What is DTOPs? What is it for? Do I really need it for one trip to the Bahamas a year?

[RLKramer]

I just got my renewal letter from customs and border patrol to renew my dtops annual registration to get my new sticker for 2025.

Can anybody explain what the sticker accomplishes and if we really need to have it on our boat for the one round trip a year we make from Florida to the Bahamas?

I've gotten it for probably 10 years, and have never seen it be utilized by any agency.

Is it used for the ROAM program online check-in when we return to the States? I don't think so? Am I wrong?

Comments anyone?

 

[porman]

Yes, the DTOPs number is recorded on ROAM. The only thing I see it does is get some more money for Customs. Luckily it doesn't cost much. Before ROAM we were always asked for the number at the customs dock.

 

[tiltrider1]

Customs won’t clear a boat over 30’ if you haven’t paid for the sticker.

 

[slowgoesit]

It's another money grab, but a necessary one if you want to return to the US from abroad on your boat!

 

[Portage_Bay]

I don't see DTOPS as a money grab. At $34.83 annual I'm thinking it costs CBP that much or more to process the application and issue the sticker.

 

[Ertyqway]

The sticker is mainly a way for them to pre-register and pre-clear vessels entering US waters as being US flagged and not subject to other excise taxes or commercial traffic fees. Otherwise, they would have to look it all up and delay you every time you came in to see if your boat had to be taxed or not.

 

[SteveK]

I have Nexus and was disappointed to find out now I also need DTOPS to enter. It is bureocracy at work. I was sent a renewal notice a few days ago. Just like you can already buy a 2025 car.

 

[Ertyqway]

I have Nexus and was disappointed to find out now I also need DTOPS to enter. It is bureocracy at work. I was sent a renewal notice a few days ago. Just liek you can already buy a 2025 car.

Think of this way: Nexus is for you, DTOPS is for the boat. Sort of like having a driver's license and still needing to get tags for your car (Which you also still have to do for the boat in your local jurisdiction). DTOPS is just a federal tag for crossing the border. Fortunately, it's fairly cheap.

 

[Two Truths]

I do find that, when calling in to get cleared by Nexus, they are appreciative that I have my DTOPS number ready. (You don't need to affix the sticker anywhere--just have the number at hand.) Having all your ducks in a row wins their trust and helps get you waved through without having to stop for a border inspection.

 

[tiltrider1]

I keep the sticker with my registration documents. I am NEXUS and haven’t actually seen a customs agent in 15 years. They do ask for my decal number every time I come home.

I am annoyed by the fact that if you are under 30’ or a big RV you are not required to have the decal. There is no break on the aviation side regardless of aircraft size. By the selective nature of it all, it’s clearly a money grab.

 

[Delta Riverat]

Thirty five dollars a year is not a money grab, it's lunch for 2.

Or a really good lunch for me -

 

[SteveK]

Think of this way: Nexus is for you, DTOPS is for the boat. Sort of like having a driver's license and still needing to get tags for your car (Which you also still have to do for the boat in your local jurisdiction). DTOPS is just a federal tag for crossing the border. Fortunately, it's fairly cheap.

Actually, I do not need tags for the car or boat. Have a one time license decaled on both sides. Nexus and all the names before it are for the human. The mode of transportation should not matter, but it does to create a separate entity.
Nexus is federal, instead of DTOPS, why not add the boat to Nexus, even the car, one lookup needed. Too simple?
For those that have Nexus, you know you are vetted by both sides.
I suppose those that cannot get Nexus, can get DTOPS, hmmm?