Details on US - Canada crossing
 

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

I have gone from US to Canada both by boat and towing a boat with a car
a couple of times and had no big problems. I have friends who do it
almost every year. no biggie. I am not sure exactly where you are
crossing but if you get a guide/cruising book, it should tell you when
is the best times and what the procedure is all about. Some places
might be awful, but that has not been our experience. Best of luck.
Now ask me about crossing the border in a van with a Chicago Blues
Band, well that was another story altogether

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
...
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

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
...
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

I found it.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pl...boats/cbbl.xml

"johnhh" wrote in message
...
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
...
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

On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 06:29:36 -0700, "Steve" wrote:

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).


Thanks for the reply. The general consensus is that the I-68 is
useless. This is from multiple Web sites who have travelled in the
WA/Canada corridor. They talk about the CANPASS and a PIN that is
used to make the crossing.

Did you deal with these?


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

The CANPass seemed to require a background check and took much longer
because of that. I was short on time, leaving in a couple weeks and found
that I could get the I-68 by making an appointment at a "out-of-the-way"
INS/Customs office.

I don't remember the PIN, but that may have been the Customs pass that I got
when returning.

I think if you have the several documents mentioned, you shouldn't have to
stop upon return and perhaps the CANPass allows you to phone in on entering
Canada.

No matter what you get (unless you get them all) they are going to ask for
something you didn't get.


--
My experience and opinion, FWIW
--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions


"Gary G" see.signature@bottom wrote in message
...
On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 06:29:36 -0700, "Steve" wrote:

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).


Thanks for the reply. The general consensus is that the I-68 is
useless. This is from multiple Web sites who have travelled in the
WA/Canada corridor. They talk about the CANPASS and a PIN that is
used to make the crossing.

Did you deal with these?


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 15:32:40 -0700, "Steve" wrote:

The CANPass seemed to require a background check and took much longer
because of that. I was short on time, leaving in a couple weeks and found
that I could get the I-68 by making an appointment at a "out-of-the-way"
INS/Customs office.

I don't remember the PIN, but that may have been the Customs pass that I got
when returning.

I think if you have the several documents mentioned, you shouldn't have to
stop upon return and perhaps the CANPass allows you to phone in on entering
Canada.

No matter what you get (unless you get them all) they are going to ask for
something you didn't get.


--
My experience and opinion, FWIW


Sounds like typical governmental bureacratic hyperbolie.

The I-68 does not seem to be of value. Face-to-face appears to be
more valuable.

So, if you go from WA to Canada, what should I expect to enounter?

Conversely, when coming from Canada to WA, what should I expect to
enounter?

Based on these scenarios, what is/are the optimum actions or events to
minimize hassle from one venue to the other?

tnx,


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com

"Gary G" see.signature@bottom wrote in message
...

So, if you go from WA to Canada, what should I expect to enounter?

Conversely, when coming from Canada to WA, what should I expect to
enounter?

Based on these scenarios, what is/are the optimum actions or events to
minimize hassle from one venue to the other?

Just as I stated in my earlier post. I can't add much more.. My experience
was based on minimal contact with the crossing officials on either side. I
was prepared with the I-68, picture IDs and myself, I had a passport. The
only face to face I encountered was with Canadian official at Bedwell and I
called in, just an hour prior to my arrival. No option or offer to wave
coming to the customs dock.

Myself, I don't like Roche Hbr. and if I do go in there, I always anchor out
and if I would have had to go to the customs dock, I would only stay long
enough to clean and then head for a much more friendly (none commercial)
anchorage.

Once I'm sure I don't have to go into an official dock, I put my mooring
lines and fenders way until I return. I made my trip last summer without
taking on fuel and only stopped at Comox for water.


--
My experience and opinion, FWIW
--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions

On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 17:55:24 -0700, "Steve" wrote:



Myself, I don't like Roche Hbr. and if I do go in there, I always anchor out
and if I would have had to go to the customs dock, I would only stay long
enough to clean and then head for a much more friendly (none commercial)
anchorage.

Hum...not to be argumentative but strictly seeking knowledge and
experience, what was wrong with Roche Harbor? We liked it a lot and
stayed there two nights. We did not at any time cross the border.
It was a great place, IMO.


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com