ATTN: Canadians - You now NEED a cruising permit to enter the US

[Sailorbob8599]

So how might that effect Canadian cruisers like me, who are permanently docked in the USA but live in Canada? ie: My boat is berthed in Point Roberts Marina WA ... I pass through US Customs Border Post every time I go to my boat. So far, I've had no trouble but then I have not been to my boat in this new year as of yet. I have a NEXUS pass, as well as a permit purchased last August when I first moved my boat into US territory.

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by Siberianhusky

LOL just another reason not to bother with the states, that list is getting very long!

What a polite friendly comment...

[CaptTom]

I just started to wade into this, but as a US citizen planning to visit Canada.

Confusing doesn't begin to cover it! Not sure if I need a DTOPS sticker, LBO card, SVRS registration, NEXUS card, or what.

Clearing back into the US is my bigger concern. I very likely won't be able to hit one of the official ports of entry in the first 24 hours, so I'd very much like to be able to get cleared with just a phone call.

[reed1v]

Well its about time. Canadians are not very cleaver about controlling their immigration into the US, nor about terrorists using Canada as a hopping off point(9-11). Nice folks, but should be treated like any other foreigner.

[RigelKent]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Well its about time. Canadians are not very cleaver about controlling their immigration into the US, nor about terrorists using Canada as a hopping off point(9-11). Nice folks, but should be treated like any other foreigner.

That sounds like "54 40 or fight."

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Well its about time. Canadians are not very cleaver about controlling their immigration into the US, nor about terrorists using Canada as a hopping off point(9-11). Nice folks, but should be treated like any other foreigner.

How would Canada "control immigration into the US"? I was under the impression that US Customs and Border Patrol was responsible for that...works the same way entering Canada...at least in my experience.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by morven55

How would Canada "control immigration into the US"? I was under the impression that US Customs and Border Patrol was responsible for that...works the same way entering Canada...at least in my experience.

Coordination of no fly lists, sharing of intel on those leaving Canada, leaving huge chunks of the border unsecured on the Canadian side, limited monitoring of profiled foreigners in Canada and tracking of their movements. Long list.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Coordination of no fly lists, sharing of intel on those leaving Canada, leaving huge chunks of the border unsecured on the Canadian side, limited monitoring of profiled foreigners in Canada and tracking of their movements. Long list.

Not to get into a pissing match here, but isn't the USA supposed to be the home of the free and leader in the ideal of non-government interference. This stuff (and much of what homeland security gets up to these days) sounds more appropriate to a totalitarian regime than the U.S we hear so much about...

But back to the point, I have no problem jumping through hoops to cross borders. It would just be nice if the hoops were clearly marked. The virtually unlimited powers of search and seizure of border guards always makes me nervous and I hate acting like an idiot at border.

[alctel]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Coordination of no fly lists, sharing of intel on those leaving Canada, leaving huge chunks of the border unsecured on the Canadian side, limited monitoring of profiled foreigners in Canada and tracking of their movements. Long list.

I don't really want my government handing my personal data over to a foreign government thanks very much. Canada may be less of a surveillance state than the US but I think that's a good thing?

Almost every 'terror' incident in the US comes from domestic terrorists anyway

Originally Posted by Macblaze

But back to the point, I have no problem jumping through hoops to cross borders. It would just be nice if the hoops were clearly marked. The virtually unlimited powers of search and seizure of border guards always makes me nervous and I hate acting like an idiot at border.

Agreed - however I've found that for whatever reason, the border guards at the marine crossings are always very nice and respectful. Certainly a lot more so than those at the airport/land crossings.

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Coordination of no fly lists, sharing of intel on those leaving Canada, leaving huge chunks of the border unsecured on the Canadian side, limited monitoring of profiled foreigners in Canada and tracking of their movements. Long list.

I've been thinking for a few minutes, but in all honesty I can't think of how to respond to your suggestions...but the idea of living my life in fear of government is unacceptable.

[Sailorbob8599]

Originally Posted by alctel

Agreed - however I've found that for whatever reason, the border guards at the marine crossings are always very nice and respectful. Certainly a lot more so than those at the airport/land crossings.

In my case, the border guards at the marina are literally the very same people I deal with when crossing the land border ... you see, the marina is only 3km down the road from the land border and, as the requirements at the marina are few and far between, they send people from the land crossing on a phone call from the customs dock and yes, I recall they are much more friendly on the dock than at the land border ... Chameleons maybe?

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by alctel

Agreed - however I've found that for whatever reason, the border guards at the marine crossings are always very nice and respectful. Certainly a lot more so than those at the airport/land crossings.

Based on numerous reports from skippers, yes, except for the guy(s) at Friday Harbor.

[Sailorbob8599]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Coordination of no fly lists, sharing of intel on those leaving Canada, leaving huge chunks of the border unsecured on the Canadian side, limited monitoring of profiled foreigners in Canada and tracking of their movements. Long list.

I would challenge you to tell us when did you last hear of a "Canadian" performing a terrorist act in the United States ... that is, apart from the time we burned down your White House?

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by morven55

I've been thinking for a few minutes, but in all honesty I can't think of how to respond to your suggestions...but the idea of living my life in fear of government is unacceptable.

Nicely put, I agree. And just to add, none (as in zero, nada, zip) of the 9/11 hijackers crossed into the US from Canada. It's a myth.

But thanks for the info on the need for a cruising permit. I always try and respect the laws of the land I am a visitor in, even those I think are onerous or unnecessary. I'm a visitor, after all.

Why go fast, when you can go slow

[pcmm]

Wonder how this affects me(guess I'll need it when I launch) I'm on the hard in Buffalo, refitting. also the form provided doesn't work well for us recreational boaters! it asks for a cargo clasification! but oh well, not my country.