Living aboard on the inside passage

[Mac2]

Next summer I plan on leaving Seattle for good (god willing). We have no set plans. A lot of people here head north to Alaska and a lot of of the members here from Alaska head south. We prefer anchoring out and solitude. We will visit Alaska in the summer at some point-not next year. Where would you spend the majority of your time? The Broughton’s always come up. If I don’t plan on Alaska next year, does staying south of Cape Caution make sense, or should I consider the west side of Vancouver Island? Finally, Im thinking I would come back to the San Juans for the winter unless someone talks me out of it. Thanks for any and all recommendations.

 

[Frosty]

This should be an interesting thread. I look forward to reading the posts.

I've only been up and back once (and did not go to Alaska). But I will put in a note to consider Haida Gwaii too (fka the Queen Charlotte Islands). They were neat. We sailed over there from Prince Rupert and then came south down the west side of Vancouver Island.

 

[greg_c]

Get your NEXUS pass.

 

[Mac2]

This should be an interesting thread. I look forward to reading the posts.

I've only been up and back once (and did not go to Alaska). But I will put in a note to consider Haida Gwaii too (fka the Queen Charlotte Islands). They were neat. We sailed over there from Prince Rupert and then came south down the west side of Vancouver Island.

What prompted the west side? Sailing?

 

[greg_c]

I missed that part.

My insurance in Puget Sound specifically warns me about limited coverage up the west coast and Haida Gwaii. Tread carefully.

 

[SteveK]

Get your NEXUS pass.

Greg. Have you used Nexus by boat in the past couple of years?
I was curious of a second description as it does not sound as easy as before the new pass needed system.
Have not crossed in years, previously moored at Point Roberts and used Nexus by phone and never saw a human crossing border.

 

[greg_c]

Greg. Have you used Nexus by boat in the past couple of years?
I was curious of a second description as it does not sound as easy as before the new pass needed system.
Have not crossed in years, previously moored at Point Roberts and used Nexus by phone and never saw a human crossing border.

Its very straight forward as of this past summer, but a different process in each direction (i.e. when to call in, when not to)

I am a firm believer of the fewer humans you deal with, the better off you are.

 

[Frosty]

What prompted the west side? Sailing?

Well, we moseyed north up the Inside Passage (from the Victoria area), and when we got to Prince Rupert, we had a decision to make: Alaska, or the QC's. It was a tough one! But since we were planning more offshore/long-distance cruising afterward (heading south from Victoria), we decided let's cross over, explore Haida Gwaii, and then go down the west side of Vancouver Island. Give ourselves a taste of semi-offshore cruising, while we can make any mods or repairs when we get back to Victoria.

Hence the leg of the trip down the west side of Vancouver Island only included one stop (Winter Harbour). But we did explore Haida Gwaii before heading south, which was pretty neat!

Obviously, I need to go back and do the whole thing again, because there is so much I missed (like, for example, Alaska)

PS: Yes, we were sailing. Tho of course that mostly meant motoring all the way to Prince Rupert. Ironically, Hecate Strait was like a mirror the day we crossed, so that was motoring too! (The west side of VI made up for that though, as we purposely went during some "poorer" weather.)

 

[Frosty]

I missed that part.

My insurance in Puget Sound specifically warns me about limited coverage up the west coast and Haida Gwaii. Tread carefully.

View attachment 170034

Though 12 miles west of Haida Gwaii (fka QC Islands) (which you would then presume would also mean 12 miles off of Vancouver Island) would seem to be more than sufficient to explore them.

Oh but maybe you were thinking of the crossing from the southern tip of HG to the northern end of Vancouver Island. That could be an exclusion. But one could get around that by dipping in.

Still your main point stands: Check.

 

[Frosty]

Its very straight forward as of this past summer, but a different process in each direction (i.e. when to call in, when not to)

I am a firm believer of the fewer humans you deal with, the better off you are.

I'm with you on both of the above.

