[RyanMI25]

Has anyone else heard that the I-68 program is suspended for this year. You will now have to go and report in at an INS OARS videophone thing in addition to calling customs when you come back. This was posted on another mailing list I'm on. Has anyone ever even seen one of the INS videophones anywhere here?

 

[Guest]

I heard so many rumors last year too. Once I heard that the I-68 program was cancelled last year?????

Not sure. I would love to go to canada, via boat, but......too much of a hassle.

 

[RyanMI25]

I called the INS office at the Embassador Bridge.

Here is the story.

There are no I-68's while the country is under "Orange Alert"

So there is a good possibility that for the foreseeable future or until someone more sensible then Tom Ridge becomes director we probably will not be allowed to use I-68's and have to use the OARS phones.

Does anyone know where an OARS phone is? The INS office doesn't and they are in charge of them. Probably a good chance that we don't have any.

 

[RyanMI25]

Link to OAS video phone in sites is available here:

OAS Video Phone in sites

Take note there are none on Lake St Clair, There is one on Lake Huron at Mackinac Island. The closest one to us is in Toledo Oh. Detroit does not even have one.

Hopefully someone from INS can enlighten the world or a lot of people will not be obeying the laws on this one.

 

[Guest]

I almost think they don't care. I hear a lot of people say that they just take their chances and just visit Canada with no problems.
I don't know.

 

[Guest]

I've got to agree with the "They don't care" idea. When you go to Canada, you know exactly what to do. Pull into a marina and there signs with the customs phone # and often times a dedicated phone just for calling them. It's very clear even to somone going there for the first time. I've researched what you are supposed to do when you come back to the US many times and still don't really know. It started to make some sense when they came out with the I-68's, but if they are suspending it, who knows what to do?? I personally don't do anything when I come back, I guess out of ignorance but not for lack of trying. With the internet and all of the homeland security business, it's ridiculous that it remains such a mystery.

 

[PWood]

Here's what Friday's Macomb Daily said;
"The Port of Detroit Customs office tells us that the I-68 forms, that must be renewed each year, are on hold because of the Orange Alert status we are under. The I-68 is not dead, and will probably be issued again when Homeland Security reduces the threat to Yellow status.
If you intend on visiting Canada, having your I-68 from last year may be beneficial, but you are required to check in with Customs as soon as you dock or anchor in either country."

 

[RyanMI25]

You were always supposed to check in with Customs. In the idiotic US Bearuacry (spelling???) Customs and Immigration are 2 different entities and you are supposed to check with both of them. The I-68 was always only good for the Immigration part. Never had anything to do with customs.

I'm sure this year with the requirement being that you either have to go to an actual INS office at either Algonac or Detroit, no one is going to do either so instead of atleast being able to try to obey the law they aren't really leaving you a choice. So business as usual continues and no one does anything when we come back.

 

[SMOOTH OPERATOR]

I didn't have an I 68 form last year & had no problems. My only concern this year would be an over zealous government agency wanting to make an example out of someone. I've heard that technically they can impound your boat if you do not have the I 68-although I was to a meeting last year where an official said that they wouldn't go that far. My only concern is that possibly Canadian Customs is in computer contact with the US Customs. They seem to know alot about you in Canada when you give them your name.

 

[PyrateJim]

Here is my understanding of the rumor.....
You are unable to get a new I-68 for 2003 during Orange and Red National Security Levels. When the level drops below Orange, as itis right now, they will again issue I-68's. If you already have one for this year (I do), it is good.

Now I just need to find out where all the good marinas are and what is around them to eat and gamble.

Jim

 

[budcouch]

I say just don't go to Canada until the proper procedure gets cleared up by both sides. There's a lot more to do in the USA anyways. We have Muscamoot, PIB, Cedar Point, Mackinac, Cleveland Flats, and a lot more bars and restaurants. They have a kid party in Grand Bend, a casino with no docks and SARS in Toronto...I'll pass.