BOATING TIPS -- APRIL 1996
Canada Cruising Regulations

I had the opportunity in March to attend a regional meeting of the Recreational Boaters' Association of Washington (RBAW) here at the Bellingham Yacht Club. The sessions brought together representatives not only from RBAW, but also from the Council of British Columbia Yacht Clubs. About 25 attended. Our representative to RBAW is Anna Williams, who is a Director of RBAW; this is no small assignment, as their meetings are normally held in Seattle ten months/year, and Anna has to make the drive down to attend. We owe her a vote of thanks!

Here are some things you need to know:

• I-68 FORMS: According to Dennis Hazleton of Customs, the darned "I-68" form is still, technically, required for a telephone check-in to be valid. There is now a charge for the form: $16 per person or $32 for a family if the children are under the age of majority. He suggests you get your form in Blaine.
• FISHING IN CANADA: When fishing in Canada, you cannot "can" the fish before landing the boat, and the fish must be kept in tact. It is suggested you leave the tail and scales on when you clean your fish, so that should an officer inspect you, the fish species can be identified. It is suggested that if you purchase fish to bring aboard for food, you have your receipt for the fish aboard with you!
• BOAT OPERATOR LICENSING: It is anticipated that Canada will soon begin a licensing program, and Canadian skippers will need to have a certificate indicating they have taken an approved course. Present operators will probably be "grandfathered" in to the program. This will not affect U.S. Citizens.
• NEW CANADA CHART KIT: Canada has published a new chart book (Chart #3313) for the Gulf Island region. Unlike the earlier "strip" charts, north is "up" on these, and a set of large-area planning charts, photos, anchorage information, etc., is included in the set, similar to the Desolation Sound book that has been out for several years. It is priced at $88 Canadian; the charts included would cost $235 if bought separately, plus it has all that other data! I recommend it; LFS, at least, is stocking it.
• DESOLATION SOUND SANITATION: There are proposals to call for use of MSD's such as holding tanks in the Desolation Sound area, plus Pender Harbor! The tanks could then be emptied when back out in the faster-moving waters. Watch for notices if this goes into effect.

RBAW and the CBCYC are always watching out for our interests, and if you have a boat of any size, you should join the organization in your country. These volunteers deserve your support, for they are defending you against onerous new taxes and regs.

Have a safe and pleasant Spring boating season!

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