On the Great Lakes this summer it was like you say, slightly different in each direction.

Going into Canada (as a US citizen):
Canada said you should go to a place where they have one of their special phones (so NOT at anchor), and then call in. But what I found out was that some (all?) of the special phones no longer exist, and so you just call on your own phone (but you still are supposed to be at one of the specified land places, I suppose so they could come board you if they wanted to).

Coming back into the US (as a US citizen):
I had a few different answers on this one, but basically you are supposed to use the CBP Roam app on your phone or tablet, and you check in via that. (Or some marinas supposedly have a tablet you can use.) I had read that you could be anchored (and I wasn't even near anyplace with a marina or town in my first US anchorage), so I checked in that way. Tho it asked for the address of the marina I was at. It also asked if I wanted to be a "preferred traveler" but I said no thanks. (Didn't know what that was and wanted to at least look it up first.)

They called me (somehow we couldn't get video call to work, probably my fault), and I asked if it was okay to check in from an anchorage and they said yes. Very friendly and helpful.

Later, I got a message that said "Welcome to the Preferred Traveler program, now you can check in while underway or from an anchorage." Go figure. This is not anything special like Nexus though.

I did one more over and back (different locations) and it went the same as the first time in both directions, except CBP roam didn't even want a video call, just said "enjoy your stay" and gave me an entry number. Which kind of made me laugh because I thought, Why thank you, I'll make sure to 'enjoy my stay' in my own country."

BTW, this all went in accordance with what I had read in the preceding month (researching). The only two differences were the fact that the Canadian phones were gone (but you still had to be in one those locations). And the CBP thing about the "now that you are a preferred traveler you can check in from anywhere" which I didn't now about (thought you could always check in from at anchor).

I think there is a decal or similar that you need to get when entering the US if you are over a certain LOA. I was under that so don't remember the details. I think it was like $25.

 

[Frosty]

@Mac2 Pardon the borders tangent (though I guess it kind of fits), but I left something out of my previous post, which is that there is a (relatively?) new requirement for bringing a dog into the US (even if it's a "US citizen" dog coming back home).

That is that you need to fill in and upload (I also made paper copies) of a form (CDC form # 0920-1381 last summer anyway). This has to do with rabies vaccine and certification (I e-mailed my vet for that), and confirming that your pet (I think it's only for dogs but not positive) has an approved microchip implanted.

One slightly confusing thing about the form that I had to research is they ask for arrival day (but the form is good for 6 months after submission, so I was doing this long before I knew what exact day(s) I'd be returning to the US- in fact I hadn't even left yet). I did some research and apparently that's just an estimate. Main thing is you have 6 months after submitting it to use it. I used it twice (tho didn't have to "prove" I had it, tho if I remember correctly they may have asked if I had it).

Don't even know if you have a dog, but figured I'd mention it since I think it's newish.

 

[Mac2]

All info, including the nexus pass, are appreciated. No animals to worry about.

 

[porman]

We have spent three Summers in the Broughtons, not counting travel time from Seattle. There are plenty of secluded places to anchor where you might not see another boat for a week. Port McNeill is not that far away for groceries, fuel, laundry, seeing other people when your wife gets tired of you. Are you still in Seattle? Send me a PM if you want to talk or get together. Tim

 

[stevemitchell]

I live aboard full time and have spent the last 5 years or so south of Prince Rupert and north of Anacortes for the majority of the time. This year, I'm spending a lot of time in the San Juan Islands.

2024 I spent most of my time north of Campbell River for about 8 months. Winter was Gulf Islands.

NEXUS is great when crossing back and forth. Insurance is relatively easy to get that covers both the inside passage, out around Vancouver Island, and further to other places.

Plenty of places to anchor and provision all along the way, and lots of places with wonderful amounts of solitude and things to explore.

