The Canadian Border Services Agency has clarified a March announcement regarding American boats crossing the border into Canadian waters. It was originally interpreted by many to require reporting to CBSA whenever a boat moved into Canadian waters for any purpose. However, Canadian reporting requirements have not changed.
The Canada Customs Act exempts any vessel "in transit" from reporting, namely one proceeding from a country outside of Canada to a destination also outside Canada without landing, anchoring, having physical contact with a Canadian boat, entering Canadian tributary waters or otherwise "entering" Canada.
Accordingly, there is no need for non-Canadian boats innocently traversing open Canadian waters—including fishermen not anchored—to concern themselves with clearing Canada Customs.
American fisherman should remember, though, that a Canadian fishing license is required for fishing Canadian waters.
Introduction Statement
The objective of the Mariners Coalition is to create a conduit for communication and the dissemination of information between boaters and law enforcement agencies. As a result of numerous meetings with representatives of these law enforcement agencies and the Mariners Coalition, significant improvements have been made as it relates to clarification of rules and regulations in international waterways.
The Mariners Coalition is now a direct means of interacting between boaters and enforcement officers. The mission of the Mariners Coalition is to continue the dialog between boaters and law enforcement agencies to advise and disseminate information to the boating community regarding changes in rules and regulations and the expectations of boaters and law enforcement personnel. In this manner it is hoped to be able to discuss anticipated and/or potential/existing problems and resolve mutual concerns.
It should be noted that due to the ever-changing rules and regulations, the community at large is encouraged to visit this website often for updated information and feel free to email questions or comments as often as necessary to keep current on laws and regulations and clarify ambiguities, as they may exist, in the hopes that all boaters will have trouble-free passage and great memories to share of their travels in the Blue Water Area.
