All of these rules are driving me nuts!

It's that time of the year again. Time to research what is required for pleasure boats to cross Lake Ontario when entering the U.S.

You will not need a passport until June, 2009.

There have been many news stories about the new passport rule for air travelers, and the new identification rules for boaters. No doubt, it is official that if you enter the United States by air, you will need a passport. There are a few exceptions that you can read about on the Department of Homeland Security website.

Traveling to the U.S. by boat is another matter. U.S. citizens ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth.

Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

You can read about what documents are needed by visiting the CBP.gov website.

CBP has designated specific reporting locations within the Field Offices that are staffed during boating season for pleasure boats to report their arrival and be inspected by CBP. The master of the boat must report to CBP telephonically and be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to satisfy the face-to-face requirement, or report to the nearest designated reporting location along with the boat’s passengers for inspection.

There are three exceptions to the face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location for Lake Ontario, NEXUS, Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68), and Outlying Area Reporting Stations (OARS).

The NEXUS Marine program is a joint Canada-U.S. initiative that offers facilitated customs and immigration clearance for recreational low-risk boaters entering either country through registration into the program. NEXUS is valid for 5 years and satisfies the boat operator’s legal requirement to report to a port-of-entry for face-to-face inspection in accordance with 8 CFR 235.1, but boaters must still phone in their arrival to satisfy 19 USC 1433.

The Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (I-68) applicants for admission into the United States by small pleasure boats are inspected and issued an I-68 permit for the entire boating season. The I-68 permit allows boaters to enter the United States from Canada for recreational purposes with only the need to report to CBP by telephoning in their arrival.

Outlying Area Reporting System (OARS) is another norther border method for boaters to report entry to satisfy 19USC and 8CFR requirements into the United States from Canada. The OARS program uses videophones, typically located at public marinas, which boaters may use to report to CBP.

Don't forget the infamous decal. You need to purchase a decal if you operate a private vessel that is 30 feet or more in length that enters the United States.

Costs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) User Fees is $27.50 (U.S.) per calendar year for a vessel 30 feet or more in length. You can read all about this requirement by clicking here.

So, are you confused yet? It's not as bad as it may sound. I have heard a few horror stories when crossing, but by far most reports are possitive.

Read the Canadian side of the story. Click here.