Mexico Boater Permits: Who Needs One, and Why

Byline: Shane Scott During the first few weeks of implementation, the new online process for purchasing boater permits to enter Mexico waters (0-12 miles from shore or land forms) has been greeted enthusiastically on both sides of the border. Mexico tourism authorities hope it will promote an increase in U.S. tourism. And U.S. citizens who enjoy fishing off Los Coronados islands are glad to have an alternative to making a port call in Ensenada to get a permit — and not having to fear being boarded by the Mexican navy. While U.S. boaters’ fear of stepped-up enforcement and Mexican navy boardings of U.S. pleasureboats is one reason why the new online permit process was created, many boaters still are unclear about how the permit works. “I was talking to the people over at West Marine, and nobody knows what ‘six months’ means (in the time-frame covered by the new permit). Can I go (to Mexican waters) as much as I want in that time span?” wondered Zig Hamner, a real estate agent and San Diego local. “I don’t mind paying $23, but does it work?” Hamner is one of many U.S. boaters who, in the past, have been turned away from Mexican waters by a...