Boating from San Juans into Canada

Chromaflage · 06-22-2006, 09:24 PM

OK, I have searched the net and have not been able to find a satisfactory answer to a number of questions. We are looking to boat from the San Juans to either Sidney or Victoria BC. I have a couple questions:

1. What is maritime protocol for a pleasure craft entering Canadian Waters? Is there a VHF radio channel to monitor, announce that you're entering from the US or ???
2. What is protocol for customs when arriving by boat? Anyone know where you have to go or what you need to do when entering the country via a marina or dock?

Also, any info on specific docks in either Sidney or Victoria would be helpful.

Thanks

CrF

andiamo · 06-22-2006, 09:57 PM

There are Canadian Customs locations in Bedwell Harbor, Sidney and Victoria. See the links below for more info:

Canadian Border Service:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

Telephone reporting:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/l...xtype39-e.html

Boat docks:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/l...maps/bc-e.html

The last time I crossed the boarder by boat was two years ago. At that time, the requirement was to go directly to a customs dock (I think you may be able to call by phone, but I have always gone to the Bedwell Harbor dock, for the obligatory purchase of icecream for the family). They will ask about firearms, record information about each passenger, verify your pets (if you have any) have vaccination records, ask about certain fruits and alchohol, and ask about your plans. They will then give you a paper to tape inside your window.

It is not required to fly flags, but if you fly flags, it is customary to fly the US flag to signify your home, and after Customs clearance, add a "courtesy" Canadian flag (ideally placed higher than the US flag).

I recommend getting all the US, returning information before you go. There are US Customs location in Roche Harbor, Anacortes and Bellingham. They will most likely require you to go directly to the dock if this is the first time you have entered the US with your boat. After the first time, you can sometimes check in by cell phone (they can pull your old records by your old clearance number), without being instructed to go to a dock.

Have fun in BC

Chromaflage · 06-22-2006, 10:01 PM

Very helpful!! Thanks very much! I also remember reading somewhere that transmitting on VHF requires an FCC operators license while in Canada. Do you know if that's true?

Thanks again,

CrF

andiamo · 06-22-2006, 10:14 PM

I don't know for sure if the regulations require a license to transmit, but I have gone to Canada for 2-3 week trips at least 5 times, have used the VHF, and have had no issues. I also seldom (probably never) hear people declaring their license numbers while using the VHF.

One other thing. I have always brought pass ports for everyone on board. I'm not sure what they would do if someone didn't have one.

TyBoo · 06-22-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Very helpful!! Thanks very much! I also remember reading somewhere that transmitting on VHF requires an FCC operators license while in Canada. Do you know if that's true?

Thanks again,

CrF

Wow - I was just looking that up to add to this discussion. You can find it here:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html

While you do not need a license to operate your VHF, radar or EPIRB on your boat in US or international waters (unless required under some other rule), you do need one if you go to a foriegn port. Here's one section from the linked site:

Ships are considered as operating domestically when they do not travel to foreign ports or do not transmit radio communications to foreign stations. Sailing in international waters is permitted, so long as the previous conditions are met. If you travel to a foreign port (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands) a license is required. Additionally, if you travel to a foreign port, you are required to have an operator permit as described in Section III.

This is rarely enforced, but it could get you in trouble both in Canada and when you return to US waters.

I'm not trying to stir the pot, or suggest you spring for the FCC license, but knowledge never hurts.

Chum Bucket · 06-23-2006, 04:12 AM

I boat into Canada every Summer. A "Canpass" is required to notify Canadian customs by phone. They agree to meet you at one of the docks at a specific time. If they don't show and you do, you're cleared to be in Canada. The catch is everyone on board must have a Canpass which is like $40(?) per person. See the Canadian customs site for details. I don't hear US vessels declaring their license numbers in Canada either. You need a FCC license to travel into foreign ports. I just got mine this year, $155! The main reason is if you had to use the DSC feature on your VHF, the MMSI number issued by anyone else (BoatUS for example) other than the FCC would not be recognized by Canada. Not a big deal, unless you really need it. I've never heard of Canadian customs dock being a pain to work with. Make sure you have all the documentation ready. Passports are not required yet, but it will happen. Photo ID and a certified copies of birth certificate makes entering easier, especially if you bring the kids along.

Lanikai · 06-23-2006, 06:19 AM

If you have never cruised the San Juan's, you may want to pick up the Waggoner Cruising Guide. Not only does it have great information on protocol but it is also a great read. You can pick one up at West Marine for around $20. Happy Cruising.

Chromaflage · 06-23-2006, 07:42 AM

I'm thinking that it may be less of a hassle just to hop on the Ferry. I may pick up that book though - it sounds like it would have some good info.

Thanks,

CrF

USCGBoating · 06-23-2006, 08:42 AM

Here is a good link from the Recreational Boaters Assosiation of Washington (RBAW) with information on sailing into Canada. http://www.rbaw.org/2005/1105_cbp.shtml

Dan