Great Lakes sailors are familiar with the I-68 Form, used to enter the United States from Canada. Many Canadian boaters have stopped visiting the U.S. shores because of this requirement. I would be happy to post any information you have to share on my Web Site, Lake Ontario Sailing.com. Please take a look at what I have to say, then click on the Great Lakes Waypoints Web site, listed at the bottom of my page. Thanks, and good sailing this season. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.lakeontariosailing.com/Boycott.htm
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Barry
Wish We had that Problem on Lake Champlain ....
The residents TAXPAYERS would have room to anchor then! We'd really miss those power boat wakes and rude behavior.
The residents TAXPAYERS would have room to anchor then! We'd really miss those power boat wakes and rude behavior.
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Bill
Incident?
What minor incident between the U.S. and Canada has happened now. There is always a bureaucratic slowdown when going between these two countries. When somebody gets their nose out of joint. Happens all the time at the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Canada. Long lines of cars and the people sent over to have cars checked. Just petty politics on both sides for which the ordinary citizen becomes the pawn. Equal blame to both sides. By the way I have alwways found our Canadian neighbors to be very friendly and courteous not to mention great boatbuilders.
What minor incident between the U.S. and Canada has happened now. There is always a bureaucratic slowdown when going between these two countries. When somebody gets their nose out of joint. Happens all the time at the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Canada. Long lines of cars and the people sent over to have cars checked. Just petty politics on both sides for which the ordinary citizen becomes the pawn. Equal blame to both sides. By the way I have alwways found our Canadian neighbors to be very friendly and courteous not to mention great boatbuilders.
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John J. Brady
It's actually a gun Issue.
The new Canadian Gun Laws have sparked many former Canadian citizens to cross the boarder to either buy or sell rifels and shotguns instead of just handing them in to the Canadian goverment. Both sides of the boarder are now involved in the crossing of "Illegal" arms. Hence all the added security both on land and at the marina. Canadian law enforcement officials have even gone so far as following people the US to spy on them and have any suspects searched as they return home. "Welcome to the New World Order". England First, Australia Second, Canada Third, US Next. Strange though how the crime rate has increased everywhere but the US since the new laws. "Thank the UN"
The new Canadian Gun Laws have sparked many former Canadian citizens to cross the boarder to either buy or sell rifels and shotguns instead of just handing them in to the Canadian goverment. Both sides of the boarder are now involved in the crossing of "Illegal" arms. Hence all the added security both on land and at the marina. Canadian law enforcement officials have even gone so far as following people the US to spy on them and have any suspects searched as they return home. "Welcome to the New World Order". England First, Australia Second, Canada Third, US Next. Strange though how the crime rate has increased everywhere but the US since the new laws. "Thank the UN"
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Don Evans
Thanks For Bringing This to Our Attention Ken
Its a shame that this has dettered Canadians from visiting American shoreline. I would have thought it more to do with the 40% difference in currency, but I have read your web page and followed some links, it seems one answer would be to acquire a CanPass. After applying for one and getting permission, visitors (on either side of the border), can call a 1-800 # up to 4 hours before arriving at the border, answer a few questions and be on your way. I believe it cost $25. It has worked well at border crossings and for air traffic crossing frequently between countries and for the marine family also. To Barry of L. Champlain. Sorry you feel us Canadians are hogging all the good anchorages. I guess I feel quite differently about American boaters in Canadian waters, having shared anchorages with many, I have found most to be kind and courteous. There are a few bad boaters on both sides of the fence. I just try not to anchor to close to them. To J. Brady, its interesting to me that another man named Brady had a much different viewpoint on gun ownership. I must challenge your assertion that former Canadian citizens are smuggling guns in and out of the border rather than handing them over to the Canadian gov't. There is, always has been and probably always will be guns smuggled across borders. Our gov't requests the registration of all legal firearms. Its caused some debate as you could imagine but I doubt its driving mass numbers of Canadians to dump guns in the states. I do not see a connection between what Ken has brought to the community and "New Canadian Gun Laws" being responsible for the I-68 form. Incidentally, violent crimes involving guns, is declining in Canada, and I believe in the U.S too. Take care. Don
