Coast Guard $$$/Border Inspections

[Tom Ehmke]

Yesterday morning I heard on the morning newscast that the USCG will be receiving a 20% increase in funding as part of the President's proposed legislation to, in part, maintain better control of our ocean and lake borders. My first thought was "Great!! Now we may see some improvement in law enforcement with more coastguard folks on the water." But then I thought of the infamous I-68 form and what strict (or better-stricter) enforcement of that regulation could mean. Has anyone got any information on what could happen next season to those of us who frequent foreign (Canadian, in particular) ports? I am now wondering if my boat, myself, and my crew may be searched at one or both ports of entry every time I make a crossing to Canada on Lake Erie. No rumors please. If anyone has law enforcement or Coast Guard connections with good information, I'm sure many of us who go back and forth to Canada would like to know what may happen next season.Tom

 

[Rick Webb]

OPS Tempo

I doubt that you will be seeing more than you are now. Since September 11 those poor guys have been run into the ground. The additional funding MAY cover the additional maintance and operations cost of operating their facilities at a higher rate than what has been budgeted for untill now (operations tempo). I am not sure the numbers I have seen were for public consumption but by the end of the year they will only be operating sail boats because they will be out of gas money. That having been said if you are stoped and inconveinced remember that is not why they are out there, give them a coke and thank them for being there.

 

[David Foster]

Oh, he never returned, no he never returned...

Like poor old Charlie on the MTA, there is now _no_ way for a boater to return from Canada on Lake Erie accoring to the Immigration representative at the Cleveland boat show last week-end. We went there to get an IL 68, but he said that due to their Level 1 alert status, all processing was suspended, and he had no word about what the process would be once boats are back in the water in the spring.He gave us his e-mail address, and said he would keep us informed directly if any procedure was announced. (Don't have it with me now, but will register, and inform the site if I learn anything.)DavidLady Lillie

 

[Jay Kent]

Dave, Is What You Are Saying.....

that, as an example, we can't got from Sandusky Bay to Pelee'- "officially" as of now? That example could be Leamington, Kingston,etc. too.

 

[Steve]

INS

As stated in an earlier reply, the I-68 program has been suspended. There is no word on if and when it or a replacement will be in place. However, common sense says that something will have to be done prior to boating season. I haven't heard anything regarding calling Customs upon a return, but both an INS I-68 and call to US Customs was the requirement for last year. In the Port Huron area, the word is that more Border Patrol, USGC, and Marine Patrols will be the norm, and all be involved in enforcement of laws.For those that don't know, or think that all are the same, Customs takes care of "things", INS takes care of "people". Two different departments (Treasury