Really weird Nexus entry into Canada call today

[scross]

We have Nexus. Have had it for 8-9 years now. Great program if you cross the US/Canada border on a regular basis.
Unfortunately the rules on crossing procedures change at unexpected times.
The “new to us process” of calling in on the Canadian Nexus number changed sometime in the past month. Previously we called in to the Nexus Canadian number (866-996-3987) to report arrival intentions at an approved Nexus port before actual arrival.
The new process is to call immediately after arrival at the approved Canadian port or call in at least 30 minutes out with a maximum of four hours out.
I called in this afternoon at 6 miles from Ganges, BC and told the Canadian agent I was 20 minutes out. She said I needed to be at least 30 minutes out to call in. I said I would slow down (15 knots to 8 knots) so I would be 30 minutes from arrival. She said “no you said 20 minutes” and hung up on me.
WOW!
Slowed down to 8 knots. Called back. Got another agent. I was now 35 minutes out. No issue. Clearance no problem.
Just a heads up for all you Nexus users!

 

[Submariner]

We have Nexus. Have had it for 8-9 years now. Great program if you cross the US/Canada border on a regular basis.
Unfortunately the rules on crossing procedures change at unexpected times.
The “new to us process” of calling in on the Canadian Nexus number changed sometime in the past month. Previously we called in to the Nexus Canadian number (866-996-3987) to report arrival intentions at an approved Nexus port before actual arrival.
The new process is to call immediately after arrival at the approved Canadian port or call in at least 30 minutes out with a maximum of four hours out.
I called in this afternoon at 6 miles from Ganges, BC and told the Canadian agent I was 20 minutes out. She said I needed to be at least 30 minutes out to call in. I said I would slow down (15 knots to 8 knots) so I would be 30 minutes from arrival. She said “no you said 20 minutes” and hung up on me.
WOW!
Slowed down to 8 knots. Called back. Got another agent. I was now 35 minutes out. No issue. Clearance no problem.
Just a heads up for all you Nexus users!

With Nexus, Canada allows you to clear customs as long as you are within 4 hours of arrival into Canada. So I could be passing Friday Harbor and clear Canadian customs via Nexus over the phone (as long as I don't stop anywhere or otherwise touch land). However, if I am within 30 minutes of my arrival, then I need to clear customs at the customs dock as if I didn't have Nexus. If I am >30 minutes away, but less than 4 hours away, I can clear customs on the phone via Canada/Nexus.

The return trip, back to the USA... you are required to be within US Water to clear, and you must use the CBP Roam app, regardless of whether you have Nexus or not.
They've ramped up border patrol also.

Upon our return... as I approached the USA/Canadian border, off in the distance, was this little USCG/Border Patrol boat just sitting... As soon as we crossed the border they hit the throttle and pulled us over.

First question he asks me is if we've checked in with the CBP roam app. I was like "Uh, no. The border is like, right there..." and pointed. 😀
They were cool. Welcomed aboard. USCG for the Americans and Canadian on the same boat. Showed them the boat registration documentation, Nexus cards for all onboard, no drugs, no cash >$10k, no g*ns, no hidden passengers (human smuggling)... and no eggs and no chicken. They looked in the refridgerator and a couple of galley drawers, and the v-berth. It doesn't take long to search a 27 foot boat. They were ok with the blueberries we had from Canada. Really pleasant interaction and we weren't stopped for more than a few minutes.

Then we used the CBP roam app, again, we all have Nexus on board... They did a zoom call and wanted to see each person on board via video. This was the first zoom called we've had on the USA side since we got Nexus 3 years ago. We got our clearance and headed to Roche Harbor for a FANTASTIC weekend with RHYC (Roche Harbor Yacht Club).