Last summer entering and returning from Canada was no problem. Have the events of 9/11 changed the procedures and requirements for entering Canadian waters and ports? What will be required to return to the USA? Any new info would be most appreciated.
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You can't do that...
As it stands now, entering Canada is the same as it was prior to 9/11. However, the I-68 program has been suspended. That does not mean the law requiring you to present yourself to an INS inspector has been suspended. The I-68 was a program that allowed you to comply with the law. Without that program, you have no way to legally enter the US on your boat. INS did not suspend the program, that was our Home Security Czar. It has been rumored that some program will be in place at some point, but what it is and when is anyone's guess. Once it comes out, I will post word on the site. Until that time, don't leave the US waters unless you plan on leaving your boat in Canada and coming back on a land border crossing (bridge or tunnel).
As it stands now, entering Canada is the same as it was prior to 9/11. However, the I-68 program has been suspended. That does not mean the law requiring you to present yourself to an INS inspector has been suspended. The I-68 was a program that allowed you to comply with the law. Without that program, you have no way to legally enter the US on your boat. INS did not suspend the program, that was our Home Security Czar. It has been rumored that some program will be in place at some point, but what it is and when is anyone's guess. Once it comes out, I will post word on the site. Until that time, don't leave the US waters unless you plan on leaving your boat in Canada and coming back on a land border crossing (bridge or tunnel).
Crossing the Border
Pete, We were in Canada on 9/11 and expected a real hassle on our return. We have both a PIN number with US Customs and a CANPASS number. Returning to the States on 9/15 we were able to clear customs from the deck of our boat using a cell phone and the PIN number. I was amazed. I have heard that Canada has suspended the CANPASS program, but don't know if it's been reinstated yet. I hope so as we generally go back and forth a few times during the summer. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Pete, We were in Canada on 9/11 and expected a real hassle on our return. We have both a PIN number with US Customs and a CANPASS number. Returning to the States on 9/15 we were able to clear customs from the deck of our boat using a cell phone and the PIN number. I was amazed. I have heard that Canada has suspended the CANPASS program, but don't know if it's been reinstated yet. I hope so as we generally go back and forth a few times during the summer. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Update
Pete, I just spoke to both US and Canadian customs as the outcome could have a big impact on a trip I'm planning in a couple of months. US Customs says their decal program with PIN numbers is still in effect. You can call in off your cell phone though they may refer you to a customs check in station. They strongly recommended carrying your passport as proof of US citizenship. The Canadian customs people said the CANPASS program is still suspended but that they are taking applications. He said they were hopeful to have it reinstated in time for sailing season assuming no more problems developed. Even if it's not you can still clear customs at a normal check in processing location. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Pete, I just spoke to both US and Canadian customs as the outcome could have a big impact on a trip I'm planning in a couple of months. US Customs says their decal program with PIN numbers is still in effect. You can call in off your cell phone though they may refer you to a customs check in station. They strongly recommended carrying your passport as proof of US citizenship. The Canadian customs people said the CANPASS program is still suspended but that they are taking applications. He said they were hopeful to have it reinstated in time for sailing season assuming no more problems developed. Even if it's not you can still clear customs at a normal check in processing location. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
CanPass
According to the Canadian Customs website, the CanPass program was either suspended or curtailed for auto,trucks, and planes, but it appears that private boats were not affected. "Telephone Reporting for Private Boats and Seaplanes Travellers arriving by private boats will continue to telephone report but should expect increased examinations by Customs." For more see the related link.
According to the Canadian Customs website, the CanPass program was either suspended or curtailed for auto,trucks, and planes, but it appears that private boats were not affected. "Telephone Reporting for Private Boats and Seaplanes Travellers arriving by private boats will continue to telephone report but should expect increased examinations by Customs." For more see the related link.
