U.S. boats staying in Canada face 13% import tax

The Canadian government has begun enforcing a law requiring foreigners to pay an import tax (up to 13%) if they leave their boats in Canada year round. The E-99 permit used to allow American boaters to travel Canadian waters in the summer and then keep their boat here over the winter to get work done at a marina. But apparently you can no longer do this indefinitely. Canadian marinas stand to lose a lot of their American customers. [Simco.com]

U.S. Boaters don't know Canadian Laws

It probably wouldn't surprise boaters who cruise across that invisible border in the St. Lawrence River that they might run into the Ontario Provincial Police for a safety check. Visitors don't require an operator licence for short stays, but the OPP will check for required safety equipment such as life vests, paddle, throwable floating device, and even a waterproof flashlight. Fines for not having mandatory safety equipment can cost up to $200 for each missing item.

At home, an open container of beer wouldn't cause much trouble, but in Ontario it's illegal and could cost you a $125 fine. If you are impaired, an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, you can expect a fine of $600 or more. Having or using fishing equipment requires a provincial fishing licence, which can be purchased at some marinas and towns. And leave your guns at home! [Entering Canada by Boat | Transport Canada]

Fishing in Ontario

Starting in 2009, Americans who fish in Canadian waters will require the Canadian Outdoors Card (about $9, valid for three years), the same as for Canadian residents. The new regulations are is the first part of a new licensing automation system that will begin in 2010.
The card can be ordered by phoning 1-800-667-1940 using a credit card. A 2009 Ontario fishing licence can be ordered at the same time - a regular licence, a conservation licence, 8-day licence. A one-day licence does not require getting the Outdoors Card. The cards take up to six weeks to arrive by postal mail. Americans may take a state-registered boat into Canada for up to 45 consecutive days without requiring a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. (Details: mnr.gov.on.ca)

Single Vessel Label Program Discontinued

Transport Canada has decided to discontinue the Single Vessel Label Program before the regulations contained within the Canada Shipping Act 2001 come into effect (the Act came into force on July 1, 2007). Vessels that are not serially produced will no longer be required to have a Single Vessel Label. If your boat does not presently have a Capacity or Conformity Label, you will no longer be required to obtain one.
[Canada Shipping Act, 2001 | Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety]

Proposed Federal Regulations to Restrict Boating

Transport Canada has proposed new Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations following the revised Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001), which came into effect July 1. Minister of Transport Lawrence Cannon said, "The new restrictions included in the proposed regulations will maintain the safety of navigation, both commercial and recreational, by restricting the type or speed of vessels that may use the various waterways." The proposed regulations would restrict specified boating areas, restrict mode of propulsion, limit maximum engine power or speed, prohibit recreational towing and water-skiing, and specify areas requiring permits for on-water events.

The proposal was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, August 18. You must comment within 30 days. Transport Canada will publish the final regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, at which time they will come into effect. More information: Canadian Marine Advisory Council: cmac-ccmc.gc.ca