Requirement to Report

All recreational boaters are required to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada as per the Customs Act (CA) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). This includes all foreign boaters entering Canada, as well as private boaters who depart Canada and enter foreign waters, and subsequently return to Canada.

This obligation exists regardless of their activities while outside of Canada or their planned activities while in Canada. Arrival in Canada occurs when the pleasure craft crosses the international boundary into Canadian waters.
This provision applies regardless of whether or not boaters drop anchor, land, enter an inland tributary or moor alongside another vessel while in foreign waters.

The only exception to the above applies to vessels that are ‘in-transit’ through Canada. In order to be considered “in-transit” the vessel must be proceeding directly from one point outside of Canada to another point outside of Canada. In-transit movement must be continuous, uninterrupted and without delays or stopovers.  Such movement could be for reasons of the shortest route, requirement of deep waters, evading obstacles such as bridges, etc.

Revised Reporting Arrangements
Certain private boaters may now present themselves to the CBSA by calling the Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) from their cellular telephones from the location at which they enter Canadian waters. The following groups of individuals may report by cellular phone:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have not landed on U.S. soil; and
• U.S. citizens and permanent residents who do not plan on landing on Canadian soil.

Owners/operators of private boats that are strictly weaving in and out of Canadian waters but are not in transit, will be required to call the TRC only once at the time of their initial entry into Canadian waters. If this activity changes, i.e., the vessel docks in Canada or takes on new persons or goods while in foreign waters, the boater must report directly to a designated marine reporting site and call the TRC upon their arrival in Canada.

All other private boaters, including those without cellular telephones, must proceed directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and place a call to the TRC in order to obtain CBSA clearance. This includes all vessels carrying foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens or permanent residents).

Canadian Phone numbers (TRC):
1-888-226-7277 If this number is not in service call Lansdowne at 1-613-659-4576
Hamilton 1-905-679-2073
Windsor  1-519-967-4320
Victoria   1-250-363-0222

You will be required to answer a few questions regarding your trip, passengers and
Declarations.  It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure all those on board have proper Identification.  At that time the TRC will decide of a verification of inspection is required.  If No examination is required the TRC will provide a number to the owner/operator this will Constitute release and approval for entry into Canada.