More information
I found a website last night that shed some more light on this story. Check the link below. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I found a website last night that shed some more light on this story. Check the link below. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Customs
There appears to be a bit of confusion on the I-68 program. This is strickly an US INS program that allows for a boater to comply with the law. It has nothing to do with US Customs, which has the decal program for boats over 30'. To fully comply with the law, you must clear Customs and Immigration (Customs are things, Immigration is people.) Don't assume that a call to Customs clears your Immigration requirement, or that an I-68 clears Customs even if you did not buy anything. The laws have not changed, but the programs have been suspended or are under review for changes. At this point, we just don't have a way to comply with the Immigration law. Typical of a congressman (related link of the prior posting), they pass the law, and then blame INS or Customs for any problems with compliance. They took care of that by passing a law prohibiting government workers from complaining (IE: telling the truth). Your tax dollars at work. Again, until the I-68 program or one like it comes back, we have no way to legally sail to Canada and return with our boats.
There appears to be a bit of confusion on the I-68 program. This is strickly an US INS program that allows for a boater to comply with the law. It has nothing to do with US Customs, which has the decal program for boats over 30'. To fully comply with the law, you must clear Customs and Immigration (Customs are things, Immigration is people.) Don't assume that a call to Customs clears your Immigration requirement, or that an I-68 clears Customs even if you did not buy anything. The laws have not changed, but the programs have been suspended or are under review for changes. At this point, we just don't have a way to comply with the Immigration law. Typical of a congressman (related link of the prior posting), they pass the law, and then blame INS or Customs for any problems with compliance. They took care of that by passing a law prohibiting government workers from complaining (IE: telling the truth). Your tax dollars at work. Again, until the I-68 program or one like it comes back, we have no way to legally sail to Canada and return with our boats.
Missing links found
Hi Don, Below the article you'll see a link (in blue) named 'Related link.' That's the one! ph.
Hi Don, Below the article you'll see a link (in blue) named 'Related link.' That's the one! ph.
Another I-68 Link
I found the following link a couple years ago when I was researching the requirements for pleasure boaters crossing the borders of Canada and the U.S. The letter is long and very detailed, with page after page of supporting documentation, but it sure does open your eyes to the laws. I had written a page on my site calling it a Canadian Boycott since we have made it very difficult for Canadians to enter our shores legally. I have never had a problem (well maybe once), entering Canada. I could never understand why we were making it so difficult for Canadian sailors to visit us. Take a look at the following link, and remember, it was written 2 years ago. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I found the following link a couple years ago when I was researching the requirements for pleasure boaters crossing the borders of Canada and the U.S. The letter is long and very detailed, with page after page of supporting documentation, but it sure does open your eyes to the laws. I had written a page on my site calling it a Canadian Boycott since we have made it very difficult for Canadians to enter our shores legally. I have never had a problem (well maybe once), entering Canada. I could never understand why we were making it so difficult for Canadian sailors to visit us. Take a look at the following link, and remember, it was written 2 years ago. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Yet another link...
This link applied to the way the laws and programs were prior to 9/11. The laws still apply, the programs may be suspended or changed. Hopefully it will be updated when the programs are. And Ken, one reason that it is harder for Canadians to enter the US is that it is easier for everyone else in the world to enter Canada. Smugglers bring people to Canada, and then try to bring them across our northern boarders, many times by small boat. By the way, it is just as difficult for a US citizen to return to the US via boat as it is for someone from Canada to enter. Both are subject tot he same comliance to the law and use the same programs for entry. Equal pain, but still a pain. Steve
This link applied to the way the laws and programs were prior to 9/11. The laws still apply, the programs may be suspended or changed. Hopefully it will be updated when the programs are. And Ken, one reason that it is harder for Canadians to enter the US is that it is easier for everyone else in the world to enter Canada. Smugglers bring people to Canada, and then try to bring them across our northern boarders, many times by small boat. By the way, it is just as difficult for a US citizen to return to the US via boat as it is for someone from Canada to enter. Both are subject tot he same comliance to the law and use the same programs for entry. Equal pain, but still a pain. Steve
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