CBP reminds Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands small boaters to avoid a fine or vessel seizure by using ROAM for arrival reporting

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Ahead of the busy private vessel weekend in the eastern part of the island, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's San Juan Field Office issued a reminder about the reporting requirements under federal law for small pleasure boaters navigating into Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

CBP Officers inspected an incoming small boat on Feb. 10 that failed to report its arrival. The master of the vessel was fined for not reporting their entry into Puerto Rico and the USVI. Fines typically begin at $5,000.

"As part of our commitment to safeguarding our borders and ensuring the security of our communities, it is essential for all small pleasure boaters to comply with reporting requirements when entering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands" stated Director of Field Operations Roberto Vaquero. "By properly reporting their arrival, boaters not only help us uphold the integrity of our border security but also contribute to the continued safety and efficiency of maritime operations in the region."

Operators of small pleasure vessels, arriving in the United States from a foreign port or place are required by law to report their arrival to CBP immediately. Once the master of the vessel reports the arrival, CBP Officers provide further guidance regarding the next step in the inspection.

The CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile app is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart phone. Soon, local marinas will also be collaborating with CBP to make ROAM available to their clients via a tablet located at their business site.

The ROAM app satisfies the boat operator's legal requirement to report for face-to-face inspection with some exceptions. Travelers requiring an I-94 cruising license or who must pay duties will need to report in person to the nearest CBP facility.

To use the ROAM app, travelers input their biographic, conveyance, and trip details and submit their trip for CBP Officer review. The CBPO may initiate a video chat to further interview travelers. Once the CBPO reviews the trip, travelers will receive a push notification and an email with their clearance status and next steps, if applicable.

"We remind all boaters that if you navigate between Puerto Rico and the USVI you have to report entry in both locations, in addition to reporting entry when arriving from a foreign destination," said DFO Vaquero.

Getting Started

Travelers should download the ROAM app on their web-enabled smart device. Note that a free login.gov account is required to use the ROAM app. After opening the ROAM app, tap "Sign In."

• Travelers who do not have a login.gov account should "Create an account" and follow the instructions
• Travelers who already have a login.gov account should sign into their existing account, and will be redirected back to the ROAM app

After signing in to the ROAM app, users can create and save traveler and conveyance profiles. These profiles can be reused for repeat entry into the United States.

Availability

To use ROAM on your mobile device, download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In certain locations, the ROAM app can also be accessed on tablets at partner locations.

For any questions or concerns about the ROAM app, please email us at [email protected].

Telephone numbers will continue to be available for reporting entry arrival during ROAM deployment. If you encounter any issue with ROAM please contact your nearest Port of Entry:

• Puerto Rico (787) 863-0950 or (787) 882-3556
• St. Thomas (877) 305-8774
• St. John (877) 305-8773
• St. Croix (340) 719-2857

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• CBP Officers
• I-94
• Office of Field Operations
• Travel