Annual Notices To Mariners Eng
Annual Notices To Mariners Eng
Annual Notices To Mariners Eng
www.notmar.gc.ca
Disponible en franais :
Avis aux navigateurs 1 46
dition annuelle 2017
Amendment Register
39 Naval Messages to Canadian Merchant Ships Including Small Craft and Fishing Vessels ........... 71
40 Contamination Prediction System for Merchant Ships at Sea and the MERWARN System ......... 73
41 General Warning Regarding Steaming and Anchor Lights Exhibited by H.M.C. Ships ................. 84
42 Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics Concerning the Prevention of Incidents at Sea ............................................... 85
43 Caution with Regard to Ships Approaching Controlled Access Zones Surrounding Her
Majestys Canadian Naval Facilities, Warships and Allied Warships while Underway, at Anchor
or Stationary ................................................................................................................................... 86
G GENERAL INFORMATION 1
44 The International Hydrographic Organization ................................................................................... 1
45 Horizontal Datum of Charts .............................................................................................................. 2
46 Canadian Coast Guard Regional Offices ......................................................................................... 3
A1 AIDS TO NAVIGATION
1 Canadian Aids to Navigation System and Private Buoy Regulations
The Canadian Aids to Navigation System is comprised of a mix of visual, aural and electronic aids to
navigation which, when used singly or in combination, help the mariner to determine position and course,
warn of dangers or obstructions and indicate the best or preferred route.
Visual Aids
Visual aids are short range aids to navigation including buoys, daybeacons, daymarks and lights. In Canada,
a combined Lateral-Cardinal system of visual aids is used. Knowledge of the characteristics of each of these
basic types of aids is a prerequisite to the safe use of the system.
Other Publications
For proper understanding and interpretation of their function, aids to navigation are to be used in conjunction
with available marine publications, in particular, nautical charts, List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals, Radio
Aids to Marine Navigation, Sailing Directions, the Canadian Aids to Navigation System booklet GPS/DGPS
and the Owners Guide to Private Buoys. Information concerning nautical charts and Sailing Directions may
be obtained from the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ottawa. (See
Notice No. 14 for further details).
Retro-Reflective Material
Most buoys and many land-based aids are equipped with light retro-reflective material. This reflective
material is coloured to signify the type or lateral significance of the aid and, for buoys at close range, displays
the identification symbols, letters or numbers.
On lighted buoys, this material serves as a back-up to the light. On unlighted buoys, which are normally used
in channels intended for daytime use, its role is to assist any vessel caught out after dark.
To make the best use of this retro-reflective material, the Canadian Coast Guard recommends that vessels
depending on aids to navigation be equipped with searchlights to enable them to make use of this reflective
material when necessary. It is recommended that large vessels be equipped with searchlights with at least
75,000 candelas, and small vessels carry a hand-held search light with at least a 3 watt bulb and 6 volt
battery with a nominal power of 4,000 candelas.
Lateral Aids
The lateral system of buoyage in use in Canadian waters is IALA System B. Lateral aids may be in the form
of either buoys or fixed aids. These aids indicate the location of hazards and of the safest or deepest water
by indicating the side on which they are to be passed. The correct interpretation of lateral aids requires
knowledge of the direction of buoyage known as the "upstream direction". The upstream direction is the
direction taken by a vessel when proceeding from seaward, toward the headwaters of a river, into a harbour
or with the flood tide. In general, the upstream direction is in a southerly direction along the Atlantic Coast, in
a northerly direction along the Pacific Coast and in an easterly direction along the Arctic Coast. In some
waters the upstream direction is indicated on the charts by the use of red lines and arrows.
When a vessel is proceeding in the upstream direction, starboard hand aids must be kept to starboard (right)
and port hand aids must be kept to port (left).
Cardinal Aids
However, their predominant use is in the form of buoys in the Canadian system.
Cardinal aids indicate the location of hazards and of the safest or deepest water by reference to the cardinal
points of the compass. There are four cardinal marks, North, East, South and West, which are positioned so
that the safest or deepest water is to be found to the named side of the mark (e.g. to the north of a north
cardinal mark).
Aural Aids
Aural aids are sound producing devices which serve to warn the mariner of a danger under low visibility
conditions. Such aids include buoy-mounted bells and whistles which are activated by wave action and fog
signals on shore. Most fog signals are operated when visibility is reduced to less than two nautical miles.
Electronic Aids
The electronic aids used in the Canadian system include radar reflectors, radar beacons (RACONs), radio
beacons, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Differential GPS (DGPS).
Radar reflectors are passive devices which are used to strengthen the radar image of aids to navigation,
whereas RACONs are active devices which, by means of a coded radar image, provide precise identification
of the location they are marking.
Radio beacons provide a medium range capability for homing and position fixing purposes as well as for
hazard identification.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a world-wide satellite-based radio navigation system, which
transmits information that enables users equipped with suitable receivers, on land, at sea, or in the air, to
establish their position, speed and time, at any time of the day or night and in any weather conditions.
Differential GPS is a method of improving the accuracy of the position derived from GPS receivers by
correcting the inherent inaccuracies of the GPS signal and comparing it to a known geographic position.
Reference:
1. A detailed listing of all lighted visual aids and all fog signals is contained in the publication "List of
Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals". https://www.notmar.gc.ca/list-livre-en.php
2. A detailed listing of all electronic aids is contained in the publication "Radio Aids to Marine Navigation"
(DFO 5470 and 5471). http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Marine-Communications/Home
3. A complete description of the Canadian aids to navigation system is contained in the publication "The
Canadian Aids to Navigation System".
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/aids/Canadian-Aids-To-Navigation-2011
The Private Buoy Regulations (PBR) defines a private floating aid as a buoy that is not owned by the federal
government, a provincial government or a government agency.
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) considers any aid owned by a municipal government to be private.
In Canada, it is permissible for private individuals, clubs, corporations, municipal government or other groups
to establish aids to navigation or mooring buoys for their own use. Such aids to navigation are known as
"private aids" and those that are advertised in the List of Lights and on the charts are so identified. While
private fixed aids may take a variety of forms, all private buoys must conform to the Private Buoy
Regulations. These Regulations describe the colour, shape, size and markings required for each buoy as
well as the responsibilities of the person(s) placing them. The requirements for the colour and shape of
private buoys as well as their placement and use are the same as those for buoys provided by the Canadian
Coast Guard. However, the identification markings used must conform to the Private Buoy Regulations rather
than the number and letter identification system used by the Coast Guard.
1. Mariners are cautioned not to rely solely on buoys for navigation purposes. Navigation should be by
bearings or angles from fixed aids on shore or other charted landmarks and by sounding or through the
use of satellite or radio-navigation systems, whenever possible.
2. Most aids to navigation are not under continuous observation and mariners should be aware that
failures and displacements do occur. The Canadian Coast Guard does not guarantee that all aids to
navigation will operate as advertised and in the positions advertised at all times. Mariners observing
aids to navigation out of operation, out of position, damaged or missing are responsible for reporting
such problems to the nearest Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communication and Traffic Services
Centre on VHF Ch. 16 immediately or to the closest Canadian Coast Guard office.
3. Aids to navigation are subject to damage, failure and dislocation. This may be caused by ice, storms,
vessel strikes and power failures. Ice and storm damage may be widespread and require considerable
time to repair. Isolated damage may exist for a long time without being discovered and reported.
Floating aids and pier lights in or near the water which are exposed to particularly rigorous strain during
ice movement are at the greatest risk of damage.
4. Mariners are cautioned that aids to navigation may fail to exhibit their advertised characteristics. Lights
may be extinguished or aural signals may not function due to ice, collisions, mechanical failure and, in
the case of bell and whistle buoys, calm water. The shape of an aid to navigation may be altered by ice
formation or damage. The colour of an aid to navigation may be altered by freezing spray, marine
growth or fouling by birds.
5. The buoy positions shown on nautical charts should be considered as approximate positions. There are
a number of limiting factors in accurately positioning buoys and their anchors. These factors include
prevailing atmospheric and sea conditions, tidal and current conditions, seabed conditions and the fact
that buoys are moored to anchors by varying lengths of chain and may drift about their charted
positions within the scope of their moorings.
6. Since moving ice is liable to move buoys from their advertised positions, mariners should proceed with
extreme caution under these circumstances.
7. Mariners are reminded that because of differences in horizontal datum (i.e. NAD 27, NAD 83), grids of
charts of an area may vary from one chart to another. When plotting the positions of aids to navigation
by the latitude and longitude method, the results should be checked against other available information.
9. Mariners are cautioned not to navigate too closely to a buoy and risk collision with it, its mooring or with
the underwater obstruction which it marks.
10. Many lights are equipped with sun switches. These lights, both on shore and on most buoys, are unlit
between sunrise and sunset. Mariners unable to see these lights during the daylight hours should not
assume that the equipment is malfunctioning.
11. Many light stations which exhibit a main light 24 hours per day are equipped with an emergency light
which is brought into service automatically in the event of failure. These emergency lights are white,
have a standard character of group flashing (6)15s and operate throughout the hours of darkness.
Emergency lights are normally visible at 5 nautical miles on a dark night with a clear atmosphere. The
List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals publications identify which aids to navigation are equipped with
emergency lights.
12. Atmospheric conditions can have a considerable effect on light transmission and the visibility of lights.
For example:
(a) The distance to a light cannot be reliably estimated from its apparent brightness.
(b) It is difficult to distinguish between a white light and a yellow or blue light seen alone at night,
except at a short distance.
(c) Under some atmospheric conditions, white and yellow lights take on a reddish hue.
(d) Alternating lights with phases of different luminous intensity may change their apparent
characteristics at different distances because some phases may not be visible.
(e) When observed from similar distances, lower intensity lights are more easily obscured by
conditions of low visibility than more powerful lights. Coloured lights are often of lower intensity
than white lights and are more quickly lost under unfavourable circumstances.
(f) Ice, frost or moisture may form on the windows of a lantern during cold weather and more
particularly this may reduce their visibility and could cause coloured lights to appear white.
(g) A light exhibiting a very short flash may not be visible at as great a range as a light exhibiting a
longer flash.
13. The mariner should not rely solely on colour when using a sector light, but should verify the vessel's line
of position by taking a bearing on the light. On either side of the line of demarcation, between white and
red, and also between white and green, there is always a small arc of uncertain colour.
14. When the arc of visibility of a light is cut off by sloping land, the bearing at which it disappears or
appears will vary with the observer's distance and height of eyes.
15. The sighting of a light may be adversely affected by a strongly illuminated background.
16. In view of the varying distances at which a fog signal can be heard at sea, and the frequent occurrence
of fog near, but not observable from, a fog signal, mariners are cautioned that:
(a) When approaching land in fog, they should not rely implicitly upon these fog signals, but should
always take soundings, which in nearly all cases will give sufficient warning of danger.
(b) Distance from a fog signal should not be judged by the power of the sound. Under certain
atmospheric conditions, the sound may be lost at a very short distance from the signal. These
conditions may vary within a very short period of time. Mariners should not assume that a fog
signal is not in operation because they do not hear it, even when in close proximity.
17. Visual aids to navigation provided by the Canadian Coast Guard are for the purpose of assisting marine
navigation. Hunters, snowmobilers and ice fishers are cautioned that aids to navigation installed for
marine navigation purposes cannot be relied upon after the closing of the marine navigation season.
Such aids may stop operating without warning and will not be re-commissioned by the Canadian Coast
Guard until the next opening of marine navigation season.
Continuous Improvement
The Canadian Coast Guard continuously strives to improve efficiencies in the provision of the Canadian aids
to navigation system. In some instances, these efficiencies are achieved through the use and implementation
of new products and technologies. These include, but are not limited to, changes in the use of plastic buoys
rather than steel; and the use of LED lanterns. Mariners are advised that every effort has been made by the
Canadian Coast Guard to ensure that new equipment provides safe and reliable aids to navigation systems.
If there are any concerns, please contact the Aids to Navigation Superintendent in your region.
Atlantic Region
The lights on the South Coast of Newfoundland from Cape St. Francis on the Avalon Peninsula to Cape
Anguille on the shore of Cabot Strait and certain lights in Notre Dame Bay, Bonavista Bay, Trinity Bay,
Conception Bay and Bay of Islands are exhibited all year. All other lights under the control of the Canadian
Coast Guard are maintained in operation whenever navigation in the vicinity is open. Lights used solely as
harbour lights are not exhibited when the harbour is closed, although general navigation may remain open.
Lights which are primarily for the benefit of fishermen are maintained only during the fishing season. In any
case where there is reasonable doubt whether the light is required, it is kept in operation. During the winter,
some lighted buoys are replaced with winter spars so that it should not be assumed that there are no aids
present even though the lights in a given area have been extinguished for the season. The details of all
changes in aids to navigation will be described in Notices to Shipping.
The lights in the Bay of Fundy and along the Southwestern and Eastern Coast of Nova Scotia, the Coast of
Cape Breton Island, including the Bras d'Or Lakes, the Coast of Prince Edward Island, and along the
Northumberland Strait, and Chaleur Bay to the Qubec Border, are exhibited year round.
Exceptions to the aforementioned lights are those lights listed as seasonal in the "Remarks" column of the
List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals.
Range lights on the north shore of Prince Edward Island and the east shore of New Brunswick are liable to
be moved to mark shifting channels.
All light buoys in the lower part of the Bay of Fundy west of a line drawn through Tufts Point on the New
Brunswick shore east of Quaco Head, and Port Lorne light on the Nova Scotia shore; and on the south coast
of Nova Scotia west of Liscomb, are maintained year round.
Due to difficulties in maintaining buoys through the winter months as a result of freezing spray and drift ice
and the buoys being displaced or set adrift, the lifting of buoys in the upper part of the Bay of Fundy and
along the Nova Scotia Coast and Cape Breton Island including the Bras d'Or Lakes and in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence and Northumberland Strait to the Qubec Border commence lifting November 15 and continue
throughout the fall months depending on navigation activity in each area. A certain number of summer buoys
are replaced by winter spar buoys. (Those buoys are indicated in the "Remarks" column of the List of Lights,
Buoys and Fog Signals). Details on changes made to fixed and floating aids for the winter season are
published every fall in a Notice to Shipping by the Maritimes Region and disseminated by means of a radio
broadcast when changes occur.
Buoys marking the deep water channel to the Strait of Canso will remain on position unless otherwise
advised by Notices to Shipping.
The fixed lighted aids and fog signals are exhibited year round, except for the lights with the annotation
"Seasonal" in the "Remarks" column of the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals. Seasonal lights are
st th
maintained approximately from April 1 to December 20 , except in Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay which
st st
are maintained mostly from June 1 to December 1 .
All other lights under the control of the Canadian Coast Guard are maintained in operation whenever
navigation in the vicinity is open.
Some fixed aids (which have been modernized to LED between Beauharnois and Traverse du Nord) are
endowed with an emergency mode function resulting from the main light. To identify which range lights are
provided with this emergency mode function, it is necessary to refer to the column "Remarks" of the List of
Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals. Consequently, the range light showing a fixed characteristic F in the main
mode will show an isophase light characteristic and a reduced output in the emergency mode, ISO 1s (0.5s
flash; 0.5s eclipse).
A great number of conventional fixed lighted aids whose main light remains permanently lighted are
equipped with emergency lights that turn on automatically at night if the main light is not working. These
emergency lights operating temporarily have a different range and characteristic from the main light. To
identify which main light is provided with an emergency light, it is necessary to refer to the "Remarks" column
of the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals.
Moreover, some range lights in restricted channels are equipped with a secondary light. This is a third light,
which is neither the main light visible in line of range nor the emergency light: The characteristics of this light
are different from those of the main or emergency light. This secondary light (for reference or positioning) is
often visible over 360 degrees or for a given sector. Complete information concerning this light is available in
the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals.
Some floating aids are permanently replaced by new plastic or steel year-round lighted ice spars moored for
a two-year period, and left in the water year round. You can obtain information on the characteristics of these
buoys by consulting the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals.
Details on changes made to the aids to navigation are published by broadcasted Notices to Shipping and/or
written Notices to Shipping and may be available on the Canadian Coast Guard, Central and Arctic Region
internet website at http://www.marinfo.gc.ca.
In general, buoys are commissioned in the spring (or during the summer in the Arctic) as early as ice
conditions will permit and are lifted during the fall prior to the winter season.
For the winter season, many lighted buoys are replaced by winter spar buoys. Mariners are invited to contact
the appropriate MCTS center or to consult the Canadian Coast Guard, Central and Arctic Region internet
website at http://www.marinfo.gc.ca to obtain updates on the seasonal buoy tending activities and operations
status report in their area.
The commissioning of seasonal aids may be delayed if weather and/or ice conditions preclude the operation
of aids vessels. Mariners are urged to take every precaution and not to rely exclusively on aids to navigation.
NOTE:
Many buoys are lifted; while others remain in the water in an unmaintained status during the winter. Mariners,
who use channels before the official opening of the navigational season, are cautioned that these buoys may
or may not be in their advertised positions and may or may not be displaying proper characteristics. After the
position and status of the floating aids have been verified, a Notice to Shipping will be issued advising
mariners that the aids have been checked and are in a maintained status. Such Notices may be broadcast
over the Coast Guard VHF radio network and may be available on the Canadian Coast Guard, Central and
Arctic Region internet website at http://www.marinfo.gc.ca.
Western Region
The lights and buoys along the Pacific Coast are maintained in operation throughout the year. Details on
changes made to fixed and floating aids are published in a Notice to Shipping by the Region and
disseminated by means of radio broadcast when they occur.
In the spring, freshet conditions on the Fraser River cause the positions of floating aids to be unreliable.
Displaced buoys on the Fraser River may be temporarily removed from service, in which case mariners will
be advised by a Notice to Shipping.
The establishment and discontinuance of aids to navigation in the Mackenzie System are determined by
prevailing ice conditions. Mariners are cautioned that floating aids are subject to displacement by ice and will
be decommissioned and/or abandoned at the closing of the season as sea and ice conditions dictate.
The commissioning of seasonal aids may be delayed if weather and/or ice conditions preclude the operation
of aids vessels. Mariners are urged to take every precaution and not to rely exclusively on aids to navigation.
NOTE:
Most floating aids are removed at the end of the navigational season but small percentages are left in the
water during the winter. Mariners, who use channels marked by such buoys before the official opening of the
navigational season, are cautioned that these buoys may not be in their advertised positions due to storms
and shifting ice caused by winter conditions. After the position and the condition of the aids have been
verified, a Notice to Shipping will be issued to advise mariners that the aids have been checked and that the
channels in each local area are open for navigation. Such Notices may be promulgated over the Coast
Guard VHF radio network, or may appear in the monthly Notices to Mariners.
