Transiting BC, WA-AK

Associated Press just reported Alaska no longer requiring COVID test upon entry. In Alaska, Wyoming & most of the US new covid19 cases are dropping dramatically. That’s good news for a change & even better for JoLee & I, we get our 2nd vaccine shot in 2 days.
 
Bringing this thread back to the top, as Kel and I are making plans for a trip to Alaska this year. I've taken a sabbatical from work this year, so the timing is best for us assuming Canada's rules for transit via water remain relatively unchanged. Thanks for all the excellent and practical information.

Jay and Richard, we'll be starting out some time in June, so you'll be ahead of us. I would really appreciate updates as you (and others) prepare and embark. I'll continue to monitor Canada's sites for updated information.

My initial plans include checking in at Nanaimo, where we'd also top off with fuel. We can then run on plane when conditions allow with expected stops in Port McNeill, Shearwater, and Prince Rupert.

One area I found confusing was the "small vessel reporting sites" (https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/openpoe-t ... e-eng.html). Do we need to report at a "CBSA staffed marine port of entry where private pleasure craft MUST report directly" (DRS/M) or can it be one of the "marine port of entry at which private pleasure craft operators may report by telephone" (TRS/M)? There are no DRS/M locations listed in BC.

Les Rohlf
 
Hi Les,

Your timing for questions is good. Just a few minutes ago I spoke with CBSA in Sidney BC, to verify my understanding of the "Transit through Canadian waters" rules. No surprises, except that I do need to fill out the info requested by the ArriveCAN app. And submit my written travel plan too, showing likely anchorages and fuel stops.

I'll check in at Sidney. Can't anchor before checking in, so Sidney works for me traveling at 7 knots.

A negative COVID test is not reqd.

Stopping for fuel/water at a place declared as a possibility in my written plan is fine, no additional call-in reqd (unless I have to make an unplanned stop).

No shore trips other than the fuel stops. No wandering around sightseeing. No tying up to other boats. No fishing.
 
Hi Les,

I just went through the ArriveCAN app. It's no sweat, except that it wants to know BC address where I will be quarantining - not just "on my boat". The CBSA agent said to enter the address of the marina where I check into BC.

The reporting sites for small vessels are listed on this web page:

https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/openpoe-t ... e-eng.html

You can sort by province - there are lots in BC. Not sure why Sidney is shown as TRS, though there is a phone on the customs dock. CBSA has an office in the marina office building, if I recall correctly. The agent I spoke with today thought checking in at Sidney was fine, and said someone would come to the boat.
 
Richard,
Thanks very much for these latest details.

I loaded the ArriveCAN app and setup an account without issue. I'll need to add my details as our schedule firms up.

Thanks for confirming that the TRS stations like Sydney are acceptable for initial reporting. It may make sense for us to enter via Sydney as well.

Les
 
LesR":3cyucdm5 said:
Jay and Richard, we'll be starting out some time in June, so you'll be ahead of us. I would really appreciate updates as you (and others) prepare and embark. I'll continue to monitor Canada's sites for updated information.

Les Rohlf
Click to expand...


Les, we had hoped to go immediately after the Friday Harbor Gathering in May, but that hope is greatly diminished at present. Concerns with JoLee’s health problems, while that far out on a limb, has us thinking a wiser choice for us is to chose another year for the BC section of the Inland Passage. I do think with Richard’s shared knowledge of the how to make it happen for you, viable, though not nearly as pleasant a cruise or easy to plan out as a more normal year would be. Once in SE Alaska it should be just the opposite with a fantastic year to cruise there.

Jay
 
I'm not sure I truly understand what this language says.

Can I go to a Canadian entry port and get approved just once, and then be accepted at any other BC port without further testing as long as I don't leave BC?

It says the test must be done at a lab. Can one scan the certificate and email it to some BC gov't authority so it is on file when you actually enter within 72 hours; or must you carry the antigen test results with the boat when you go to the port of entry?
 
Don't know for sure. I have not yet been able to find updated info for private boaters. In the past it has always come out later than the info for land and air travelers.

If it is like last fall, if you're vaccinated and have proof of an accepted negative test, once you check in you're OK to travel normally as before COVID.

In Ketchikan last August, I was tested by a public health lab, in a trailer they had set up at the ferry terminal, before I headed south to Prince Rupert. Had to use the ArriveCAN app to provide the info CBSA wanted, including proof of vaccination and negative test. After that no restrictions.
 
That’s sure good news. 60 day countdown & we will be again back to border crossing on our way to Alaska.
 
Back
Top