ChipLakeNEWS InfoSheet

This InfoSheet is number: 0802

Summary: General information about crossing the USA - Canadian Border by OPEN WATER via Private Boat.

See InfoSheet 0801 for general information about crossing the International Border by LAND.

CLICK to find CONTACTS & PHONE NUMBERS or LINKS to related WEBSITES

U.S. – Canada WATER Border Crossing Notes & Comments
when traveling via
Private Passenger Boat

•International pleasure boat Border Crossing Programs between Maine and New Brunswick in the "Remote" ports area between Houlton and Vanceboro

•Lake Crossings during Periods of Open Water

•Legally Crossing the Border by Pleasure Boat when Ports are Closed and Abandoned.

•Alternatives to Face-to-Face Inspections by Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and by US Customs & Border Protection (CBP).

The following information has been taken from the Customs & Border Protection website and other locations but local officials still seem unfamiliar with many of these programs and procedures.

The more local people ask about, apply for and use these programs, the sooner they will be activated and made known for all to use.

We should keep in mind that regulations should be enforced CONSISTANTLY in each unique LOCAL AREA rather than UNIFORMLY across all northern and southern borders...what is true for one area is not necessarily true for ALL other border areas.

Background Information:

CURRENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
for NORTHERN BORDER CROSSING BY PLEASURE BOAT (as of 04/28/2007)

Pursuant to 19 CFR 4.2, operators of small pleasure vessels, arriving in the United States from a foreign port or place to include any vessel which has visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside the territorial sea, are required to report their arrival to CBP immediately (see 19 U.S.C. 1433).
The master of the vessel reports their arrival at the nearest Customs facility or such other place as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations. These reports are tracked in the Pleasure Boat Reporting System. Pursuant to 8 CFR 235.1, an application to lawfully enter the United States must be made in person to a CBP officer at a U.S. port-of-entry when the port is open for inspection. [EDITOR: ...but all local ports aren't always open!]

Face-to Face Reporting to CBP and CBSA on East Grand Lake & North Lake
For face-to-face reporting to a US CBP official, you may ground your boat in The Thoroughfare between East Grand Lake and North Lake at the former boat launch (no dock is available) just south of the Orient/Fosterville bridge and walk up to the CBP Office during hours that it is open, usually from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM Eastern Time during the summer season and from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM Eastern Time before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

For face-to-face reporting to a Canadian CBSA official, you may tie up to their dock in The Thoroughfare from 8:00 AM Atlantic Time until 12:00 PM midnight Atlantic Time during the summer season and from 9:00 AM until midnight Atlantic time before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Between December and June, the Canadian Ports at Fosterville and Forest City are closed at 5:00 PM Atlantic Time - 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
There are no other US or Canadian staffed ports on East Grand or North Lakes.

The US and Canada maintain 24 hour ports in the vicinity of the dam at the foot of Spednic Lake in St. Croix, NB and in Vanceboro, ME. There are no other US or Canadian staffed ports on Spednic or Palfrey Lakes.

Exceptions to Face-to-Face reporting regulations for US Homeland Security and CBP
Alternative Inspection Systems (AIS) satisfy the boat operator’s legal requirement to report for face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1, but boaters must still phone in their arrival to satisfy 19 USC 1433.
There are four exceptions to the face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location, 1) NEXUS Marine, 2) Canadian Border Boat Landing Program (CBBLP or I-68), 3) Outlying Area Reporting Stations (OARS), and 4) the Local Boater Option (limited to Miami, Tampa, and San Juan). Participation in any of the programs does not preclude the requirement for physical report upon request by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Any small pleasure vessel leaving a United States port into international or foreign waters, without a call at a foreign port, does not satisfy [activate] the foreign departure requirement [condition]. Therefore, certain fishing vessels, cruises to nowhere, or any vessel that leaves from a United States port and returns without calling [at] a foreign port or place, has not departed the United States.

Research is continuing with CBSA for alternatives to face-to-face reporting regulations for ENTERING CANADA. See NEXUS, OARS and CANPASS-Private Boat, below.

