Clearing USA CBP by Boat: When the System Glitches

Clearing into the CBP USA is usually routine — until it isn't.

On a recent trip, a system glitch meant my trip ID (1****7) never processed. No amount of refreshing was going to fix it. A kind Officer at the Cruise Port Entry of Miami completed the clearance manually at 1710 with an override on the day we arrived, after reviewing everything presented. When Traveling with Resident Aliens you may need to take extra steps in as far as bringing your passenger to the office yourself. At the end of the day you (The Master) are responsible for all those aboard your vessel and their legal entry

The lesson I give every owner I run for: the paperwork matters as much as the passage plan. Have your documents in hand, present what the officer asks for, and stay patient — the officers know their job, and sometimes the glitch is on their end, not yours.

Clear in properly, when you return and use an agent to clear in to the Bahamas and you will have all your paper work ready to present at the marina. The better Marinas Like Hurricaine Hole have the customs office right at the marina. All you do is quarantine until they arrive. Its a 2 step process. and they hit you with a fee for Customs 1 and Customs 2. Two individual visits. You can use click to clear for your cruising permit.

Contact

Reach out anytime, we're here 24/7

Email

info@trusteddeliverycaptainsofmiami.com

+1-305-697-8487

6

Careers

New partners are always invited to join us. As noted previously, a preference is given to civil servants, first responders and active or military veterans. Please submit your CV to info@trusteddeliverycaptainsofmiami.com

Mobile

© 2026. All rights reserved