The Harbor Column -- Mike Whitehead
Ahoy.
Good news from our northern border neighbor Canada is that their
CANPASS program for recreational boaters, shut down since after Sept. 11,
will be reinstated for the boating season.
The CANPASS is a boater-friendly system for checking into customs
after crossing into Canadian waters from our Pacific Northwest. I have
used this system many times and I have only praise for the practical
approach to helping boaters check in any time of the day.
Not so true every time I deal with the U.S.-Mexican border crossing in
either direction. I cringe at that time-consuming and boater-unfriendly
check-in system. However, those of you preparing to head north and who
are citizens of either Canada or the U.S. will find traveling into Canada
from the United States is just a telephone call to the Canada Customs if
you have a pre-approved permit.
I highly recommend getting a permit before you cross into Canada and
you will find the customs process very easy even if your vessel is
selected for a boarding inspection. If you do not have a permit, you must
first dock at a government float that has a customs station or dock at an
approved telephone reporting site.
A little tip I use is to call in after 5 p.m. as most customs dock
offices are closed and you are more likely to just be given your customs
numbers over the phone.
When you call customs, be sure to have the your voyage itinerary
ready, the name, birthday and nationality of everyone onboard, vessel
documentation numbers and anything to declare.
Oh, you might want to remember to fuel and stock up your provisions in
Washington as once you cross the border, the prices are much higher at
the marinas.
One of these days I will write about one of my scenic trips into these
cruising areas that I consider the best boating in the West. It’s just
too bad the winter gets a little cold -- where did I put that ice pick?
***
Back in the United States, the Bush Administration has taken dredging
for shallow-draft harbors out of the 2003 fiscal budget.
The dredging priorities are continually shifted to the deep-draft
harbors that are used primarily for commercial shipping. Their reasoning
is based on the economic value and activity that these larger ports
generate to the economy.
I understand that, for example, Long Beach Harbor is one of the
busiest commercial ports in the world and billions of dollars of goods
pass through the docks, but it is all relative to the community. Look at
the economic impact derived from Newport Harbor to the area, which can be
affected by the recent budget cuts.
Dredging is important to the commercial and recreational use of the
bay, which is directly related to the survival of the harbor, surrounding
businesses and all the property values. Other harbors throughout the
nation are feeling the effects of their channels filling in and many
harbor communities are seriously worried about the budget cuts. Some of
these communities are trying to persuade the federal government to fund
dredging for shallow-draft harbors because the small harbors will
dramatically feel a decrease in accessibility. This will affect the
prices of residential properties, as well, if the bay is not dredged for
safe boating.
Property comparisons have shown that prices are typically higher for a
home backing up to a waterway that is accessible for boating. Dredging is
a multifaceted, cost-sharing issue in Newport extending from the federal
government maintaining the main channels to state, county and city
officials maintaining certain channels to property owners maintaining
their docks and bay beaches.
Newport is actively trying to secure funding for lower bay dredging
and now you need to contact your representative to put pressure on Bush
to allocate dredging dollars.
***
Tip of the week: Those of you heading up to Long Beach with your boat
to watch the Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix Race should be prepared for
additional security measures in the harbor. The city of Long Beach will
close off the east entrance to the downtown marina from Thursday to
Sunday during the race. When attempting to enter the marina, use the main
entrance adjacent to the Los Angeles River and refer to your chart
number, 18751.
Also, when underway, expect an increase of patrol vessels in the areas
by the race course and I highly recommend that you follow any directions
given by security personnel.
Safe voyages.
* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him
your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail
to o7 Mike@BoathouseTV.comf7 or o7 BoathouseTV.comf7 .
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