US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rolled out the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) MAY 24th to provide pre-clearance for boaters visiting the United States.

CBP introduced the SVRS in New England, Florida, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and along the US northern border. Boaters in those areas can volunteer their information through a website that registers their intent to visit the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to make the SVRS available nationwide in the near future.

"The Small Vessel Reporting System allows international boaters to pre-register with CBP in order to obtain an expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. The SVRS makes the reporting process easier and faster," said John Wagner, director of Admissibility and Passenger Programs at the CBP Office of Field Operations.

Eligible boaters include US citizens and permanent residents and Canadian citizens and legal residents. They can go online at www.cbp.gov/svrs to file a small vessel reporting float plan before leaving or sailing to the United States.

Filing the float plan speeds up entry into the United States, as boaters can provide CBP with their float plan identification number and answer a few routine questions to enter the United States.