129 (1) If a vessel, or anything towed by a vessel, runs down, moves, damages or destroys an aid to
navigation in Canadian waters, the person in charge of the vessel shall, without delay, make a
report to a marine communications and traffic services officer or, if that is not feasible, to an officer
of the Canadian Coast Guard.
(2) A person in charge of a vessel in Canadian waters who discovers an uncharted hazard to
navigation, or discovers that an aid to navigation is missing, out of position or malfunctioning, shall
make a report without delay to a marine communications and traffic services officer or, if that is not
feasible, to an officer of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Reference: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-10.15/page-16.html
CRIMINAL CODE
439 (1) Every one who makes fast a vessel or boat to a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used for
purposes of navigation is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
(2) Every one who wilfully alters, removes or conceals a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used
for purposes of navigation is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term
not exceeding ten years.
Reference: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-91.html
4 Measured Distances
Location Charts
Celista 3053
Shuswap Lake, BC
The Marine Mammals Regulations under the Fisheries Act prohibit any form of disturbance to marine
mammals except when fishing for them under the authority of those Regulations. Disturbance includes,
among other things, any intentional or negligent act resulting in disruption of their normal behavior. Disturbing
cetaceans (whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals and sea otters) may cause them injury or harm and interfere
with their natural behaviors, including feeding and socializing. Individuals who contravene the Marine
Mammal Regulations may be found guilty of an offence and liable for penalty pursuant to s. 78 of the
Fisheries Act. Careful adherence to the following guidelines will reduce the likelihood of disturbance.
*In addition to the following general guidelines, some species such as the Killer Whale have special
protection in Canadian and U.S. waters. Be sure to educate yourself about new protections, including
regulations with specific distances and detailed recommendations by carefully reviewing the requirements
outlined in the region or species below that applies to you.
1. BE AWARE: To view the most current information on the critical habitat of aquatic species at risk, visit:
http://open.canada.ca/data/en/ramp/ramp?keys=db177a8c-5d7d-49eb-8290-31e6a45d786c or
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/fpp-ppp/index-eng.htm. For marine protected areas, visit:
http://open.canada.ca/data/en/ramp/ramp?keys=a1e18963-25dd-4219-a33f-1a38c4971250.
2. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS: Approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with
extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
3. SLOW DOWN: Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards (0.215 nautical miles)
of the nearest marine mammal. Avoid abrupt course changes.
4. DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 100 metres/yards (0.054 nautical miles) to
any marine mammal.* Please note: some species require greater minimum distances - please refer to
individual species' needs in this Notice to Mariners.
5. If you are sailing in an area known to be frequented by marine mammals and the vessel has an
auxiliary motor, let the motor idle or turn on the echo sounder to signal your presence.
6. If you are operating a small, motorized vessel in an area known to be frequented by marine mammals,
turn on your echo sounder to signal your presence.
7. KEEP CLEAR of the marine mammals path. If they are approaching you, cautiously move out of the
way.
8. DO NOT APPROACH from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart from the side, moving
in a direction parallel to the direction of the marine mammal.
10. DO NOT pursue, hunt, chase, follow, lure (bait), disperse, drive through, herd or encircle marine
mammals.
11. Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, avoid a sudden course
change. Hold course and speed, or reduce speed gradually.
12. Marine mammals may approach vessels; if they do, slow down, put the engine in neutral if it is safe to
do so, and allow the marine mammals to pass. Be wary of any individual that appears tame, and keep
clear of tail flukes. Wait until you are more than 400 metres (0.215 nautical miles) away before slowly
resuming speed.
13. STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the marine mammals when they are traveling close to shore.
14. LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes. This will minimize the cumulative
impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
15. REPORT any collisions with marine mammals, or sightings of entangled, injured or dead marine
mammals to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans via the regional whale/marine mammal
emergency hotlines or Coast Guard radio channels.
If a commercial whale watching vessel is flying a Whale Target flag (see below), the vessel is in the presence
of whales. Please slow down and proceed with caution. Respect the general cetacean guidelines mentioned
above.
ATLANTIC REGION
Characteristics of the North Atlantic Right Whale: V-shaped blow, no dorsal fin, deeply notched flukes,
callosities (growths on the head).
Report any collisions with whales, entangled whales or dead whales to the whale emergency hotline (1-866-
567-6277), VHF channel 16, or Fundy Traffic VHF channel 14. Report any sightings of right whales, including
location, date, and photos to XMARwhalesightings@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Vessels should avoid passage through this area if possible. Avoidance is the most effective means to
eliminate or reduce acoustic disturbances and vessel collisions. A small portion of the Grand Manan
critical habitat area overlaps with the outbound lane of the Bay of Fundy Traffic Separation Scheme and
special precautions should be taken in this area.
If passage through this area is required, decrease vessel speed to 10 knots or less and post a look-out
to increase the likelihood of sighting and avoiding marine mammals. Increased caution must be
exercised in conditions of reduced visibility, such as rain, fog, rough sea state, or at night. Be aware that
marine mammals often travel in small groups dispersed over an area of several miles. Maneuver around
marine mammals with caution (see general guidelines). Do not assume the whales will move out of the
way.
To significantly reduce the risk of vessel strikes on North Atlantic Right Whales, it is recommended that
st
ships of 300 gross tonnages and upwards, solely in transit during the period of June 1 through
st
December 31 , avoid the area. This routeing measure has been adopted by International Maritime
Organization (IMO) as a seasonal Area to be Avoided (ATBA) described in IMO. SN.1/Circ.263.
October 2007.
Smaller vessels are also asked to avoid passage through the area.
If passage through this area is required, decrease vessel speed to 10 knots or less and post a look-out
to increase the likelihood of sighting and avoiding marine mammals. Increased caution must be
exercised in conditions of reduced visibility, such as rain, fog, rough sea state, or at night. Be aware that
marine mammals often travel in small groups dispersed over an area of several miles. Maneuver
around marine mammals with caution (see general guidelines). Do not assume the whales will move
out of the way.
Learn more about the recovery strategy for the North Atlantic Right Whale at
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/rs_north_atl_right_whale_0609_e.pdf
Threats: Underwater noise, entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, contaminants, and changes to food
supply.
Characteristics of the Scotian Shelf Northern Bottlenose Whale: Low bushy blow, bulbous forehead, sickle-
shaped dorsal fin located approximately two-thirds of the way down the body, light grey to brown in colour,
maximum length approximately 9 metres.
Report any collisions with whales, entangled whales, or dead whales to the whale emergency hotline (1-866-
567-6277), or via VHF channel 16. Report any sightings of bottlenose whales, including location, date, and
photos to XMARwhalesightings@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Guidelines (year-round):
The Gully is a designated Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act (see Section 5A). Zone 1 of the
Gully Marine Protected Area (i.e. the innermost of the three management zones) is also a critical habitat
for Northern Bottlenose Whales (critical habitat coordinates are provided in the map below).
Vessels should avoid passage through this area if possible. Avoidance is the most effective means to
eliminate or reduce acoustic disturbances and vessel collisions.
If passage through this area is required, decrease vessel speed to 10 knots or less and post a look-out
to increase the likelihood of sighting and avoiding marine mammals. Increased caution must be
exercised in conditions of reduced visibility, such as rain, fog, rough sea state, or at night. Be aware that
marine mammals often travel in small groups dispersed over an area of several miles. Maneuver
around marine mammals with caution (see general guidelines). Do not assume the whales will move
out of the way.
Guidelines (year-round):
Vessels should avoid passage through this area if possible. Avoidance is the most effective means to
eliminate or reduce acoustic disturbances and vessel collisions.
If passage through this area is required, decrease vessel speed to 10 knots or less and post a look-out
to increase the likelihood of sighting and avoiding marine mammals. Increased caution must be
exercised in conditions of reduced visibility, such as rain, fog, rough sea state, or at night. Be aware that
marine mammals often travel in small groups dispersed over an area of several miles. Maneuver
around marine mammals with caution (see general guidelines). Do not assume the whales will move
out of the way.
Learn more about the recovery strategy for the Northern Bottlenose Whale at
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/RecoveryStrategy-NorthernBottlenoseWhale-v00-
2016Jun07-Amended-Eng.pdf.
WESTERN REGION
Threats: Principal threats are environmental contamination, reductions in the availability or quality of prey,
and both physical and acoustic disturbance.
Characteristics: The killer whale is the largest member of the dolphin family. Its size, striking black and white
colouring and tall dorsal fin are the main identifying characteristics. Killer whales are mainly black above and
white below, with a white oval eye patch, and a grey saddle patch below the dorsal fin.
Report any collisions with whales, entangled whales or dead whales to the whale emergency hotline (1-800-
465-4336) operated by the British Columbia Marine Mammal Response Network (BCMMRN), or to VHF
channel 16. Sightings of whales, including location, date and photos, may be reported to BC Cetacean
Sightings Network (BC) www.wildwhales.org, or 1-866-I SAW ONE.
Guidelines: Adhere to the General Guidelines when in the Vicinity of Marine Mammals as listed in Section 5
of this Notice to Mariners.
The critical habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whales includes the transboundary areas of southern British
Columbia and Washington State. This includes Haro Strait and Boundary Pass and adjoining areas in the
Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This area is very important habitat for Southern Resident
Killer Whales, especially in the summer and fall months when Chinook salmon are moving through the area.
Learn more about the recovery strategy for the Southern Resident Killer Whale at
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=699.
And bounded on the east and south by Point Roberts and the
United States Border
Guidelines: Adhere to the General Guidelines when in the Vicinity of Marine Mammals as listed in Section 5
of this Notice to Mariners.
The critical habitat for Northern Resident Killer Whales includes the waters of Johnstone Strait and south-
eastern Queen Charlotte Strait, and the channels connecting these straits. This area represents a very
important concentration area for northern resident whales.
Learn more about the recovery strategy for the Northern Resident Killer Whale at
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=698
Threats: Contaminants, noise, disturbance, habitat degradation, ship strikes and entanglement in fishing
gear.
Characteristics of the St. Lawrence Beluga: adults are white; young are grey; rounded bump on the head
(melon), no dorsal fin, adults between 2.5 and 4.5 metres.
Report any collisions or any entanglements with a Beluga Whale, dead or alive, by calling Quebecs
Emergency Network for Marine Mammals at 1-877-722-5346.
Heightened vigilance is critical for navigators transiting in this area to reduce the risk of collisions with
whales. Posting a lookout is recommended in order to increase the chances of seeing the whales and thus
take the necessary measures to avoid them. If bypassing the whales is not possible, slow down and wait for
the animals to move away to a distance greater than 400 metres (0.215 nautical miles) before resuming
original speed. It is more difficult to see the animals at night: increased caution is recommended.
5A General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas
The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans has authority under the Oceans Act to designate Marine
Protected Areas, by regulation, for the conservation and protection of:
The Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas regulations contain a general prohibition on the disturbance,
damage, destruction or removal of any living marine organism or any part of its habitat within the Marine
Protected Areas. In addition, the regulations prohibit the depositing, discharging or dumping of substances
within the Marine Protected Areas that are likely to result in the disturbance, damage, destruction, or removal
of any living organisms or any part of its habitat within the Marine Protected Area. These prohibitions apply to
all vessel transits within the Marine Protected Areas.
The regulations allow for the exercise of international navigational rights in the Marine Protected Areas year
round. Vessels must operate in compliance with all relevant provisions of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and
all relevant requirements of the International Maritime Organization. Vessels in non-compliance with these
requirements contravene the Marine Protected Area regulations and are also subject to penalties under the
Oceans Act.
The prohibitions do not apply to any movement or other activity that is carried out for the purpose of public
safety, law enforcement or national security or for the exercise of Canadian sovereignty.
Report of Incident
Any person involved in an incident that is likely to result in any prohibited activity shall, within two hours after
its occurrence, report the incident to the Canadian Coast Guard.
Penalties
Individuals who contravene Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas regulations are guilty of an offence and
liable to a fine not exceeding $500,000 (Oceans Act, s.37). Individuals who contravene these regulations
may also be subject to penalties under other applicable Federal legislation.
The following section provides information on Marine Protected Areas that have been designated under the
Oceans Act in Eastern Canada.
Coordinates
The Gully is a deep canyon ecosystem on the edge of the Scotian Shelf near Sable Island. The Gully Marine
Protected Area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following geographical coordinates [North America
Datum 1983 (NAD 83)/World Geodetic System (WGS 84)].
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Gully Marine Protected Area
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
o Be aware that for the Gully Marine Protected Area, the prohibitions extend to the vicinity of the
Marine Protected Area. It is prohibited to carry out any activity in the vicinity of the Gully Marine
Protected Area that is likely to result in the disturbance, damage, destruction or removal of any
living marine organism or any part of its habitat within the Marine Protected Area.
o Vessels must avoid discharge of ballast water in the Marine Protected Area. Please see the
Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations for additional guidance (including exceptions)
on ballast water management in and around the Marine Protected Area.
The following procedures are recommended in order to safeguard the Marine Protected Area and its
resources.
All marine mammal species are protected in the Marine Protected Area. The main species of concern are
northern bottlenose, blue, fin, and Sowerbys beaked whales. The key threats associated with shipping are
acoustic disturbances and vessel collisions. Vessels should adhere to the following measures to ensure
marine mammal protection:
1. Vessels should avoid passage through this area if possible. Avoidance is the most effective means to
eliminate or reduce acoustic disturbances and vessel collisions.
2. If passage through this area is required, decrease vessel speed to 10 knots or less and post a look-out
to increase the likelihood of sighting and avoiding marine mammals. Increased caution must be
exercised in conditions of reduced visibility, such as rain, fog, rough sea state, or at night. Be aware that
marine mammals often travel in small groups dispersed over an area of several miles.
3. Vessels should adhere to the following operating measures while maneuvering around marine
mammals:
Note: some marine mammal species require different minimum distances please refer to
individual species needs in Section 5 of this Notices to Mariners.
- If operating a sailing vessel with an auxiliary motor, leave it in idle or use the echo sounder to
signal presence.
4. Vessels must comply with all relevant provisions of the Marine Mammal Regulations pursuant to the
Fisheries Act. Further guidance is found in Section 5 - General Guidelines for Aquatic Species at
Risk and Important Marine Mammal Areas.
5. Report any marine mammal collisions, entanglements, distressed or dead animals to the marine animal
emergency hotline (1-866-567-6277), or via VHF channel 16. Sightings of northern bottlenose,
Sowerbys beaked, blue or North Atlantic right whales including location, date, and photos should be
reported to XMARwhalesightings@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Pollution Prevention
The Marine Protected Area regulations apply to activities that may cause harm to the marine environment.
Vessels must adhere to the following measures to ensure the protection of marine environmental quality:
1. Vessels must avoid discharges, including ballast water, in the Marine Protected Area. Vessels should
also avoid such discharges within a minimum distance of 50 kilometers (27 nautical miles) from the
Marine Protected Area.
2. Vessels must report any pollution sightings or incidents to the Canadian Coast Guard (1-800-565-1633
or VHF channel 16).
The Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area was designated pursuant to the Oceans Act on December
th
14 , 2006. The full text of the regulations may be accessed in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 140, No. 26,
2324-2343 (http://canadagazette.gc.ca).
Coordinates
The Musquash Marine Protected Area consists of the waters that are within an area bounded by the low-
water line of the estuary and by the following rhumb lines to their respective points of intersection with the
low-water line. All geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in the North America
Datum 1983 (NAD 83) geodetic reference system.
The Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area is shown in the map below:
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
The Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area is composed of three internal management zones (Zone
1, Zones 2A and 2B, and Zone 3) in which different activities may be permitted, provided that they do
not compromise the overall conservation objectives of the Marine Protected Area.
o The operation of a vessel in Zones 2A and 2B is permitted at a speed no greater than 5 knots.
Coordinates
The Eastport Marine Protected Areas consist of the waters surrounding Round Island and Duck Islands, in
Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland as described below. All geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) are
expressed in the North America Datum 1983 (NAD 83) geodetic reference system.
The Round Island Marine Protected Area comprises the area 198.12 m (650 ft) seaward from the low
water line of the island.
The Duck Island Marine Protected Area comprises the waters that are within an area bounded by the
islands low water line to the outer limit defined by the following series of rhumb lines.
The Duck Island and Round Island Marine Protected Areas are shown on the maps below:
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Eastport Marine Protected Areas
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
Boaters are permitted to sail through the Marine Protected Areas, but are asked to take every
precaution and exercise due diligence while operating a vessel near these waters.
Coordinates
The Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area comprises the waters, seabed and subsoil below the waters to a
depth of 2 metres that are within an area bounded by the islands low water line to the outer limit defined by
rhumb lines as defined below. All geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in the North
America Datum 1983 (NAD 83) geodetic reference system.
The Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area is shown on the following map:
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
Boaters are permitted to sail through the Marine Protected Areas, but are asked to take every
precaution and exercise due diligence while operating a vessel near these waters.
Coordinates
The Basin Head Marine Protected Area and the management zones coordinates are shown in the following
map (geographic coordinates are expressed in the North America Datum 1983 (NAD 83) geodetic reference
system).
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Basin Head Marine Protected Area
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
o Zone 1 (The inner channel) This zone has the highest level of protection. Swimming, diving and
use of motorized vessels are not permitted.
o Zone 2 (The lagoon) This zone acts as a buffer zone for the more sensitive Zone 1 area.
Swimming and diving is allowed but the use of a motorized vessel is only permitted south of the
rhumb line connecting points 9 and 10 (see map above) solely for the purpose of transiting Zone 2
in order to launch a vessel from, or land it at, a boat launch.
o Zone 3 (The outer coast) - Swimming, diving, and the use of motorized vessels are permitted in
this zone.
The following section provides information on Marine Protected Areas that have been designated under the
Oceans Act in Canadas Pacific Region.
Coordinates
The Bowie Seamount (SGaan Kinghlas) is located 180 km west of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) on
Canadas Pacific Coast, and is comprised of Bowie, Hodgkins and Davidson Seamounts of the Kodiak-Bowie
seamount chain. The Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the
following geographical coordinates. All geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in the
North America Datum 1983 (NAD 83) geodetic reference system.
The Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area is shown in the map below:
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
o Vessels must avoid discharge of ballast water in the Marine Protected Area. Please see the
Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations for additional guidance (including exceptions)
on ballast water management in and around the Marine Protected Area.
