Canadian Inspection Invasive Aquatic species

[Margaret Lower]

Our R25 lingered four hours June 29 when inspectors, looking for invasive aquatic species, discovered barnacles and "oyster-like" growth BENEATH the last bottom paint job done in North Carolina where we purchased the boat. The border facility at Sweetgrass, Montana-Coutts, Alberta proceeded to whip out a 140-degree Fahrenheit steam cleaner to remove the barnacles and shell-like creatures. After that procedure we waited another hour for the supervisor to drive to the site. He was equipped with a kit of small tools to collect samples. The first tool was a dental-like pick to delve into the areas of the thrusters (where quite a collection of these alien looking creatures had been covered up by the last bottom paint job.) Both the inspectors finally concluded that the invasive species they were searching for COULD NOT HAVECOME FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. There is a good side to everything. We now have a very clean bottom with a lot less of the last bottom paint job removed. ON TO ALASKA !!

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

I'm curious to know if your 4 hour inspection was preceded by any questions that would have determined, or avoided, their course of action. Could be your boat looks likely to harbor aquatic life, your border crossing is quiet and needs more action, or this is the grass roots part of a budding trade war. I guess it's good you weren't carrying cases of Heinz ketchup!

All kidding aside, have a safe journey to Alaska and enjoy your stay... there are many of us in the lower 48 that envy your trip!

Bob & Kim
The Doghouse 2

Ps: don't return with huge quantities of Canadian aluminum or steel, just in case it's that trade war thing!

 

[Margaret Lower]

Put yourself in our shoes.
We had gone through -- what we thought-- was a thorough inspection in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Same thing in Montana....however Montana looked at Inspection paper from Wyoming and wished us a safe trip.

So, we were really blindsided when Canadian Environment guy began looking at former living creatures and barnacles hidden beneath bottom paint of unknown age.

And, as today's northward travels unfolded, inspection sites we were told to get ready for .....well, they are gone. But it's Canada Day weekend.

Don and Margaret

 

[NorthernFocus]

Well thanks for the heads up. I've been contemplating dragging down to Haines which means crossing the border twice in each direction. Not sure there's anything to do about it other than plan extra time into the schedule.

I do find it rather amusing(in an annoying sort of way) that they've started doing those inspections. After so many years of previous travelers not being screened I have to think that whatever invasive species could migrate have long since done so. It's a bit like trying to put the genie back into the bottle.

 

[Irish Mist]

What they are looking for are zebra mussels.. which do not grow in salt water. We have been stopped a few times coming from Ontario to BC. And once from BC to Ontario..unfortunately not all of the kids are well trained it seems.

 

[YukonRon]

Dan,
We just came back from Haines. Dragged our boat from Whitehorse to Skagway to launch, and back. Stopped at Haines, Hoonah, Bartlett Cove and spent a week in Glacier Bay. Not once did anyone mention invasive species or ask what water our boat had been in. Seems to be a non-issue here??
Oh, the border gaurd did ask lots of questions about the boat, because he really liked the Ranger Tugs!

 

[knotflying]

Just came back from Canada doing the Rideau and the Trent Sevren. Never had an inspection at the border.

 

[Margaret Lower]

Repeating the trauma of Environment Canada guys at Coutts, AB....
"Only five USAStates" -- Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, along with Alberta and BC, are free of the dreaded mussel.

As posted two days ago, we were advised to watch for inspection stations at Calgary and at the BC border. Not even a trace of Environment Canada nor any of their paraphernalia. As a matter of fact, all the commercial highway vehicle stations were closed. Canada Day weekend?

Back to Coutts. The self-bailing cockpit of Ranger Tugs have holes in the hull to drain. It has been raining --a lot-- this trip. Inspectors kept looking for plugs to keep that moisture from trickling down the hull. There is a $137 fine if they find a plug in your boat that might be retaining water !!

I promise not to "beat this horse" any more. Now on the ALCAN Highway and only 1700 miles from our camp on the Kenai Peninsula