Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

What is all required in order to do this? Can you freely travel between the US and Canada via boat on the Great Lakes? We are planning a possible trip from Duluth, MN to Thunder Bay, ON next summer and don't wish to get shot at by the Coast Guard for doing something wrong.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

dsmdude,
It all depends. If you do everything by the book it can be a hassle. We live in Western NY (Buffalo) and boat to Canada alot. The beaches there are awesome. However there are alot of rules to follow. My advice to you would be to call Canadian Customs !-888-226-7277 and talk to them.
Dave

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

We go to Pelee Island in Lake Erie all the time. You have to call Canadian Customs when you get there and call US customs when you return. You will need everyone's S.S. #'s and boat registration numbers.

All there is to it!

Dd

Put everything on your Mastercard or Visa while you are there to get the best exchange rate.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

you have to check in with canadian customs upon your arrival, they will ask a few questions and give you a number, you have to check back in with us customs upon your return, need to apply for us customs number for your boat before you go. they were upset last year when i did not have mine, they sent me the form to fill out. which reminds me that i have not done that yet. i will look up us form when i get back home. pretty easy to do, they used to have only certain reporting stations and that was a pain at times, now it is easier.
remember captain is the only one allowed off the boat untill you have checked in.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

unless everyone aboard has a I68, you all have to report in person (or videophone station) to US Customs upon return.

an I68 is a identity/background check just for boaters. You get mugshoted and fingerprinted. Go to your nearest full Customs facility, it's $16 per person.

This, and this only allows you to report in by phone.

admittedly, our system is in trouble and one hand may not know what the other is doing at times, but this is the legal way for boaters to avoid reporting in person (to stations that often close at 7 or 9 PM) or finding a videophone (which are out of order alot).

We here in the 1000 Islands know all about it.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

that is correct and the window they like to see for check in is 20 minutes. Upon arrival call 1 800 CAN PASS and have a pen&paper ready to write down your check in # and leave it on the dash or pasted to a window of your boat.

They can get pretty upset and/or deny you entry if you don't follow the rules!

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

If you already have a passport it helps, but I would not go and get one just for Canada. I 68 makes it a lot smoother. And make sure all of your gear is there (flares, whistle, lifejackets etc) for both US and Canadian Coasties.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

My grandpaps used to go from the Bahamas to Canada all the time, with a few stops outside the 3 mile limit along the way.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

:D :D

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

[QUOTE=Rippem]unless everyone aboard has a I68, you all have to report in person (or videophone station) to US Customs upon return.

an I68 is a identity/background check just for boaters. You get mugshoted and fingerprinted. Go to your nearest full Customs facility, it's $16 per person.



I have never had to have a I 68, been back and forth for years. what they wanted me to have now is a us department of homeland security bureau of customs and border protection annual user fee decal. it is cbp form 339v. decal that you display on the boat good for one year. call 317-298-1245 or http://www.cbp.gov select travel tab, select user fee decal program, click on apply online for decal.

i am in northern michigan, and only know of one video phone up here. we just call on cell and check in, they were upset last year that we did not have the decal. (i did not no about it though)

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

rippem - do you have only specific ports that you can check into or can you check in anywhere in canada?

1-888-CAN-PASS not 1-800

more canpass info http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/ca...ateboat-e.html

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/ca...ateboat-e.html

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

i think this is the list of reporting stations, i tried one year without knowing checking in to a port that was not a reporting station - not a good idea.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/l...3-e.html#d1283

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

I believe (via car anyway) that you will be required to have a passport starting in Jan '08....I would assume the same would be true for boats also. Does anyone know if this will be the case?

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Don't forget, no porn, weapons and only a small amount of tobacco, alcohol etc :drink:

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Cooolll! What are you guys boarder running? :D

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Platform Shoes :) You interested Nort? :evilb:

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

cuban cigars

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

That is what I was told also.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Most of your problems will be on returning to the US. Generally Canada Customs and Immigration are concerened about how much Alchohol and Tobacco are on board(FYI 40oz of liquor or 1 case of beer ea. and 10 packs of 20ct cig per legal adult. No guns. Get you number and be availible for inspection. The US on the other hand is a PITA and getting worse. Most efficient and most expensive the the marine NEXUS program http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/ne...aqs-e.html#P86 The good part it works on both sides. The bad part this is still a pilot program which still may not be unavalible Duluth. You must apply in person get photographed, fingerprinted and have an interview with and immigration officer. Not fun but good for 5 years.

The I-68 program http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pl...boats/cbbl.xml is only for the US and must be be picked up in person for each person on your boat. As mentioned 16.00 per year.

