The arrival of May means we'll be seeing more boats on local bodies of water, including those crossing the border from the U.S.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is using the start of boating season to remind boaters of their obligation to report to them when arriving in Canada by boat or while navigating Canadian waters.
The CBSA has provided boaters with tips to ensure that their voyage is as hassle-free as possible.
Check out the CBSA's guidelines on reporting by boat before you set sail.
You must report to the CBSA if you land on Canadian soil, anchor or moor alongside another boat while in Canadian waters, or embark or disembark goods or people in Canada. If you are on Canadian waters for a day and make no stops before leaving, you do not have to report.
Report by contacting the CBSA's Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277 to request clearance. Or, report to a designated reporting centre staffed by CBSA agents.
If you're a NEXUS member, you may call 1-866-99-NEXUS.
Failure to report to the CBSA, even for refueling, may result in you being detained, receiving monetary fines, or forfeiture of your vessel. The minimum fine for failure to report is $1,000.
All passengers must have acceptable identification regardless of their nationality, such as a passport, permanent residency card, or NEXUS card.
Canadian boaters who leave and re-enter Canada are not required to report to the CBSA as long as they did not anchor or moor alongside another boat outside of Canada or disembark outside the country.
Just as with crossing by land, be ready to declare anything you acquired outside of Canada and be aware of your exemptions.
Do not bring cannabis products into Canada by boat, unless you have a permit or exemption issued by Health Canada. This includes products that have the chemicals THC and/or CBD. Penalties for doing so are steep.
Complete information about reporting to the CBSA by boat may be found on the CBSA's official website.
