US Cruising License

[phiggins]

We're Canadians heading south from Toronto via the Oswego/Erie canal. Can we get our US cruising license in Oswego or do we have to go to a point of entry like Rochester to get it?

Thanks

[Pblais]

If you show up and ask for it I'm sure it's no problem. Given I used to live near there I'm embarassed to say i don't know. If you make an honest effort I doubt it's a problem.

[Vasco]

When you call in at Oswego you can get one. Do it at the marina. A couple of faxes is all it takes. The people at the marina are very helpful. Clear in via the video phone and do the permits by fax. Better leave soon, it's getting cold up here although this weekend was the best one all summer.

[phiggins]

OK thanks guys.

Vasco, Are you heading south this year?

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by phiggins

We're Canadians heading south from Toronto via the Oswego/Erie canal. Can we get our US cruising license in Oswego or do we have to go to a point of entry like Rochester to get it?

Thanks

I am always very excited when I hear about new inland waterways. This is off of the eerie canal web sight:
http://www.nyscanals.govCustoms

Masters of foreign flag vessels must report arrivals immediately to U.S. Customs at the first U.S. port of entry. Boaters entering Canadian waters must contact a reporting station at their first opportunity.
Given events that have transpired since the 2001 Navigation Season, past procedures employed by the United States and Canadian Immigration and Customs agencies are being reviewed. Currently, no new procedures or policies have been announced and no suspension of any programs or permits have been announced. According to a report in the February 23 edition of the Watertown Daily News, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service has no plan to ban pleasure boats from entering the U.S. via shared waterways with Canada. The Watertown Daily News also reported that no decision has been made as to what the system will be for small boats; and that a variety of options and types of technology are being considered. Mariners wishing to cross between the U.S. and Canada are advised to contact the appropriate agency for further clarification of any new procedures. The Canal Corporation regrets any inconvenience incurred by its customers as a result of this uncertain situation.

• U.S. Immigration and Naturalization: 1-800-375-5283
• U.S. Customs 1-800-927-5015
• Canadian Customs 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277)

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by phiggins

OK thanks guys.

Vasco, Are you heading south this year?

Yes, but as my boat is already in FL I won't leave until November. I usually cross to the Bahamas around the end of December. Give me a shout if you're down there at that time. "Breathless", a Beneteau 393.

[phiggins]

Thanks for the info unbusted67.

Vasco, hopefully we should be in Florida by November before we cross to Cuba. I'll send you a PM with contact details.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by phiggins

We're Canadians heading south from Toronto via the Oswego/Erie canal. Can we get our US cruising license in Oswego or do we have to go to a point of entry like Rochester to get it?

Thanks

Sorry I just check my own link and it didn't come up so here.

The New York State Canal System - Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga Seneca Canals

If you don't mind me asking where are you heading down the Erie/Oswego? It looks like it only ends in Lake Champlain that isn't exactly what I'd call South. Are you guys heading into the Hudson?

[phiggins]

Well actually the Oswego canal meets the Erie canal which goes to the Hudson river, which goes to New York. Then we go down the Atlantic coast and eventually get in the ICW which goes to Florida and then we cross to Cuba. From there to Mexico and south to Belize and Guatemala. So I guess that is south.

Of course we may not even make it across lake Ontario.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by phiggins

Well actually the Oswego canal meets the Erie canal which goes to the Hudson river, which goes to New York. Then we go down the Atlantic coast and eventually get in the ICW which goes to Florida and then we cross to Cuba. From there to Mexico and south to Belize and Guatemala. So I guess that is south.

Of course we may not even make it across lake Ontario.

That sounds like a fantastic journey. Will you be needing to drop your mast for the canal portion?

[phiggins]

Yes we drop it at Oswego and put it back up after we get past Troy in the Hudson river.