NEXUS
The NEXUS [Marine] program is a joint Canada-U.S. initiative that offers facilitated customs and immigration clearance for recreational low-risk boaters entering either country through registration into the program. NEXUS is valid for 5 years and satisfies the boat operator’s legal requirement to report to a port-of-entry for face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1, but boaters must still phone in their arrival to satisfy 19 USC 1433. Operators of private vessels should report arrival to 207-532-2131 ex 255 [Houlton]. Operators may be directed to report to a staffed location for inspection [...assumes that the port is open and manned].
Required Documentation to apply includes: 1) Completed NEXUS Application with signature(s); 2)Photocopy(s) of Proof of Citizenship; 3) History (without gaps) of last five (5) years residency; 4) History (without gaps) of last five (5) years employment; 5) Photocopy (front and back) of current valid driver's license; 6) Custodial documents for children if necessary; 7) Payment via Credit Card or Certified Check or International Money Order. Original documents will be required at the final interview at the enrollment center.

What information do I have to have when I call?
All Vessel masters must phone in their arrival and have the following information available:

• name, date of birth and citizenship of all persons on board (including passport [or Nexus] number);
• Name of the boat and/or boat registration number;
• CBP user fee decal number (if boat is 30 feet or longer);
• Homeport and current location; and
• Return contact [phone] number.

To ensure timely service, an advance notice of arrival of at least one hour should be made
For more information visit:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/ae-ve/2006/nexus_mar-eng.html

EDITOR'S NOTE: It is understood that this is supposed to be a "harmonized" program and permission may be obtained for landing in either Canada or the USA. It is NOT clear that NEXUS (Marine) is currently active in the Chiputneticook Lakes area for entering CANADA. Word has been received recently (April 2008) that private boaters and passengers may enter the USA having left a Canadian port IF ALL PASSENGERS ARE NEXUS credential holders...phone contact with CBP officials (207-532-2131 e255) must be made immediately upon landing on a US shore. Enrollment in the NEXUS program is required and fees apply. Visit www.nexus.gc.ca for application information and to download the application form. Cost is $50.00 (either $US or $CAN) per person for a 5-year permit (age 14 and up, I believe) and the application process also automatically provides Nexus Air and Nexus Highway authorities. For local information phone to speak to one of the US credential-issuing officers at 506-325-3199 or 866-930-3278 in the morning on weekdays.

CANADIAN BORDER BOAT LANDING PERMIT PROGRAM (FORM I-68)

One alternative to the in-person reporting requirement is the Canadian Border Boat Landing (I-68) Program, which allows approved US or Canadian applicants to enter the United States by small boat and to telephonically report their arrival to US CBP.
General CBBLP Information: (as of 05/22/2007)
Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68) applicants for admission into the United States by small pleasure boats are inspected and issued an I-68 permit for the entire boating season. The I-68 permit allows boaters to enter the United States from Canada for recreational purposes with only the need to report to CBP by telephoning in their arrival.
Reporting requirements for persons are established under the regulation promulgated pursuant to the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA), found at 8 CFR 235.1(a), which requires that application to lawfully enter the United States shall be made in person to a CBP Officer at a U.S. port-of-entry. Report of arrival requirements for vessels are established under 19 USC 1433 and the implementing regulation, found at 19 CFR 4.2, which requires that upon arrival in any port or place within the U.S., including, for purposes of this section, the U.S. Virgin Islands, of any vessel from a foreign port or place, any foreign vessel from a port or place within the U.S., or any vessel of the US carrying foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made, the master of the vessel shall immediately report that arrival to the nearest Customs and Border Protection facility or other location designated by the port director.
There is no requirement that boaters obtain Form I-68. However, boaters who choose not to obtain Form I-68 must report, in person, for inspection by a CBP Officer at a port-of-entry each time they enter the United States. U.S. citizen boaters who enter the United States with aliens who are without Form I-68 and without reporting for inspection may be subject to fine and/or possible seizure of the boat. Persons traveling by boat who do not have Form I-68 and who have not presented themselves for inspection are subject to arrest, possible fine, or if a Non-US Citizen, removal from the United States. [See also, the OARS section, below.]
Persons who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States may use Form I-68 for visits not to exceed 72 hours to visit within 25 miles of the shoreline along the U.S. border with Canada.
The Form I-68, after an initial inspection, permits a boater to report their arrival into the United States telephonically without having to appear at a port-of-entry for an in person inspection. The initial inspection involves an interview, checking the individual in the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) and possibly other law enforcement databases, completion of the form I-68, and payment of the fee.
Each applicant who is 14 years of age or older must appear in person for inspection. The names and dates of birth of children less than 14 years of age must be listed on one or both of their parents’ Form I-68. If approved, page one of the three-part Form I-68 will be issued to each applicant age 14 years of age and older. Each of the three pages of the Form I-68 will bear the photograph and fingerprint of the applicant for identification purposes. The fees for both individuals and families will remain the same as last year. [See below.]

