Proper Procedure?

[Hotwired]

I know this has most likely been answered somewhere on this forum.
What is the proper procedure if I go to a bait shop on the Canadian side.
Do I call ahead or do I call when I get there?
What is the number?
I've never had a problem in the past but I dont want one in the future either.
Thanks in advance,
Hotwired

[walleyeman830]

Hotwired,

Call as soon as you hit the bait store, before you go inside. You will need your MC #'s and answer the questions that are asked, mostly the same ?'s asked at the bridge and tunnel. There should be a pad of paper by the phone and they will give you a 10 or 11 digit number, keep this in your possession for the day and you will be fine. If you are a first time caller with a new boat there are extra ?'s as far as boat make, inboard or outboard, boat length, beam, draft of the boat and your good to go.

Hope this helps ya out!

[Firetiger]

EyeBuster, whats the Marine Radio Freaks? seems easier, been going over there for a long time and have never had any trouble, I share Hotwired's concerns, and with the current political enviroment who needs to take chances,,,

[MGV]

I need to be filled in some more than what is said. I am heading to Cananda next year with my boat. Is this for all size boats? Is there a website that has a check list of some sort?

[goosewa]

Firetiger,

From my understanding I don't think you can call into customs using your VHF Radio any longer. (The same thing goes for your Cell Phone, too.) We used to do that in Crystal Bay before the OPP and the Canadian Coast Guard scared everyone over to Sugar Island and the Cross Dike.

Think you need to dock at a Port-of Call (i.e.: Duffy's Tavern, Duff's Marina, Bob-Lo Island Marina.) and then call in.

You can take your chances not calling in but... The US Boarder Patrol sits on the West Side of the Hole-In-The Wall. If Canada does not get you the US will.

It is hard to see a Flat Black Boston Whaler at night. Don' think of out running out into the Lake and then back back up the River. Kind of hard to out run their Radar. Seen it happen a couple of time last season.

-Goosewa

[TheFlyfisher]

"Goosewa" is right from what I was told also is that you "cannot" call customs from a VHF radio or your cell phone!. If I had the time to waste it would be alright but it is a pain in the butt when your pressed for time! But what can you do.
Mike

[goosewa]

Thanks Fly,

That tidbit of information came right from Customs when I was on the phone with them calling in.

I have mentioned this before but the passengers on your boat cannot legally step onto Canadian Soil until the Captain or owner of the boat has completed the Call in Process. That too came from Customs another time when I was over one time last year. They were pretty miffed at us when they found out everyone was already off the boat.

I usually visit Canada 3 to 5 times a week. Customs is very cool. Just answer what they ask and give them nothing more. And what ever you do do not lie to them.... If you have cigarettes or beer your had better declair it.

-Goosewa