Oct
19
Does everyone entering US waters have to go through Coast Guard?
ByI will be sailing a private yacht from the Caribbean into Florida. Just wanted to know if I need to go through Coast Guard. I mean, are they positioned in one spot, or are they always moving on the look-out for people entering US territory?
4 Comments
October 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
A private yacht will be documented and will have a commercial Captain and possibly other licensed officers on board.
Yes, a declaration to the USCG and Customs has to be made prior to entering US waters – at least 96 hours out – or if your journey is shorter than that, prior to getting underway.
October 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
They keep moving. Expect to encounter the US Customs Service, though.
October 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Yes you may be stopped.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Vessels entering the US must proceed directly to customs at a port of entry. The Coast Guard might or might not intercept vessels in transit, it is at their discretion.