Its a shame that this has dettered Canadians from visiting American shoreline. I would have thought it more to do with the 40% difference in currency, but I have read your web page and followed some links, it seems one answer would be to acquire a CanPass. After applying for one and getting permission, visitors (on either side of the border), can call a 1-800 # up to 4 hours before arriving at the border, answer a few questions and be on your way. I believe it cost $25. It has worked well at border crossings and for air traffic crossing frequently between countries and for the marine family also. To Barry of L. Champlain. Sorry you feel us Canadians are hogging all the good anchorages. I guess I feel quite differently about American boaters in Canadian waters, having shared anchorages with many, I have found most to be kind and courteous. There are a few bad boaters on both sides of the fence. I just try not to anchor to close to them. To J. Brady, its interesting to me that another man named Brady had a much different viewpoint on gun ownership. I must challenge your assertion that former Canadian citizens are smuggling guns in and out of the border rather than handing them over to the Canadian gov't. There is, always has been and probably always will be guns smuggled across borders. Our gov't requests the registration of all legal firearms. Its caused some debate as you could imagine but I doubt its driving mass numbers of Canadians to dump guns in the states. I do not see a connection between what Ken has brought to the community and "New Canadian Gun Laws" being responsible for the I-68 form. Incidentally, violent crimes involving guns, is declining in Canada, and I believe in the U.S too. Take care. Don
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Sam Kurtz
I Can Hear the Black Helicopters Coming Now
That must explain why so many of them are down here now.
That must explain why so many of them are down here now.
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Thomas Ehmke
I-68...it goes both ways!
Guys, First of all, let's stop beating up on the Canadians. I have visited their shores via Great Lakes waters and landyacht and have always found our northern neighbors to be exceptionally friendly and interested in meeting and talking with us, unlike some of our other international neighbors. The only time I see any Canadians in Ohio is when they pass me doing 75 mph on I-75 heading south on their way to Florida!! (a little humor for Don) The point I wanted to make here is that we Americans,by law,also must fill out an I-68 form when we return from Canada. So, it's not just our Canadian friends who are being discriminated against here. It's a bureaucratic pain-in-the-ass for all of us. Imagine what would happen if at all the land border crossings a form had to be completed before a Canadian could pass into the good old USofA or if an American citizen had to complete this nonsensical form to GET BACK into the USofA. All hell would break loose...but, once again, we boaters take it in the ear because, well, just because we're boaters, I guess. I happen to have one of these forms in my hot little hand, and for your information, the FEE is $16 for an individual or $32 for a family. In order to get one you must submit a copy of your birth certificate or permanent resident card. This paper wonder is sponsored by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. They're not after guns, guys, they want us to prevent us from smuggling illegal Canadians across the border!!! Tom
Guys, First of all, let's stop beating up on the Canadians. I have visited their shores via Great Lakes waters and landyacht and have always found our northern neighbors to be exceptionally friendly and interested in meeting and talking with us, unlike some of our other international neighbors. The only time I see any Canadians in Ohio is when they pass me doing 75 mph on I-75 heading south on their way to Florida!! (a little humor for Don) The point I wanted to make here is that we Americans,by law,also must fill out an I-68 form when we return from Canada. So, it's not just our Canadian friends who are being discriminated against here. It's a bureaucratic pain-in-the-ass for all of us. Imagine what would happen if at all the land border crossings a form had to be completed before a Canadian could pass into the good old USofA or if an American citizen had to complete this nonsensical form to GET BACK into the USofA. All hell would break loose...but, once again, we boaters take it in the ear because, well, just because we're boaters, I guess. I happen to have one of these forms in my hot little hand, and for your information, the FEE is $16 for an individual or $32 for a family. In order to get one you must submit a copy of your birth certificate or permanent resident card. This paper wonder is sponsored by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. They're not after guns, guys, they want us to prevent us from smuggling illegal Canadians across the border!!! Tom
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Ken Palmer
Well said Thomas