CBBLP Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Who is eligible to participate in this program?
A: United States citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States, Canadian citizens, Landed Commonwealth Residents of Canada, and Landed Residents of Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Pilot Program countries who also have a valid stamped Form I-94W, Visa Waiver Arrival-Departure Record, or Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record if they were previously admitted with a valid unexpired visa, are eligible.

Q: What is the cost of the Form I-68?
A: The fee for an individual Form I-68 is $16.00. There is a family cap of $32.00, but each member of the family who is 14 years of age or older must obtain a separate Form I-68. Children under 14 years of age will be entered on their parent's form. For fee purposes, a family is defined as husband, wife, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents of either the husband or wife.

Q: Where may I obtain the Form I-68?
A: The original three-page, form I-68 is only available at the issuing port-of-entry or other specified location where the inspection is conducted.

Q: May I use a Form I-68 that I received last year?
A: No, Form I-68 is only valid for one year.

Q: How long does it take to obtain the Form I-68?
A: The inspection process requires a short interview and checking of various databases, plus the time necessary to process the form I-68...perhaps an hour or so, but you should phone ahead to make an appointment with the issuing officer.

Q: Where may I appear for inspection and processing of the Form I-68?
A: The participating District Offices are [among others] Portland, ME. The CBP Office in Houlton on I-95 issues I-68 Forms. Interested persons in the eastern Maine and western New Brunswick area should contact Barry Smith or Clay Quint at the Houlton I-95 Customs & Border Protection Office 207-532-2131]

Q: What must I do if I don't have a Form I-68 to enter the United States by boat?
A: Boaters not in possession of a valid Form I-68 must either report in person for inspection at a port-of-entry or designated location or utilize one of the OARS (Outlying Area Reporting Station) videophones each time they apply for admission to the United States. Under the OARS program, videophones installed at public marinas along the Canadian border [Dickinson's Marina in Orient] provide an automated inspection service enabling two-way visual and audio communication between the inspector and the applicant for admission. Any person who does not comply with these procedures may be subject to adverse actions under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Title 19 of the United States Code.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This program authorizes landing in the USA (only). There is no harmonized program for landing in Canada...boaters traveling to a Canadian shore should check with CBSA before landing if other than at a staffed port...see also OARS and CanPASS-Boat below. Three 2" x 2" facial photographs must be provided for each participant's Application Form. Other identifying documents should be made available at the time of the initial inspection and issuance of the I-68 Form, including a driver’s license, birth certificate and if available, a Passport, CANPASS, RPEP or Nexus card. For more local information, contact Clay Quint or Barry Smith at 207-532-2131 ext 255.

The NEXUS Program, although slightly more costly, is probably a better and more encompassing system than is CBBLP/I-68 and it MAY BE harmonized for entry into Canada.

OUTLYING AREA REPORTING SYSTEM (OARS)

OARS is another northern border method for boaters to report entry to satisfy 19USC and 8CFR requirements into the United States from Canada. The OARS program uses videophones, typically located at public marinas, which boaters may use to report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and to CBSA officers depending on the direction of travel. The system is comprised of an AutoDial telephone, a video transceiver, a monitor, a facial camera and a document camera. To operate the system, the traveler either picks up the handset or pushes the call button. This system allows both the traveler and the officer to view one another as the inspection is taking place. Typically, OARS reporting satisfies the in-person inspection requirement, but a CBP Officer may direct a boater to report to an open port-of-entry or designated location for an in-person inspection.

OARS Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I enroll in OARS?
A: No enrollment is necessary. United States citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents of the United Sates, Canadian citizens, Landed Commonwealth Residents of Canada, and nationals of designated Visa Waiver Pilot Program countries with a valid, stamped I-94 or I-94W, Arrival/Departure Record are eligible to use OARS.

Q: Where is OARS located?
A: Dickinson’s Marina, Orient ME is the only operating OARS station in Maine (or New Brunswick).

