Summer 2003

Download a .pdf version the Summer 2003 newsletter

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Late fall of 2002 the TISBA board embarked on a project of understanding the various issues and conflicting ideas surrounding speed on the river and enforcement of laws pertaining to speed. Often related to speed, the subject of noise levels also entered the conversations.

Numerous meetings occurred over the winter with representatives from the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, Save The River, United States Coast Guard, New York State Park Police, New York State Police, Alexandria Bay Village and Township officials, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council and TISBA.

The discussions produced an improved understanding of not just the issues but also the various roles the different enforcement agencies play. Not only speed and noise were issues but as you can imagine border crossing procedures also were a critical topic.

Consensus of all the players was that there is a definite lack of understanding of the rules/laws regarding speed, noise, and border procedures. Pamphlets, signage and perhaps press will be necessary to educate both regular users as well as one time users/visitors to the River.

The Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce agreed to take the lead role in continuing the meetings and in coordinating various efforts to inform the public. On May 22nd there was a 9:00 AM meeting for Businesses of Alexandria Bay to inform them of current border procedures and to provide an opportunity for business owners to meet with various law enforcement representatives so that both have a better understanding of their respective responsibilities and concerns.

On Saturday, June 28th Alexandria Bay will have “Border Day” at the town docks from 9:00AM - Noon. The United States Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and other law enforcement agencies will be present, with boats and with information pamphlets so the public can view new equipment, meet and talk with representatives of the various agencies and become more familiar with the laws, rules and regulations of the area.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be performing complimentary inspections of boats upon your request. Activities, free pop corn and whatever are planned for your entertainment. We encourage you to attend and look forward to seeing you there.

Consensus was also reached on the fact that the worst offenders of speed and noise were probably 3-5% of River traffic and this small percentage actually causes others to stay off the river. Therefore agreement was reached that law enforcement should enforce the current laws and would be more of a presence during the summer of 2003.

Border crossing procedures has its own article in this newsletter. You will enjoy your summer much more if you stay informed on this subject. The result of 9/11 is that our border will probably never be the same. June 28th 9:00 - 12:00AM - Bay docks on Upper James Street . Bring your family.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The season is upon us, and TISBA has made meaningful progress since we have last communicated with you. Our challenges remain: to educate those of us who “don’t know” and to encourage adequate enforcement of existing laws to impact those who simply “don’t care”. We have been moving ahead, slowly but surely, with both agendas, but this past summer (2002) saw a far greater interest from new Board members who have dedicated significant time and energy and enabled us to move forward this year: Teddy McNally, Fritz Hager, Trey Vars and Marguerite Sanzone have all made major contributions. Other members of the organization like Stephanie Weiss and Marty Yennawine have also made major contributions. See Teddy’s summary in this newsletter about our Community Outreach effort, which he, Trey and Stephanie have led.

One of the things that is evident to us is that the River is the ultimate “all politics are local” environment, and this summer we will further organize around small “neighborhood” groups, who can help move the agenda forward in their specific areas. We continue to look for volunteers to assume leadership positions around their part of the River, and ask anyone who is interested and willing to spend some time with their River neighbors to let us know.

And, we now have some better ways for you to “let us know”. Included in this mailing is an response envelope which contains a section asking you to let us know if you would like one of us to contact you. Please use this form to renew your membership, as your membership is our lifeblood. And also let us know if you can become more active. Can you help recruit more members from your “neighborhood” and talk with your neighbors about what the specific issues are in your area.

The second – and we hope ultimately more useful method – is to visit our website at www.TISBA.org and sign on and email us. We want the website to become a useful communication tool between members. Please visit and let us know your reactions. There are also some good links to other organizations and other sites of local interest. Please visit!

Hovercraft
Last summer, many of our members inquired about the Hovercraft which had been operating out of Ganaanoque, and we had begun to devote some attention to the topic. However, we understand that he has moved to Ottawa, and that he will no longer be operating in the 1,000 Islands.

A Vote of Thanks and Appreciation
This past year has brought to closure the terms of three of our most dedicated and longstanding Board members, whose contributions have all been far beyond what anyone could expect. They have been the lifeblood of this organization for many years, and their personal presence will be greatly missed. With great thanks to three fine people who have done so much for TISBA: Bob Kent, Alden Russell, Ginny Sramek.

