Hi Steve We have received our DTOPS decal. But we are in Florida. Do we have to use the local boater option as well? On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 9:38 PM, Steve Sipe <scs_maerin@maerin.net> wrote: > On 4/7/2011 8:53 PM, peter denton wrote: > > Is anyone familiar with the decal/transponder system offered by the US > customs? If I understand it correctly it facilitates re-entry to the > country after a trip to ,say, the Bahamas. > > Peter Denton > Susie Q > > The decal will be required for re-entry, Customs will ask you for your > decal number. It identifies your vessel and owner info and that you've paid > the fee. You may also have heard about the Local Boater Option, a card that > you can obtain from various Florida Customs offices. The decal can be > applied for online, and once you figure out the bureaucratic gobbledegook on > the site, it's relatively easy. Why they insist on using "order fulfillment" > for "your stuff is being sent" and "transponder interface" or some other > such cryptic phrases for "I want a decal", is beyond me, but you'll be able > to translate it after a bit. They fullfill the orders in a time-transited > effectual element. (Takes less than a week, usually) <G>. > > The LBO is different than the decal, and a separate item. The LBO card is > not required, and is only valid in Florida and in certain ports of entry, > all in Florida- they're listed on the card. Applying for the card is a snap > if you have wheels. You can schedule the interview appointment online, and > it takes longer to find the correct door than it does to complete the > interview. Guy looks at you, your passport, grunts, and you're done. The > card enables you to check in with customs by phone instead of going in > person to the customs office. > > When we checked in at Maine after being in Canada this summer, we called > the Customs office, the officer came 40 minutes to us at the dock, very > professional, courteous and talkative. He never heard of the local boater > option, or having to drive to the customs office. > > Just as an aside, in '09 we went to the Port Canaveral Customs office, guy > there was pretty friendly, thanked us for coming in and doing the > responsible thing. He estimated about 10% of cruisers bother to check in > from the Bahamas. But > > > > -- > Steve Sipe > Solo 4303 *"Maerin"* > Exuma, Bahamas