Customs check-in for US flagged vessels?

[Rob_P]

If you're a US flagged vessel and you sail from, say, California to Hawaii, do you have to fly the Q-flag and check in with customs? Same question in regards to the USVI or PR.

I know you don't have to fly a host flag because you're flagged US, but flying the quarantine flag and going through customs is not something I'm familiar with.

[Telesail]

It all depends where you came from. You have to fly a Q flag and check in with CBP in Puerto Rico if coming from US Virgin Islands because it is a duty free zone. Ditto sailing to continental USA from US VI.

I am not sure about sailing to Hawaii from USA but I think the need to check in would relate to agriculture controls for sure and perhaps a CBP check that you had come direct from USA.

[Gudgeon]

Sailing from Cali to Hi you do not have to clear US customs, you do have to check in with the Hi department of agriculture. There are restrictions on vegetable's and animals being brought in to Hi. With the current emergency orders you also need to check in with the department of health. Not sure of the most current rules but I believe your time at sea counts towards quarantine time.