I was beginning to wonder if this was getting way off track. It's not about guns or U.S. boaters not liking Canadian boaters, it's about a form required by law that is expensive and inconvenient. Here is an extract from Great Lakes Waypoints: "The Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (INS Form I-68) rules the Great Lakes recreational boating community. To obtain the initial face-to-face inspection required for the issuance of the form requires inordinate automobile travel. The average round-trip travel effort for a U.S. boater is 181 miles (3.6 hours); the Canadian effort is 167 miles (3.9 hours)." I believe that most Canadians would rather cruise their own shores then to have to go through the process of getting the form. There are those that don't even bother getting the form or calling in when arriving in the U.S., but they are putting themselves and their boats at risk. Keep your thoughts coming. Thanks. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.lakeontariosailing.com/Boycott.htm
I was beginning to wonder if this was getting way off track. It's not about guns or U.S. boaters not liking Canadian boaters, it's about a form required by law that is expensive and inconvenient. Here is an extract from Great Lakes Waypoints: "The Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (INS Form I-68) rules the Great Lakes recreational boating community. To obtain the initial face-to-face inspection required for the issuance of the form requires inordinate automobile travel. The average round-trip travel effort for a U.S. boater is 181 miles (3.6 hours); the Canadian effort is 167 miles (3.9 hours)." I believe that most Canadians would rather cruise their own shores then to have to go through the process of getting the form. There are those that don't even bother getting the form or calling in when arriving in the U.S., but they are putting themselves and their boats at risk. Keep your thoughts coming. Thanks. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.lakeontariosailing.com/Boycott.htm
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Rick Webb
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Rob Rich
I knew there was a reason I left..
Buffalo, N.Y. for Austin, Texas. What a pain. However, customs inspections are customs inspections. Having spent 25 years in Buffalo, it's easy to forget that you are living on an international border. Borders stem the flow of food, people, goods, diseases, everything. I agree the paperwork should be made less cumbersome, but access across international boarders should be at least monitored...And is, whether you are aware of it or not... Knowing people who break that law on a regular basis, I am inclined to believe the reg is more of catch all to allow authorities to more easily board a vessel suspected of traffiking (sp?). And then again... I could be wrong....
Buffalo, N.Y. for Austin, Texas. What a pain. However, customs inspections are customs inspections. Having spent 25 years in Buffalo, it's easy to forget that you are living on an international border. Borders stem the flow of food, people, goods, diseases, everything. I agree the paperwork should be made less cumbersome, but access across international boarders should be at least monitored...And is, whether you are aware of it or not... Knowing people who break that law on a regular basis, I am inclined to believe the reg is more of catch all to allow authorities to more easily board a vessel suspected of traffiking (sp?). And then again... I could be wrong....
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Ken Palmer
Coast Guard
I believe the Coast Guard has the right to board a vessel any time, any where. Please correct me if I am wrong. Driving across Europe is like driving from state to state in the U.S. There are no check points or paper-work. Why does the U.S. feel it has to make it so difficult for the recreational boater? If I drive from Canada to the U.S. I am stopped at a check point and asked some questions. I am not charged a fee (except the bridge fee) to cross into the U.S. Boaters are asked the same questions when the call-in by phone, but must also have a form that they originally applied and paid for, in person at a border cross-point. They even require to see everybody that is on that form in person. God forbid you want to take a friend with you that hasn't pre-regestered. Give me a break. If somebody is going to smuggle in something illegal, do you really think they care if you must have Form I-68? It is the innocent that suffer here. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I believe the Coast Guard has the right to board a vessel any time, any where. Please correct me if I am wrong. Driving across Europe is like driving from state to state in the U.S. There are no check points or paper-work. Why does the U.S. feel it has to make it so difficult for the recreational boater? If I drive from Canada to the U.S. I am stopped at a check point and asked some questions. I am not charged a fee (except the bridge fee) to cross into the U.S. Boaters are asked the same questions when the call-in by phone, but must also have a form that they originally applied and paid for, in person at a border cross-point. They even require to see everybody that is on that form in person. God forbid you want to take a friend with you that hasn't pre-regestered. Give me a break. If somebody is going to smuggle in something illegal, do you really think they care if you must have Form I-68? It is the innocent that suffer here. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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Rob Rich
Ken, do they have anything for frequent crossers?