The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area was designated pursuant to the Oceans Act on
th
March 4 , 2003. The full text of the regulations may be accessed in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 137, No.
6, 944-957 (http://canadagazette.gc.ca).
Coordinates
The Endeavour area of the Juan de Fuca Ridge is a seismically active area of seafloor formation and
hydrothermal venting. The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent Marine Protected Area is located 250 km offshore
2
from Vancouver Island. The Marine Protected Area is approximately 94 km and includes the water, seabed
and subsoil. The Marine Protected Area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following geographical
coordinates. All geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in the North America Datum
1983 (NAD 83) geodetic reference system.
The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area is shown in the map below:
0
206
0
216
00
21
0
212
0
214
0
230
0
232
2340
2260
2280
2360
Extent of LargeScaleBathymetry
47 54 N 47 54 N
129 08' W 129 02' W
Endeavour Kilometres
Hydrothermal Vents
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine
Protected Area
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
The following section provides information on Marine Protected Areas that have been designated under the
Oceans Act in the Canadian Arctic.
Coordinates
The Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Areas consist of three areas of the Mackenzie Bay: Okeevik,
Kittigaryuit and Niaqunnaq. The ocean bottom is soft and sediment laden and the waters are fairly shallow.
The three areas are bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following geographical coordinates [North
America Datum 1983 (NAD 83)/World Geodetic System (WGS 84)].
The Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Areas are shown in the map below:
Regulatory Requirements for Vessels Operating in the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Areas
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
o The regulations prohibit ship activities to disturb, damage or destroy a marine mammal in the
Areas, or remove a marine mammal from the Areas.
o It is forbidden for ships to approach the traditional marine mammal harvest grounds, or to
approach marine mammals unless they are directly associated with the traditional harvest of these
animals. Information regarding the traditional harvest can be gained from the Fisheries Joint
Management Committee (fjmc-rp@jointsec.nt.ca).
The following procedures are recommended in order to safeguard the Marine Protected Areas and its
resources.
Vessels should adhere to the following measures for safety reasons and to ensure marine mammal
protection:
It is strongly advised that commercial vessels remain in the community supply routes. These routes are
generally marked by Canadian Coast Guard buoys and they should be followed whenever possible.
The Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas were designated pursuant to the Oceans Act on
th
November 16 , 2016. The full text of the regulations may be accessed in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol.
150, No. 23, 4134-4168 (http://canadagazette.gc.ca)
Coordinates
The Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas consist of two areas in Darnley Bay and Amundsen Gulf
in the Beaufort Sea: Zone 1 and Zone 2. The areas consist of the seabed, the subsoil to a depth of five
metres and the water column, including the sea ice. The two areas are bounded by straight lines connecting
the following geographical coordinates [North America Datum 1983 (NAD 83)].
Zone 1
Zone 2
Regulatory Requirements for Vessel Operating in the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas
See Section 5A - General Regulatory Requirements for all Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas.
o It is forbidden for ships to approach the traditional marine mammal harvest grounds, or to
approach marine mammals unless they are directly associated with the traditional harvest of these
animals. Information regarding the traditional harvest can be gained from the Fisheries Joint
Management Committee (fjmc-rp@jointsec.nt.ca).
Vessels should adhere to the following measures for safety reasons and to ensure marine mammal
protection:
It is strongly advised that commercial vessels remain in the community supply routes. These routes are
generally marked by Canadian Coast Guard buoys and they should be followed whenever possible.
Ice breaking activities should be avoided in the Cape Parry polynya whenever possible due to the high
level of marine mammal aggregations.
Under the Canada National Parks Act (S.C. 2000, c. 32), the Parks Canada Agency has the authority to
manage national parks (listed under Schedule 1 of the Act) and national park reserves (listed under Schedule
2 of the Act) on behalf of the people of Canada and is responsible for granting permission to enter any lands
or waters for which it has jurisdiction. Visitor permits and/or business licenses are required before entering the
boundaries of all national parks and national park reserves, and other permitting requirements may exist.
For general information regarding Canada's National Parks and National Park Reserves, please contact the
Parks Canada National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or information@pc.gc.ca, or visit our website:
www.parkscanada.gc.ca.
With the exception of beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, anyone entering the
boundaries of a national park in Nunavut, including all marine areas, requires authorization from Parks
Canada. Authorization normally occurs through a visitor use permit and/or a business licence.
All vessels wishing to enter marine areas of national parks in Nunavut must contact the local park office
and register prior to entering. Additional permit requirements and restrictions may apply.
Coordinates
Restrictions
All vessels wishing to enter marine areas within Quttinirpaaq National Park must contact the park office prior
to entering the park: 867-975-4673.
Inuit have the free and unrestricted right of access to the national park for the purpose of harvesting.
Additional Recommendations
Parks Canada recommends that all vessels mooring or transiting adjacent to Quttinirpaaq National Park
contact the park office, especially those wishing to disembark onto national park lands as permits,
registration, and orientation to the park are required.
Permitting Requirements
Visitor use permits - required for all visitors. A visitor use permit is granted after a mandatory orientation with
Parks Canada staff. This permit can be obtained on site at the local park office or in advance of your trip.
Business licences - required for all businesses operating within park boundaries. This licence must be
obtained by contacting Parks Canada at least 45 days in advance of your trip.
In addition to visitor use and business licences, all persons wishing to carry out research and collection,
aircraft landing, or filming/photography will require additional permitting which requires at least 45 days notice
to Parks Canada.
Anyone wishing to enter the park for reasons other than those stated above (e.g. other government
departments) should contact Parks Canada at least 60 days in advance of their trip.
Reporting of Incidents
All incidents occurring within Quttinirpaaq National Park must be promptly reported to Parks Canada by
calling 1-877-852-3100 or 1-780-852-3100.
Contact Information
Quttinirpaaq National Park
Parks Canada
PO Box 278
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
Phone: 867-975-4673
Fax: 867-975-4674
Email: nunavut.info@pc.gc.ca
Coordinates
Restrictions
All vessels wishing to enter marine areas within Auyuittuq National Park must contact the park office prior to
entering the park: 867-473-2500.
Cruise ships are currently not allowed in the fiords located within the park.
Only guided boat access is allowed within Coronation, Maktak and North Pangnirtung Fiords.
Coronation and Maktak Fiourds are closed in late summer and fall to respect narwhal harvesting by
Inuit. The exact closing dates are set every year when the first whales are seen and the park must
be contacted for details on the timing of this closure. Private motorized activities are not permitted.
Inuit have the free and unrestricted right of access to the national park for the purpose of
harvesting.
Additional Recommendations
Parks Canada recommends that all vessels mooring or transiting adjacent to Auyuittuq National Park contact
the local park office, especially those wishing to disembark onto national park lands as permits, registration,
and orientation to the park are required.
Permitting Requirements
Visitor use permits - required for all visitors. A visitor use permit is granted after a mandatory orientation with
Parks Canada staff. This permit can be obtained on site at the local park office. The park office should be
contacted in advance if for any reason a visit to the park office will not be possible.
Business licenses - required for all businesses operating within park boundaries. This license must be
obtained by contacting Parks Canada at least 45 days in advance of your trip.
In addition to visitor use and business licenses, all persons wishing to carry out research and collection,
aircraft landing, or filming/photography will require additional permitting which requires at least 45 days notice
to Parks Canada.
Anyone wishing to enter the park for reasons other than those stated above (e.g. other government
departments) should contact Parks Canada at least 60 days in advance of their trip.
Reporting of Incidents
All incidents occurring within Auyuittuq National Park must be promptly reported to Parks Canada by calling
1-877-852-3100 or 1-780-852-3100.
Contact Information
Coordinates
Restrictions
With the exception of beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, anyone entering the boundaries
of a national park in Nunavut, including all marine areas, requires authorization from Parks Canada.
Authorization normally occurs through a visitor use permit and/or a business licence. All vessels wishing to
enter marine areas within Sirmilik National Park must contact the park office prior to entering the park: 867-
899-8092.
Additional Recommendations
Parks Canada recommends that all vessels mooring or transiting adjacent to Sirmilik National Park contact
the local park office, especially those wishing to disembark onto national park lands as permits, registration,
and orientation to the park are required.
For access to waters adjacent to Bylot Island, the Canadian Wildlife Service should also be contacted
because it is responsible for the management of the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which includes a
marine component.
Permitting Requirements
Visitor use permits - required for all visitors. A visitor use permit is granted after a mandatory orientation with
Parks Canada staff. This permit can be obtained on site at the local park office or in advance of your trip.
Business licences - required for all businesses operating within park boundaries. This licence must be
obtained by contacting Parks Canada at least 45 days in advance of your trip.
In addition to visitor use and business licences, all persons wishing to carry out research and collection,
aircraft landing, or filming/photography will require additional permitting which requires at least 45 days notice
to Parks Canada.
Anyone wishing to enter the park for reasons other than those stated above (e.g. other government
departments) should contact Parks Canada at least 60 days in advance of their trip.
Reporting of Incidents
All incidents occurring within Sirmilik National Park must be promptly reported to Parks Canada by calling
1-877-852-3100 or 1-780-852-3100.
Contact Information
Coordinates
Restrictions
With the exception of beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, anyone entering the boundaries
of a national park in Nunavut, including all marine areas, requires authorization from Parks Canada.
Authorization normally occurs through a visitor use permit and/or a business licence. All vessels wishing to
enter marine areas within Ukkusiksalik National Park must contact the park office prior to entering the park:
867-462-4500.
Additional Recommendations
Parks Canada recommends that all vessels mooring or transiting adjacent to Ukkusiksalik National Park
contact the local park office, especially those wishing to disembark onto national park lands as permits,
registration, and orientation to the park are required.
Permitting Requirements
Visitor use permits - required for all visitors. A visitor use permit is granted after a mandatory orientation with
Parks Canada staff. This permit can be obtained on site at the local park office or in advance of your trip.
Business licences - required for all businesses operating within park boundaries. This licence must be
obtained by contacting Parks Canada at least 45 days in advance of your trip.
In addition to visitor use and business licences, all persons wishing to carry out research and collection,
aircraft landing, or filming/photography will require additional permitting which requires at least 45 days notice
to Parks Canada.
Anyone wishing to enter the park for reasons other than those stated above (e.g. other government
departments) should contact Parks Canada at least 60 days in advance of their trip.
Reporting of Incidents
All incidents occurring within Ukkusiksalik National Park should be promptly reported to Parks Canada by
calling 1-877-852-3100 or 1-780-852-3100.
Contact Information
Ukkusiksalik National Park
Parks Canada
P.O. Box 220
Repulse Bay, NU
X0C 0H0
Phone: 867-462-4500
Fax: 867-462-4095
Email: ukkusiksalik.info@pc.gc.ca
Restrictions
Inuit have the free and unrestricted right of access to the national park for the purpose of harvesting as
provided in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA).
Additional Recommendations
Reporting of Incidents
All incidents occurring within Qausuittuq National Park should be promptly reported to Parks Canada by calling
1-877-852-3100 or 1-780-852-3100.
Contact Information
Coordinates
Coordinates marking boundary segments passing through open water are given in the table below. These
locations are approximate since sand can shift from year to year and during extreme weather events.
ID Longitude Latitude
1 64 54' 34" W 46 50' 20" N
2 64 54' 21" W 46 49' 53" N
3 64 51' 41" W 46 46' 18" N
4 64 51' 10" W 46 45' 46" N
5 64 48' 05" W 46 42' 58" N
6 64 49' 23" W 46 42' 54" N
Two wharves operate within Kouchibouguac National Park for the purpose of supporting commercial fishing
operations as well as recreational boating.
Notes:
Mariners are advised that there may be unmarked rocks in the Kouchibouguac River channel. A submerged
rock pile is located in the channel near Loggiecroft Wharf at the following geographical coordinates: 64 55'
32" W / 46 50' 8" N. Exercise extreme caution when navigating in this area.
Boundary of outward (or easterly) edge of sand beaches can change from year to year and with extreme
weather events which cause sand to shift.
Navigable water channels on the Kouchibouguac River from Loggiecroft Wharf to the Northumberland Strait
and on the Kouchibouguacis River from the westerly park boundary to the Northumberland Strait, including
the wharf at Cap St-Louis, are marked from April 20 to October 30 subject to ice conditions and fishing
seasons.
Restrictions
Contact Information
Coordinates
Thousand Islands National Park consists of several ecologically important mainland properties and more
than 20 islands between Kingston and Brockville.
Established in 1904 as the first Canadian national park east of the Rockies, Thousand Islands celebrated its
centennial in 2004. The park islands and mainland properties are protected under the Canada National Park
Act (S.C. 2000, c.32).
Restrictions
Thousand Islands manages sixty-two water lots along the parks shoreline (see Map A below). Most water
lots have public access docks or mooring cans which require permits for daily or overnight use. The water lot
in front of Central Grenadier Island contains a quiet zone marked by water spars.
Contact
To purchase permits or for further questions concerning Thousand Islands National Park, contact us at:
Thousand Islands National Park
Parks Canada
2 County Rd 5
Mallorytown, ON
K0E 1R0
Phone: 613-923-5261
Email: ont-ti@pc.gc.ca
Web: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/sli
Coordinates
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is made up of 48 islands that are strewn along 50 km of eastern
Georgian Bay from Honey Harbour to Twelve Mile Bay and are part of the world famous 30,000 Islands.
Beausoleil Island is the largest park island and is the hub for activities.
Established in 1929, Georgian Bay Islands National Park straddles an area of St. Lawrence lowlands and
pure Canadian Shield and forms a core part of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. The park islands are
protected under the Canada National Park Act (S.C. 2000, c.32).
Restrictions
Georgian Bay Islands manages several water lots along the parks shoreline (see map below). Several water
lots have public access docks which require mooring permits.
The water lot in front of Cedar Spring contains a quiet zone marked by water spars and a designated
swimming area. The Tobey dock within this water lot is also monitored for length of stay restrictions.
Contact
To purchase permits or for further questions concerning Georgian Bay Islands National Park, contact us at:
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Parks Canada
901 Wye Valley Rd, Box 9
Midland, ON
L4R 4K6
Phone: 705-527-7200
Fax: 705-526-5939
Email: info.gbi@pc.gc.ca
Web: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gbi
NOTICE TO MARINERS
Under the Canada National Parks Act (S.C. 2000, c. 32), the Parks Canada Agency has the authority to manage
national historic sites under its administration on behalf of the people of Canada and is responsible for granting
permission to enter any lands or waters for which it has jurisdiction. Visitor permits and/or business licenses may be
required to enter a national historic site, and other permitting requirements may exist.
For general information regarding Canada's National Historic Sites, please contact the Parks Canada National
Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or information@pc.gc.ca, or visit our website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca.
Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site of Canada
In 1992, the wrecks HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were designated as a national historic site under the Historic Sites
and Monuments Act, despite the locations of both wrecks being unknown at that time. The wrecks were designated
for their direct association with Sir John Franklins last expedition. The initial discovery of a shipwreck belonging to the
Franklin expedition was confirmed on September 7, 2014. On October 1, 2014, it was announced that the shipwreck
had been identified as HMS Erebus.
In April 2015, a 10 km by 10 km area of seabed surrounding HMS Erebus was added to the National Historic Sites of
Canada Order. The site now benefits from legal protection under the Canada National Parks Act (S.C. 2000, c. 32)
and relevant regulations, which prohibit the removal of artifacts and allow for control of access and activities that may
damage the wreck. This is the 168th national historic site administered by Parks Canada
Coordinates
1. No person shall enter the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site of Canada without written
authorization from the Field Unit Superintendent, except where a person is a beneficiary accessing the site for
harvesting as provided in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). Cruise ships and other vessels are
currently not allowed in the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site of Canada.
Anyone wishing to enter the national historic site for official reasons (e.g., other government departments) should
contact Parks Canada at least 60 days in advance of their trip.
2. No person shall conduct the following restricted activities without written authorization from the Field Unit
Superintendent:
a. engaging in activities for the purpose of discovering, surveying or documenting archaeological, historical or
cultural resources, including wreck that has heritage value;
b. engaging in activities that may physically disturb or damage archaeological, historical or cultural resources,
including wreck that has heritage value;
c. removing archaeological, historical or cultural resources, including wreck that has heritage value;
d. anchoring, except when undertaken by a beneficiary under the NLCA for purposes of harvesting; and
e. diving, except when undertaken by a beneficiary under the NLCA for purposes of harvesting.
Reporting of Incidents
All incidents occurring within the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site of Canada must be
promptly reported to the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Iqaluit using the available Canadian
Coast Guard marine radio channel or by calling 1-867-979-5269.
Contact Information
Nunavut Field Unit
Parks Canada
PO Box 278
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
Phone: 867-975-4673
Fax: 867-975-4674
Email: nunavut.info@pc.gc.ca
The Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park exists by virtue of two acts, one from the Government of Canada
and the other from the Government of Quebec (Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Act, S.C. 1997, c. 37
and Loi sur le parc marin du SaguenaySaint-Laurent, R.S.Q, c. P-8.1). The Marine Park includes the
Saguenay Fjord, downstream from Cap lEst, and the northern portion of the St. Lawrence Estuary between
Gros Cap lAigle upstream to Les Escoumins downstream (Figure 1). The Marine Park covers
2
approximately 1,245 km , includes the water column and seabed, and extends to the normal high-tide line. It
protects representative portions of St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord ecosystems.
The Marine Park and surrounding waters are well known for the resident St. Lawrence beluga whale
population and the wide diversity of marine mammals that migrate here, mainly to feed, between the months
of April and November. Whales involved in feeding behaviour may suddenly surface unexpectedly.
Heightened awareness on the mariners part is necessary in order to prevent collisions with whales.
Oceanographic conditions in the area produce very strong currents and periodical fog in summer. The
presence of numerous ports and marinas, as well as an important whale-watching industry, generates
intense navigational activity, particularly between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins.
Marine Activities in the SaguenaySt. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations (SOR/2002-76) regulate activities
at sea, notably whale watching. The regulations indicate the maximum navigation speed permitted
throughout the park, as well as the distances and speeds to be respected when whales are present. These
distances vary depending on the risk status of a given species.
A permit is required in order to operate a marine tour business, to carry out scientific activities and for film
productions. For more information on the Regulations, consult
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-76/index.html.
1. General prohibitions
No person shall engage in behaviour that may disturb, kill or injure a marine mammal. Any collision with
a marine mammal must immediately be reported to a park warden by dialling 1-866-508-9888.
