Only time I ran across this was crossing back from Nova Scotia to Maine. Fog and seas were too heavy to continue so we anchored in Maine and called via VHF the Coast Guard. Told them that for the safety of the vessel we had decided to stop.
Right after we lifted anchor at first light we were boarded. We continued on with the Coast Guard boat pacing us. I handled the inspection while the Admiral steered the boat. No problem at all.
Be more careful in the Eastern Caribbean. $500US fines are given out freely for going to shore without having cleared in. Only issue is whether they spot you. Typically a boater can anchor if he arrives late in the day and check in in the morning. That works. Just don't admit to having gone out to dinner.
Friends arrived in St. Lucia from Martinique around 1 pm and didn't feel like checking in that afternoon, but went to dinner. Unfortunately a customs agent saw them at dinner and threw the book at them when they tried to check in the next morning. Passports seized, fines levied etc.
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Marty
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