Current Conditions
See Weather Links at right.
Sign up for LNMs (Local Notice to Mariners) from the US Coast Guard for the Lake Erie region.
Water flow and temperature are noted occasionally on the ODNR Division of Wildlife recorded message on current fishing conditions for Lake Erie: 1-888-HOOKFISH.
Security Zones Near Power Plants; Naval Vessels
Be aware of the "No Boats" Security Zones near Davis Besse and Perry Power Plants.
100 Yard Security Zone Around US Naval Vessels: No boats are permitted within 100 yards of a US Naval vessel. All boats within 500 yards of a US Naval vessel must travel at minimum speed. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a US Navy vessel, in order to ensure a safe passage, you must contact the vessel or the US Coast Guard escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16. Violations are a felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.
Traveling To/From Canada
BOATER EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: As of September 15, 2009, some boaters visiting Canada must have "proof of compentency" (boater education). It's only for motorized boats. If you bring your own boat and stay for fewer than 45 days, you are exempt. If you rent or operate a motorized boat from Canada, you must comply. Visit Canada's Office of Boating Safety for more information.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS: As of June 1, 2009, all boaters 16 or older who cross the U.S. border into Canada and touch Canadian soil must carry a U.S. passport or NEXUS card. Children under 16 boating with their parents can travel with an original or copy of their birth certificate. Visit www.cbp.gov for more details.
U.S. Citizens traveling to Canada by boat...
... must contact Canadian Border Services Agency at 1-888-226-7277 for instructions on where to report for a customs inspection. A U.S. passport or NEXUS/CANPASS are required for each passenger on board the boat. Birth certificates are sufficient for children under 16.
All private boats entering the U.S. that have passengers who were on Canadian soil...
...must report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This legal obligation may be met by telephone at 1-888-523-BOAT. You can call en route with a cellular phone or immediately upon arrival to the U.S. You may also report at one of the OARS videophone stations. A NEXUS card or I-68 may expedite your reporting; you may need to wait for an inspection.
Have the following information ready when calling to avoid delays:
- Boat registration number and length (and Customs decal if over 30 feet; see below)
- Captain's name and date of birth
- Total number of persons on board and value of all purchases in Canada
- The name of the marina where you first arrived on the U.S. side
Boats 30 feet or more in length must purchase an annual decal ($25) from U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to voyage to Canada. This decal is only available online (www.cbp.gov > Travel > Pleasure Boats > User Fee Decals > Apply online for User Fee...).
More Links
CANPASS - Private boats - Canadian trusted traveler program
Coming to Canada by Small Aircraft or Recreational Boat
NEXUS Program - US Customs and Border Protection trusted traveler program
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative