BC Ferries Rate Increases

Roger,

When you go for your interview make sure they give you a "Boater registration number". Sometimes they omit to do so because they are used to dealing with people driving cars, trucks etc. and they do not care what you drive.

For a Boat, they want to know all about it, and if you change in the future, be sure to call them and let them know.

That number will be what the US customs will ask for when you call in on re-entry. If you do not have it, you may be lucky and find an official who will spend 1/2 Hr on the phone with you to fill out the papework and allocate you (each) a number.

BTW. Needless to say that when interviewed by the CA customs officer be sure that you do not have anything like a DUI (As if you would) on your record even if it was 100 years ago in Africa.

We have never been stopped by US Customs with the boat and only once when re-entering by truck when I had a load of sandbags in the back of the Chevvy HD Duramax 'cos it's a tad light at the rear end on a mountain road in snow with no boat back there.

Good luck.

M
 
I got my Nexus card last month. My wife's interview is scheduled for next week - she didn't get the email notice and you can't see what email address you entered or change it until AFTER the Nexus card is issued, so be damned sure you get that part right! But I didn't know about the "Boater Registration Number" - we will have to get those after she gets her card.

Grumpy is right about calling in when returning to the US, but looking through my Nexus docs a "designated site" is required going in to Canada, and the only one on the West coast of Vancouver Island is "Uclulet (June 1st to Sept 30th) - DFO Government Dock (52 Steps Dock)". The paper form is dated 5/21/2008.

However, Uclulet is NOT on the CBSA web site for reporting locations:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/listing/indexpages/indextype39-e.html so I just called them and had a nice chat.

You CAN phone in from Uclulet as above, but only between 0800 and 2200 hours. If you started out from Neah Bay and - because of weather or breakdown - had to put into Bamfield, you COULD be fined $1,000 (and have your vessel subject to seizure to ensure the fine is paid).

The CBSA office was aware of the BC Ferry prices because he lives on Vancouver Island. He suggested taking the Port Angeles to Victoria ferry, or the WSF ferry from Anacortes to Sydney.
 
I think Tom's on the right track here. We've got a CEO at BC ferries in some hot water over his salary $1mill plus at the same time it's announced the ferry fares need to boost dramatically. I wouldn't panic just yet. This happens from time to time what will probably happen is we'll get a 4% hike and everyone will go "whew" that's better" They can sneak a small hike thru and we'll all cheer. Canadians eh? You gotta love em. :smile Do plan on bringing your boats north it"s great cruising in summer and fall. Spring too is good and some of those winter days are awesome George
 
George,

Good to hear you waving the flag buddy, 'cause it is awesome up there. I hope to get up there somewhere this summer too, at least into Canada, Sidney and Salt Spring for sure. Probably not time to make it farther. At some point I do want to get into the Brokens. Ferry or on our own bottom, I'd prefer the pleasure of my own craft.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Grumpy":9tdjcbaz said:
Roger,

When you go for your interview make sure they give you a "Boater registration number". Sometimes they omit to do so because they are used to dealing with people driving cars, trucks etc. and they do not care what you drive.

For a Boat, they want to know all about it, and if you change in the future, be sure to call them and let them know.

That number will be what the US customs will ask for when you call in on re-entry. If you do not have it, you may be lucky and find an official who will spend 1/2 Hr on the phone with you to fill out the papework and allocate you (each) a number.

BTW. Needless to say that when interviewed by the CA customs officer be sure that you do not have anything like a DUI (As if you would) on your record even if it was 100 years ago in Africa.

We have never been stopped by US Customs with the boat and only once when re-entering by truck when I had a load of sandbags in the back of the Chevvy HD Duramax 'cos it's a tad light at the rear end on a mountain road in snow with no boat back there.

Good luck.

M
Click to expand...

So our Nexus interviews were this AM. We arrived early and they took us in early. It was a fairly quick and painless process. When I asked about the boater registration number (at both the US and Canadian interview), they indicated that the Nexus card took care of this. From what I read here and elsewhere, I think I still need to call in for a registration number. Also of note:

1) If you fly internationally, effective in Jan of this year the Nexus card is connected to your passport and you can use the Global Entry kiosks at the U.S. airports equipped with a kiosk. This often provides a faster line through U.S. customs. You still need to carry your U.S. passport on international flights (except those to and from Canada where the Nexus card is sufficient).

2) If you're flying in and out of Canada's major airports you may also want to stop at one of them and get an iris scan. This is needed to go through Canadian customs quickly (again a separate line where you self check your way in and out). Contrary to what the instructions for the Nexus pass/interview say online (or at least appear to say online), the iris scan can only be done at the major Canadian airports and is not done in your Nexus interview in the states. It's only useful if you fly in and out of Canada and want the fast lane at Canadian customs.
 
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