Lastly you can try oars http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pl...boats/oars.xml but if they don't work you will have entered the US illeagly and you boat is subject to siesure.

Another option is go on your trip from Duluth to TB. Looks to be about 200 miles. Call in to Canada customs get your number, have all the fun you want. Then have somone come to Canada with your trailor and tow the boat through customs and avoid all the US marine Bull%$&.

One last kicker, if our threat level is Orange or higher all the programs are technically suspeneded and the only way in is via a boarder crossing. I found that one while trying to leagly transit in a 13' Boston Whaler from Wyandotte, MI to Lasalle Ont. A distance of 1 mile. Of courese is has probably chaneged. Sorry for the long post and good luck.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

exactly. As I said the I68 is for US customs "check back in", and is about the persons aboard.

the 399V is for the vessel

I only know of 1 who got one.

bottom line the whole damn thing is a mess (on our side) they change the rules and requirement before our customs is even up to speed on the last one.
Quite frankly I think the safest bet is for anyone going back and forth to have an I68. It is YOUR IDENTITY that is always gonna be the premier issue.

also it is my understanding that the passport bit is on indefinite hold.

Do you realize how massive a PITA such a requirement will be for ALL involved, the effect on commerce, flow at the border, ect. for years until this could be universally implemented?

They do, and that's why it's on hold and will probably not fly!

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Rippem, We have a place up just outside the islands and I have been thinking about getting an I68. Where did you go to get yours? Also isn't there an equivalent CANPASS form that you can fill out so that all you have to do is call in on your cell to get into Canada or does the U.S. I68 allow you to check into Canada AND the US by cell/phone, since NEXUS is only in pilot stages?

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

drive over to American customs office on Wellesly Island here take the left just before you head down to the booths. Go around back of the building and park, go in and take a number. I/we (depending on if I have a chick for the summer yet or not :D ) usually spend about an hour. Some of the stuff you see in there is priceless, cause when people don't get past the officer at the booth, that's where they take them to sort it out...

no equivelent in Ca. As a boater you can call the CAN PASS number from your cell, from the dock. Just stay on the dock next to the boat or better yet in your boat. If you by lottery get chosen to be "seen" and your wandering around the docks when they arrive...you're off to a bad start!

Once your in the system, they know you. Alot of time I'll call and I just give 'em my name and location and they'll say "you're aboard Imager today Randy?...is (plug in girls name here) with you today? Then ask the 3 questions (which is of course when you tell them about the .45, the case of JD, and the big bag of weed you have aboard :D ) give me a number and wish me a nice day.

Hint: have your cell carrier enable "international call allow" save you big money using your cell over there! I have it on and using my phone over there is just like using my phone locally. Our carriers have agreements with thier towers to service us, but the feature has to be on your number to not pay roaming, intnl. call prices ect.ect. It costs me NOTHING with Cingular.

Don't forget NO OPEN ALCHOHOL IN YOUR BOAT WHILE UNDERWAY IN CANADIAN WATERS. Is the law. They may be somewhat lenient on Americans but don't risk it. They hit there own HARD for this, I know it for fact. Not only dump your beers but fine like $250 PER PERSON.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

I guess I need to do this to do the 1000 island poker run.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Rippem, Thanks was up on everything you touched on except calling canpass from the cell....always went to one of the phones at the marinas.....will have to remember that. Took me about 4 years of fighting with Verizon but have managed not to get charged for calls. Yeah the no beer thing kinda sucks which is why we do most of our hanging out at Potters or on the American side and are real careful when we head toward the Canadian side. (BTW have seen your boat at potters a few times and out cruising...gorgeous boat). I went to school up Clarkson so we got to know a lot of the bridge guards (good and bad!) If you see a guy in a white/red superboat drooling over your 353 give me holler! :D

Here is a shot of Rippem getting chased down by border patrol for not checking in!

http://www.1000islandsphotoart.com/A...4/Default.aspx

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

I had been told me of such a pic in a book about shipping, but I never followed up, or had seen it. Now I have!

Thanks! :cool:

and yea, definitely on the meeting up! :drink:

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Just throwin it out there.....

When you come back to the US side is customs waiting for you to "check in"?

How would they know I coming from canada or just the bay around the corner?

Theres a ton of boats coming into marinas on Lake St. Clair on the weekends

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No, but they do audits now where Canadian Customs database is available to US Customs and if by chance you get caught in this lottery type sampling check back in the country from Canada having not checked in...

The penalties are HEFTY, and I mean HEFTY from what I've heard.
worth the 5 or 10 grand to make no effort to play along? You decide.

