U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that, effective Sept. 5, the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) will no longer be in service and float plans will no longer be accepted.
Boaters can use the Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile (CBP ROAM) app as a faster way to report their arrival in the following states and territories: Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Texas, California, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Existing SVRS numbers continue to remain valid and may be input into the CBP ROAM app for expedited processing. Boaters outside of locations where the CBP ROAM app is currently available may continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers or report to a port of entry, if desired.
“CBP is constantly striving to innovate the entry process for travelers, whether arriving by land, sea or air,” said Todd C. Owen, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations. “The replacement of SVRS with the CBP ROAM app demonstrates CBP’s commitment to innovation and simplifies the arrivals reporting process for pleasure boaters entering the U.S. in remote areas.”
Pleasure boaters arriving in the U.S. from a foreign port or place are required by law to immediately report their arrival to CBP. The free CBP ROAM mobile app allows users to notify CBP via personal smart device or, in certain locations, a CBP tablet at a local business or partner organization, saving time for users.
Unlike SVRS, there is no application process or pre-registration requirement to use the CBP ROAM app. Once downloaded, travelers input their biographic information, conveyance and trip details and then submit their trip to CBP for review. A CBP officer may then initiate a video chat to further interview travelers. Once the CBP officer reviews the trip, travelers will receive a push notification and an email with their clearance status and next steps, if applicable.
In certain circumstances, boaters using the CBP ROAM app may still need to report in person to CBP, including if an I-94 or cruising permit is required, if customs duties must be paid, or in other circumstances as applicable.