2. Distance requirements
A minimum distance of 400 meters from all endangered marine mammals (blue whale and beluga
whale) must be respected.
No person shall approach within 200 meters of any other whale species.
3. Speed limits
If a vessel unexpectedly encounters a threatened or endangered whale species (ex. blue whale) at a
distance of less than 400 meters, the captain must reduce the speed of the vessel to a speed no
greater than the minimum speed required to maneuver the vessel and move away to a distance greater
than 400 meters.
B. Zoning
The zoning of the Marine Park is designed to protect specific habitats and the species that live within them
while promoting ecologically sustainable use of the Marine Park and quality visitor experiences.
Comprehensive preservation zones were created to protect especially sensitive habitat (Figure 2). These
zones cover 3% of the Marine Parks surface area and include sectors that are particularly important to
marine mammals and seabirds caring for their young and for resting. All mariners are requested to avoid
these zones.
Information
For questions concerning the SaguenaySt. Lawrence Marine Park, contact Parks Canada at 418-235-4703
or info.parcmarin@pc.gc.ca, or visit www.marinepark.qc.ca.
For general information regarding Parks Canada's National Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks or
National Historic Sites, please contact our National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or
information@pc.gc.ca, or visit Parks Canada website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca.
Fathom Five was first established in 1972 as a provincial park and later in 1987 became the first site to be
under the stewardship of Parks Canada's national marine conservation area program. The park is renowned
for its shipwrecks and diving opportunities.
Coordinates
Georgian Bay
Baie Georgienne
4516'0"N
4516'0"N
0 0.5 1 2 3 4 km
1
8145'0"W 8140'0"W 8135'0"W
Restrictions
Restricted boating areas within Fathom Five National Marine Park are described in the Vessel Operation
Restriction Regulations (SOR/2008-120; Schedule 1, Part 2, items 4 to 17) and are indicated on the map
above.
Moorings are maintained within many of the restricted boating areas to facilitate diving and protect the
shipwrecks. Coordinates are listed in the table below.
Note: Easting and Northing coordinates are Universal Transverse Mercator Projection Zone 17 North.
All projected and geographic coordinates are North American Datum 1983.
Permit Requirements
Both permits are available from the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory.
Information
For questions concerning Fathom Five National Marine Park, contact Parks Canada at 519-596-2233 or
bruce-fathomfive@pc.gc.ca, or visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fathomfive.
For general information regarding Parks Canada's National Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks or
National Historic Sites, please contact our National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or
information@pc.gc.ca, or visit Parks Canada website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca.
3.1 Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida
Heritage Site, British-Columbia
2
Gwaii Haanas is a 5000 km land-and-sea protected area located at Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen
Charlotte Islands) in British Columbia. It is cooperatively managed by the Government of Canada and the
Council of the Haida Nation. The terrestrial portion is protected under the Canada National Parks Act (S.C.
2000, c. 32) and the adjacent marine area is protected under the Canada National Marine Conservation
Areas Act (S.C. 2002, c. 18).
Coordinates
Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is one of the first
National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA) established in Canada. NMCAs are intended to protect and
conserve representative marine areas for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people of Canada and
the world. The fully protected areas in the Gwaii Haanas Marine Area (see map) protect key areas of
biodiversity, rare and sensitive ecosystem elements, and important cultural sites.
Permit requirements
Those who would like to visit the Gwaii Haanas Terrestrial Area must obtain a permit at the Gwaii Haanas
office in Skidegate or by calling 877-559-8818. Visitors are also required to receive an orientation prior to
going ashore. These requirements do not apply to people of Haida ancestry.
Visitors are welcome at the Haida Gwaii Watchmen Sites including Kuuna Llnagaay (Skedans), Taanuu
Llnagaay (Tanu), Hlk'yah GawGa (Windy Bay), Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (Hotspring Island), and SGang
Gwaay (Anthony Island). Between May and September, please contact the on-site Haida Gwaii Watchmen
by radio (marine channel 6) before coming ashore.
Restrictions
Commercial and recreational extraction of all types (e.g., fishing, plant harvesting) are prohibited within
the fully protected areas of the Gwaii Haanas Marine Area.
Removal of any items from above the high tide line in Gwaii Haanas (i.e. within the Gwaii Haanas
Terrestrial Area) is strictly prohibited.
Information
For questions concerning Gwaai Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area
Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, contact Parks Canada at 877-559-8818 or gwaii.haanas@pc.gc.ca, or
visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gwaiihaanas.
For general information regarding Parks Canada's National Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks or
National Historic Sites, please contact our National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or
information@pc.gc.ca, or visit Parks Canada website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca.
National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) are protected and managed according to theWildlife Area Regulations under
the Canada Wildlife Act. The primary purpose of most NWAs is the protection and conservation of wildlife
and their habitat. For this purpose, and according to the legislation, activities that could interfere with the
conservation of wildlife are prohibited in an NWA. Consequently, a few NWAs are not accessible to the public
and there are prohibited activities in all of them. Nonetheless, the Minister of the Environment has the ability
to authorize most of the activities, whether through public notice or the issuance of permits. Those activities
benefiting wildlife and their habitat, or are not inconsistent with the purpose for which the NWA was
established and are consistent with the management plan goals for the NWA may be permitted.
For general information regarding Canadas National Wildlife Areas, please contact Environment and Climate
Change Canada at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca, or visit our website:
www.ec.gc.ca.
Canadian and foreign ships are not allowed to enter these protected areas without a permit. Any foreign ship
captain who is planning to enter in any of these protected areas without a permit, claiming a right of innocent
passage, is strongly advised to communicate with Environment and Climate Change Canada (Canadian
Wildlife Service) at least two weeks in advance.
In the Nunavut territory, Inuit have certain rights as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) and the
Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA).
Coordinates
All geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in the North American Datum 1983 (NAD
83) geodetic reference system.
Prohibitions
Navigating within Akpait National Wildlife Area without a permit is prohibited except for Inuit exercising their
rights as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Permitting Requirements
A permit must be obtained to either navigate within or conduct any type of activity in the National Wildlife
Area. Activities that may be permitted will be in accordance with the conservation objectives of the National
Wildlife Area management plan. A permit is not required for Inuit exercising their rights as per the Nunavut
Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement within the National Wildlife Area.
More information on access and permitting for Akpait National Wildlife Area can be obtained by contacting
the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.
Contact Information
Coordinates
All latitudes and longitudes hereinafter are referred to the North American Datum of 1983, Canadian Spatial
Reference System (NAD83(CSRS))
Prohibitions
Navigating within Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area without a permit is prohibited except for Inuit exercising
their rights as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Permitting Requirements
A permit must be obtained to either navigate within or conduct any type of activity in the National Wildlife
Area. Activities that may be permitted will be in accordance with the conservation objectives of the National
Wildlife Area management plan. A permit is not required for Inuit exercising their rights as per the Nunavut
Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement within the National Wildlife Area.
More information on access and permitting for Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area can be obtained by
contacting the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.
Contact Information
Coordinates
All latitudes and longitudes hereinafter described refer to the 1927 North American Datum.
All of the island known as Coburg Island, the centre of which having approximate latitude 755750 and
approximate longitude 791930; and also all that land covered by water immediately adjacent to said
Coburg Island and extending 10 km (5.4 Nautical Miles) from the ordinary high-water mark thereof.
Prohibitions
Navigating within Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area without a permit is prohibited except for Inuit exercising
their rights as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Permitting Requirements
A permit must be obtained to either navigate within or conduct any type of activity in the National Wildlife
Area. Activities that may be permitted will be in accordance with the conservation objectives of the National
Wildlife Area management plan. A permit is not required for Inuit exercising their rights as per the Nunavut
Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement within the National Wildlife Area.
More information on access and permitting for Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area can be obtained by
contacting the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.
Contact Information
Coordinates
All latitudes and longitudes hereinafter are referred to the North American Datum of 1983, Canadian Spatial
Reference System (NAD83(CSRS));
Prohibitions
Navigating within Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area without a permit is prohibited except for Inuit exercising
their rights as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Permitting Requirements
A permit must be obtained to either navigate within or conduct any type of activity in the National Wildlife
Area. Activities that may be permitted will be in accordance with the conservation objectives of the National
Wildlife Area management plan. A permit is not required for Inuit exercising their rights as per the Nunavut
Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement within the National Wildlife Area.
More information on access and permitting for Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area can be obtained by contacting
the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.
Contact Information
Coordinates
All coordinates quoted herein being Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates in Zone 14;
Prohibitions
Navigating within Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area without a permit is prohibited except for Inuit
exercising their rights as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.
Permitting Requirements
A permit must be obtained to either navigate within or conduct any type of activity in the National Wildlife
Area. Activities that may be permitted will be in accordance with the conservation objectives of the National
Wildlife Area management plan. A permit is not required for Inuit exercising their rights as per the Nunavut
Land Claims Agreement or the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement within the National Wildlife Area.
More information on access and permitting for Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area can be obtained by
contacting the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.
Contact Information
A3 ICE NAVIGATION
6 Ice Navigation, Routeing and Requests for Icebreaker Assistance
Mariners should be aware of the existence of the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone established
by the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations. These regulations require certain vessels
to report information to NORDREG before entering the NORDREG Zone and while navigating within it. In
general, the NORDREG zone covers the waters of Ungava Bay, Hudson Bay and James Bay and Canadas
coastal northern waters within the area enclosed by the 60th parallel of north latitude, the 141st meridian of
west longitude and the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone; however, where the international boundary
between Canada and Greenland is less than 200 nautical miles from the baselines of the territorial sea of
Canada, the international boundary shall be substituted for that outer limit.
Ice operations support in NORDREG waterways is provided by the Canadian Coast Guard. Icebreaker
assistance as well as ice information and ice routing should be requested through NORDREG. For more
detailed information on this VTS system, the definition of waters it covers and the requirements to make
certain reports and obtain clearance, mariners should refer to Part 3 of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation
(Atlantic, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and Eastern Arctic).
When the Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System is used, the Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention
Regulations (ASPPR) requires that an Ice Regime Routing Message be sent to the NORDREG. This
message can be brief, however, if the vessels route includes areas on ice analysis charts with ice
concentrations that may have negative Ice Numerals, the message should include additional pertinent
information explaining the voyage plan e.g. expectations of changes in conditions and/or other
considerations. This message should be updated if the plan and/or ice conditions change significantly.
When the Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System is used, in accordance with ASPPR, an After Action
Report is to be submitted. The report can be brief; however, in cases where the voyage has involved
difficulties or
unexpected occurrences, it will be valuable to include additional information. Unlike the routing
message, the After Action Report is to be sent to Transport Canada.
Transport Canada
Prairie and Northern Region, Marine
344 Edmonton St.
PO Box 8550
Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0P6
Tel.: (204) 983-7498
Fax: (204) 984-8417
During the winter navigation season a similar service is provided to ships intending to transit or to operate in
the East Coast and Gulf of St. Lawrence waters. Access to this service can be obtained by contacting the
Eastern Canada Traffic System (ECAREG CANADA). ECAREG communications procedures are specified in
the current Radio Aids to Navigation publications.
(a) For general information on ice conditions and icebreaker assistance along the main shipping route in
the Gulf of St. Lawrence:
(b) For general information on ice conditions and icebreaker assistance in Chaleur Bay, New Brunswick,
Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador waters:
In the St. Lawrence River west of longitude 6600'W to Montral, ship movement is under the general control
of the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system. During the winter navigation season, the ice operation centre
will provide, via "Escoumins Traffic", "Qubec Traffic", or "Montral Traffic", the recommended ice routes to
be used.
Vessels entering Canadian waters of the Great Lakes may obtain ice information, routing advice and request
icebreaker assistance by contacting the following address:
5 General Remarks
A limited number of icebreakers are available for the support of shipping and these are heavily committed. It
is emphasized, therefore, that it may not be possible to provide icebreaker support at short notice. In order to
make the most efficient use of all available resources, it is important that the MCTS Centres are kept
informed of the position and projected movements of vessels in Canadian waters.
The Canadian Coast Guard publication "Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters" indicates the necessary
precautions to be taken by ships navigating in ice in all Canadian waters, including the Arctic. This document
provides Masters and watch keeping crew of vessels transiting Canadian ice-covered waters with the
necessary information to achieve an understanding of the hazards, navigation techniques, and response of
the vessel.
It is important to note that the paper version of the document is no longer available.
7.1 General
Ice is an obstacle to any ship, even an icebreaker. The first principle of successful ice navigation is to
maintain freedom of manoeuvre. Once a ship becomes trapped, the vessel goes wherever the ice goes. Ice
navigation requires great patience and can be a tiring business with or without icebreaker escort. The long
way round a difficult ice area whose limits are known is often the fastest and safest way to port, or to the
open sea.
Experience has proven that in ice of higher concentrations, three basic ship handling rules apply:
keep moving - even very slowly, but keep moving;
try to work with the ice movement, and not against it; and
excessive speed means ice damage.
The propulsion plant and steering gear of any ship intending to operate in ice must be reliable and must be
capable of a fast response to maneuvering orders. The navigational and communications equipment must be
equally reliable and particular attention should be paid to maintaining radar at peak performance.
Light and partly loaded ships should be ballasted as deeply as possible, but excessive stern trim is not
recommended, as it cuts down maneuverability and increases the possibility of ice damage to the more
vulnerable lower area. Suction strainers should be able to be removed easily and to be cleared of ice and
snow. Good searchlights should be available to aid in visibility in the event of night navigation with or without
icebreaker support.
Ships navigating in ice-covered waters may experience delays and, therefore, should be stored with sufficient
fresh-water supplies and maneuvering fuel.
Ships and their equipment at sea in Canadian winters and in high latitudes are affected by the following:
low surface temperatures
high winds
low sea-water injection temperatures
low humidity
ice conditions ranging from slush ice to solid pack
snow, sleet, and freezing rain
fog and overcast, especially at the ice/water interface
superstructure icing when there is the great and dangerous possibility of heavy and rapid icing with
consequent loss of stability.
Superstructure icing is a complicated process that depends upon meteorological conditions, condition of
loading, and behavior of the vessel in stormy weather, as well as on the size and location of superstructure
and rigging. The more common cause of ice formation is the deposit of water droplets on the vessel's
structure. These droplets come from spray driven from wave crests and from ship-generated spray. Ice
formation may also occur in conditions of snowfall, sea fog, (including Arctic sea smoke) a drastic fall in
ambient temperature, and from the freezing of raindrops on contact with the vessel's structure. Ice formation
may sometimes be caused or accentuated by water shipped on board and retained on deck.
Vessel icing is a function of the ship's course relative to the wind and seas and generally is most severe in
the following areas: stem, bulwark and bulwark rail, windward side of the superstructure and deckhouses,
hawse pipes, anchors, deck gear, forecastle deck and upper deck, freeing ports, aerials, stays, shrouds,
masts, spars, and associated rigging. It is important to maintain the anchor windlass free of ice so that
the anchor may be dropped in case of emergency.
Superstructure icing is possible whenever air temperatures are -2.2C or less and winds are 17 knots or
more, and when these conditions occur simultaneously. Generally speaking, winds of Beaufort Force 5 may
produce slight icing; winds of Force 7, moderate icing; and winds of above Force 8, severe icing. Under these
conditions, the most intensive ice formation takes place when wind and sea come from ahead. In beam and
quartering winds, ice accumulates more quickly on the windward side of the vessel, thus leading to a
constant list which is extremely dangerous. Vessel icing may impair the stability and safety of a ship.
The route recommended by the Ice Operations Officer is based on the latest available ice information and
Masters are advised to adjust their course accordingly. The following notes on ship-handling in ice have
proven helpful:
b) It is very easy and extremely dangerous to underestimate the hardness of the ice.
c) Enter the ice at low speed to receive the initial impact; once into the pack, increase speed to
maintain headway and control of the ship.
e) Navigation in pack ice after dark should not be attempted without high-power searchlights which
can be controlled easily from the bridge. If poor visibility precludes progress, heave to and keep
the propeller turning slowly as it is less susceptible to ice damage than if it were completely
stopped.
f) Propellers and rudders are the most vulnerable parts of the ship; ships should go astern in ice with
extreme care - always with the rudder amidships.
g) All forms of glacial ice (icebergs, bergy bits, growlers) in the pack should be given a wide berth, as
they are current-driven whereas the pack is wind-driven.
h) Wherever possible, pressure ridges should be avoided and a passage through pack ice under
pressure should not be attempted.
i) When a ship navigating independently becomes beset, it usually requires icebreaker assistance to
free it. However, ships in ballast can sometimes free themselves by pumping and transferring
ballast from side to side, and it may require very little change in trim or list to release the ship.
Masters who are inexperienced in ice often find it useful to employ the services of an ice pilot/advisor for
transiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence in winter or an Ice Navigator for voyages into the Arctic in the summer.
There is potential for ice and slush to enter sea bays or sea inlet boxes, blocking sea-water flow to
the cooling system. This problem is encountered by a majority of ships entering ice-covered waters.
If water cannot be obtained for the cooling system, the main engines will not perform properly and may
overheat causing the engines to shut down, or to be seriously damaged. The design of ships which operate
in ice must prevent the cooling system from becoming blocked by ice.
Warning: Blockage of the sea boxes can cause the main engine cooling system to overheat, requiring
reduced power to be used or the engine to be shut down completely.
Means must be provided to clear the sea bays if they do become blocked by ice. There are several design
features which can ease or eliminate these problems:
a) High and low inlet grilles can be provided as far apart as possible.
b) Weir-type sea inlet boxes will overcome the problem of suction pipe clogging. The principal is
commonly used in Baltic icebreakers. The suction is separated from the sea inlet grilles by a
vertical plate weir. Any ice entering the box can float to the top and is unlikely to be drawn back
down to the suction level.
c) De-icing return(s) can be arranged to feed steam or hot water to the sea inlet box top, where frazil
ice may have accumulated, or directly to the cooling system suction where a blockage may have
occurred.
d) Ballast water recirculation through the cooling water system allows ballast tanks to be used as
coolers, alleviating any need to use blocked sea inlet boxes. It should be noted that, while this
solution is effective, it is usually a short-term solution unless vast quantities of ballast water are
available or if the ship is fitted with shell circulation coolers because the recirculated ballast water
will become too warm for effective cooling.
The navigators and engineers should be aware of these potential problems and the solutions available to
them on their ship.
