Staying in canada and the us.

[wizorian]

Im planning on staying in canada and the us as long as i can on my australian registered boat. Can anyone please tell me what the maximum time limits you can stay in both of these countries? And costs incurred for applications etc? Thankyou

[s/v Thea]

Here is link to customs for Canada

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/d...eng.html#a4x18

Sounds like it's a year. I've met Americans that keep their boat in Canada permanently, they open a work order at their marina in the off season. I don't think there are any significant charges.

Doug

[sestina]

USA - 12 month Cruising Licence.
Dunno about Canada. Only been there for 3 months at a time.

[goboatingnow]

Surely it depends on your visa and the immigration officiers decision

dave

[hpeer]

Second hand knowledge...
You can leave your boat in Canada over winter if you need verifiable repairs. Don't know about visa requirements, dual citizen.

[wizorian]

You can leave your boat there as long as you want for no reason. As an australian i can stay in canada 6 months with no visa but wondering if i can then extend it under a cruising permit..

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by wizorian

You can leave your boat there as long as you want for no reason. As an australian i can stay in canada 6 months with no visa but wondering if i can then extend it under a cruising permit..

The 6 month limit seems to be poorly enforced. When I asked if I could leave the country for one day, and return to Canada, the agents didn't want to answer.

I think the answer is "Yes".

I think the 6 month limit is only to ensure that you check in and get "investigated" twice a year.

[Capt Phil]

In US, foreign flags require annual renewal of cruising permit. I believe you must leave US waters for a 2 week period before renewing each year and report in to local customs/immigration officials as you move your vessel from one location to the other. This used to be easily accomplished by a phone call. Drove a Cayman Island registered boat for a non-US citzen for several years and when we summered in Catalina coming from San Diego, one phone call to LA County from Catalina was all that was needed. Your Cruising Permit has a number they will ask for. Very common on the northwest US border for Canadian vessels to pick up their permits in Blaine, WA before heading south. If there is no customs/immigration contact where you are, I believe the USCG used to accept a call to keep you legal. The problems arise if you are boarded by USCG and have not checked in although I know many Canadian boats heading for Mexico ignore the requirement and usually get a pass (a least once). I've been out of the game for a while so things may have changed... better check. No idea what Canadian laws require... Phil