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Hello, as a fresh fish, I've been reading a number of threads here to educate myself along with other sites and the good old standby, printed word. I just finished reading about entry in to the US. just last week and I think it goes about like this. If you are foreign, you check in with customs at the closest international port of entry. Just as you would entering into any other country. There are four different inspections to go through. I'm Canadian living in the Great Lakes area and so this is something I need to understand.
For Americans, if you come in contact with another vessle or stop at any port or anchorage outside of the US. you must clear customs upon your return. Just like returning from any trip out of the country.
If you often cross the border there is something called the I 68 form that allows you to bypass the inspections after you've been cleared but you still must check in everytime you enter the US.
Perhaps the 12 mile limit is a simplification on saying that if you go out of the country, which in more than putting a toe over the border, like entering port or anchorage or meeting with a vessel then you report in to customs. But if you happen to cross over the border while out sailing in rough weather unintentionally, then it really no harm or foul.
The bottom line is that there are people in this world who want to harm and kill innocent people and due to that some precautions need to be taken. While it's inconvenient, it's still far better than having to suffer another terrorist attack.
I think most Canadians understand this and having to present a valid passport is a small price to pay to enter the US. It is after all, a very nice country to visit. It's only a matter of making this proccess as quick and painless as possible and attitude goes along way in that department.
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