U.S. officials remind boaters to follow border crossing rules for Jobbie Nooner

In the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency issued an important reminder regarding the legal requirements for reporting arrivals of foreign vessels at the Jobbie Nooner event. Scheduled for the last Friday of June, this event attracts numerous boaters from Canada and other countries to Gull Island on Lake St. Clair. Federal law mandates that any operator of a small vessel arriving from a foreign port must report their arrival upon reaching U.S. shores, including those who may have visited a hovering vessel or received goods outside of territorial waters. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, including vessel seizures. The Jobbie Nooner party, described as one of the biggest boat parties worldwide, takes place twice each year. The first is always held just before the July 4th holiday and the second on the first Saturday of September. Approximately thousands of attendees typically participate, some experienced in handling vessels, while others are less so. This diverse participation underlines the potential risks associated with boating, especially during a large social gathering like Jobbie Nooner. Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about the unorganized nature of the event and highlighted the importance of ensuring safety and compliance with the law. Deputy Steve Campau from the St. Clair Sheriff’s Office indicated that authorities have often been cautious about endorsing the event due to its uncontrolled character. Recent changes in state laws have focused on stricter regulations concerning drunken boating, particularly significant given the history of incidents during large gatherings. Michigan's laws now align blood-alcohol limits for boat operators with those of motor vehicles at 0.08%, reflecting a commitment to enhance safety on the water. Authorities emphasize that compliance with these new regulations is crucial not only for the safety of participants but also for the integrity of the event itself. To facilitate the reporting process for foreign boaters, the CBP has introduced innovative options, such as the ROAM app, designed to make checking in easier than ever. This user-friendly application, available for both Apple and Android devices, allows boat operators to fulfill their U.S. legal obligations with minimal hassle. Nevertheless, specific exceptions may apply, such as for travelers requiring CBP’s I-94 form and those needing to pay import fees. The agency has encouraged all boaters participating in the Jobbie Nooner festivities to be aware of these requirements to ensure a successful and lawful event.