Transiting the US from Canada to Caribbean

[Beakster]

Hi,

I plan to sail from Kingston Ontario Oswego NY, enter the US, and the stay in the US until I hit Florida, then jump off to the Bahamas.

My understanding was, like with driving, I officially enter the US when I arrive, then I can go where ever I want, and I only need to speak to officials again when it's time to depart the US.

Ive recently been advised this is not the case with a boat transiting the Erie canal. Apparently the boats location needs to be constantly updated by telephoning ahead, and the number to call and procedures change frequently throughout the US.

I'm also advised I may need a US Cruising permit, but I'm not clear on why, or if I do. I assume that permit was for people travelling along the border and making multiple US/Canada entries during the course of a short trip?

Any info much appreciated

Thanks

[dougweibel]

As I am a US citizen with a US boat I really don't know all the procedures. I'm sure someone else will chime in shortly. It is not like taking your car across the border.

Unfortunately my understanding is from a procedural standpoint the US is not the easiest place to cruise on a foreign boat.

You will also need to get a cruising permit when you get to the Bahamas.

[5BTM]

https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/A...language=en_US

[sv_pelagia]

You will need a cfuising permit.


Each time you enter a new CBP "zone" going south, you need to give them a call...However, NOW I think you must do this (more easily) using the ROAM app.


When you leave the USA, you should cancel your cruising permit, unless you will be returning (and then exiting) USA with 12 months of first entry.



IF I have this wrong (it could be out of date), please correct me (nicely, of course)

[boatpoker]

The second article on this page will tell you all about "US Cruising Licenses", note,they are not "permits".
Cruising the Great Lakes, ICW, bahamas, Erie and New York canals

[deblen]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

The second article on this page will tell you all about "US Cruising Licenses", note,they are not "permits".
Cruising the Great Lakes, ICW, bahamas, Erie and New York canals

Great resource!/Len