Nexus card and landing in Canada

[Doc O Rock]

My wife and I finally received our Nexus cards. Only took 5 months. I we land in Canada, what is the procedure? Do we just call? And do we call when we get back to the US? We are planning on going to Sarnia Bay Marina.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Call first. The Nexus center gets a little antsy if you call after you've already docked.

 

[Novation]

It's been several years, but last time we went to Canada (same Sarnia Bay), Canadian customs wanted us to call in on a land line when we arrived. The marina had a dedicated telephone for that at the time. They were adamant that only the captain leave the boat to call in. We gave them our Nexus card numbers and they gave us a number to post in the window of the boat. We have been there several times and every time, Canadian Customs officers came to double check that the number was posted. Also, they will ask if you have anything to declare, so make sure you are in full compliance with that (particularly fruits and the amount of alcohol you have). Coming back to the US was much easier. We called the Nexus number before we left Canada and told US Customs when we would be arriving back in the U.S. along with our Nexus numbers. No problem whatsoever. Make sure you have the appropriate decal for the boat to come back into the U.S. because they will ask for the decal number also (Nexus is for the people but the decal is for the vessel).

 

[my3sons]

Call first. The Nexus center gets a little antsy if you call after you've already docked.

+1
Nexus advises to call at least 30 minutes prior to arrival but not more than 4 hours. Need to be prepared to tell them where you are landing, when, boat info and info for those on board. Have your nexus cards and a pen and paper in your hands when you call. Everyone on board has to be nexus, if not, then revert to the old can-pass call in from the marina phone when you arrive. This is what has worked for us. Your mileage may vary depending on what side of the bed your customs official got out of that morning. We have had only one negative experience in an uncountable number of visits over the years.

 

[Doc O Rock]

It's been several years, but last time we went to Canada (same Sarnia Bay), Canadian customs wanted us to call in on a land line when we arrived. The marina had a dedicated telephone for that at the time. They were adamant that only the captain leave the boat to call in. We gave them our Nexus card numbers and they gave us a number to post in the window of the boat. We have been there several times and every time, Canadian Customs officers came to double check that the number was posted. Also, they will ask if you have anything to declare, so make sure you are in full compliance with that (particularly fruits and the amount of alcohol you have). Coming back to the US was much easier. We called the Nexus number before we left Canada and told US Customs when we would be arriving back in the U.S. along with our Nexus numbers. No problem whatsoever. Make sure you have the appropriate decal for the boat to come back into the U.S. because they will ask for the decal number also (Nexus is for the people but the decal is for the vessel).

Decal, What Decal? And where do I get the decal? No wonder the marinas on the border are taking gas.

 

[eric_b]

The decal is the DTOPS transponder number. You only need it if your boat is 30' or longer. Go to the Customs and Border Protection website. www.cbp.gov.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[RollerCoastr]

It's been several years, but last time we went to Canada (same Sarnia Bay), Canadian customs wanted us to call in on a land line when we arrived. The marina had a dedicated telephone for that at the time.

Yes, this has changed. Years ago they didn't allow you to call CANPASS from a cellphone and/or before you landed. You could try and every once in a while they'd take it, but you could always end up with a jerk. AFAIK, the Nexus Reporting Center always wanted you to call ahead. Your visit may have pre-dated the NRC or you called the Canpass number before they changed their policy about call-ahead.

Now both the CANPASS Reporting Center and the Nexus Reporting Center prefer that you call ahead. They each have different numbers. 866-99-NEXUS and 888-CAN-PASS

 

[Doc O Rock]

So my Decal is on the way. Anything else that I need to do?

 

[RollerCoastr]

If you're drinkers, instead of providing a detailed inventory of alcohol aboard, tell them "this boat is a home" and "it has a stocked bar".

 

[Jaws]

I keep a "bar log" and record the alcohol onboard on both ends of the crossing. CBSA will always question you on alcohol and tobacco but has less tolerance for their own citizens. CBP is more concerned with produce, meat and currency. Nexus does make it convenient but you have to be organized when you call. Both sides are polite and professional until you start wasting their time.
Roller, does Canada allow you across with your rather large bar stock? My personal experience on your boat leads me to question that, lol.