Over the last several winter seasons, a number of bulk carriers and tankers developed fractures in their hulls
while navigating in ice, off the East Coast of Canada or in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Load Line
Regulations require that the master of every ship be supplied with a loading manual to enable him to arrange
for the loading and ballasting of his ship in such a way as to avoid the creation of any unacceptable stresses.
Masters should be aware, while navigating in Canadian East Coast Waters and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
during the winter season, that low temperatures increase the brittleness of steel. This fact may be
aggravated by wind force, sea conditions, and load distribution, temperatures of heated cargoes or oil fuels
and length/beam ratio of vessels. Therefore, when there is a combination of:
Masters should minimize longitudinal stresses by reducing speed and maintaining the most
advantageous ballast distribution as long as is necessary.
1 Purpose
This notice is intended to assist mariners, owners and operators of vessels intending on navigating in
Canadas northern waters in preparing for, and executing, a safe voyage.
The recommendations and information provided in this notice are complementary to any other legal
obligation of the owner, operator, master and all who have an interest in the vessel, and to the exercise
of due diligence and good seamanship practices that are required from the master of a vessel.
2 Background
The Canadian Arctic is full of challenges to maritime navigation due to its climatic conditions, low
temperatures, hazardous and variable ice conditions and geography. The region is remote and vast,
making repair, rescue or clean-up operations difficult. Roads, airstrips and ports, are few and far
between and search and rescue resources are limited. Emergencies can draw resources from other
needed services such as icebreaking and community re-supply. In addition, the Arctic is
environmentally sensitive and slow to recover from damage, so the impact of a pollution incident could
have heavy consequences. The mariner must also keep in mind that most of Canadas Arctic waters
have not been surveyed to modern standards.
Consequently, Arctic navigation requires ship crews with specialized knowledge. A safe Arctic voyage
starts with a detailed voyage plan that takes into account the Arctics unique conditions, navigational
challenges and hazards along with the ships capabilities and operational limitations.
The IMO Resolution A.1024(26), Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters recognizes that ships
operating in the polar environments are exposed to unique risks. The guidelines are intended to
address the additional provisions deemed necessary to take into account the climatic conditions of polar
waters. As such it is recommended that these guidelines are considered when planning a voyage to
Canadian Arctic waters.
3 Voyage Planning
1
Regulations require the master of a ship, before proceeding to sea, ensure that the intended voyage
has been planned using the most recent editions of the charts, documents and publications and take
into account International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.893(21), Guidelines for Voyage
2
Planning. Particularly relevant to Arctic navigation, the voyage plan shall, among other things,
anticipate all known navigational hazards and adverse weather conditions; and avoid, as far as
possible, actions and activities that could cause damage to the environment. Passenger vessels should
also take into account IMO Resolution A.999(25) Guidelines on voyage planning for passenger ships
operating in remote areas and Transport Canadas Guidelines for the Operation of Passenger Vessels
in Canadian Arctic Waters. (TP 13670)
The following highlights some of the issues and sources of information that should be considered when
planning a voyage in Canadas northern waters.
At present, less than 10% of Arctic waters are surveyed to modern standards. In addition, the mariner
must be aware of the horizontal datum used for the chart. GPS positions can only be plotted directly on
NAD 83 (equivalent to WGS 84) charts. For charts with other datums, the appropriate correction must
be applied. Some Arctic charts do not have a reference datum and therefore no available corrections. In
such cases, alternative sources of positional information should be used such as radar and visual lines
of position when possible. It is always recommended that more than one means be used to fix a
position.
1
CSA 2001, Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations, 1995 and SOLAS Regulation V/34
2
http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/a2res893.pdf
As always, mariners must use up-to-date nautical charts and nautical publications to plan each
3 4
voyage. This includes making use of annual and monthly Notices to Mariners and northern Canada
5
Sailing Directions . Of particular note, given the challenges in Canadas northern waters of charting,
confirming chart anomalies, and servicing aids to navigation, mariners must ensure that all Notices to
Shipping (broadcast and written) and NAVAREA warnings that are in force in the area are taken into
6
account. Further information can be obtained from the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) .
The CCG operates an ice advisory service for the support of vessels navigating in Canadas northern
waters during the navigation season. Vessels can obtain up-to-date information on ice conditions,
advice on routes, aids to navigation and icebreaker support, when available and considered necessary,
by contacting NORDREG CANADA. Weather, ice advisories, forecasts and synoptic ice charts are also
broadcasted daily. Vessels subject to the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations
must report to NORDREG as required by the regulations.
Vessels not required to report to NORDREG should, as a minimum, file a Sail Plan with a responsible
person. This person should be instructed to call the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre if the vessel
becomes overdue. In circumstances where it is not possible to file a Sail Plan with a responsible
person, a Sail Plan may be filed by telephone, radio or in person, with an MCTS Centre. While at sea,
masters and operators who have filed a sail plan are encouraged to file a daily position report during
long trips. After completion of the voyage, the vessel must close (or deactivate) their sail plan.
Forgetting to do so can result in an unwarranted search.
7
The CCG publication Radio Aids to Marine Navigation should be consulted for further information
including details on the NORDREG Zone, reporting, radio frequencies and times for ship/shore
communications and broadcasts.
7 Contingency Planning
Two groundings in the 2010 Arctic shipping season served as a reminder on the importance of
contingency planning and risk assessment. As stated in the IMO Guidelines for Voyage Planning
(A.893(21)), the detailed voyage plan should include, among other things, contingency plans for
alternative action to place the vessel in deep water or proceed to a port of refuge or safe anchorage in
the event of any emergency necessitating abandonment of the plan, taking into account existing shore-
based emergency response arrangements and equipment and the nature of the cargo and of the
emergency itself. Access to emergency support services is very limited in Canadian Arctic waters. The
shipowner may want to prearrange for emergency support prior to the voyage.
3
http://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/sd-in/north-nord-eng.asp
4
http://www.notmar.gc.ca/go.php?doc=eng/index
5
http://www.cartes.gc.ca/publications/sd-in/north-nord-eng.asp
6
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/Notship
7
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Marine-Communications/Home
8
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Ice_home/Ice_Publications/Ice-Navigation-in-Canadian-Waters
Canada has a specific legislative and regulatory regime in place for its Arctic waters to address the
unique risks and hazards of Arctic navigation and prevent pollution. The Arctic Shipping Pollution
Prevention Regulations (ASPPR) deal with construction and operational aspects of navigating in the
Arctic, including the need for Ice Navigators. When voyage planning, it is essential that a ships ice
class be assessed against the ice conditions that will or may be encountered on the voyage. The
ASPPR contains the Zone/Date System (Z/DS), which is a system dividing the Arctic into 16 Safety
Control Zones, each with fixed opening and closing dates for ships of various ice capabilities (Polar Ice
Classes) The Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System (AIRSS) was introduced as a more flexible system
that uses the actual ice conditions to determine whether entry is allowed in an ice regime. Details of
Canadas requirements and additional guidance for ships operating in its Arctic waters can be found on
9
Transport Canadas website.
9 Ice Navigator
It is important to note (and plan for) the need for an Ice Navigator when navigating inside a zone
beyond the dates allowed under the ASPPR. While an Ice Navigator is required to be on board a vessel
10
in some cases and the Zone Date or Arctic Ice Regime navigation control schemes observed, it is
always recommended that persons experienced in ice navigation be on board all vessels operating in
Arctic ice-covered waters.
9
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/menu.htm
10
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/menu.htm
7B Joint Industry - Government Guidelines for the control of Oil Tankers and Bulk
Chemical Carriers in the Ice Control Zones of Eastern Canada (JIGs) TP15163
These Guidelines apply to all laden oil tankers and to tankers carrying liquid chemicals in bulk when
proceeding through an active Ice Control Zone in Eastern Canadian waters and fishing zones south of 60
North. The Canadian Coast Guard may declare any ice control zone to be an active Ice Control Zone and
promulgate this information via Notice to Shipping and Notices to Mariners. When proceeding through an
active Ice Control Zone, all ships to which the Guidelines apply should, have on board at least one "Ice
Advisor", who meets the requirements as prescribed in JIGs. http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-
tp15163-menu-4025.htm
A4 FISHING ACTIVITY
8 Information Concerning Fishing Vessels on the East and West Coasts of Canada
1 General
1.1 When navigating in coastal waters, mariners should exercise caution in areas where large
concentrations of fishing vessels may operate. Many of these fishing vessels use nets which frequently
extend to a considerable distance from the vessel and may be difficult to see.
WEST COAST
2.1 Many fishing vessels using gill nets operate, both by day and night, in the Fraser River and its
approaches. The period of operation is approximately from July 1 to November 1, and sporadically
throughout the year.
2.2 Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in this area since gill nets can be up to 375 meters in
length.
3 Approaches to Juan de Fuca Strait - La Prouse Bank - Swiftsure Bank - Estevan Point
3.1 Mariners are warned that during the period from approximately April 15 to September 30, numerous
fishing vessels may be encountered inside the 50 fathom line off Estevan Point, La Prouse, Swiftsure
Bank and in the approaches to Juan de Fuca Strait. These vessels may be trolling or towing nets. At
night, such vessels may frequently be at anchor. Vessels approaching these areas from any direction
are advised to pass to seaward and clear of the banks due to the prevalence of restricted visibility in
this vicinity. Vessels which are obligated to cross these banks should navigate with caution to avoid
risk of collision with fishing vessels Mariners can receive radar derived information concerning the
locations of large concentrations of fishing vessels by contacting the Marine Communications and
Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre at Prince Rupert Traffic.
4.1 Numerous fishing vessels using drift nets or purse seine nets may be encountered, both day and night,
in the Juan de Fuca Strait. The period of operation is approximately from July 1 to November 1. Drift
nets can extend up to 552 meters in length from the end that is attached to the operating vessel. The
free end is marked by a white light.
5.1 Large fishing/factory ships may operate off the West Coast of Vancouver Island between Cape Flattery
and Estevan Point from June to November. These ships may be fishing, working cargo or drifting.
Commercial ships and fishing vessels using the inside passage waters of British Columbia during the
commercial fishing season.
6.1 Fishing vessels when in transit (not fishing) are advised to monitor the VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES
CHANNEL for the VTS Sector they are in.
6.2 All commercial vessels transiting an open fishing ground are advised to monitor VHF Channel 78A
(156.925 MHz) in addition to the Vessel Traffic Services Channel for the VTS Sector they are in.
Vessels while in transit through the grounds should broadcast their intended track at frequent intervals
(every hour) on VHF Channel 78A, and more frequently under reduced visibility conditions.
6.3 Fishing vessels and other vessels when underway are required by regulation to travel with high intensity
deck lights extinguished. Vessels in contravention are subject to severe penalties.
6.4 All vessels, including vessels engaged in a commercial fishery, are advised that it is imperative that
correct lights and shapes are exhibited in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea, 1972 as amended.
6.5 Gill Net fishing vessels should remain on the end of their net to enable transiting vessels, when known
to be in transit in an active fisheries area, to identify where the fishing vessel is in relation to her net. In
addition, at night, it is recommended that the Gill Net fishing vessel indicate the lie of her net to
transiting vessels by directing the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger.
6.6 All vessels when transiting or crossing a Traffic Separation Scheme (Lanes) are required to observe
Rule 10 of the International Regulations for preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (with Canadian
modifications) as amended.
Refer to Part 3 of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation publication, for information on zones, sectors and VHF
frequencies.
7 Use of Radiotelephone
7.1 Vessels to seaward of Juan de Fuca Strait and within waters under Canadian jurisdiction are required to
maintain a continuous listening watch on the bridge-to-bridge VHF radiotelephone channel in
accordance with the provisions of the VHF Radiotelephone Practices and Procedures Regulations.
7.2 Mariners can communicate with Fisheries patrol vessels or "Prince Rupert Traffic" to exchange
information or assist in making a safe passage. These patrol vessels can initially be contacted on VHF
Channel 16 (156.8 MHz).
7.3 The Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) for the coastal waters of southern British Columbia designates VHF
channels for specific sectors. Refer to Part 3 of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation publication, for
details.
7.4 Mariners are recommended to refer to the appropriate US sources for radiotelephone procedures when
navigating in US waters.
EAST COAST
8.1 Mariners may encounter large concentrations of fishing vessels throughout the year in the southern
approaches to the Bay of Fundy and within the area of Grand Manan Basin.
8.2 Vessels proceeding through these areas should navigate with caution to avoid risk of collision with
vessels engaged in fishing, and maintain a continuous radio watch on VHF Channel 16.
8.3 Use of the traffic separation scheme in the Bay of Fundy is compulsory.
8.4 The MCTS Centre at Saint John "Fundy Traffic" may be contacted for detailed information concerning
fishing vessel concentrations. Refer to Part 3 of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation publication for
details.
9.1 Mariners are advised that large concentrations of fishing vessels may be encountered in all areas on the
Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
9.2 Vessels proceeding through areas of the Grand Banks are advised to navigate with caution to avoid risk
of collision with vessels engaged in fishing, and to maintain a continuous radio watch on VHF Channel
16.
9.3 Rule 10(s) of the Collision Regulations states that "a vessel making a transatlantic voyage shall, as far
as practicable, avoid crossing the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and Labrador north of latitude 43
north".
10.1 Mariners may encounter large concentrations of fishing vessels throughout the navigation season in the
Strait of Belle Isle and approaches.
10.2 Vessels transiting through this area should navigate with caution to avoid risk of collision with vessels
engaged in fishing, and maintain a continuous radio watch on VHF Channel 16.
10.3 The MCTS Centre at St.Anthony, St.Anthony Coast Guard Radio, may be contacted for information
concerning fishing activity.
11 Use of Radiotelephone
11.1 Mariners are reminded of the requirement to maintain a continuous listening watch on the appropriate
bridge-to-bridge VHF radiotelephone channel in accordance with the VHF Radiotelephone Practices
and Procedures Regulations while navigating in waters under Canadian jurisdiction.
In order to carry out their duties, Government vessels must operate wherever necessary and cannot be
confined to customary commercial routes. Government vessels are instructed to exercise reasonable care to
avoid damage to fish nets, traps and trawl lines. Similarly, fishermen should exercise reasonable precautions
for protection of their nets when setting their equipment. Accordingly, fishermen are warned that they cannot
expect favorable consideration of claims for damage to their nets, traps and trawls, attributed to Government
vessels, unless they are marked in a manner so that, under prevailing conditions, the markers are visible to a
ship's lookout in sufficient time to avoid fouling their gear.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), doing business as Port of Vancouver, is an organization
established and governed by the Canada Marine Act, as well as the Port Authorities Management
Regulations and Letters Patent issued pursuant to the Act. VFPA is responsible for maintaining safe
navigation in the waters within its jurisdiction.
The Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) is the federal agency that delivers programs and services that
support sustainable use and development of Canadas waterways and aquatic resources. Section 24 of the
Fisheries Act states that fishing apparatus shall not be set or used in such manner or in such place as to
obstruct [] navigation.
VFPA and DFO have jointly determined that safety of navigation in the area described below under
Description of Navigational Closure Area requires closure to commercial crab fishing.
Purpose
The purpose of this closure is to maintain a safe approach for deep sea vessels, berthing tugs and ferries
transiting in and out of Deltaport and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
Information on the Navigational Closure Area for Deltaport & Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
Restricted Area Coordinates: Starting from the in-shore end of turning basin
Contact List
In the case of a Marine Emergency, contact the Canadian Coast Guard radio on VHF 16, or for non-
emergencies, contact the Marine Communications and Traffic Services at 250-363-6333.
For Fisheries issues and violations, contact the local office of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Steveston
Field Office at 604-664-9250 during normal business hours or the DFO Observe Record Report (ORR) after-
hours line at 1-800-465-4336.
For Boating Safety issues, contact Transport Canada, Office of Boating Safety at 250-480-2792.
A5 NAVIGATION SAFETY
10 Routeing of Ships
1 GENERAL
1.1 Rule 10 of the Collision Regulations applies to all ships navigating in or near a routeing system.
1.2 The information on ships' routeing in this Notice was up-to-date at the time of printing. Monthly editions
of the Notices to Mariners must be consulted for additions and amendments. (http://www.notmar.gc.ca)
1.3 Ships which depart from these routes and meet with collisions may involve themselves in legal
liability. Admiralty courts have held that, where traffic routeing systems are observed for the common
safety of ships and are recognized on official charts, "it is negligent navigation to leave them without
reason."
1.4 The Canadian compulsory routeing systems are modified by the provisions that fall under the
heading "Canadian Modifications" to Rule 10 of the Collision Regulations as follows:
.1 In Canadian waters and fishing zones, a vessel engaged in fishing may fish in any direction in or
near a traffic separation scheme, but shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic
lane.
.2 Every power-driven vessel of more than 20 metres in length is required to use the route within a
traffic separation scheme or routeing system by which it can safety proceed to its destination.
1.5 Detailed information on the routeing of ships, which includes traffic separation schemes, deep water
routes, areas to be avoided and other routeing measures, can be found in the appropriate Sailing
Directions and in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) publication titled "Ships' Routeing".
In the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its Approaches (also adopted by IMO) (amended in 2005)
Reference charts: 3440, 3461, 3462, 3602 and 3606 (Canada) 18400, 18421, 18440, 18460,
18465, 18480 and 18485 (United States)
Mariners using this traffic separation scheme should be aware of the following recommendation
and caution:
"Mariners are recommended to use their radiotelephone to provide information of their presence
and warnings to other ships.
CAUTION
In some instances a large vessel proceeding westbound on an ebb tide may have difficulty in making
the turn to starboard into Current Passage and clearing Ripple Shoal. Under such circumstances the
master may decide to proceed against the traffic flow through Race Passage and should make every effort
to warn other traffic in the area."
Mariners using this traffic separation scheme should be aware of the following recommendation
and caution:
"Mariners are recommended to use their radiotelephone to provide information of their presence
and warnings to other ships.
CAUTION
In some instances large vessels and tugs with long tows proceeding eastbound may have difficulty in
making the turn to starboard to pass south of Haddington Island. Under such circumstances the master
may decide to proceed against the traffic flow through Haddington Passage but should make every effort to
warn other traffic in the area."
.1 The Great Lakes routeing measures consist of a system of recommended courses on Lakes Ontario,
Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior.
.2 These courses are delineated on both Canadian and the United States general charts of the Great
Lakes, and are described in the appropriate Sailing Directions.
.3 In the interest of navigational safety and environmental protection, mariners are advised to observe
these courses.
