14/03

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection in Washington State has suspended all telephonic reporting procedures for pleasure vessels throughout the Puget Sound, WA area. This change in procedure will continue for an undetermined period set to coincide with the current high threat level in the United States.

Private boaters, returning from a foreign port or place including Canada, are required to report immediately to a designated port of entry upon arrival in the United States.

To receive the authorized reporting locations and hours of service for Puget Sound inspections, boaters may call the toll-free number (800) 562-5943. Also, upon the first arrival in a calendar year, masters of private boats 30-feet and longer must purchase a Customs user fee decal. Decals may be purchased for $25 at most Customs offices prior to a foreign voyage. For further information call the port of entry at Bellingham, WA at (360) 734-5463 between the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (PST).

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) encourages the maritime public to report information concerning suspicious activity to the National Response Center (NRC) at (800) 424-8802. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds the maritime industry that they may also report information concerning activity to their Local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) Office, http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm, or to other appropriate authorities. Individuals can contact the DHS Watch and Warning Unit at (202) 323-3205, toll free at (888) 585-9078, or by e-mail to nipc.watch@fbi.gov.

The most recent Local Notice to Mariners contains many more changes worth knowing about.

Click here: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/d13/lnm1314.pdf