On October 26, 2009 the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) opened a new private vessel calling center at the Pan American Dock in San Juan, P.R. to streamline the arrival reporting process throughout the island. The CBP calling center business hours run 24/7. In addition, and to facilitate the reporting process, a toll-free number has been implemented.
Boaters must report their arrival from any port of entry in Puerto Rico using the toll free number 1-877-529-6840.
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code Section 1436, to include a penalty of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition, to being liable for a civil penalty, any master who intentionally commits a violation under subsection (a) of the above stated section, upon conviction is liable for a fine of not more that $2,000 or imprisonment for one year or both.
CBP exhorts the boating community t o take advantage of the enhancement to the reporting process and comply with the requirement of reporting to CBP immediately upon arrival to obtain CBP clearance. CBP is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
(Last Updated Tuesday, 03 November 2009 )