The ice is gone, the boats are in, and we look forward to seeing you this summer. Please join us or renew your membership, and a larger contribution if you can. We are beginning to move a number of things forward, and your support is critical to us.

Best wishes for a fine summer,

John McCullough, President

VESSEL SAFETY CHECK

What is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)? A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations.

The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.

This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. You will be given a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display the distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

A Vessel Safety Check can be obtained by contacting the vessal examiner in your area via the internet at http://safetyseal.net/ or by calling the Boating Safety Hotline at 1.800.368.5647 or contacting a Coast Guard Auxilary member.

CANADIAN AUTHORIES ADDRESS NOISE ISSUE

According to a recent article in the May edition of Cottage Life magazine, Canadian Authorities have recently addressed noise regulations, and the Canadian Coast Guard issued an amendment to their regs this Winter, specifying that vessels built after Jan 1, 1960, which do not divert their exhaust underwater, must be fitted with a muffler, which must be constantly engaged when a boat is within 8 kilometers of shore (approximately 5 miles).

First time violators will face fines of C$100, while repeat offenders can expect to go to court, and face fines which may exceed C$2,000.

For further information, refer to
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2003/20030212/html/sor40-e.html

GOING TO CANADA BY BOAT? RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES?

If you are planning to a trip to Canada by boat, you should be informed and prepared about not only how to check in to Canada but also how to re-enter the United States. The following is a very short summary of arriving in Canada and re-entering the US.

Arriving in Canada
• Have proof of citizenship
• Land at a Designated Customs Reporting Station (Many Canadian marinas on the shorelines of the Seaway are designated Customs Reporting Stations and will display a Canadian Customs sign, generally above a pay telephone.) 
• Immediately call Canadian Customs (1.800.CANPASS). Be prepared to record the report number that the officer will give you. Keep a log of all entry dates and report numbers as you could be questioned at some future date.

Alcohol in Canada
You may bring up to 1.5 litres (50 fluid ounces) of wine, 1.14 litres of liquor (40 fluid ounces) or 24 x 355 ml (12 fluid ounces) cans or bottles (8.5 litres/288 fluid ounces) of beer or ale per person who is of the drinking age of the province in which you are entering duty free. The minimum age requirement is 19 years of age in Ontario. Regardless if you pay duty, most provinces limit each person to 9.1 litres (308.3 fluid ounces)
In most provinces alcohol may be consumed on board the vessel if it meets all of the following conditions:
• The vessel has permanent sleeping facilities
• The vessel has permanent cooking facilities
• The vessel has a permanent toilet
• The vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock

References for this article:
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca
www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

Re-Entering the United States

US Customs
• As soon as you dock, call US Customs (1.800.827.2851).All passengers, baggage and goods must remain on board!
• Customs can act on behalf of INS, if and only if the boat operator has a valid Form I-68 for each person onboard.
Where you dock will depend on if all on board have a Form I-68 or not. If all do not, then you must report to the nearest OARS Station. If all on board have an I-68, then you can dock at your “home port” and then call US Customs.

US Immigration
There are two different ways of reporting into US Immigration: Form I-68 (Canadian Border Boat Landing Program) and OARS (Outlying Area Reporting Station). As stated earlier, US Customs can act on behalf of INS only if all on board have a valid Form I-68. If not everyone on board the vessel has a Form I-68, the you must use the OARS system.
The OARS program uses videophones which boaters use to report to US Immigration inspectors. In Alexandria Bay and Clayton, the OARS stations are located at the town docks.
For further information about the Outlying Area Reporting System or Form I-68, check with the local immigration office located at the Thousand Islands Bridge, 315.482.2681 or refer to www.immigration.gov.

References for this article:
www.immigration.gov
www.cbp.customs.gov
www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

Obtaining the United States INS Form I-68

It’s not as daunting as it sounds! Simply go down to the US Immigration office at the Thousand Islands Bridge. Bring your passport or some other means of proof of citizenship (with a photo ID - Diver’s license is not proof of citizenship).

They will run your name through their system, take your picture and your fingerprint. Assuming your name clears, you will be issued an I-68 on the spot. The fee is USD16 per individual with a USD32 family cap. All children under 14 are listed on the parents form (bring your children’s ID as well, such as birth certificate).You do not need a boat registration nor do you need to be associated with a boat.