U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is working on a new vessel entrance and clearing system (VECS).  

The new system will help CBP automate and digitize its vessel entrance and clearance process.  Vessel masters, operators, and agents will have the ability to submit certain data electronically instead of in the current paper format.  CBP will use the data submitted and pair it with information received from the Coast Guard and other agencies to allow a vessel to berth quicker.

CBP expects to release a pilot program later this year and will invite users to participate.  A Federal Register notice will be forthcoming, announcing a new Vessel Agency account type in ACE which will allow users to participate in the pilot program.