I know my Dad has the equivalent of an easy pass that works for the Peace Bridge. He belongs to a golf club in Fort Erie, Ontario, and crosses the border about three times a week in the spring and summer. This is the way it works. If you are a frequent border crosser, you submit some paperwork for a background check by the FBI. If your check comes back clear, you can use an express lane to go to get back in to the US. Of course, your crossings are also monitored as well. The pass basically gets you a more lenient customs inspection. Do they have this for boaters, and if not, why would they not extend this courtesy to boat traffic as well as motor traffic? Have you pursued this angle? Best Regards, Rob
I know my Dad has the equivalent of an easy pass that works for the Peace Bridge. He belongs to a golf club in Fort Erie, Ontario, and crosses the border about three times a week in the spring and summer. This is the way it works. If you are a frequent border crosser, you submit some paperwork for a background check by the FBI. If your check comes back clear, you can use an express lane to go to get back in to the US. Of course, your crossings are also monitored as well. The pass basically gets you a more lenient customs inspection. Do they have this for boaters, and if not, why would they not extend this courtesy to boat traffic as well as motor traffic? Have you pursued this angle? Best Regards, Rob
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Ken Palmer
I believe it is multi-crossing
I'll look into the restrictions, but I believe that once you buy the Form I-68 by making a personal appearance, it is good for at least the season if not longer. I know there is also a cruising sticker required for boats over 30 feet. This cost is $25 annually, and is now renewable by the Internet. The state is making it easier for us to spend our money, but I wonder where the funds go. There was an article in Boat/US last year about marine fuel tax. Here in New York the tax goes into the general roads fund, nothing to do with helping the boating facilities like most in states. What does it take to wake up the lawmakers in New York? Is it the same in other states? Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.LakeOntarioSailing.com
I'll look into the restrictions, but I believe that once you buy the Form I-68 by making a personal appearance, it is good for at least the season if not longer. I know there is also a cruising sticker required for boats over 30 feet. This cost is $25 annually, and is now renewable by the Internet. The state is making it easier for us to spend our money, but I wonder where the funds go. There was an article in Boat/US last year about marine fuel tax. Here in New York the tax goes into the general roads fund, nothing to do with helping the boating facilities like most in states. What does it take to wake up the lawmakers in New York? Is it the same in other states? Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.LakeOntarioSailing.com
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Ken Palmer
For those that care
Most boaters have to purchase an annual $32 INS Form I-68 (which covers all family members residing at the same address). All other guests have to buy individual I-68's at an annual cost of $16 each. The initial I-68 purchase has to be issued in person at very inconveniently located sites around the Great Lakes. If the boat is 30+ feet, the skipper has to buy an annual $25 U.S. Customs User Fee Decal. They are easy to obtain. There are more paragraphs I can quote, but the bottom line is that few boaters care about changing the system. The bold ones ignore the laws and the timid ones stay tethered to their country's shoreline. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Most boaters have to purchase an annual $32 INS Form I-68 (which covers all family members residing at the same address). All other guests have to buy individual I-68's at an annual cost of $16 each. The initial I-68 purchase has to be issued in person at very inconveniently located sites around the Great Lakes. If the boat is 30+ feet, the skipper has to buy an annual $25 U.S. Customs User Fee Decal. They are easy to obtain. There are more paragraphs I can quote, but the bottom line is that few boaters care about changing the system. The bold ones ignore the laws and the timid ones stay tethered to their country's shoreline. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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