Vessels entering the US Virgin Islands need to proceed directly to a port of entry for clearance pursuant to 19 CFR 4.2 see 19 U.S.C. 1433). 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 pursuant to 8 CFR 235.1. Passengers and crew are not allowed to go ashore until properly cleared. All passengers must present themselves and their documents to US CBP including the following:
  1. Documentation of nationality for each passenger / crew member
  2. Ship’s documents
  3. Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement (CBP Form 1300)
  4. Passenger and Crew List (CBP Form I-418)
  5. Clearance from the last port of call
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are now requiring for all Commercial Vessels arriving from a foreign port to the US and departing from the US to a foreign port (US includes the USVI and foreign port includes the BVI) that:   1. Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) manifests are submitted to CBP through the Electronic Notice of Arrival/Departure web portal (https://enoad.nvmc.uscg.gov/). This is based on CBP regulations established in 2005 but only now being fully implemented. This now applies to all vessels engaged in international commercial trade*, including vessels whose weight is less than 300 Gross Tons and vessels who are not otherwise required by USCG to provide a notice of arrival. It is possible to submit electronic APIS manifests for the departure from the USVI to a foreign port at the same time as submitting the arrival APIS manifest information for the return back into the USVI, as long as the APIS submission for the departure is submitted ahead of the arrival. APIS manifests must be submitted at most 60 days and, in some cases, at least 60 minutes prior to departure from the last foreign port or place. Details on the timing of submissions can be found in the CBP Vessel APIS Guide, the most recent version of which can be found at and downloaded from http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/vessel_guide_3.pdf. Commercial Vessels arriving into the United States or U.S. Virgin Islands are still required to present all crew and passengers with their passports at a Customs & Immigrations Office along with completed CBP forms 1300 and I-418.   2. Additionally, Customs and Board Protection (CBP) now also require all commercial vessels to obtain an International Carrier Bond as insurance against CBP penalties that could be incurred were the vessel not to follow APIS reporting procedures correctly. The bond ensures that charter yachts comply with customs laws and regulations, pay for overtime services, and properly manifest their passengers with regard to clearance of the vessel. All commercial vessels are advised to submit a copy of their bond to either the Seaport Supervisors for the ports record. To obtain an International Carrier Bond, you must contact an approved surety selectedfrom the list of approved sureties on the Bureau of the Fiscal Services websiteThe surety will complete an CBP Form 301 for a continuous or single entry international carrier bond. Only one bond is required and will cover operations at all ports of entry For more assistance, visit the Small Business Administration website at https://www.sba.gov/Additional questions may be forwarded to the following email address: bondquestions@cbp.dhs.govFor all inquiries concerning bond centralization, the Surety Bonds & Accounts Team (SBAT) has established a voice mailbox at (317) 614-4880.
Pleasure / Private Vessels can report using the ROAM App: Mobile (ROAM) App

Clearance Ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands:

 
  • Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal, St. Thomas 877.305.8774 8am – 5pm Seven Days a Week
  • Cruz Bay CBP Terminal, St. John 877.305.8775 10 – 5pm Seven Days a Week
  • Red Hook Ferry Terminal, St. Thomas 8 – 5pm by foot only (excluding lunch 12 – 1pm) berth at American Yacht Harbour or anchor in Vessup Bay and utilise the AYH dingy dock
  • Gallows Bay, St. Croix 340.773.1011 8 – 5pm Mon – Fri, after hours 340.773.1490

Other Government Office Contacts:

  • DPNR – Environmental Enforcement For all boating regulations and questions the Department of Planning and Natural Resources is the Primary Contact.  They have an office conveniently located in Cyril E. King Airport on the 2nd Level.  Their website is also quite handy, housing forms for Mooring Permits, Boat Registrations, Anchoring Permits and many more.  Use the link below to find the usable information.
  • USCG – St. Thomas The Marine Safety Detachment in St. Thomas is a Division of Coast Guard Sector San Juan.  Their office is on the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie, and their personnel are extremely helpful.  All recreational and commercial boats should familiarize themselves with this agency and find out which regulations will apply to their vessel or operation.  The link below will get you started.
    • Tel. (340) 776-3497 ext. 200                   Tel. (340) 776-3497 ext. 209
    • Fax. (340 774-1687
    • Mailing Address: 3300 Veterans Drive, St. Thomas, VI 00802
  • SPANISH VI and P.R. USCG Sector San Juan USCG Sector San Juan is responsible for all Coast Guard Missions throughout Puerto Rico and The US Virgin Islands region.
    • #5 Calle La Puntilla Final, San Juan, PR 00901-1800
    • https://www.uscg.mil/sectorsanjuan/
    • Hours of Operation 0700 – 1130 | 1230 – 1530
    • NON-EMERGENCY CALLS TO SECTOR SAN JUAN  (787) 729-6800
    • EMERGENCY CALLS SECTOR SAN JUAN 24-HOUR OPERATIONS CENTER. Search & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Marine Casualty, Oil/HAZMAT Spill, Port Security or other Marine Emergency Report (787) 289-2041
  • DNRA – PR The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for the all boating regulations within Puerto Rico and The Spanish Virgin Islands.  They have several detachments and most of their information can be found online.  The website is in Spanish, so brush up on your lingo!
    • http://drna.pr.gov
    • Carretera 8838, km. 6.3, Sector El Cinco, Río Piedras
    • Teléfonos: 787-999-2200

Please understand the above general information is provided for informational purposes only.  VIPCA is not able to offer legal advice to its members or others.  You are encouraged to seek the assistance of counsel in order to receive answers to your particular issue or situation.