What action should the operator of a Canadian pleasure craft take before any boating trip from Canadian waters to US waters?

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Table of Contents Show

Boat Condition
General Preparations
Reporting Requirements
Exceptions to Face-to-Face reporting to CBP
CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM)
Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68)
Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS)
Boats for Display, Testing, or Race

Accepted in all Provinces

Before each trip, review a pre-departure checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip.

Weather

Check the weather forecast for the area and timeframe during which you will be boating.

Boat Condition

Check the hull for cracks or other damage.
Make sure the steering and throttle controls are operating properly.
Check the electrical system and that all lights are working properly.
Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor.
Check the propulsion and cooling systems.
Check the oil level, and inspect the engine compartment for oil leaks.
Change the oil filter, water filter, and spark plugs, if needed.
Check hose connections for leaks or cracks, and make sure hose clamps are tight.
Drain all water from the engine compartment, and be sure the drainage plug is replaced and secure.
Make sure you have enough fuel or know where you can refuel. Remember that you want ⅓ to go out, ⅓ to return, and ⅓ in reserve.
Check to be sure you have a fully charged engine battery and fire extinguishers.

Equipment

Make sure that you have the required number of lifejackets or PFDs, that they are in good condition, and that they are the proper sizes for the persons on board. Encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket or PFD.
Check that all required safety equipment is on board, is in good working order, and is easy to reach.
Make sure you have a first-aid kit, basic tools, and spare parts, including plugs for all through-hull fittings.
Make sure you have official nautical charts and related publications.
If so equipped, make sure the engine shut-off line is in good order.

General Preparations

Make sure the weight of persons and gear is evenly distributed and balanced, keeping most of the weight low.
Make sure all boat operators have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of competency on board.
Check your charts to be sure you know the locations of local hazards and the expected water levels and tides.
Leave a float plan with a reliable friend or relative. Make sure that person knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
Run the blowers for at least four minutes before starting the engine. Check for airflow.

It is your responsibility as the "master" (skipper/owner) of a recreational vessel to obtain the latest information regarding entry or re-entry in Canada with a pleasure craft.

Consult the Canada Border Services Agency Web site for the latest entry procedures by Recreational Boat or Small Aircraft at:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html

For boaters frequently crossing the Canada US Border, you can also use a NEXUS, CANPASS to simplify the entry procedure.

NEXUS

NEXUS Entry Procedure: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/marine-maritime-eng.html

Obtaining and Information on NEXUS: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

CANPASS

CANPASS Entry Procedure and Information : http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/menu-eng.html

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/canpassprivateboat-eng.html

US Border Crossing

It is your responsibility as the skipper/owner of a recreational vessel to obtain the latest information regarding entry in the US with a pleasure craft.

The latest information can presently be found on the US Homeland Security Web site at:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/svrs

If your vessel is 30ft or more, ensure that you have your US issued "Decal":

https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/

Please note that all recreational boaters are required to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada as per the Customs Act (CA) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). This includes all foreign boaters entering Canada, as well as private boaters who depart Canada and enter foreign waters, and subsequently return to Canada.

Security requirements when visiting US waters

Using current information

Anyone intending to operate a boat in US waters should, before leaving Canada, obtain the latest update of the US homeland security requirements. They should also obtain full information regarding other matters such as: US immigration and customs requirements, US boat licensing requirements and US maritime VHF radio licensing requirements.The US Coast Guard, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement are part of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Visit website for US Department of Homeland Security.

Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) is no longer in service and float plans will no longer be accepted. Boaters looking for a new, faster way to report their arrival and/or apply for a registered boater program may use the CBP ROAM app, available for free on the Apple App and Google Play stores. Boaters may also continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers, if desired.

Pursuant to 19 CFR 4.2, operators of small pleasure vessels, arriving in the United States from a foreign port or place to include any vessel which has visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside the territorial sea, are required to report their arrival to CBP immediately (see 19 U.S.C. 1433).

The master of the vessel reports their arrival at the nearest CBP facility or such other place as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations. These reports are tracked in the Pleasure Boat Reporting System. Pursuant to 8 CFR 235.1, an application to lawfully enter the United States must be made in person to a CBP officer at a U.S. port-of-entry when the port is open for inspection.

Reporting Requirements

CBP has designated specific reporting locations that are staffed during boating season for pleasure boats to report their arrival and be inspected by CBP. The master of the boat must report to CBP telephonically and be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to satisfy the face-to-face requirement, or report to the nearest designated reporting location along with the boat's passengers for inspection.

Exceptions to Face-to-Face reporting to CBP

Alternative Inspection Systems (AIS) satisfy the boat operator's legal requirement to report for face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1, but boaters must still phone in their arrival to satisfy 19 USC 1433.

There are three exceptions to the face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location, CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (CBP ROAM), NEXUS, and the Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68). Participation in any of these programs does not preclude the requirement for physical report upon request by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Any small pleasure vessel leaving a United States port into international or foreign waters, without a call at a foreign port, does not satisfy the foreign departure requirement. Therefore, certain fishing vessels, cruises to nowhere, or any vessel that leaves from a United States port and returns without calling a foreign port or place, has not departed the United States.

CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM)

The CBP ROAM app is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart device or a tablet located at local businesses to satisfy the above reporting requirements. In limited areas, travelers arriving remote areas may also be eligible to use the CBP ROAM app. Travelers using the CBP ROAM app may use the app to apply to become Verified Travelers (which includes existing LBO, SVRS, and I-68 numbers) and receive expedited processing on future arrivals.

NEXUS

NEXUS Marine program is a joint Canada-U.S. initiative that offers facilitated customs and immigration clearance for recreational low-risk boaters entering either country through registration into the program. NEXUS is valid for 5 years and satisfies the boat operator's legal requirement to report to a port-of-entry for face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1, but boaters must still phone in their arrival to satisfy 19 USC 1433.

Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68)

Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68) applicants for admission into the United States by small pleasure boats are inspected and issued an I-68 permit for the entire boating season. The I-68 permit allows boaters to enter the United States from Canada for recreational purposes with only the need to report to CBP by telephoning in their arrival.

Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS)

SVRS is no longer in service and float plans will no longer be accepted.

Boaters looking for a new, faster way to report their arrival and/or apply for a registered boater program may use the CBP ROAM app, available for free on the Apple App and Google Play stores. Current SVRS registration numbers may be used within the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) for expedited processing. Boaters may also continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers, if desired.

Boats for Display, Testing, or Race

Vessels that are entered into the United States for display at boat shows, testing, to take part in a race (not for money) and will not be in the United States for more than 90 days may be admitted without formal consumption entry or bond. A certificate identifying the boat will be issued to the importer and must be delivered with the vessel to the CBP office at the point of departure from the country. If a vessel entered for such purposes will be in the country for more than 90 days the importer will be required to post a bond. Any boats entered for sale or for sale on approval are not eligible for the Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) program and must be entered as a formal entry on a form CF7501.