FCC Regulations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a Ship Station License for some vessels equipped with VHF radios, RADAR, EPIRBs and some other telecommunications equipment. As of 1996, most recreational vessels no longer need the FCC license if operating domestically. "Domestically" means not traveling to foreign ports or transmitting to foreign stations, including Canada.
Vessels still required to carry an FCC Ship Station License are those:
- power vessels over 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length;
- certified to carry more than 6 passengers for hire;
- towboats and commercial fishing vessels;
- other vessels required by federal law to carry a VHF radio, radar, etc.
The Ship Station License must be on board the vessel.
A license application (Form 506) can be obtained from any office of the FCC. There is a fee for the license. Call 1-800-418-FORM (3676) for an application and information.
Canadian Border Landing Permit
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requires an inspection of small vessel operators and their passengers when entering the U.S. from a foreign port including Canada. Boaters who have landed on Canadian soil are required to report to a designated U.S. port-of-entry for inspection or be in possession of an INS form I-68. The I-68 is used to expedite the inspection process and must be obtained in advance by every U.S. or Canadian citizen entering the U.S. Contact the INS for information or to obtain an I-68. The INS has offices in Cleveland, Sandusky and Toledo.
U.S. Customs Service Boat Reporting
Customs Procedures for Boaters Traveling To/From Canada
U.S. Citizens traveling to Canada by boat must contact Canadian Customs at 1-888-226-7277 for instructions on where to report for a customs inspection. A photo ID and U.S. passport OR birth certificate are required for each passenger on board the boat.
All boats entering the U.S. from Canadian waters that have passengers who were on Canadian soil must report to U.S. Customs. This legal obligation may be met by telephone. You can call en route with a cellular phone or immediately upon arrival to the U.S. 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 user fee decal from a U.S. Customs office prior to voyage to Canada. U.S. Customs Service has offices in Ashtabula (440-998-3073), Cleveland (440-891-3800), and Toledo/Sandusky (419-259-6424).
Waterway Homeland Security
Boaters' roles in keeping our waterways safe and secure:
Keep your distance from all military, cruise-line, or commercial shipping.
Do not approach within 100 yards, and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. naval vessel, including any U.S. military or military supply vessel.
Violators of the Naval Vessel Protection Zone face up to 6 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, not to mention a quick and severe response. Approaching certain other commercial vessels may result in an immediate boarding
Observe and avoid all security zones.
Avoid commercial port operation areas, especially those that involve military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities. Observe and avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc. Violators will be perceived as a threat, and will face a quick, determined, and severe response.
Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in a channel.
If you do, then expect to be boarded by law enforcement officials.
Keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary.
Report all activities that seem suspicious to the local authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the port or marina security. Do not approach or challenge those acting in a suspicious manner.
Always secure and lock your boat when not on board.
This includes while visiting marina restaurants, a friend's dock, or other piers. Never leave your boat accessible to others. Always take the keys to the boat with you.
When storing your boat, make sure it is secure and its engine is disabled.
If it is on a trailer, make the trailer as immovable as possible.
SPLASH FACT
An annual vessel safety check performed by an authorized organization at the start of the boating season will help you determine the legally required safety equipment for your boat. When you pass inspection, you receive a Vessel Safety Check decal. Contact any watercraft office, local marine patrol, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or U.S. Power Squadron to arrange an inspection. |