What do Canadians need for cruising to the US?

 

Beginning in 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has new procedures in place for for Canadian vessels visiting the United States. Canadian vessels are no longer required to purchase a U.S. Customs user fee decal. Instead, they must purchase a cruising license. Cruising licenses are valid for one year.

Here is the press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations announces new procedures that are coming to the inspection process for foreign flagged private boats. These procedures will be in addition to the reporting process currently in place. All operators of pleasure boats must report to CBP immediately upon arriving into the United States from a foreign port, place or location; or if they had contact with another vessel outside the U.S.; or if they have received merchandise outside the U.S. territorial waters. Foreign flagged pleasure boats must also make a formal vessel entry on CBP form 1300 within 48 hours after making their immigration entry at a port of entry and pay applicable fees. At the time of entry boaters may request a cruising license from the applicable CBP port director.

“The cruising license will greatly facilitate multiple entries during the year and avoid additional fees for boaters,” said Bellingham Port Director Diana Sandoval.

A cruising license may be available to boats departing from Canada and arriving in the Puget Sound area. A cruising license may exempt foreign flagged pleasure boats (from certain countries) from having to undergo formal CBP entrance and clearance procedures, except at the first CBP port of entry each and every year. Cruising licenses are normally valid for one year.

The operator of a foreign flagged or undocumented foreign pleasure boat without a valid U.S. cruising license must obtain CBP clearance before leaving a port, place or location in the U.S. to depart foreign or must obtain a permit-to-proceed if traveling to another port, place or location within the U.S.

The master, or operator of a foreign flagged boat not traveling under a cruising license will be required to file a formal entry and clearance each time they enter the United States, file the appropriate paperwork, and pay the applicable fees.

Foreign flagged boats traveling under a cruising license would not be required to purchase a CBP decal, which is currently $27.50, for the year.

For questions, please contact the Small Boat Reporting Line at 1-800-562-5943.

 

 

New to boating? Check out our basic boating lingo for beginners plus our boat safety checklist.

Contact Van Isle Marina with any questions about entering the United States as a Canadian boater.

Spring Start-Up Checklist for Your Yacht or Sailboat

Spring is in the air; is your boat ready to get back to cruising? If you did winterize your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and possible headaches now, which means the road between your boat and the water is shorter! Although it is always best to winterize a boat before putting it into storage, if you didn’t, don’t worry. Here are some tips to get you pointed in the right direction:

Have Your Manufacturer’s Manual Handy

If you have a copy, fantastic. If you don’t, it would be a good idea to get one. You’ll need it to replace fluids and parts properly. Never take apart anything without consulting the manual first.

De-winterizing Your Engine

This will be the biggest and messiest task, so it is recommended that you start here. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, do so now. At the same time you change the oil, be sure to change the oil filter. Change the oil in the transmission or the outboard’s lower unit as well. Next, fill up the cooling system. Be sure you examine the hoses for any cracks and empty out the strainer. Finally, check the batteries and replace them if needed. Use a battery tester to check out the amps and volts and perform a thorough engine test.

Inspect the Canvas & Vinyl

Check your bimini top, seats, covers, and other vinyl and canvas items for tears, mildew and dirt. Repairs tears and holes, and then clean with the proper cleaner for canvas and vinyl.

Inspect the Hull and Propellers

Check the hull for abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair if needed. Inspect and replace zincs if necessary. Touch up or replace bottom paint. Check the propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion.

Clean and Wax the Hull

First clean your boat’s exterior using a marine safe cleaner from a marine supply store. Van Isle Marina is also able to supply or order in almost any product you may need. Then, wax the hull as necessary.

Polish the Metal and Teak

Metal and teak are referred to as ‘brightwork’ and enhance the look of your boat. Also, prolonged neglect of metal and teak can compromise the integrity of the materials. To protect the metal, use a metal polisher. For teak, it is usually recommended that you sand it and then apply stain and varnish.

Test All Electronics

Bring all the electronics back on board and do a thorough test to be sure they are working properly. Test the radio, GPS, compass, depth finder, and any other marine electronics.

Clean the Interior

Whether you have an open deck or cabin with full galley, clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.

Van Isle Marina’s Yacht Park is available to help you with any springtime preparation you may require.  Our Sea-Lifts and Brownell submersible trailers can haul-out up to 70 feet or 45 tons.  You can book a full or half haul-out depending on your needs.  Half Haul-outs are convenient for inspections, zinc changes or marine surveys.  If you have never been to the marina before, our videos are an excellent introduction to the haul-out process.

Best Boating Apps

With hundreds, maybe even thousands of apps to choose from it can be quite difficult to know which ones work well and which ones are a flop. If you are looking to add some new boating apps to your tablet or smartphone, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 6 awesome apps to help you navigate, plan and stay safe on the water this year:

Navionics:
Navionics is the world’s most popular marine app. It is a favorite among cruisers, sailors, fisherman and divers. This app allows you to find the same detailed charts as on the best GPS plotters.

Marine Traffic:
Marine Traffic displays near real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide.Connected to the largest network of Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers, the app covers most major ports and shipping routes. Browse the map, see the wind forecast, search for vessels and ports, manage your fleet, and see what’s near you.

Big Wave Dave:
This is not an app but it is a website trusted by boaters on the west coast. Big Wave Dave provides marine weather for windsurfing, kiteboarding, boating and kayaking in Victoria, BC. The website features webcams, wind reports, stast, forums, photos and more.

C-Tow:
A Canadian Marine Assistance app is now available! This app provides a fast, effective way to contact C-Tow for 24 hour marine towing and assistance services.To help provide you with a stress free boating experience for you and your family. C-Tow Marine Assistance has been providing “Peace of Mind Boating” for Canadian boaters since 1984. Now with 30+ tow boats serving Ontario and BC, they’re on 24 hour standby ready to assist.

Animated Knots:
Animated Knots is a broad teaching and reference tool for boaters. With step-by-step instructions the app teaches you to tie knots at your own pace. It was also named “the best knot-tying app” by Outside Magazine!

Camera:
Last but not least, the camera app is an essential while out boating to capture the memories to last you a lifetime! Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or submit it to our Boating Lifestyle Gallery to be featured on our website!