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is supposed to be a harmonized program and permission should be obtainable for landing in either Canada or the USA. The OARS system on East Grand Lake for entry into the USA is operable (currently) only during the limited times that the Orient Port is open and manned...when that port is closed and abandoned, there is no answer to the phone. From another phone, you MIGHT try phoning the NEXUS and I-68 call-in number in Houlton and ask to be admitted...207-532-2131 ex 255...that phone is manned 24/7. Nexus participants are now able to use this procedure as the reporting phone number is the same for both I-68 and NEXUS Marine on the Chiputneticook Lakes but it is not currently clear that OARS or NEXUS (Marine) is operable when travelling INTO CANADA at this time.

LOCAL BOATER OPTION (LBO)
NOT APPLICABLE TO MAINE-NEW BRUNSWICK CROSSINGS
Local Boater Option (Miami, Tampa, and San Juan) is a voluntary effort that will allow eligible, frequent pleasure boat operators and passengers, who are U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States, to register themselves and their vessel with CBP. The Local Boater Option offers facilitated customs and immigration clearance for recreational low-risk boaters at time of arrival. Enrollment to the LBO Program is voluntary and will allow CBP to expedite the arrival reporting process to boaters who have enrolled into the program. This program will satisfy the boat operator’s legal requirement to report to a port-of-entry for face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1, but boaters must still phone in their arrival to satisfy 19 USC 1433.

CANPASS – Private Boats

NOTE: It is not clear at this time whether the CANPASS - Private Boats Program is operable in the Chiputneticook Lakes area. The more local people ask about it, the more likely that it will be activated locally!

Visit: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4074-eng.html [last modified on: 2005-07-22]

The CANPASS – Private Boat program is a result of the Canada-United States Accord on Our Shared Border. The accord sets out initiatives to promote trade, tourism, and travel between the two countries. If you often enter Canada from the United States using a private pleasure boat, a program called CANPASS – Private Boat may be for you.

For a minimal processing fee, Canada offers a program - CANPASS – Private Boats - to facilitate customs clearance procedures.
Benefits for CANPASS members:
• Designated ports of entry are only for CANPASS members, and they offer you more options on where you can arrive in Canada.
• CANPASS members can arrive at a designated docking site whenever the facility is open, regardless of the hours of business of the local customs office.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) streamlines customs and immigration clearance for low risk travellers. CANPASS – Private Boat program members may call up to four hours in advance to report their estimated arrival time in Canada and then arrive at a telephone reporting marine site.
You may qualify to participate in the program if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or a citizen or resident alien of the United States.
However, you will not qualify for CANPASS – Private Boat membership if you:

• provide false or incomplete information on your application form;
• have been convicted of a criminal offence in any country for which a pardon has not been granted;
• have been found in violation of customs or immigration legislation; or
• are inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Participation in this program is strictly voluntary. If you choose to complete the application form E672, CANPASS Application Form, we will use the information you provide to determine your eligibility. If you are accepted into the program, your membership will be valid for five years. For Quebec and Atlantic Canada, complete and sign the application form and send it, with a non refundable five year processing fee of CAN$40 for each applicant 18 years or older, to the following office:

Customs Processing Centre
400 Place d’Youville
Montréal QC H2Y 2C2
Telephone: (514) 350-6137 [Phone to verify the cost!]

• You can pay the processing fee of CAN$40 for each applicant 18 years or older using VISA, MasterCard or AMEX, or by sending a certified cheque or money order in Canadian funds payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
• Processing fees are non-refundable.
• Do not send cash.
• Canadian and U.S. citizens have to provide proof of citizenship with the application (e.g., a photocopy of a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or passport).
• Canadian permanent residents or U.S. resident aliens have to provide proof of permanent resident status in either country with the application form (e.g., a photocopy of a landing record, a valid permanent resident card, or a valid resident alien card).
Send photocopies only; we will not return the copies you send. Do not send original documents with your application. Original documents must, however, accompany you on all passages into Canada.
• If you need additional documents such as a study or work permit, contact the nearest Canadian Immigration Centre before applying for the CANPASS – Private Boat program.
We will not process your application before we have all the necessary documents.
• If you are accepted, you will receive a CANPASS – Private Boat program authorization.
Each person who wants to participate in the CANPASS – Private Boat program has to fill out and sign an application form. Parents or legal guardians have to complete the application on behalf of children under the age of 18. The processing fee is waived for applicants under the age of 18.
Indicate English or French. We will correspond with you in the official language of your choice.
A separate application form is required for each applicant and each program.

