The lure of the open water, even during cold weather, can be overpowering. In locales (like ours!) where year-round boating is possible, do not let the cold keep you from experiencing a different — and exciting — facet of boating. Extra preparation and precautions should be taken before heading out on the water when the thermometer heads downward.

Layer, layer, layer – You’ve likely heard this from your local weather forecaster several hundred times over the past few years, but layering truly is one of the best ways to stay warm. That’s because each piece of clothing traps a layer of insulating air. And as the temperature or your activity level changes, you can shed a layer at a time until you’re comfy again. Dressing properly is key to enjoyable winter cruising. Start with long underwear and add layers. Though scientists recently debunked the belief that the most heat escapes through the head, it’s still advisable to wear a warm hat and warm, water-resistant gloves. Some winter cruisers invest in exposure or flotation suits. Similar to ski suits, they are insulated and keep boaters warm over just a layer of light clothing.

Ship Shape – Check the boat’s furnace to ensure you will be nice and cozy inside the boat. Carry additional fenders and lines.

Watch out for wind – In the winter, storms tend to roll in fast and leave in a hurry. Don’t forget to check the weather well before you head out. If you’re caught in the wind, make sure you’re ready. Careful and safe boating is very important for the safety of your passengers. Take it slow and watch out for fellow boaters.

Entertain Yourself – The days are short and the nights are long. If you plan to spend the night in a remote bay, bring books, videos and other entertainment.

Ready the Crew – Make sure each crew member has the proper cold weather clothing for comfort inside or outside the boat. Bring an umbrella, they are useful for hustling from the boat to the pub or marine store.

Plan a Staycation – Bring all your favourite foods, beverages, books and games and spend a night or two at your home port.

Though winter cruising may seem unappealing to the unfamiliar, the hardy few who do it know it offers a chance to experience familiar waters in new ways. The landscape takes on a new cloak, the crowds thin out and well-known places feel somehow different. And there are few pleasures better than curling up in a warm salon with a book on a rainy winter day.

Boating, as a recreational sport, has been around for over 300 years. During this time many customs and traditions have been developed; traditions that, over generations, have become the unwritten rules of the road. Just like being on land, we need to be good neighbours; help others when they need it, tidy up after ourselves and be respectful of the people and environment around us.

Top 10 Boating Etiquette Tips

1. Watch Your Wake: You’re responsible for making sure that your wake isn’t causing harm to your fellow boaters. Not only can big wakes in small, crowded places be dangerous, it’s a definite way to anger your neighbours. Be sure to respect the wake rules to keep marine life and everyone else on the water safe and sound.
2. Lend a hand: While there is almost always a Van Isle Marina employee nearby to help, you should be prepared to help your fellow boaters. This unwritten boating law will say a lot about what kind of boater you are and will be really helpful to those in need of an extra hand.
3. Respect your neighbours: If you have blasting music and lots of loud friends on board, be courteous to others on the water and leave plenty of space.
4. Always stop to help, if you see someone in trouble.
5. Keep it tidy: No matter if you’re at the marina or anchorage, be sure to clean up your space and pick up all of your trash, dock lines, and equipment. Your neighbours and local animals will appreciate a clean, hazard-free space.
6. Move along: Whether you’re on a fuel dock or boating ramp, be efficient. Delegate tasks and be prepared so that you can get out of the way of others and out on the water. Our Fuel Dock staff are there to help you get on and off the dock in safe, timely manner.
7. Turn off your Radar: Ensure if it’s not being used that you turn all your radar equipment off. Radar waves can be harmful to anyone who is exposed to them.
8. Select your anchorage carefully: giving yourselves and your new neighbours ample room. Remember winds change, anchors line tangle and hulls and dinghy’s can easily bang into each other.
9. If you use the head, use your head: ensure that it goes into your holding tank, not overboard.
10. Be thoughtful at night; don’t run your generator around the clock, paddle rather than motor to shore and back and be conscious of your activity and noise levels.

Whether underway, anchoring, mooring, docking at a marina or cruising with friends, as in most aspects of life, respect and courtesy go a long way! Being part of the boating community means knowing and following good boating etiquette. When you know the common expectations that have developed over centuries of boating, it will help make your experience a positive one for everyone on board.

Beginning in 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has new procedures in place 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.

Guests of Van Isle Marina know that we are fortunate enough to be protected from winter winds. However, it is always helpful to be aware of strategies for weathering a storm. Here are some tips to help keep your boat safe:

1. Check the weather forecast. Be aware of how long you have to prepare for the upcoming storm.
2. Double the lines on your boat. Use spring lines to limit boat movement.
3. If possible, do not stay aboard your vessel during a storm.
4. Double wrap your lines around the tie rail. Install chafe gear where the mooring lines touch the pilings, boat or tie rails.
5. Add fenders to prevent boat from bouncing off the dock or your neighbour, more is better!
6. Clean bilge of debris and check all pumps to ensure they are functioning correctly.
7. Secure all loose gear and clear any items which may clog scuppers and drains.
8. Secure and lock all hatches and port lights.
9. Remove or secure anything which may increase wind resistance: biminis, canvas covers, antennas, deck-stowed anchors, sails, running rigging, booms, life rings, dinghies and so on. Besides reducing windage, you eliminate the probability of these items being damaged or blown away.
10. Check your battery to ensure it is working correctly and that your shore power cord is plugged in, twist locked, and secured to the pedestal.

What are your top tips for keeping your boat safe? Share this post on Facebook or Twitter and let us know!