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I found it.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pl...boats/cbbl.xml
"johnhh" wrote in message
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Steve, what is I-68?
"Steve" wrote in message
...
I just went thru all these questions and uncertainties last summer.
Following the directions and info on the web site, I went and got I-68
for myself and my crew. This was easer than the "Pass Thing'y", however
it did require a trip to a Immigration Office (my closest was Grays
Harbor) with an appointment, Passport size pictures and a fee. If I
remember correctly, with pictures and fee it was about $45 each.
I cleared into Canada at Bedwell Hbr and that only took about 5 minutes
at the dock. There was only a quick interview and he may have ask about
the booze, but since I have a "dry" boat there was none to declare. He
never ask for the I-68 and I think we only showed picture ID. Declared
how long we were going to stay. The Canadian officer issued a number
which we were required to post in a porthole.
Upon return, I called into the US Customs number, by cell phone, to
report our return. Here again this was a US Customs officer and he wasn't
interested in our I-68 and wanted to know what our Annual Customs
Crossings Pass number was. I had heard about this requirement but had
hoped it had been dropped and the I-68 was all we needed since both
agencies were combine. No such luck, I had to give this officer my Visa
card number so he could issue the $25 annual pass over the phone. I could
have refused to do this but then I would have had to go to Roche Hbr and
clear in and pay the same fee.
Bottom line! Get a 'frequent crossing pass' or I-68 and a US Customs
annual pass and you can do your crossing and only have to stop at Bedwell
or any of the other Canadian crossing points.
Aside from the US agency fees and hassle, I found the whole crossing
process fairly painless. Much easier than crossing over and returning
from Mex. At least I didn't have to "grease" any Port Capt.s palm or pay
any dock transit fee while walking a half mile to find that dusty shack
(port capt. office).
--
My experience and opinion, FWIW
--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions
"Gary G" see.signature@bottom wrote in message
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It appears that the total picture for going from US to
Canada and back is pretty aweful. I have no experience
in this venue. Can someone tell me what is involved in
this in reality? I have read the official Web links about going
and coming. It just seems like it is a real hassle and
not worth the time to go from WA to Canada.
The Canada guys measure booze coming in and and the US
guys measure booze coming in. What is the big deal?
I have no problem with the passports requirement. What
else are they going to hassle us about? Are either of
the customs entities going to titrate our booze to see
what proof it is to base it on the allowed volume? They
don't seem to make a distinction about this other than beer
and wine and wine coolers.
What about coming from Canada to Roche Harbor or Friday Harbor?
This sounds like a horrific experience. However, I heard on
VHF that each boat took about 15-20 minutes to clear customs
before getting a slip. Does this event complete customs and
immigration? If not, what is involved in doing so?
Sigh.... Yes, we are newbies between WA and Canada.
Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com
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