The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service wants to collect a $3 fee from almost everyone crossing the border aboard a commercial passenger boat, including those between Victoria and Port Angeles.

“I’m concerned about it,” said Jack Harmon, operator of the summertime passenger ferry Victoria Express.

“I hate to say, but I’m worried about it.”

INS wants to collect $3 from every man, woman and child crossing into the United States from Mexico and U.S. territories and possessions as well as Canada aboard a commercial boat, according to the April 3 Federal Register.

The policy closes a look-hope in immigration regulations that previously implemented a tax on commercial air carriers but exempted commercial boats.

For ferry passengers, the fee would be collected with the fare.

INS has not indicated when it would want to start collecting the fee, but it is taking public comment on the proposal through May 24.

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