Other last names used – If you have ever changed your name (including by marriage), provide the previous name(s) you used.
Citizenship and Residency – Indicate whether you are a citizen of Canada, the United States, or another country. Check the box that corresponds to your country of residence.
Proof of citizenship/residency/immigration status – Check the box that corresponds to the type of document you have been issued that proves your citizenship, permanent resident status, or immigration status. Give the document number and expiry date if applicable.
Address history for the last five years - Give the details of your address history for the past five years. Use the space provided, starting with your current address. Attach a separate sheet if necessary.
Employment history for the last five years - Give the details of your employment history for the past five years. Use the space provided, starting with your current employer. Attach a separate sheet if necessary. Not being employed will not disqualify you from the program if you are otherwise admissible to Canada or the United States and you meet all other program requirements.
Purpose of your travel - Indicate why you are travelling to Canada.
Additional information - Indicate whether you have been convicted of a criminal offence. Also include any immigration and customs violations you may have had.
Customs programs - Complete boxes 72 to 84. Include your boat’s name and registration number.
Fee payment - Include a money order or certified cheque for CAN$40 for each applicant 18 years or older, payable to the Receiver General for Canada. If you are paying by credit card, provide your VISA, MasterCard or AMEX number, the expiry date, and your signature.
Non custodial parent or legal guardian - To meet Canadian requirements, non custodial parents or legal guardians applying on behalf of a child under the age of 18 for whom they do not have legal custody must attach a copy of the legal documents showing custody rights, or a notarized copy of the parent or legal guardian’s written consent for enrolment of that child in the CANPASS – Private Boat program.
Certification - Read the privacy statements and the certification statement on the application form carefully. Then, sign and date this section. For a child under the age of 18, the legal guardian or parent must sign this certification.

How do CANPASS – Private Boat members present themselves and report goods?
The master is the person in charge of the boat and it is through the master that CANPASS – Private Boat members must present themselves and report goods. Masters are responsible for presenting themselves, their crew, and passengers by:
• calling 1-888-CANPASS (226-7277) up to four hours before arriving in Canada;
• giving the estimated time of arrival (ETA);
• calling 1-888-CANPASS again to report any change in the ETA, point of arrival, or other information;
• giving the name and registration number of the boat;
• giving the full name, date of birth, and citizenship for all persons on board the boat;
• giving the destination, purpose of trip, and length of stay in Canada for each passenger who is a non-resident of Canada;
• giving the length of absence for each passenger who is a returning resident of Canada;
• giving the passport and visa information of passengers (including members of the crew), if applicable;
• making sure all passengers have photo identification and proof of citizenship documents;
• declaring all goods being imported, including firearms and weapons;
• reporting all currency and monetary instruments of a value equal to or greater than CAN$10,000;
• for returning residents of Canada, declaring all repairs or modifications made to goods (including the boat) while outside of Canada; and
• giving true and complete information.
As proof of presentation, the CBSA officer will give the master a report number. The master has to give this number to a CBSA officer upon request. If a CBSA officer is not there to meet the boat when it arrives at the reported ETA or actual time of arrival (whichever is later), the master may then proceed to the boat’s final Canadian destination.
If transporting persons into Canada who are not CANPASS – Private Boat members, the boat must arrive at a telephone reporting marine site in Canada and call the telephone reporting centre at 1-888-226-7277.
No one except the master may leave the boat until authorization is given by the CBSA. See the publication called Coming to Canada by Small Aircraft or Recreational Boat on our Web site.

