Boats & Boating/Radio Communications Equipment in BC

Boats & Boating

Under Canada Customs regulations, the master of each vessel arriving from a foreign port or destination must report immediately to customs upon arrival in Canada. Only the master is permitted to go ashore to make the report. All passengers, merchandise and baggage must remain on board until released. Failure to comply with Customs law could result in penalties or seizure of your vessel. Remember that handguns, pistols, automatic firearms, and personal protection devices including stun guns, mace and pepper spray are prohibited entry into Canada.

In August on 1995, Revenue Canada's Customs Border Services introduced CANPASS - Private Boats, a new telephone-reporting program, which makes it faster for people to enter British Columbia on private boats. Under the program, citizens and/or permanent residents of Canada and the US can apply for a permit, which identifies them as a CANPASS participant. Participants can call ahead of customs and immigration clearance before they arrive in Canada. At that time, customs will issue them an inward reporting number. The master in the vessel's logbook should record this number, as well as the date, time and any declaration details. Boaters participating in CANPASS can them go directly to any marina in British Columbia. Non-permit holders, however, must report to a designated vessel reporting station immediately upon arrival in Canada and then telephone customs at 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277). Please call the CANPASS Enrollment Centre at (604) 535-9346 for more information.

Boats, motors and boat trailers may only be left in Canada during the off-season if you are having maintenance or repair work done on them at a bona fide marina. An E99 permit enables you to leave your boat at a marina while you travel in Canada.

Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is not just dangerous, it is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Some boaters are not aware of this fact. Others, unfortunately, simply choose to ignore it. Being in control of a boat is like being in control of a car…. You have to be responsible.

You can be charged if a police officer believes your ability to operate a vessel has been impaired by alcohol or drugs, even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below .08%.

The penalties in B.C. are tough.

• Up to five years for a first offence
• If someone is injured, up to 10 years in jail
• If someone is killed, you could be sentenced to 14 years in prison
• There is no limit to the fines; the lowest if $300
• Insurance may not cover you

Canadians will lose their driver's licence or be prohibited from operating a vessel for 3 months, depending on the charge. You will also have a criminal record that could prevent you from being bonded or will bar you from travel to many countries.

Radio Communications Equipment

If you have an American operator's licence, you may use your aircraft, marine or amateur radio while visiting Canada. All other types of radio transmitting stations may only be used in Canada if accompanied by a letter of registration from Industry Canada's Radio Regulatory and Broadcasting Branch (613) 998-3372.