Leaving US waters

  • Thread starter Thread starter blouderback
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blouderback

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I've been pondering the thought of becoming a little more adventurous with my boat.

If I happen to figure out how to properly read charts, and find my way out of the bay through the inlet, and then cruise 3 miles from shore, have I officially left the country? If I get boarded by the Coast Guard or require their assistance, will I need proof of citizenship to re-enter the country?

I guess my question is, do I and my passengers need to carry a passport if I venture off-shore?
 
Why don't you ask Marcus and Consuela, I'm sure they are here illegally.
 
Bob, I think you're in US waters out to twelve miles. No dumping inside of three miles.
 
Good question. I'm tempted to say that just because you traveled more then 3 miles from shore, you did not visit another country so therefore don't need to re-enter the country.

In fact, If I go from here in Washington to Alaska, through Canadian waters, i don't even have to clear customs into Canada if I never touch shore, even though I am in Canadian waters. Similarly, if I enter Canadian waters from Washington and then come right back to Washington without touching Canadian soil or another boat, I can come right back without clearing customs.

I'm not sure why this is, but I think it helps to answer your question.

bp
 
"If I enter Canadian waters from Washington and then come right back to Washington without touching Canadian soil or another boat, I can come right back without clearing customs."

Yep, hence the popularity of boating among certain "bidness men."
 
Well, BP, I'm not sure why either, but it sure answered my question I had for you on an unrelated question.
 
That's what I was thinking, if you never enter another country, you aren't technically "re-entering" your home country. Anyone know for sure?
 
Well, what if I'm out there then hit a sandbar? Is that touching land outside the US? OK, just kidding.

What happens if the CG does need to assist me outside of US waters (and is it 3 or 12 miles?)? Do I need to produce proof of citizenship before they will deposit me back into the US?
 
You'll need proof of citizenship to get into NBR.

As of January 1, 2007, you'll need a passport for reentry to the US when visiting Canada or Mexico...by land. Not sure about from International waters.
 
quote:
Originally posted by SteveG

That's what I was thinking, if you never enter another country, you aren't technically "re-entering" your home country. Anyone know for sure?

Click to expand...

As a Canadian I visit US waters quite frequently...I am not concidered as landing in the US unless I drop anchor or tie up to an anchored boat or actualy dock..Therefore there is no need for me to report to US or Canadian customs.
And thats a fact... Now BOB is your next question going to be " what if I'm not in US waters and I have to Pee"
 
Who knows what the US Gov't wants to do now...even they are unsure.
In 2 weeks a passport is required to 'land' in the US by air.
After 1 Jan 2008 a passport will also be required to 'land' by boat.
However, here in the PNW, we boaters cruise across the US/Canada border all the time. It is only required to report to each other's authority when 'landing', or tying alongside a boat from the other nation.
I've been stopped many times by both countries officials but, after identifying what has transpired, they have never boarded.
David
 
Use charts for wiping,,cant read them anyways....
Begone you troll.
 
Actually, I'm starting to get the hang of reading charts. I got some good tips that got me started in the right direction. I know the difference between nuns and cans, I know what all the little "G" and "R" numbered thingys mean, and I know where not anchor!
 
quote:
Originally posted by blouderback

Well, what if I'm out there then hit a sandbar? Is that touching land outside the US? OK, just kidding.

Click to expand...


Technically, yes, you would need to clear customs. No kidding.
 
Bob...a small correction to your observation if I may.

Nuns don't have cans. It isn't permitted by the Church.
 
quote:
Originally posted by blouderback

Actually, I'm starting to get the hang of reading charts. I got some good tips that got me started in the right direction. I know the difference between nuns and cans, I know what all the little "G" and "R" numbered thingys mean, and I know where not anchor!

Click to expand...


You see, this really is BoaterEducation!
 
Good to hear Bob, we'll send you a bill.
 
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