 

[Mac2]

We have spent three Summers in the Broughtons, not counting travel time from Seattle. There are plenty of secluded places to anchor where you might not see another boat for a week. Port McNeill is not that far away for groceries, fuel, laundry, seeing other people when your wife gets tired of you. Are you still in Seattle? Send me a PM if you want to talk or get together. Tim

Will trade alcohol for knowledge! I ll be PMing you. Thanks

 

[Mac2]

I live aboard full time and have spent the last 5 years or so south of Prince Rupert and north of Anacortes for the majority of the time. This year, I'm spending a lot of time in the San Juan Islands.

2024 I spent most of my time north of Campbell River for about 8 months. Winter was Gulf Islands.

NEXUS is great when crossing back and forth. Insurance is relatively easy to get that covers both the inside passage, out around Vancouver Island, and further to other places.

Plenty of places to anchor and provision all along the way, and lots of places with wonderful amounts of solitude and things to explore.

What is your preference between SJs and Gulf islands? I do plan on a NEXUS. I know you can stay for six months. Do you know how long you have to leave before returning to Canada?

 

[Portage_Bay]

What is your preference between SJs and Gulf islands? I do plan on a NEXUS. I know you can stay for six months. Do you know how long you have to leave before returning to Canada?

6 months usually. How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

 

[Frosty]

Speaking of time frames, there is a rule about needing proof of competency if operating a boat in Canada for more than 44 consecutive days. I didn't look into it too closely as although I was there more than 44 days, they were in two chunks (different locations) so not consecutive.

From:

Operator Card (PCOC) - FAQ

Operator Card (PCOC) - FAQ

tc.canada.ca

Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to non-residents?
The Regulations apply to non-residents if:

• They operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 44 consecutive days or,
• They operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats).

The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft (licensed in a country other than Canada) in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days. Please note that a proof of residence will be required on board at all times.

If you require more information on how Canadian requirements apply to non-residents visit the Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian Waters.

What is acceptable proof of competency for non-residents?
For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms:

1. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card; (Note: Oh, I see, this is the Canadian card, and there are guidelines on the linked page about how one can get one. That would actually make sense to do, as a visitor.)
2. A completed boat rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats); or,
3. An operator card or equivalent which meets the requirements of their state or country.

I did wonder what would satisfy #3 just above. Would an expired MMC count, for example? (Haven't looked into that yet.) See note above on #1 about getting a Canadian card.

 

[SteveK]

OMG.
After safely operating a boat for 44 days you have to stop and prove competency?

 

[Frosty]

SteveK wrote:
OMG.
After safely operating a boat for 44 days you have to stop and prove competency?

No, you can just head home to the US (or other country). But if you want to stay longer (consecutively), you are supposed to follow the rule.

Maybe you are laughing at the idea that Canada even lets people operate for 44 days sans proof. Fair enough. No idea how how they arrived at that number.

It's just something I noticed last spring when I was checking for all the things I needed to make sure to do/have/etc. before spending time boating in your beautiful country.

 

[SteveK]

@Frosty You seem to be finding my posts offensive lately, I do not know why. Be Nice or put me on ignore.

Anyway, all boat operators need insurance, usually insurance expects you to be competent. Then the mere fact you have operated your boat without that cash grab card, makes you more competent than the never having driven a boat person who pays $30 CAN to do the same written test, able to be done in 15-30 minutes.
Yes I think it is a big joke that we Canadians say you Americans need to prove you can operate your boat after 44 consecutive days doing exactly that by proving it with a written test and paying a fee for the privilege.

 

[porman]

We've spent more than 44 days in Canada several times and never been asked for any proof of competency. When we've entered Canada they have always asked how long we plan to stay and the subject has never been brought up.

 

[Frosty]

Fair enough. I just thought I'd mention it since OP was going to be spending longer periods of time. You never know when someone might check (though I would guess it would not be too often).