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Yes......they were on your Xmas list. :D

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Washington State is trying to block the passport required because of Vancouver hosting the winter Olympics in 2010. So for land and sea travel the Fed's have extended the deadline until Jan 09 after that date you will need a passport........ I have my passport on me at all times so its not a pain. Some states and provinces are working towards creating a "super" license to be universally implemented..

I do miss the good ole' days when both sides ended up telling me not to bother calling them from the fuel dock anymore.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

can anybody tell me how to save or capture that image for my desktop?

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Have a friend from NY who did not realize U.S Customs had access to the Canadian database. Since he's an attorney he got dinged $10K in fines for breaking the law.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

This might help...not ideal for full screen desktop but might not be bad centered...can bump it up a little bigger to0 if you would like but might not be as crisp an image.

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Bingo! Thanks for posting that. I feel bad for your friend, but people needed to know I wasn't kidding about this.

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thanks, I couldn't save it or capture it for some reason.
The res is okay I'll just center it at it's size.

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Unfortunately, this is really about revenue raising. Beware of the government that seizes property- they'll target property and not crime.:mad:

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I think my local City/County/State government, public and private agencies, as well as economic interests here right on top of one of the busiest US/Canadian border crossings has an idea what's happening.
Latest word from the government and other agencies is the implimentation of the passport requirement is on hold, period. Been in print, been on the TV news, local radio ect.
You know better? please enlighten us with your credentials?

Now maybe I'll take your advice and get one...
... and maybe you'll take mine and not be a 3 post wonder using a sh!tty tone and context with long-standing members.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

Hoping to get this thread on track. This is some important stuff. The fact that there are potential 10K fines and Can and US cross checking transit information. Which previously was not the case. This has relevance for infrequent and well as routine boaters in international waters. As border enforcement becomes more refined it's critical all the paperwork is in place.

In our area we have an extensive presence. One of my concerns is issue that many offshore boats are faster than the enforcement vessels(ex. aircraft) working security. That fact alone will make them prime targets for inspection. A understanding of the requirements essential. Actually I never knew about the customs sticker for boats over 30'.

Until this thread I never thought about boating with my passport. While not a requirement it can't hurt to prove citizenship. It's a brave new world I'm afraid. I see the day coming when boating will involve transponders and all passengers will have biometric identification fed into it. You heard it here first.

Personally I am going to go with Nexus because it good for multiple years and it will work at the bridge. I would suggest (respectfully) a passport. It's $97.00 and is good for 10 years. Once you get one you will be glad you did.

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

so you were lipping off about going by boat to Canada and back, and you're in texas?

What an assclown.

Yap about what YOU think the future will bring, remembering the original question...I'm sure, was about right now, or this coming summer of '07.
Also remember the US relationship with Canada is unlike any other, and certianly a far cry from the Meximerica you are familiar with.

I posted real current info/answers for the thread starter, while you speculate and get mouthy.

Go back under your rock bigshot. :rolleyes:

Re: Crossing in to Canada and back via boat
 

note that it says in regards to sea-travel, "as early as January 2008..."
not too definitive is it?

also if your not banned yet for obnoxious posting, trying to sell OSO'rs your motors (before you proclaimed them "junk"), starting a bashing thread on the builder, and challenging the website owner's judgement and authority...all in your first 18 posts
please re-read the thread...

I believe it was about crossing back and forth BY BOAT

and what are the rules NOW or for the UPCOMING SEASON

seems the info I, among others, have provided in regards to Crossing in to Canada and back via boat is accurate and will be for at least another year in reference to recreational boat travel between these two countries.

remember bigshot, unlike crossing by vehicle or by air, there are LITTLE OR NO PROVISIONS for face-to-face in person customs reporting after hours and no one to see and/or feel your bigshot passport!

If any of the impressive gazillion times you've been to Canada and back had actually been by boat you might know WTF your talking about.



So remember to ignore the confusion our friend $hithead has brought to this discussion.
A passport is NOT an I-68, and unless everyone aboard has an I-68, legally you must all report back in at a videophone or in person!

Try finding a live Customs officer after 6 PM, or a videophone (let alone one that works) in the 1000 Islands or on Lake Ontario.

I urge anyone who plans to go out of the country and back via boat and back in this neck of the woods this summer...

to get an I-68, and call US Customs from your cell upon return. It's what's legal RIGHT NOW.

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Oh, for crying out loud...

It must be winter...
This is where I usually hang-out, but I occaisonally go to other boat related boards. Each one has it's own "flavor".
I've alway's compared these sites to bars. Some are nice clubs, some are the corner bar.
Someone here seems like he's used to hanging out at the corner bar, and walked into a nice club for the first time, and is acting like he's at the corner bar.
Somebody call in the bouncers...

Rippem - I got your back man.