What are the responsibilities of the CANPASS-Private Boat credential holder?
• As a CANPASS – Private Boat member, whether you are the person in charge of the boat, a member of the crew or a passenger, you must:
• show your CANPASS – Private Boat authorization, personal identification (original documents), and any required immigration documents to a CBSA officer upon request;
• not transfer your CANPASS – Private Boat privileges, identification, or documents; and
• follow all the rules and requirements listed in this brochure and in the CANPASS – Private Boat Participant’s Guide, and all the terms and conditions set out on your CANPASS – Private Boat authorization.
All persons on board must have a CANPASS – Private Boat authorization. Although it is the responsibility of the person in charge of the boat to report on behalf of all authorized persons on board, each individual remains responsible for complying with customs and immigration legislation.
Import restrictions
All travellers can import goods for their personal use. United States residents must return all goods to the United States unless the goods were consumed while in Canada.
However, if you are a CANPASS – Private Boat member:
• You cannot import any promotional materials, including samples, commercial goods, or equipment, using your CANPASS – Private Boat privileges. To import these goods, you have to follow the reporting procedures for non CANPASS recreational boat procedures. For more information, see the publication called Coming to Canada by Small Aircraft or Recreational Boat.
• You cannot import controlled, restricted, or prohibited animals, plants, or goods as described in the publications for Canadian residents called I Declare, or in Information for Visitors to Canada and Seasonal Residents, for U.S. residents. These publications are available on our Web site.
• You cannot import prohibited goods into Canada. These include prohibited firearms and prohibited weapons such as Mace, pepper spray, and stun guns. For information about prohibited goods, see the publications called I Declare and Information for Visitors to Canada and Seasonal Residents. If you plan to import firearms or weapons, for hunting or for a competition for example, read and follow the procedures in the publication called Importing a Firearm or Weapon Into Canada.
• There are restrictions on importing alcohol and tobacco products into Canada. For more information, see the publications called I Declare, or Information for Visitors to Canada and Seasonal Residents.
• Controlled, restricted, or prohibited goods will be seized by the CBSA and you may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Penalties
Even if we determine that you are a low risk traveller and we grant you CANPASS – Private Boat membership, you continue to be subject to random examinations to ensure that you comply with the terms and conditions of the CANPASS – Private Boat program as well as any other legislation administered or enforced by the CBSA.
We can revoke or suspend your membership if you fail to comply with the requirements and procedures of the CANPASS – Private Boat program. This includes non compliance with customs and immigration legislation or any other laws the CBSA administers.
Depending on the severity of the violation, the CBSA can impose penalties and seize any goods and any boat used to carry the goods. As well, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.
The CBSA will also enforce violations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for CANPASS members who are not citizens of Canada.

For more information?
Visit our Web site, http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4341-eng.html or call the Automated Customs Information Service (ACIS) at 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access ACIS by calling 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. Long distance charges will apply.

CONTACTS & PHONE NUMBERS:

US Customs & Border Protection - Department of Homeland Security

Houlton Office Main Desk 207-532-2131 - FAX 207-532-6622

Customs Area Security Center (CASC) 207-532-2131 e219

RPEP - Credentials issuing agents include Gordon Anderson and Phil Hathaway
For an appointment 866-930-3278 or 506-325-3199 after 9:00 AM Atl Time (8:00 am Eastern).
Credentials are issued at the Houlton CBP Office on I-95, usually in the afternoon.

CBBLP/I-68 Credentials issuing agents include Clay Quint or Barry Smith
To report a boat landing in Maine under NEXUS Marine or CBBLP I-68 207-532-2131 e255
To report a boat landing by e-mail under NEXUS Marine CASC-Houlton@cbp.dhs.gov

Chris Sullivan, Houlton Region Port Director 207-532-2131 e240
Tom Horton - FAST, NEXUS and RPEP 207-532-2131 e244
Keith Fleming - US CBP Area Director, Portland 207-771-3610 (Debbie Dwearcan, Asst. PDir)
Tony Woo, NE Region Public Affairs Spokesperson, Boston - 617-565-6331

Orient, ME CBP Office 207-448-2427 - Paul Thomas, Senior Officer

Forest City, ME CBP Office 207- 448-2288

Canadian Customs Border Services Agency - Agence des services frontaliers du Canada
1403, Route 95, Belleville, NB E7M 4Z9

Woodstock/Belleville Office 506-325-3181 Fax: 506-328-4850
David J. Andow, A/Superintendent / A/Surintendant - 506-325-3178
e-mail: David.Andow@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Steve Bede

Pat Gallvan - 506-328-9211
Regional Program Service Officer

Dominick Mallette - Halifax
Regional Manager for Programs

Nexus Issuing Center - Woodstock/Bellevue, NB
866-930-3278 or 506-325-3199 after 9:00 AM Atlantic Time (8:00 am EST).
US officers include Gordon Anderson and Phil Hathaway.

