Lobo
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2008
- Messages
- 290
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-248 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2562J708
- Vessel Name
- Lobo
- MMSI Number
- 316013957
Greetings from Victoria BC to Tugnutters’ in the Pacific Northwest and those from inland US States that might be planning on boating in the waters of Canada this summer. I am “reporting” from Victoria, BC, and am a former Ranger owner with a goal of getting some current and relevant information to US Ranger owners of the current situation here in Canada. This is being written on May 2, 2020. This information is good for the Salish Sea areas of BC and Washington State because it's the only waters I know about.
At present the Canadian and the USA governments have a mutual border closure for recreational boats. This is a 30-day ruling and has been extended once so far. Commercial traffic will certainly outrank “adult recreation” once things start changing for the better.
Most marine facilities in Canada are closed or operating under policies that are for “local only”. As Sam Bissett has mentioned in his postings elsewhere on this site, Waggoner’s is a great source of information for what is closed and open all the way up the coast of British Columbia.
Many coastal communities in BC have closed their facilities to transient boaters. The reasons include a lack of resources in event a boater runs into difficulty and the lack of surplus food and fuel. If the event of requiring rescue, the people involved are already fully tasked and services might not be quickly available on water. If a traveler requires medical assistance, they might not get it as medical assistance as at best it is limited, now is not the best of times. Islands as far south at Salt Spring have issued press releases advising of not welcoming any transients, Canadian or American.
The potential for your personal health and boat insurance policies to be void when travelling in foreign waters is something you need to explore. A lot of travel policies will not cover you if you go into a country that has posted health warning notices. This might happen if you have a medical or marine claim issue while in a foreign country (Canada is foreign to Americans, and the US is foreign to Canadians).
A fellow member (Ron) of my yacht club (Royal Victoria) and his wife were out on their sailboat a few days ago. It was a day cruise to Discovery Island, about 4 miles distant. They were stopped on the water and checked for nationality and what there were up to. Ron also told me of two boats being stopped near Moresby Island, including boarding and proving that all passengers were Canadian and from the same family who were in self-isolation together at home. No guests allowed.
Boaters who plan to travel through BC waters to go to Alaska get no break. Even if you towed your boat to Alaska via BC you could have trouble passing through the Yukon Territory. At best you can get may be a 24-hour window to make your trip.
Once regulations start to change, and if you decide that a cross border trip is a possibility, please ensure you check the regulations of the country you plan to enter.
For this summer, consider staying local and safe, and look forward to 2021 for that magical boat trip up north.
Stay safe, and enjoy your own wonderful waters this summer.
At present the Canadian and the USA governments have a mutual border closure for recreational boats. This is a 30-day ruling and has been extended once so far. Commercial traffic will certainly outrank “adult recreation” once things start changing for the better.
Most marine facilities in Canada are closed or operating under policies that are for “local only”. As Sam Bissett has mentioned in his postings elsewhere on this site, Waggoner’s is a great source of information for what is closed and open all the way up the coast of British Columbia.
Many coastal communities in BC have closed their facilities to transient boaters. The reasons include a lack of resources in event a boater runs into difficulty and the lack of surplus food and fuel. If the event of requiring rescue, the people involved are already fully tasked and services might not be quickly available on water. If a traveler requires medical assistance, they might not get it as medical assistance as at best it is limited, now is not the best of times. Islands as far south at Salt Spring have issued press releases advising of not welcoming any transients, Canadian or American.
The potential for your personal health and boat insurance policies to be void when travelling in foreign waters is something you need to explore. A lot of travel policies will not cover you if you go into a country that has posted health warning notices. This might happen if you have a medical or marine claim issue while in a foreign country (Canada is foreign to Americans, and the US is foreign to Canadians).
A fellow member (Ron) of my yacht club (Royal Victoria) and his wife were out on their sailboat a few days ago. It was a day cruise to Discovery Island, about 4 miles distant. They were stopped on the water and checked for nationality and what there were up to. Ron also told me of two boats being stopped near Moresby Island, including boarding and proving that all passengers were Canadian and from the same family who were in self-isolation together at home. No guests allowed.
Boaters who plan to travel through BC waters to go to Alaska get no break. Even if you towed your boat to Alaska via BC you could have trouble passing through the Yukon Territory. At best you can get may be a 24-hour window to make your trip.
Once regulations start to change, and if you decide that a cross border trip is a possibility, please ensure you check the regulations of the country you plan to enter.
For this summer, consider staying local and safe, and look forward to 2021 for that magical boat trip up north.
Stay safe, and enjoy your own wonderful waters this summer.