.4 The person in charge of the navigation of the ships may exercise discretion in departing from the
recommended courses whenever weather or ice conditions render it necessary.
.1 A tanker exclusion zone (TEZ) has been established off the Pacific coast of Canada as a result of
the discontinuance of the Trans Alaska Pipeline Tanker Routes.
.2 The purpose of the TEZ is to keep laden tankers west of the zone boundary in an effort to protect
the shoreline and coastal waters from a potential risk of pollution.
.3 The zone boundary follows the Canada/Alaska border to a point approximately 115 miles west
of Langara Island, thence southward to approximately 73 miles southwest of Cape St. James,
thence to 40 miles southwest of Amphitrite Point and thence due east to just off Cape Flattery.
.5 Loaded TAPS crude oil tankers transiting along the Pacific coast are requested to remain seaward of
this zone boundary.
Terra Nova Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) (Grand Banks of Newfoundland)
Ships should navigate with particular caution in the area having a 10 nm radius centered on 4628.53N
ad 04828.86W. Any ship planning to transit the precautionary area is advised to contact the FPSO
vessel on VHF channel 16 and to comply with the instructions given while transiting the area. Ship
movement in the area is monitored on a 24 hour basis.
Roseway Basin Seasonal ATBA (June through December) (South of Nova Scotia)
Charts 4003, 4012 and 4230 (Canada)
3.1 The IMO publication entitled "Ships' Routeing" contains the full details and coordinates of all
IMO routeing measures and Associated Rules and Recommendations on Navigation. Details
for obtaining this IMO publication can be found in Notice to Mariners No. 14. The appropriate
Sailing Directions should also be referred to for additional information.
4.1 Routeing systems are intended for use by day and by night in all weather, in ice free waters or under light
ice conditions where no extraordinary maneuvers or icebreaker assistance are required.
4.2 Routeing systems are recommended for use by all ships unless stated otherwise. Bearing in mind the need
for adequate under-keel clearance, a decision to use a routeing system must take into account the charted
depth, the possibility of changes in the sea-bed since the time of the last survey, and the effects of
meteorological and tidal conditions on water depths.
4.3 A ship navigating in or near a traffic separation scheme shall in particular comply with Rule 10 of the
Collision Regulations to minimize the development of risk of collision with another ship. The other rules of
the Collision Regulations apply in all respects, and particularly the rules of part B, sections II and III, if risk
of collision with another ship is deemed to exist.
4.4 At junction points where traffic from various directions meet, a true separation of traffic is not really possible,
as ships may need to cross routes or change to another route. Ships should therefore navigate with great
caution in such areas and be aware that the mere fact that a ship is proceeding along a through -going
route gives that ship no special privilege or right of way.
4.5 A deep-water route is primarily intended for use by ships which, because of their draught in relation to the
available depth of water in the area concerned, require the use of such a route. Through traffic to which the
above consideration does not apply should, as far as practicable, avoid using deep-water routes. A deep-
water route is a route within defined limits which has been surveyed for clearance of sea bottom and
submerged obstacles as indicated on a chart.
4.6 A precautionary area should be avoided, if practicable, by passing ships not making use of the associated
traffic separation schemes or deep-water routes, or entering or leaving adjacent ports. A precautionary
area is an area within defined limits where ships must navigate with particular caution and within which the
direction of traffic flow may be recommended.
4.7 In a two-way route, including two-way deep-water route, ships should as far as practicable keep to the
starboard side. A two-way route is a route within defined limits inside which two-way traffic is established.
The aim is to provide safe passage of ships through waters where navigation is difficult or dangerous.
Unless otherwise specified symbols are printed on charts in colour, usually magenta.
Tracks
Ref. Description CHS Symbology
a Two-way track
Routeing Measures
Ref. Description CHS Symbology
Established (mandatory)
10
direction of traffic flow
Recommended direction of
11
traffic flow
13 Separation zone
Limit of restricted
14
routeing measure
16 Precautionary area
Chart 1 provides explanations of the symbols, abbreviations and terms used in CHS nautical charts. HTML
and PDF versions of Chart 1 are maintained for update. http://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/chart1-
carte1/index-eng.asp
NOTES
1. Arrows dispersed over width of route. Arrows may be curved. Where the traffic lane is converging,
arrows should be oriented to the approximate average directions of the side boundaries.
2. Arrow omitted at intersections (other than roundabouts) to avoid implying priority of one lane.
5. If traffic lanes are separated by natural obstacles, may be replaced by the symbol for general maritime
limits at the boundaries of the lanes.
7. Symbol intended for tracks to be followed closely through inadequately surveyed areas.
1. Gnralits
1.1 Le chapitre V de la Convention pour la sauvegarde de la vie humaine en mer (SOLAS) rend obligatoire
lutilisation de systme de comptes rendus de navires approuvs par lOrganisation maritime
internationale (OMI).
1.2 Les navires canadiens sont tenus dutiliser tout systme obligatoire de comptes rendus de navires
approuvs par lOMI pouvant sappliquer eux et devraient se mettre en rapport sans dlai avec les
autorits ctires lorsquils pntrent dans la zone vise par le systme et, au besoin, lorsquils la
quittent.
1.3 Ces systmes se trouvent dans des eaux ne relevant pas du Canada. De plus amples dtails figurent
dans les publications sur les aides radio la navigation des administrations comptentes ou dans les
sections pertinentes de la Liste des signaux radio de lAmiraut (Admiralty List of Radio Signals)
publie par le Royaume-Uni.
2. Systmes internationaux
2.1 Les systmes de comptes rendus approuvs actuellement par lOMI figurent ci-aprs et sont suivis des
administrations comptentes :
Pas de Calais
Zones pour la protection des baleines noires de lAtlantique Nord dans les secteurs au
large des ctes Nord-Est et Sud-Est des tats-Unis.
11 Collision Regulations
The "Collision Regulations" are the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,
1972 with Canadian modifications. The Collision Regulations are amended from time to time to
give effect to international and Canadian amendments as necessary.. These regulations may be
accessed through the Transport Canada website at http://www.tc.gc.ca or
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/ .
1 Special rules and provisions of a local nature
1.1 Special rules or provisions, where applicable, are shown as "Canadian Modifications" and immediately
follow the appropriate international rule to which they apply.
1.2 Other provisions regulating navigational conduct in Canadian waters may be found in the following:
2 Non-displacement craft
2.1 Non-displacement vessels including air cushion vessels (ACVs) may be encountered in all waters.
2.2 ACVs are very maneuverable and create minimum wake. When operating at high speed in the non-
displacement mode these vessels are capable of making rapid course alterations and only require a
short stopping distance. Conversely, when maneuvering at relatively low speed similar to a
conventional vessel, they have poor directional control and create considerable wake.
2.3 At present, all ACVs operating in Canadian waters are fully amphibious and are propelled and steered
by airscrews, rudders and controllable air ducts. Having virtually no contact with the surface over which
they operate, they create no wake when traveling at high speed, but when the wind is on the beam or
when turning, they have considerable drift or yaw angles. The direction of their bows, and the aspect of
their navigation lights, which are identical to those of a similar sized conventional vessel, may not
provide a true indication of their direction of motion. To indicate this, all ACVs when operating in the
non-displacement mode are required to display an all-round flashing yellow light, flashing at 120 flashes
or more per minute.
2.4 Mariners on conventional vessels in the vicinity of an ACV should take due note of the true track of the
ACV when interpreting apparent collision situations and executing avoiding action.
2.5 Amphibious ACVs generate high noise levels, consequently sound signals made by other vessels may
not be heard by the operator on the ACV.
2.6 Since amphibious ACVs operate with zero draught, they frequently navigate outside normal shipping
channels. Unless displaying distress signals, no action should be taken to warn them, report them or
follow them.
2.7 With the exception of the Collision Regulations, amphibious ACVs under Canadian jurisdiction are
generally not required to comply with regulations made under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA
2001).
Alternative means of ensuring at least an equivalent level of safety to that of a conventional vessel engaged
in similar operations are administered under the Aeronautics Act, conforming to the IMO "Code of Safety for
Dynamically Supported Craft".
4.1 Vessels engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in their ability to maneuver, are
required to display the lights and shapes as described in Rule 27(b) and (d).
4.2 A rigid replica of the International Code Flag "A" is an acceptable alternative to the shapes specified in
Rule 27 (d). This provision only applies to small vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver and that
are engaged in diving operations. Vessels engaged in dredging and underwater operations, other than
diving, are not permitted to use this signal.
4.3 This rigid replica is to be displayed on board the vessel to ensure its all-round visibility and is to be not
less than 1 metre in height to ensure that mariners in the vicinity can clearly see it and take appropriate
action.
4.4 In waters where small vessels frequently operate, mariners will often see the "Diver Down" flag on floats
or buoys. This flag is red with a diagonal white stripe running from the top of the hoist to the bottom of
the fly and indicates an area where scuba diving or other diving activity is in progress. Vessels should
keep well clear and proceed at slow speed.
4.5 Despite its general use, the "Diver Down" flag is not a substitute for the "A" flag, required by these
regulations.
5.1 Mariners navigating in coastal waters have frequently reported the improper use of searchlights and
floodlights. These reports are most common from mariners navigating the inner passage of British
Columbia.
5.2 The improper use of these lights could affect the safe navigation of vessels and be construed as a
violation of the Collision Regulations because the glare of such lights may:
.1 interferes with the night vision of mariners in the vicinity and prevents the keeping of a proper look-
out - Rules 5 and 20(b)
.2 mask the navigation lights of the vessel using these lights, thereby making the determination of its
heading and its type of operation impossible for other mariners - Rule 20 (impair distinctive
character of navigation lights), and
.3 make it difficult for mariners to identify aids to navigation and their geographical location in the
vicinity of the vessel using these lights - Rule 36 (mistaken for any aid to navigation or embarrass
another vessel).
5.3 Several reports have also been made where a vessel using sodium vapor floodlights has mistakenly
been reported as a vessel on fire. Such reports have alerted the Rescue Coordination Centre (RRC) or
the Marine Rescue Sub-centre (MRSC) and rescue units have been dispatched in response to a false
alarm. The use of these floodlights will ultimately tend to reduce the level of vigilance on the part of
other mariners. This could result in an actual distress situation not being reported. Sodium vapor
floodlights could also be mistaken for "flames on a vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc)",
which is a distress signal prescribed in Annex IV of the Collision Regulations.
5.4 Mariners are therefore warned that when using all types of searchlights and floodlights they must be
properly directed or adequately screened to ensure that, under any conditions, such lights will not
embarrass another vessel, show beyond the immediate vicinity of the vessel or be misinterpreted.
5.5 This notice does not prohibit a vessel from using any lights provided they cannot be mistaken for the
lights specified in the Collision Regulations, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. Similarly
any vessel may fit or carry a searchlight or floodlight provided it is used in such a way as not to
embarrass another vessel.
5.6 Small boat operators are reminded that night vision impairment can last for several minutes, even after
the searchlight has been turned off. Operators using searchlights for search and identification purposes
should reduce their speed so that action to avoid collision can be taken within the range of vision of the
searchlight.
The speed of the boat should not be increased until after the searchlight has been extinguished and the night
vision of the operator has fully recovered.
6.1 The lights and markings described in this paragraph are not required by the Collision Regulations.
Mariners, however, should be aware of their existence and purpose.
The International Code of Signals states that a vessel requiring "Health Clearance", may by night carry
a red light over a white light in a vertical line about 2.0 m apart and visible all round the horizon. Such
lights should only be exhibited within the vicinity of a port.
.1 Small outboard motor boats are used in servicing navigational aids from Grondines-Est to Sarnia.
These vessels have red hulls and are appropriately marked "CCG".
.2 Mariners are cautioned to proceed at a safe speed when passing buoys being serviced by these
boats.
6.4 Marking of fishing gear in all waters of the Pacific Coast under Canadian jurisdiction
.1 A gill net operated from a commercial fishing vessel has attached to each end of it:
1) by day, a buoy painted iridescent or plain orange and not less than 125 cm in circumference.
.2 A long line used in fishing is marked by a buoy attached to each end of the line.
7.1 Small vessel owners/operators are reminded that their vessels can be very difficult to detect on radar
and this can result in their being run-down or swamped by larger vessels.
7.2 Rule 40 of the Collision Regulations requires small vessels of less than 20 metres in length, or vessels
constructed primarily of non-metallic materials, to fit or carry a radar reflector. These vessels offer very
poor radar targets. An efficient radar reflector, if properly fitted, can effectively increase the echoing
area of a vessel's corresponding radar target and greatly improve its chances of being detected.
7.3 Ship Safety Bulletin 07/2008 describes the safety features of using this device.
1 Caution
1.1 During recent years there has been a marked increase in damage to wharves, boat-houses, small
boats, moored ships, and erosion of the shoreline caused by draw-off and wave disturbance created by
the passage of ships and boats.
1.2 Additionally, there is a risk of causing serious bodily harm to persons in, on or near the shore. Children
are particularly vulnerable to this hazard.
1.3 The amount of draw-off and the size and intensity of the waves at any given speed varies with the hull
form and draft of each vessel. Other factors include the vessel's proximity to the shore and the
configuration of the channel.
1.4 High water levels will increase and extend the damaging effects of a vessel's passage, and must be
taken into account.
1.5 Masters, pilots, operators and owners of vessels may be subject to court action for damages sustained
by injured parties as a result of damage or injury caused by the passage of their vessels.
1.6 Regulations designed to control this type of damage would require speed limits to be set sufficiently low
to prevent damage by any type of vessel. This might impose unrealistic speed restrictions on some
vessels, thereby making navigation unsafe by reducing their ability to maintain steerageway, or cause
undue economic and recreational restraints.
1.7 Regulatory control of vessels' speed can be avoided if each person in charge of navigating a vessel,
who best knows its characteristics, exercises restraint and reduces speed as necessary. Due
consideration must be given to all the factors that may contribute to damage.
.1 Collision Regulations,
.2 Sailing directions,
2.2 Those in charge of navigating vessels should refer to current Notices to Mariners and Notices to
Shipping for information about temporary or amended speed restrictions. Temporary speed restrictions
may be established for the purpose of safe navigation or for the protection of persons or property at or
near the shore.
The Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations, 1995 require all ships in waters under Canadian
jurisdiction, to have on board, maintain and use appropriate charts, tide tables, lists of lights and other
nautical publications issued by or on the authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service. An up-to-date list of
Canadian charts and nautical publications is available online in the Monthly Edition of Notices to Mariners at
www.notmar.gc.ca or www.charts.gc.ca.
The Charts and Nautical Publication Regulations, 1995 (CNPR) require the carriage and use of charts
and nautical publications. Many nautical publications in Canada are now available in electronic form
and can be downloaded from the Internet in PDF (Chart 1 Symbols, Terms and Abbreviations, chart
catalogues, Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR), List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals, Annual Edition of
Notices to Mariners, Radio Aids to Marine Navigation, CCG Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters). Some
vessels may carry publications in electronic form issued by another Administration (i.e., Admiralty
Digital Publications) as per CNPR subsection 6(3).
IMO circular entitled IMO requirements on carriage of publications on board ships (MSC-
MEPC.2/Circ.2) allows electronic publications provided they have been issued by the IMO, an
Administration or an organization authorized by an Administration. The electronic document should also
be treated in accordance with the document control procedures in the ships SMS including procedures
for timely update. However, as an exception, IMO does require the International Code of Signals and
the IAMSAR - Volume III must be always available in hard copy to ensure accessibility and portability
for emergency use.
Under SOLAS, charts and nautical publications in electronic form can be used to meet SOLAS V
carriage requirements provided suitable back-up arrangements are in place.
The CNPRs provide detailed requirements for nautical publications. Electronic nautical publications
must meet the same requirements as the hard copies.
For example:
o The publication must be published, or issued, by the appropriate authority,
o The publication must be complete for the area to be navigated and up to date.
The electronic publication shall be readily available to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) at all times and
viewable on the navigation bridge.
There should be an appropriate back-up onboard. The primary system should have an emergency source of
power.
Updates should be applied to both the primary and back-up system as soon as practical. When in port, they
should be applied prior to passage planning and commencement of the voyage.
As the publications required by the CNPR must be on board, simply being able to access the publications
through the internet would not be considered on board and therefore not acceptable. However, publications
downloaded and saved on board or hard copies printed from official internet sources would be acceptable.
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved a
consolidated guidance circular MSC.1./Circ.1503, the ECDIS - Guidance for Good Practice, concerning
maintenance and potential display anomalies in ECDIS systems. An electronic copy of this circular can be
downloaded from the Organization's website at http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Circulars/Pages/Home.aspx.
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) issued an ENC Data Presentation and Performance
Check in October 2011. This check is intended to assist mariners and to help determine the extent of the
issues. Reports from sea received by the IHO confirm that a number of manufacturers ECDIS fail to display
some significant underwater features in the "Standard" display mode. In order that all significant objects are
visible to the mariner, these ECDIS must be operated in "Full display" or "All display" mode until a software
upgrade is made available by the manufacturer. Mariners are strongly recommended to use the IHO ENC
Data Presentation and Performance Check issued through ENC service providers and also available directly
from the IHO website (http://www.iho.int) to check the operation of their ECDIS and to determine whether
their system is affected.
1 This list is issued for reference in conjunction with the Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations,
1995 to assist mariners navigating Canadian waters or Fishing Zones when proceeding to or from the
ports indicated. It is also used by Transport Canada, Marine Safety and Security Inspectors in enforcing
primarily by spot checks the Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations 1995 and when conducting
Port State control inspections.
2 The list is based on the latest information available at the time of publication. The national chart
catalogues available at www.charts.gc.ca or at an authorized CHS chart dealer, and Notices to
Mariners at www.notmar.gc.ca must be consulted for information on the latest chart editions, new
charts, and chart cancellations. Charts must be corrected from all pertinent information available before
being used in the navigation of a ship.
