Florida lawmakers want remote system to inspect boaters

A Florida lawmaker this week plans to introduce legislation in Congress that would require the Homeland Security Department to remotely inspect recreational boats returning from Caribbean ports. Videophones and biometric technology would be employed to verify boaters' identities.

The U.S. recreational boating industry represents 76 million boaters, who spent $30.3 million on boats and accessories in the 2003, according to the Homeland Security Department. The department requires U.S. boaters to report in person to an immigration officer when returning from foreign ports.

Republican Rep. Mark Foley said last week that his legislation would require the department to install 13 videophone systems at public gas docks, boating marinas and state parks in south Florida. Last spring, Foley and Rep. Clay Shaw, also a Florida Republican, unsuccessfully appealed to the department to create the program, arguing that it would ease inspection procedures and regulations that have adversely affected the U.S. marine industry.

The lawmakers encouraged Homeland Security to develop a system similar to one in Canada or employ "mobile or satellite enforcement units" at established inlets or nearby marinas. "Participating marinas would reap economic benefits, as many boaters would purchase food, fuel and other services while already docked for a clearance check," they said.

"Unfortunately, my calls have gone unheeded," Foley said last week at a news conference in Florida. "That is why I will soon introduce legislation to require the department to set up this same system in south Florida."

The little-known Canadian program was established before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It has been enhanced since 2001 to include biometric technology, which can include scanned fingerprints or irises, along with digital photographs.

The boat initiative requires applicants to appear in person annually for inspections and interviews. U.S. officials check names against immigration and law enforcement databases, as well as collect biometrics.

If approved for the program, participants receive seasonal boating permits to enter the country using one of the 33 videophone stations along the U.S.-Canadian border at public marinas. Boaters dial U.S. officials for remote inspections using the two-way visual and audio tool and can stay on U.S. waters only for less than 72 hours and within 25 miles of the U.S. border.

U.S. citizens, who are required to check with U.S. officials when returning from Canada, also can use the videophones.