 

[luna]

@Frosty

Then the mere fact you have operated your boat without that cash grab card, makes you more competent than the never having driven a boat person who pays $30 CAN to do the same written test, able to be done in 15-30 minutes.
Yes I think it is a big joke that we Canadians say you Americans need to prove you can operate your boat after 44 consecutive days doing exactly that by proving it with a written test and paying a fee for the privilege.

Stevek, what you fail to grasp is that you can possess boat handling skill without having any knowledge of the regulations..

The PCOC is a means to establish that you have a reasonable level of competence with respect to the regulations.
It is a written test not a driving test and in no way demonstrates your skill in handling a boat.

The Feds are just insisting you have knowledge not skill.

I think that having to prove you know the rules and when to apply them is a pretty low hurdle and tends to keep everyone just a bit safer.

Whats wrong with that?

What is perplexing is that the safety checklist that you completed to enable you to take that 18’ 150 HP outboard powered boat out with your 4 kids onboard is in itself enough to constitute proof that you know the rules, even though it does not contain any method of determining your knowledge of the rules.

Our Provincial DMV requires visitors to get a provincial Drivers Licence at 6 months.
That would include a driving test. Is that a better way?

 

[GrandWood]

Can’t ya just go to ports of entry entering or leaving Canada, show um your passport, dog vaccination papers, annswer there questions and that’s it. Do you really need all this online BS.

Does Canada charge you to enter the country

 

[Portage_Bay]

Can’t ya just go to ports of entry entering or leaving Canada, show um your passport, dog vaccination papers, annswer there questions and that’s it. Do you really need all this online BS.

Does Canada charge you to enter the country.

At present there is no fee to enter Canada.

It would be much easier if we could meet all the various requirements at one stop entering the country but that's not the way it works. Different agencies, different responsibilities.

As for going online to get the card I'd rather do that than travel to Canada to take the class or test. Or take even longer to cross the border to take the class or test. Or maybe I entered intending to stay less than 44 days but decided I want to stay longer, now I without the online option I have to return to the southern border or go to the northern border to get the card.

 

[H2O_Doc]

The Feds are just insisting you have knowledge not skill.

I think that having to prove you know the rules and when to apply them is a pretty low hurdle and tends to keep everyone just a bit safer.

I'll preface my comments by stating that I have a strong aversion to .gov stupidity.......

If this is a good rule (after 44 days, prove competency) that keeps us all safer, then why not require it at the time of entry? It would make a whole lot more sense, wouldn't it?

 

[GrandWood]

At present there is no fee to enter Canada.

It would be much easier if we could meet all the various requirements at one stop entering the country but that's not the way it works. Different agencies, different responsibilities.

As for going online to get the card I'd rather do that than travel to Canada to take the class or test. Or take even longer to cross the border to take the class or test. Or maybe I entered intending to stay less than 44 days but decided I want to stay longer, now I without the online option I have to return to the southern border or go to the northern border to get the card.

I read the NEXUS card is 120.00 per adult, and then there’s some other app to reenter the U.S. just seems so daunting to get all this crap to cruise around canada

Also on this 44 day card, does everyone on the boat that operates it need this card, or is it just the boat

 

[Marco Flamingo]

Maybe you are laughing at the idea that Canada even lets people operate for 44 days sans proof. Fair enough. No idea how how they arrived at that number.

I think that 44 days Canadian is equal to 30 days U.S.

This just reminded me that Washington state has a boater card requirement. I completed an online test years ago. I remember I missed one question having to do with "personal watercraft" (you can't shoot at them). I don't remember getting a card and if I did, I have no idea where it is. When I mentioned this to my wife, she instantly pulled hers out of her purse. So for me it's no more than 44 days if solo?

 

[luna]

Regulations are often a compromise. The desire to regulate, tempered by public convenience.

I know of no other motorized mode of transportation that you only need to show that at one time you knew the rules in order to operate legally.

You don’t need to show your motor vehicle drivers licence when you enter, but it is only good for a set period of time. Once that time is up you leave or get one of ours.

Why should boats be different?