Fosterville, NB CBSA Office - 506-894-2281 - Debbie Farrell, Senior Officer with Ellen Crandelmere

Forest City, NB CBSA Office - 506-894-2452

Automated Customs Information Service (ACIS)

800-461-9999 in Canada
506-636-5064 from outside Canada

CBSA Traveler's Division - 204-983-3500
Ottawa K1A 0L5

CANPASS Programs

Denis Bourgoin
Atlantic Regional Program Officer
506-739-1373 - ? Edmundston

CANPASS Processing Centre, Montreal, PQ 514-283-9900

NEXUS Information

866-NEXUS26 - same as 866-639-8726 - a recording only

To Report Suspicious Cross-Border Activities

888-502-9060
800-BE-ALERT

LINKS to related WEBSITES:

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
http://www.dhs.gov and http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit

US Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
http://www.cbp.gov

Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA)
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

NEXUS (USA and CANADA Joint Program)
www.nexus.gc.ca
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

NEXUS Marine
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/ae-ve/2006/nexus_mar-eng.html

Outlying Area Reporting Station (OARS)
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/oars.xml

Remote Port Entry Program (RPEP)
No RPEP page could be found

Canadian Border Boat Landing Program (CBBLP) Form I-68
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/cbbl.xml
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/pleasure_locations/new_england.xml

CANPASS - Private Boats
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4074-eng.html

Passports and Passport Cards
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Although the regulations may change,
Documents that are acceptible Proof of Identity and Citizenship under WHTI include:

Passport (traditional form)

Other accepted Trusted Traveler Credentials (RFID embedded chip)
Passport Card (Future) aka PASS Card (Radio Frequency Identification RFID embedded chip)
Nexus Highway US Form I-823 or Canadian Form E 643E
Nexus Air Canadian Form E694E
Nexus Marine Canadian Form E695E
Sentri Highway US Form I-823S (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection)
Sentri Pedestrian US Form I-823S
FAST - Limited to Commercial Truck Traffic (Free And Secure Trade)

...and maybe:
PAL Form I-866
Low Risk enrollment system Form CBP 823A
State issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

Washington State (citizenship must be indicated - RFID Chip embedded)
Arizona (citizenship must be indicated - RFID Chip embedded)
New York (citizenship must be indicated - RFID Chip embedded)
Vermont (citizenship must be indicated - RFID Chip embedded)

Other valid credentials include:

Valid Merchant Marine Documention (when on Maritime business)
Valid US Military ID Card (when travelling on official orders or permit)
American Indian Card Form I-872
Permanent Resident Card Form I-551 for Alien Residents, Refugees and Asylees

Special Purpose Credentials - Good (only) at certain closed Remote Ports (incl. Orient & Forest City).

RPEP Form I-823S (Radio Frequency Identification RFID embedded chip)

EDITOR’S NOTE: The RPEP card is not listed among authorized alternative entry credentials but might be accepted at the remote ports of Orient or Forest CIty.

During the transitional period from January 31, 2008 when US Legislation becomes effective and the future date that ONLY the above listed documents are accepted, cross-border travelers MAY USE BOTH:

A Government Issued photo ID such as a State Issued Photo Driver’s License or a Department of Justice Issued CanPASS Card or perhaps a CBP Issued RPEP Card

AND

Proof of Citizenship such as an Original, Certified or a photocopy of one’s Birth Certificate or a naturalization certificate

OR for Lawful Permanent Residents, Refugees and Asylees

Alien Resident Cards (Form I-551 or “Green Card” ) issued by DHS

Special Flexible Treatment of Minors will be given during the transitional period:

Children age 15 & under may use a Certified Copy of the child’s Birth Certificate

Children age 16 - 18 may use a Certified copy of the child’s Birth Certificate when travelling under adult supervision with a group: School - Religious - Social - Cultural - Athletic Teams.

Passports and alternative documents MAY be waived for US Citizens in certain individual cases on a case-by-case basis for:

Emergency Medical Treatment
Fire Fighters responding to a fire call
Emergency workers responding to a natural disaster
Medi-vac Cases
Shipwreck
Plane Crash Survivors
Humanitarian Interest
National Interest
Seconday screening at the port may be required by CBP Officials

Canadian Customs Border Security Agency officials
MIGHT ACCEPT
any of the above listed credentials for entry into Canada
OR MAY REQUIRE
another document issued by Canadian Agencies
or may require NO DOCUMENTATION.

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