New requirements for foreign flagged vessels in US waters came into effect as of January 2016. A cruising license is now required which will last for 1 year from date of issue. Please view the details on the US Customs and Border Protection website.

https://www.cbp.gov/es/node/98956

Useful FAQs are being posted here: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/608/~/pleasure-boats---obtaining-a-cruising-license

Vice Commodore, OCC