3 Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate
area concerned except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference
purposes only because their chart scale does not comply with that required by the Regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
8049(1) N/A St. Michael Bay to/ Gray Islands 500,000 324(1)
4735 & 324
4731 N/A Forteau Bay to/ Domino Run 250,000
REFERENCE
4020 CA376094 Strait of Belle Isle/Dtroit de Belle Isle 150,000 4735
Pointe Amour /to Cape Whittle et/
4021 CA276138 350,000 4731
and Cape George
Golfe du Saint-Laurent/
4002(1) CA179245 750,000 4762(1)
Gulf of St. Lawrence
Cap Whittle /to Havre-Saint-Pierre et/
4025 CA279043 300,000 4767
and le d'Anticosti
Havre Saint-Pierre et/and Cap des
4026 CA279044 300,000 4774
Rosiers /to Pointe des Monts
CA279037 Pointe des Monts aux/to Escoumins 200,000
CA579040 Matane 20,000
1236 CA579041 Rimouski, Pointe au Pre 20,000 4777
CA579039 Forestville 20,000
CA579038 Godbout 5,000
CA379232 le du Bic au/to Cap de la Tte au Chien 80,000
1320 CA579233 Les Escoumins 20,000 4782
CA579234 Port de Gros-Cacouna 10,000
Cap de la Tte au Chien /
CA379029 80,000
to Cap aux Oies
CA579031 Pointe de la Rivire du Loup 5,000
1234 4783
CA579033 Saint Simon 5,000
CA579032 Pointe-au-Pic 5,000
CA579034 Cap lAigle 5,000
CA479021 Cap aux Oies /to Sault-au-Cochon 50,000
CA579024 Saint-Jean-Port-Joli 5,000
1233 4784
CA579022 Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive 5,000
CA579023 le aux Coudres 5,000
CA479025
1317 Sault-au-Cochon /to Qubec 50,000 4785
CA479082
CA579003
1316 Port de Qubec - Quai Irving /to Courville 15,000 4786
CA579081
CA479020 Qubec /to Donnacona 40,000
1315 4787
CA579224 Mouillage Saint-Nicolas 20,000
CA479017 Donnacona /to Batiscan 40,000
1314 4788
CA579019 Portneuf 5,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
CA479014 Batiscan au/to Lac Saint-Pierre 40,000
1313 CA479016 Port de Bcancour 15,000 4789
CA479015 Port de Trois-Rivires 15,000
CA479129 Lac Saint-Pierre 40,000
1312 4790
CA579130 Port de Sorel-Tracy 10,000
CA479155 Sorel /to Varennes 40,000
1311 CA579156 Terminal de Contrecoeur 10,000 4791
CA579246 Terminal ptrolier 10,000
CA579001
1310 Port de Montral 15,000 4792
CA579080
2. Strait of Canso to Montral, via East Point, Prince Edward Island includes arriving Point Tupper,
N.S.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4013 CA276204 Halifax to/ Sydney 350,000 4748
4748(2)
4321(2) CA376230 Cape Canso to Liscomb Island 108,836
REFERENCE
Strait of Canso and Approaches/
4335 N/A 75,000 4756
et les approches
4756
4307 CA476277 Canso Harbour to/au Strait of Canso 37,500
REFERENCE
CA476678 Strait of Canso 30,000
CA576680 Point Tupper to/ Ship Point 15,000
4302 4758
Canso Lock and Causeway/cluse et
CA576679 10,000
Chausse Surleve de Canso
4462 CA376242 St. George's Bay 75,200 4757
Northumberland Strait /
4023 CA276286 300,000 4765
Dtroit de Northumberland
Baie des Chaleurs/Chaleur Bay aux/
4024 CA279075 350,000 4766
to les de la Madeleine
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Cabot Strait and approaches / Dtroit de
4022 CA276271 Cabot et les approches, Scatarie Island 350,000 4764
to/ Anticosti Island / le D'Anticosti
N/A St. Paul Island 24,300
N/A Atlantic Cove 12,150 4764(3)
4450(3)
N/A MacDougall and Powers Cove 12,150 REFERENCE
N/A Trinity Cove 12,150
Baie des Chaleurs/Chaleur Bay aux/
4024 CA279075 350,000 4766
to les de la Madeleine
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
N/A Bear Head to/ Cow Head 147,300
4731
4661 N/A Green Cove 36,500
REFERENCE
N/A Trout River Bay 36,490
CA476190 Bay of Islands 50,000
4653 N/A Little Port 6,000 4740
N/A The Narrows 6,000
Humber Arm, Meadows Point to/
CA576185 14,600
4652 Humber River 4741
CA576186 Corner Brook 7,200
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Northumberland Strait /
4023 CA276286 300,000 4765
Dtroit de Northumberland
4906 CA376062 West Point /to Baie de Tracadie 100,000
4765 & 4766
4911 CA476133 Entre /Entrance to Miramichi River 25,000
REFERENCE
4912 CA476125 Miramichi 25,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4486 CA376187 Baie des Chaleurs/Chaleur Bay 150,000 4768
N/A Rivire Ristigouche/Restigouche River 36,360
4426 4769
N/A Dalhousie Harbour 7,200
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
1221 CA379028 Pointe de Moisie /to le du Grand Caouis 75,000 4775
CA479006 Baie des Sept-les 25,000
1220 CA579008 Sept-les 10,000 4776
CA579007 Pointe Noire 10,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Mouillages et Installations Portuaires/
N/A Anchorages and Harbour Installations
Haute Ct-Nord
CA579047 Port-Cartier 15,000
1226 CA479051 Baie des Homards Mouillages/Anchorages 50,000 4778
CA479052 le aux Oeufs Mouillages/Anchorages 50,000
CA579048 Baie-Comeau 20,000
CA579048 Quai public/Public Wharf 10,000
CA579048 Quais/Wharves Cargill et Alcoa 10,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian Chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Mouillages et Installations Portuaires/
N/A Anchorages and Harbour Installations
Haute Ct-Nord
CA579047 Port-Cartier 15,000
1226 CA479051 Baie des Homards Mouillages/Anchorages 50,000 4778
CA479052 le aux Oeufs Mouillages/Anchorages 50,000
CA579048 Baie-Comeau 20,000
CA579048 Quai public/Public Wharf 10,000
CA579048 Quais/Wharves Cargill et Alcoa 10,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
CA479053 Tadoussac /to Cap ternit 37,500
1203 CA479087 le Saint-Louis /to Cap ternit 37,500 4779
CA579054 Tadoussac 5,000
CA479094 Cap ternit /to Saint Fulgence 37,500
1202 CA579036 Terminal maritime de Grande Anse 15,000 4780
CA579235 Baie des Ha! Ha! 15,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4017 CA276092 Cape Race to/ Cape Freels 350,000 4733
CA376015 Motion Bay to/ Cape St. Francis 60,000
4846 CA576387 Quidi Vidi 5,000 4736
CA576386 St. John's Harbour 5,000
CA376120 Conception Bay 60,000
CA576121 Bell Island 2,500
4733
CA576123 Foxtrap 5,000
4847 REFERENCE
CA576124 Port de Grave 5,000
CA576122 Portugal Cove 3,000
CA576115
Holyrood and/et Long Pond 15,000
CA576114
Generator Plant (Wharf) / 4733
4848 CA576117 3,000
Centrale d'nergie (Quai) REFERENCE
CA576116 Ultramar (Wharf/Quai) 3,000
CA576118 Holyrood (Marina) 3,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
CA376015 Motion Bay to/ Cape St. Francis 60,000
4846 CA576387 Quidi Vidi 5,000 4736
CA576386 St. John's Harbour 5,000
13. Arriving Lewisporte or Botwood, Nfld., via St. John's and Hamilton Sound
Charts in List 11 up to 4847, and then:
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Cape St-Francis to/ Baccalieu Island
N/A 60,000
and/et Heart's Content
4850
N/A Old Perlican 15,000
N/A Heart's Content 20,000 4733
REFERENCE
CA376243 Trinity Bay Northern Portion/ Partie Nord 60,000
4853 CA476244 Trinity Harbour 25,000
CA576245 Trinity Wharves 2,500
Catalina Harbour to/ 4733
4854 CA376340 60,000
Inner Gooseberry Islands REFERENCE
CA376371 Indian Bay to/ Wadham Islands 60,000
4857
CA576372 Lumsden Harbour 20,000
Hamilton Sound,
CA476279 40,000 4733
4530 Eastern Portion/ Partie Est
REFERENCE
CA576280 Carmanville 18,000
CA476813 Carmanville to/ Bacalhao Island and/
4862 40,000
CA476814 et Fogo
4820 CA376655 Cape Freels to/ Exploits Islands 150,000
4821 CA376656 White Bay and/et Notre Dame Bay 150,000
4822 CA376660 Cape St. John to/ St. Anthony 150,000
CA476802
4863 CA476803 Bacalhao Island to/ Black Island 40,000
CA476804
CA576425
4886 CA576426 Twillingate Harbours 15,000
CA576427
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4820 CA376655 Cape Freels to/ Exploits Islands 150,000
4821 CA376656 White Bay and/et Notre Dame Bay 150,000
4822 CA376660 Cape St. John to/ St. Anthony 150,000
CA476802
4863 CA476803 Bacalhao Island to/ Black Island 40,000
CA476804
CA476168 Approaches to/ Lewisporte and/et Loon Bay 30,000
4865(4)
CA576169 Lewisporte 5,000
4864 CA476639 Black Island to/ Little Denier Island 40,000
4596(5) N/A Bay of Exploits, Sheet II (Middle/centre) 24,600
4597(5) N/A Bay of Exploits, Sheet III (South/sud) 24,600
CA576342 Botwood Harbour 9,000
4524(5)
CA576343 Botwood Wharves 4,500
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4016 CA276274 Saint-Pierre to/ St. John's 350,000 4734
Cape St. Mary's to/ Argentia Habour
4622 CA376173 80,000 4737
and/et Jude Island
CA476300 Red Island to/ Pinchgut Point 40,000
4617 CA576302 Buffett Harbour 6,000 4738
CA576301 Long Harbour, Erco Wharf 6,000
CA476079 Head of/Fond de Placentia Bay 40,000
4839 4739
CA576082 Come by Chance and/et Arnold's Cove 20,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4764
4367 CA376093 Flint Island to/ Cape Smoky 75,185
REFERENCE
CA576095 Sydney Harbour 20,000
CA576097 North Sydney 6,000
CA576096 International Piers 6,000 4748 & 4764
4266
CA576099 Sydney Wharves/Quais 6,000 REFERENCE
CA576098 Sydney River 6,000
CA576100 Sydport 6,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4320 CA376032 Egg Island to West Ironbound Island 145,000 4751
Approaches to/Approches au
CA476009 40,000
4237 Halifax Harbour 4752
CA576010 Sambro Harbour 20,000
Halifax Harbour - Black Point to/
4203 CA576002 10,000 4753
Point Pleasant
Halifax Harbour - Point Pleasant to/
CA576003 10,000
4202 Bedford Basin 4754
CA576004 Ocean Terminals 5,000
4201 CA576001 Halifax Harbour - Bedford Basin 10,000 4755
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Approaches to/Approches
4011 CA276206 300,000 4746
Bay of Fundy/Baie de Fundy
4746 & 4747
4230(3) CA376044 Little Hope Island to/ Cape St. Marys 150,000
REFERENCE
CA376024
St. Marys Bay 60,000
CA376309
CA476028 Petit Passage 30,000
CA576499 Weymouth 10,000 4746 & 4747
4118(3)
CA476027 Grand Passage 30,000 REFERENCE
CA576026 East Sandy Cove 20,000
CA576500 Meteghan 10,000
CA576501 Saulnierville 5,000
CA376011 Approaches to/Approches Saint John 60,000
4116 CA576012 Dipper Harbour 20,000 4749
CA576013 Musquash Harbour 20,000
Saint John Harbour and Approaches/
4117 CA576005 15,000 4750
et les Approches
(3) If passing less than 5 miles from charted hazard to the ship.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Bay of Fundy / Baie de Fundy
4010 CA276241 200,000 4745
(Inner portion / partie intrieure)
Avon River and Approaches/
N/A 37,500 4745
4140 et les approches
REFERENCE
N/A Hantsport Wharves 2,400
Please go to www.charts.gc.ca to see which charts must be used when navigating in Canadian Arctic
waters.
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
8049(1) N/A St. Michael Bay to/aux Gray Islands 500,000 324(1)
4735
4731 N/A Forteau Bay to/ Domino Run 250,000
REFERENCE
4732 N/A Approaches to/Approches Hamilton Inlet 223,975 324 & 4405
4730 N/A Nain to/ Domino Point 588,000 REFERENCE
5300 N/A Baie DUngava / Ungava Bay 500,000
CA173369
5450 Hudson Strait/Dtroit d'Hudson 1,000,000
CA173378
5027 CA276821 Murphy Head to/aux Button Islands 200,000
CA476682
5063 Cap Kakkiviak to/ Duck Islands 40,000
CA576683
CA476684 McLelan Strait 40,000
CA576686 Port Burwell 15,000
5064
CA576685 Bowdoin Harbour 15,000
CA576687 Eastern Approach to McLelan Strait 15,000
4406
5065 CA476688 Gray Strait and/et Button Islands 40,000 REFERENCE
Erik Cove to/ Nuvuk Harbour
N/A 75,000
including/y compris Digges Islands
N/A Port de Laperrire 18,000
5412(3)
N/A Nuvuk and Ivugivik Harbours 25,000
N/A Digges Harbour 15,000
N/A Erik Cove 37,500
Hudson Bay/Baie d'Hudson
5449 N/A 1,000,000
Northern Portion/Partie Nord
5400 N/A Cape Churchill to/ Egg River 146,200
5640 CA573227 Churchill Harbour 12,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
4405
4700 N/A Belle Isle to/ Resolution Island 1,000,000
REFERENCE
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
23. Arriving Nain (Voisey Bay) Newfoudland and Labrador, via Labrador Sea
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1:
5024 CA276652 Nunaksaluk Island to/ Cape Kiglapait 200,000
5051 CA376049 Nunaksuk Island to/ Calf, Cow and/et Bull Islands 60,000
5052 CA376050 Seniartlit Islands to/ Nain 60,000
5070 CA576654 Satosoak Island to/ Akuliakatak Peninsula 25,000
U.S.A U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart Chart
St. Lawrence Seaway/Voie maritime
1400(1) du Saint-Laurent - Montral to/ 125,000 4793
Lake/Lac Ontario
1429 CA579227 Canal de la Rive Sud 20,000
CA479228 Lac Saint-Louis 25,000
1430 CA579230 Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue 10,000
CA579229 Rapides de Vaudreuil 10,000
CA473300 Canal de Beauharnois 25,000
1431 CA573386 Baie Saint-Franois 12,000
CA573387 Port de Valleyfield 5,000
1432 CA473233 Lac Saint-Franois/Lake St. Francis 25,000
CA473232 le St. Regis to/ Croil Islands 25,000
1433
CA573408 Cornwall 10,000 4793
1434 CA473111 Croil Islands to/ Cardinal 25,000 REFERENCE
CA473275 Cardinal to/ Whaleback Shoal 25,000
1435 CA573388 Brockville Narrows 15,000
CA573389 Prescott/Ogdensburg 15,000
Whaleback Shoal to/
1436 CA473035 25,000
au Summerland Group
Summerland Group to/
1437 CA473034 25,000
Grindstone Island
CA473025
1438 Grindstone Island to/ Carleton Island 25,000
CA573361
1439 CA473036 Carleton Island to/au Charity Shoal 30,000
2064 CA373063 Kingston to/ False Ducks Islands 61,500 14802
Main Duck Island to/
2060 CA373071 77,700
Scotch Bonnet Island 4794
2000 CA273096 Lake Ontario/Lac Ontario 400,000 14800 REFERENCE
Lake Ontario/Lac Ontario
2077 CA373091 100,000 14810
Western Portion/Partie Ouest
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.S.A U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart Chart
Welland Canal, St. Catharines to/
2042 CA573010 15,000
Port Colborne 4794
2100 CA273094 Lake Erie/Lac ri 400,000 14820 REFERENCE
2120 CA373093 Niagara River to/ Long Point 120,000 14823
2123 CA373089 Pelee Passage to/ la Detroit River 100,000 14830
14848(US) US5MI21M Detroit River 30,000 14848
14850(US) US4MI31M Lake St. Clair 60,000 14850
14852(US) US5MI33M St. Clair River 40,000 14852
Lake Huron/Lac Huron
2228 CA373092 120,000 14862
Southern Portion/Partie Sud
2200 US2MI60M Lake Huron/Lac Huron 400,000 14860
14864(US) US4MI67M Harrisville to Forty Mile Pt. 120,000 14864
2297 N/A Duck Islands to De Tour Passage 91,100 14880
St. Marys River - De Tour Passage
14882(US) US5MI61M 40,000 14882
to Munuscong Lake
St. Marys River - Munuscong Lake
14883(US) US5MI62M 40,000 14883
to Sault Ste. Marie
St. Marys River - Head of Lake Nicolet
14884(US) US5MI63M 40,000 14884
to Whitefish Bay
14962(US) US4MI77M St. Marys River to Au Sable Point 120,000 14962
2310 CA373246 Caribou Island to Michipicoten Island 97,300
2300 US2MI79M Lake Superior/Lac Suprieur 600,000 14961
4794
Grand Portage Bay REFERENCE
14968(US) US4MN22M 120,000 14968
to Shesheeb Point, Ont.
