US Customs By Boat Demystified: Bahamas Cruising Adventure Prep (Part 1)

[@echozulucruising]

What is your experience returning with US Customs and Border Patrol coming into the US? Mine is returning to the from the Bahamas on the live aboard dive boat Sea Fever with six Cuban refugees and having to check into Coast Guard Station Miami immediately upon entry. We had picked up the refugees at Elbow Cay on Cay Sal Bank and they stayed on board 24 hours or so before we could get back to Miami. With us in constant contact with the Coast Guard once they were on board. When they stepped foot on board the Sea Fever, they were on US "soil." The bond that formed quickly between the passengers and the refugees was amazing to watch. I don't know what happened to them, but, it is a foundational memory of dealing with US Customs and Immigration.

[@wesleyferguson6932]

Thanks very much for all your information.

[@echozulucruising]

Appreciate the comment, trying to make boating accessible as possible.

[@stevesmith2142]

Was looking forward to some footage of your journey to Bahamas - any videos planned with some footage?

[@echozulucruising]

I do plan another video on crossing and bimini. I have less footage than I hoped, but, there are some cool spots to highlight and the approaches. My day job has pulled me away recently.

[@johnmarschalk1977]

Sounds like it would be easier to get someone to bring boat back and just cross at the southern border!!! Good information anyway. Sure seem harder than it needs to be for a US citizen to return to their country

[@echozulucruising]

It is mainly knowing what you need to do. DTOPS for the boat over 30’ was something new to me to register ahead of time the first time. The CBP ROAM App makes coming back into the US pretty cool, with the ability to check in remotely rather than check in at a specific location. Pain to enter everything, but saves a ton of time.

[@johnmarschalk1977]

@@echozulucruising The video had great information. I was being a little snarky since I had the TV on but muted. They were showing "migrant" encounters and then switched to NYC and what they were giving them when I looked up. Plan to do the loop in next 3 - 5 yrs and Bahamas definitely on the agenda

[@w.w.trader1813]

I was thinking about you today. You haven't recorded anything for a long time, so how do you want to become a millionaire from YT?😁

[@echozulucruising]

I gotta pick it up!