CBP: Small boats must report arrival or risk fines.

By THE STAR STAFF

Roberto Vaquero, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in San Juan, issued a reminder on Wednesday that operators of small vessels must report their arrival when navigating between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Failure to comply with federal reporting requirements when entering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can result in significant penalties and enforcement actions,” Vaquero stated in written remarks.

The warning comes ahead of the Vieques Music Festival, scheduled for June 22 -- an event that could generate increased small-vessel traffic from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since January, CBP has issued 12 penalties totaling $60,000 to boat operators who failed to report their arrival.

“All operators of small recreational vessels must understand that proper reporting is not merely a recommendation; it is a legal obligation under federal law,” Vaquero emphasized.

The federal agency indicated that captains must report their arrival immediately. Subsequently, CBP officers provide instructions regarding the next steps in the inspection process.

Vaquero said failure to comply with the requirement undermines border security efforts and can jeopardize both communities and maritime operations.

The agency noted that the mobile application CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (known as ROAM) allows boat operators to report their entry into the United States directly from a smartphone.

The application is free to use and requires a login.gov account. Users must submit biographical information, vessel details, and trip particulars for review by a federal officer.

The officer may initiate a video call to conduct an interview and subsequently issue a notification regarding the authorization status and any necessary follow-up steps.

Travelers requiring an I-94 form, a cruising license, or the payment of duties must appear in person at the nearest CBP facility. During the implementation of ROAM, the telephone numbers for reporting arrivals will remain available. In Puerto Rico, the number is 877-529-6840; in Saint Thomas, 877-305-8774; in Saint John, 877-305-8773; and in Saint Croix, 340-719-2857.