May 17, 2022
One of the most important rules for successful public relations campaigns is to ‘get out in front of the news’ and tell your story before your customers have a bad experience or develop a negative take on the situation.
We have exactly that situation with the recent news that Canada Border Services is temporarily closing many small vessel reporting sites across Canada. Their website says, “In response to COVID-19, CBSA has temporarily suspended its services at many small vessel reporting sites.”
The Canada Border Services website (https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/openpoe-temp-pdeouvert/marine-maritime-eng.html) lists the small vessel reporting sites that CBSA continues to service.
The point is that as an industry, we welcome cross-border boaters and appreciate their business. The season is just about to get underway here in Canada and anyone in our industry with a website or customer contact program could support those customers by providing helpful information and resources to facilitate tourists coming across the border.
For examples of how to put a positive spin on visiting Canada, check out the COVID information and resources that are available through your regional marine trades association. It might also be wise to look at what some of the marina and yacht clubs that are still small vessel reporting sites, are saying about COVID restrictions and Canadian reporting requirements for private boaters.
COVID restrictions and requirements outside of Canada vary widely. Boaters may not be expecting any requirements, so being proactive on this can minimize the anger or frustration that your staff may face once the season starts.
Andy Adams - Editor
