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.