Border Agency issues reminder on reporting requirements for private boaters

As the boating season approaches, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding all private boaters about their entry and reporting duties while navigating Canadian waters or entering Canada by boat. Familiarity with these requirements ensures a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

Here are essential travel tips for boaters entering Canada, according

to an April 23 press release:

- Prepare in advance: Before setting sail, boaters should familiarize themselves with the CBSA’S reporting requirements. These requirements can vary based on itinerary, nationality, and the number of passengers on board.

- Consider your route: Boaters who enter Canadian waters for a day cruise without making stops do not need to present themselves to the CBSA. However, those who land on Canadian soil, anchor, moor, or come alongside another vessel, or those who embark or disembark people or goods in Canada, must report to the CBSA.

- Entry requirements for foreign nationals: Foreign nationals must meet the admissibility criteria under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

- Identification for passengers: All passengers, regardless of nationality, must carry proper identification.

- Rules for Canadian boaters reentering Canada: Canadian boaters who leave and re-enter Canadian waters do not need to report to the CBSA if they have not landed outside Canada or made contact with another conveyance while outside Canadian waters, and have not embarked or disembarked any people or goods while outside Canada.

Reporting methods

- By calling the CBSA’S Telephone Reporting Centre toll-free at 1-888-2267277 from an open designated marine telephone reporting site.

- By speaking directly with a CBSA officer.

- Special instructions for large vessels: Private vessels carrying 30 or more passengers must seek clearance at a designated marine reporting site at least 72 hours before arriving in Canadian waters in writing.

- Consequences of non-compliance: Failing to report to the CBSA, even for refueling, can lead to detention, seizure or forfeiture of the boat, and/ or monetary penalties. The minimum fine for not reporting upon entry to

Canada is $1,000.

- Awareness of onboard items: Restricted and prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, weapons, food, plants, animals and related products, explosives, and fireworks. Boaters should think carefully before loading their vessels, as they must report these goods to the CBSA and obtain the necessary permits, even if they meet the conditions for a reporting exception.

- Cannabis regulations: Transporting cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption from Health Canada is a serious criminal offense, regardless of cannabis legalization in Canada. A medical prescription does not constitute Health Canada authorization.

- NEXUS program: NEXUS members can report by calling the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-99-NEXUS. More information about NEXUS reporting procedures can be found on the NEXUS: Trusted Traveller Program website for travel by air, land, and boat.

Consequences of noncompliance: Failing to report to the CBSA, even for refueling, can lead to detention, seizure or forfeiture of the boat, and/

or monetary penalties. The minimum fine for not reporting upon entry to

Canada is $1,000.