Cruising Resources
These resources have been put together over the years. We hope you find them useful.
List of Clubs with Reciprocal Privileges
Please visit the Lake Ontario Club Cruisers Association website. This organization was recently formed to consolidate and simplify reciprocal privileges between participating yacht clubs on Lake Ontario. Simply put, the aim is to have a unified cruising reciprocal policy for all 60 Lake Ontario Yacht Clubs.
Jemmetts
The Jemmett`s Landing web page describes property location, facilities, policy and guidelines.
As approved by the membership at the November 2016 KYC Annual General Meeting, Associate Members who own boats are welcome to use Jemmett’s Landing for a seasonal fee! When your membership renewal package arrives from the General Manager’s Office, look for the “Associate Member Jemmett’s Seasonal Wet Mooring Fee” or contact the Manager directly (613-548-3052 / manager@kingstonyachtclub.ca) for more information. We hope to see you all enjoying the Club Property next summer!
Cruising Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands
The PORTS Cruising Guide to Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands provides helpful information on marine border crossings.
The Thousand Islands National Parks has a detailed listing of facilities status. Highly recommended to all to review prior to heading down river. Details are updated regularly for each island. For more information, please contact Thousand Islands National Park at 613-923-5261, or by email or see their FaceBook page.
Cruising to the US
Flag Etiquette Boating to and Returning from the US
Guide to Boating to and from the US
CBP Roam App
Most if not all boater check in points in the US have now changed from the video phone to an app on an iPad available at a port of entry or for download to your phone or pad. You can enter and keep your boat information and the information on each crew member on the app. When you arrive in the US you communicate with the CBP via the app meaning you must have a data connection. A NEXUS card can also be stored giving more efficient clearance. If you have a Boater registration number or other preclearance permit you can still use them, however, they will be phased out in favour of this app. Note that a DTOPS Decal is still required and can not be purchased through the app. Nor can you get a Cruising Permit for longer stays through the app. A Cruising Permit still requires a face-to-face.
For more information see the US gov’t CBP site: How to use the CBP ROAM App
DTOPS - Decal / Transponder Online Procurement System Criteria and Application
If your boat measures 30 feet or longer, and you wish to visit the United States, you will need to apply for your DTOPS in advance on an annual basis. You are then issued with a sticker to display on your boat. Please note that this is separate and distinct from vessel registration, passports and Nexus cards. DTOPS replaces the old “Y-68” sticker.
Apply or renew online using our secure online ordering system by accessing DTOPS (Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System) at https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov. Paper applications are available at www.cbp.gov. Enter the application number in the search box (339A (Aircraft), 339V (Vessel) and 339C (Commercial Vehicle)) and click the appropriate link. The form may then be downloaded and printed.
*NOTICE* Expedited shipping will not expedite processing time. Expedited processing is not available - all orders are processed on a first come first served basis. Processing time is 4 to 6 weeks during renewal season.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
User Fee Decal and Transponder Program
Phone: 317-298-1245 option 2
Fax: 317-290-3219
decals@dhs.gov
NEXUS
The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.
This is a ‘Trusted Traveller Program’ where you are issued with a credit card sized identification equipped with an RFID chip, valid for 5 years. In our experience, it makes entering the USA via boat, air travel or private vehicle quick and easy. Note though that everyone in that private vessel or vehicle upon entering must have their NEXUS card.
https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes
Once issued with your NEXUS card, you then apply for a “BR” number - a boater registration number, which includes essential identifying characteristics on your boat. Checking in following that is truly much easier and faster. There are differences in program compliance when entering the USA versus entering Canada. Know the rules!
Engine Oil Testing
Toromont CAT
2185 Perth Road
Glenburnie, On K0H 1S0
Tel: 613 542 1654
Purchase an ‘SOS’ test kit, cost is $25.00
Plastic bottle includes work order, mail in packaging, test sample bottle. SOS kit cost does include cost of laboratory testing. Obtain a sample, then either mail it in, or hand deliver it back to Toromont. Results can then, based on your work order, either be mailed to you in hard copy, or e-mailed to you, within a few days.
Winterizing Your Boat
In our part of the world it is very important to properly prepare your boat for the winter months to prevent possible damage to the engine, plumbing and other areas. Here is a step-by-step guide submitted by Jack from Home School Adventures.
KYC Flag Etiquette
Guide to proper wearing of flags on your boat.
Nautical Cruising Solutions
The Tips and Tricks for the Comfortable Cruiser booklet was compiled by a large group of KYC members some years ago in total 27 pages. Recommend to print, orient your page 90 to the right, so that it formats in a booklet across a typical 8.5 x 11 inch page.