2301 CA373070 Passage Island to/ Thunder Bay 74,500
2302 N/A St. Ignace Island to Passage Island 73,000
2311 CA373065 Thunder Cape to/ Pigeon River 72,900
CA573253 Port of Thunder Bay 20,000
North Harbour Facilities/
N/A 5,000
Installations Portuaires 14968
Intercity Grain Terminals/Terminaux REFERENCE
N/A 5,000
Grain de Linter-cit
2314
Westfort Turning Basin/
N/A 10,000
Bassin Dvitage
Mission River Entrance Grain
N/A Terminals/Terminaux Grain 5,000
Lentre de Mission River
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.S.A U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart Chart
Vancouver Island/le de Vancouver
3001(1) Juan de Fuca Strait to/ Queen 525,000 4922
CA270389
Charlotte Sound
Approaches to/Approches
3602 CA370203 150,000 18480 4945
Juan de Fuca Strait
US3WA01 18460 &
3606 Juan de Fuca Strait 110,000 4947
M 18465
US4WA34 Juan de Fuca Strait,
3461 80,000 18465 4950
M Eastern Portion/Partie Est
3440 CA470075 Race Rocks to/ D'Arcy Island 40,000 4953
Haro Strait, Boundary Pass and/ 18432 &
3441 CA470003 40,000 4954
et Satellite Channel 18433
3442* CA470005 North Pender Island to/ Thetis Island 40,000 4955
Active Pass, Porlier Pass and/
N/A
et Montague Harbour
3473* CA570006 Active Pass 12,000
CA570007 Porlier Pass 12,000
CA570008 Montague Harbour 18,000
CA370367 Juan de Fuca Strait to/
3462 80,000 18421 4951
CA370368 Strait of Georgia
Strait of Georgia,
3463 CA370145 80,000 4952
Southern Portion/ Partie Sud
Approaches to/Approches
3481 CA470072 25,000 4962
Vancouver Harbour
Vancouver Harbour,
3493 CA570073 10,000 4963
Western Portion/Partie Ouest
Vancouver Harbour,
3494 CA570123 10,000 4964
Central Portion/Partie Centrale
Vancouver Harbour,
CA570127 10,000
3495 Eastern Portion/Partie Est 4965
CA470194 Indian Arm Continuation A 30,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Fraser River/Fleuve Fraser, Sand Heads
3490 CA570015 20,000 4961
to/ Douglas Island
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.S.A U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart Chart
18421
3492 CA570297 Roberts Bank 20,000 4960
REFERENCE
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
3419 CA570138 Esquimalt Harbour 5,000
CA570562 Victoria Harbour 5,000
3412 4959
N/A Portage Inlet 12,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Vancouver Island/le de Vancouver
3001(1) CA270389 Juan de Fuca Strait to/ 525,000 4922
Queen Charlotte Sound
Approaches to/Approches
3602 CA370203 150,000 4945
Juan de Fuca Strait
CA470337 4945
3671 Barkley Sound 40,000
CA470338 REFERENCE
CA470167 Alberni Inlet 40,000
CA570168 Port Alberni 10,000
3668
CA570170 Entrance to/Entre Useless Inlet 10,000
CA570169 Robbers Passage 10,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Queen Charlotte Sound to/
3002(1) CA270390 525,000 4921
Dixon Entrance
3744 CA270084 Queen Charlotte Sound 365,100 4923
3902 N/A Hecate Strait 250,000 4928
CA370298
CA370299
3927 Bonilla Island to/ Edye Passage 77,800 4934
CA370300
CA370301
CA470314
3956 Malacca Passage to/ Bell Passage 40,000 4935
CA470315
Approaches to/Approches
3957 CA470074 40,000 4936
Prince Rupert Harbour
CA570125 Prince Rupert Harbour 20,000
3958 4937
CA570126 Butze Rapids 5,000
Plans - Prince Rupert Harbour
CA570066 Venn Passage 12,000
3955(2) Porpoise Harbour, Ridley Island and 4938
CA570067 10,000
Approaches/et les approches
CA570068 Morse Basin and/et Denise Inlet 20,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
CA370190
3800 Dixon Entrance 200,000
CA370191
Approaches to/Approches
3957 CA470074 40,000 4936
Prince Rupert Harbour
CA570125 Prince Rupert Harbour 20,000
3958 4937
CA570126 Butze Rapids 5,000
Plans - Prince Rupert Harbour
CA570066 Venn Passage 12,000
3955(2) CA570067 Porpoise Harbour, Ridley Island and 4938
10,000
Approaches/et les approches
CA570068 Morse Basin and/et Denise Inlet 20,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
CA370190
3800 Dixon Entrance 200,000
CA370191
3902 N/A Hecate Strait 250,000 4928
Caamano Sound and Approaches/
3724 N/A 71,600
et les Approches
3742 N/A Otter Passage to/ McKay Reach 70,900 4929
Approaches to/Approches
CA470590 40,000
Douglas Channel
3945
N/A Tuwartz Narrows 25,000
CA570592 Coghlan Anchorage 20,000
3743 N/A Douglas Channel 73,000 4930
3908 CA570626 Kitimat Harbour 15,000 4931
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Vancouver Harbour,
3493 CA570070 10,000 4963
Western Portion/Partie Ouest
Approaches to/Approches
3481 CA470072 25,000 4962
Vancouver Harbour
Strait of Georgia,
3512 CA370382 80,000
Central Portion/ Partie Centrale
Strait of Georgia,
3513 CA370016 80,000
Northern Portion/Partie Nord
CA470017 Discovery Passage 40,000
3539
CA470018 Seymour Narrows 20,000
Approaches to/Approches
3540 CA570195 10,000
Campbell River
CA470019 Cordero Channel 40,000
3543 CA570020 Dent and/et Yuculta Rapids 20,000
CA570021 Greene Point Rapids 20,000
Johnstone Strait, Race Passage
3544 CA470022 25,000
and/et Current Passage
Johnstone Strait, Port Neville
3545 CA470309 40,000
to/ Robson Bight
CA470310
Broughton Strait 40,000
CA470311
3546
CA570027 Port McNeil 20,000
CA570026 Alert Bay 20,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
CA470312 Queen Charlotte Strait
40,000
CA470313 Eastern Portion/Partie Est
3547
CA570030 Stuart Narrows 20,000
CA570029 Kenneth Passage 20,000
Queen Charlotte Strait Central
CA470031 40,000
Portion/Partie Centrale
3548
CA470032 Blunden Harbour 15,000
CA470033 Port Hardy 15,000
CA470306 Queen Charlotte Strait
40,000
3549 CA470307 Western Portion/Partie Ouest
CA570035 Bull Harbour 20,000
Approaches to/Approches Seymour Inlet
3550 CA470036 40,000
and/et Belize Inlet
CA470339 Approaches to/Approches Smith Sound
40,000
3934 CA470340 and/et Rivers Inlet
CA570132 Darby Channel 15,000
CA470357
3935 Hakai Passage and Vicinity/et Environs 40,000
CA470358
CA470318 Fitz Hugh Sound to/ Lama Passage 40,000
3936
CA570319 Namu Harbour 20,000
CA470322
CA470568 Queens Sound to/ Seaforth Channel 40,000
3938 CA470569
CA570566 Bella Bella 10,000
N/A St. John Harbour 25,000
Channels Vicinity of/
CA470577 40,000
Chenaux Proximit de Milbanke Sound
3941
CA570580 Jackson Narrows 12,000
CA570579 Nowish Cove 20,000
CA470584 Finlayson Channel and/et Tolmie Channel 40,000
3943 CA570585 Meyers Narrows 12,000
CA570586 Hiekish Narrows 18,000
Princess Royal Channel 40,000
3944
CA570589 Butedale 6,000
Approaches to/Approches
CA470590 40,000
Douglas Channel
3945
Tuwartz Narrows 25,000
CA570592 Coghlan Anchorage 20,000
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which are to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale
does not comply with that required by the regulations.
U.S.A U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart Chart
CA470593
CA470594 Grenville Channel 40,000
3946 4932
CA570595 Union Passage 20,000
CA570596 Baker Inlet 20,000
Grenville Channel to/
3947 CA470597 40,000 4940
Chatham Sound
Approaches to/Approches
3957 CA470074 40,000 4936
Prince Rupert Harbour
CA470369
3959 Hudson Bay Passage 40,000
CA470370
CA470363 Approaches to/Approches
3960 40,000
CA470364 Portland Inlet
Portland Inlet, Khutzeymateen Inlet 17437 &
3994 CA470523 40,000
and Pearse Canal 17427
Portland Canal and/et 17427 &
3933 CA370518 80,000
Observatory Inlet 17425
3794 CA570080 Stewart 12,000
U.K.
CANADIAN CATALOGUE
CATALOGUE
Chart ENC Title Scale 1: Chart
Saint-Fulgence /to Saguenay 15,000
1201 579237 4795
Saguenay 5000
2400 N/A Great Lakes/Grands Lacs 1,584,000 4794
3000 CA270388 Juan De Fuca Strait to/ Dixon Entrance 1,250,000 4920
3443 CA470070 Thetis Island to/ Nanaimo 40,000 4956
3447 CA570383 Nanaimo Harbour and/et Departure Bay 10,000 4958
Approaches to/Approches
3458 N/A 20,000 4957
Nanaimo Harbour
3603 CA370208 Ucluelet Inlet to/ Nootka Sound 150,000 4944
3604 CA370424 Nootka Sound to/ Quatsino Sound 150,000 4943
Quatsino Sound to/
150,000
3605 CA370165 Queen Charlotte Strait 4942
Scott Channel 80,000
4406 N/A Tryon Shoals to/ Cape Egmont 75,574 4770
Any chart listed on the same line as the Canadian chart may be used as an equivalent in the immediate area concerned
except those charts marked REFERENCE, which is to be used for reference purposes only because their chart scale does
not comply with that required by the regulations.
CHART EDITIONS
The three terms described below are used to indicate the publication status of Canadian charts.
REPRINTS
A new print of the current edition of a chart incorporating no amendments of navigational significance other
than those previously promulgated in Notices to Mariners. It may also contain amendments from other
sources provided they are not essential to navigation. Previous printings of the current edition remain in
force.
Canadian nautical charts and publications are available from authorized Canadian Hydrographic Service
(CHS) Chart Dealers. For a complete list of authorized dealers, visit http://www.cartes.gc.ca/locator-
localisateur-eng.asp. Alternatively, please contact the CHS Sales and Distribution office:
NOTE:
The List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signal publications are available on the Notices to Mariners website at
https://www.notmar.gc.ca/list-livre-en.php
NOTE:
Acts and Regulations can be accessed through Justice Canada website at
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/
Non-official up-to-date consolidations of the regulations may be accessed through the Transport Canada
website at http://www.tc.gc.ca
Pleasure Craft Guide / Guide des embarcations de plaisance, bilingual edition Free
Notices to Mariners (Avis aux navigateurs) are issued on the last Friday of each month,
Free
and are available in English and French at http://notmar.gc.ca
1
Denotes that every ship fitted with radiotelegraph or radiotelephone installation must carry these regulations.
International Publications
1. Radio Publications
Compulsorily-fitted ship stations not on Convention voyages are required to carry the publication Radio Aids
to Marine Navigation. Additionally, ships making Convention voyages but remaining within Sea Areas A1 or
A2 must carry the ITU publication List of Ship Stations or List of Call Signs and Numerical Identities, as
well as a publication that lists the radiocommunication services of the coast stations in the area in which the
ship is navigating, such as the U.S. National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) publication Radio
Navigational Aids Pub 117.
Ships making Convention voyages in Sea Areas A3 or A4 must carry the documents listed in Section VA of
the ITU publication Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services as well
as the IMO publication Master Plan of the Shore-Based Facilities for the Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS Master Plan).
List of Ship Stations and Maritime Mobile Service Identity 322 CHF
V
Assignments, Edition 2016, CD (ITU) (Swiss francs)
2. IMO Publications
The following publications and all other texts issued by IMO, as listed in the IMO Publications Catalogue,
which is free, may be ordered through the IMO website at http://www.imo.org or from:
Payment must be made with order in pounds sterling or U.S. dollar equivalent.
(E = English edition, F = French edition)
Canadian distributors who maintain a permanent stock of all IMO publications are:
1 Binnacle Yachting Equipment & Accessories Ltd.
15 Purcells Cove Road, Halifax, NS, B3N 1R2
: (902) 423-6464
: (902) 479-1518
Email: charts@binnacle.com
Website: www.binnacle.com
IMO has about 250 titles available with many on CD or diskettes. Details are available from the IMO
publications section, or the IMO website at
http://www.imo.org/Publications/Pages/CatalogueAndBookCodeLists.aspx
st
Since April 1 , 2013, in an effort to adopt and focus on newer technologies, the Canadian Coast Guard
(CCG) ceased the printing of its List of Lights book, Annual Edition of the Notices to Mariners and also the
Radio Aids to Marine Navigation Annual Publication. For complete details, please visit the following page:
https://www.notmar.gc.ca/paper-papier-en.php.
The authorized dealers at major Canadian and Foreign seaports stock Canadian charts and publications
necessary for commercial shipping in their districts. For a complete list of authorized dealers, visit
http://www.cartes.gc.ca/locator-localisateur-eng.asp
A7 OBSTRUCTIONS
15 Aquaculture Facilities
The placement of aquaculture facilities in Canada's navigable waterways has reached high concentration
levels in many areas. Cautionary buoys are deployed to mark the aquaculture work, and information buoys
are used to mark the perimeters of the leased sites. Mariners are advised to exercise caution and give wide
berth to the buoys. Mariners should not attempt to navigate through aquacultures sites unless it is apparent
that navigation channels are properly marked.
Notices to Shipping will be published by the regional authorities of the Canadian Coast Guard in the event of
changes to the approved positions of existing aquaculture facilities and when new facilities are approved.
Symbols for submarine and overhead cables shown on most Canadian Hydrographic Service charts do not
differentiate between cables conducting electric power, often at high voltages, and those that do not (See
Chart No. 1, D26-27 and L30.1-32).
Because cables are subject to frequent change, those installed, removed or modified since the date of
publication of a chart may not be shown. Changes are made through Notices to Mariners
(http://www.notmar.gc.ca/) only as follows:
a) for new submarine cables - if the cable is located on a chart other than a small-craft chart and if located
in an area accessible to commercial shipping where anchoring or trawling may damage the cable
c) for existing overhead cables - if changes of significance to navigation in the vertical clearance occurs, or
if the cable is removed.
1. SUBMARINE CABLES
WARNING - Mariners should exercise every caution to avoid anchoring or trawling in cable areas,
even though there may be no specific prohibition against doing so. Danger to mariners and serious
interference with communications or power supplies may result from damage to submarine cables.
Equal care should be taken wherever the symbol for a submarine cable is shown on any chart.
In the event of any vessel fouling a submarine cable, every effort should be made to clear the anchor or gear
by normal methods. Should these efforts fail, the anchor or gear should be slipped and abandoned without
attempting to cut the cable. High voltages are fed into some submarine cables and serious risk of loss
of life or severe burns exists if any attempt to cut the cable is made.
a) Vessels responsible for breaking or damaging a submarine cable could face legal proceedings and
could be held liable for the costs and expenses resulting from the damages to that cable.
b) Vessels shall keep at least one nautical mile from vessels engaged in laying or repairing submarine
cables. Fishing gear and nets shall be kept at the same distance. Fishing vessels shall be allowed up to
twenty-four hours in order to enable them to obey this notice.
c) Buoys marking cables shall not be approached within 1/4 nautical mile, and fishing gear and nets shall
be kept the same distance from them.
d) Vessels who can prove that they have sacrificed an anchor, a net or other fishing gear, in order to avoid
injury to a submarine cable, may receive compensation from the owner of the cable.
For additional information, consult the International Cable Protection Committee website at
http://www.iscpc.org/
2. OVERHEAD CABLES
The vertical clearance of overhead cables is given above Higher High Water, Large Tide in tidal waters. In
non-tidal waters, vertical clearance is given above Chart Datum. Therefore, in non-tidal waters, the height of
the water level above Chart Datum must be subtracted from the charted clearance to give the actual
clearance at a particular time (See Chart No. 1, D22).
WARNING - Because of the danger of arcing from overhead cables, mariners are cautioned to ensure
an adequate clearance for safety between their vessel and all overhead cables. Be particularly careful
with high-voltage cables. If the clearance to avoid a dangerous electrical discharge between a high-
voltage cable and a vessel passing under it cannot be obtained from local authorities, then allow at
least 7 m less than the vertical clearance.
Mariners are cautioned that the actual clearance of an overhead cable may differ from its charted
value due to changes in atmospheric conditions, water levels and other factors. In particular, heavy
icing may significantly reduce charted vertical clearances.
Mariners are advised to consult the appropriate volume of CHS Sailing Directions to ensure they are familiar
with local conditions.
1 Reports of shoal soundings must provide adequate supportive information in order for the Canadian
Hydrographic Service to be able to chart such soundings.
2 Shoal depths reported with insufficient supporting information may not be possible to chart or even
locate in subsequent searches conducted by hydrographic surveys.
3 In order to make full use of reports of shoal soundings, Navigating Officers are requested to note the
following essential details:
(a) Obtain the position of the shoal depth by taking a position fix over it, as well as on each side of the
shoal depth. If this is not practicable, then provide the position of the ship with a bearing and
distance to the position of the shoal sounding.
(b) Indicate the method used to position the depth, e.g. Radar, GPS, DGPS, etc., and the horizontal
datum of the position fix, e.g. NAD83, NAD27, WGS84, etc. It is helpful to mark the details on a
chart, which will be promptly replaced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
(c) Number the position fixes and insert the time (time is important since the height of the Tide must
be found in order to obtain the chart depth). Note the time zone, e.g. GMT, UTC, PST, etc.
Use your cell phone, smart phone or digital camera to take a picture of the display or displays
when observing the shoal position, or remote position of vessel if sitting over the shoal is not
safe or possible, and when observing the least depth of the shoal;
Be sure the display shows a digital depth readout, the depth units, the date, time and time
zone (if available);
On the Marine Information Report and Suggestion Sheet (MIRSS), indicate the draft of the
transducer. If the draft is set into the sounder, so that depths read from water line, then also
indicate this on the MIRSS;
For chart plotters, or integrated position and depth displays, be sure the position is in latitude
and longitude to as many decimal places as the unit will allow.
For vessel positions remote from the shoal, indicate the estimated bearing and distance from
the location where the picture of the position display was taken.
NOTE: Mariners and shore authorities are reminded of the requirements to inform appropriate Coast
Guard agencies whenever potential hazards to navigation are identified. Refer to Part 3 of the
Radio Aids to Marine Navigation (RAMN) publication.
Rule 42 of the Collision Regulations requires that exploration and exploitation vessels when on station or
engaged in drilling or production operations exhibit a white light or series of lights flashing in unison the
Morse Code letter U (..-) at intervals of not more than 15 seconds. These lights are in lieu of lights required
elsewhere in the Regulations and must be visible all around the horizon at a range of 15 miles.
These vessels are also required to be fitted with sound signal appliances that sound the Morse Code letter U
(..-) at 30 second intervals in restricted visibility.
The horizontal and vertical extremities of an exploration or exploitation vessel are lighted and marked in
accordance with the requirements set out in the Standard 621-Obstruction Markings and Lighting published
under authority of the Aeronautics Act.
The owner or operator of an exploration or exploitation vessel having a derrick extending more than 60 m
above the water should inform the appropriate Regional Manager, Marine Safety of its location or movements
so action may be initiated to inform low-flying aircraft.
Pursuant to the Navigable Waters Works Regulations SOR/70-35, structures or works used for the
exploration or development of natural resources, and the transport, removal or handling of such resources
from the bed of a navigable water, shall be equipped with the prescribed lights and sound signals. (Ref.
paras 8-10 inclusive) (SOR/84-182).
These structures or works may be of a permanent, temporary or floating character, and may be fixed or
anchored to the bed of the waterway.
In addition to the foregoing, such works require the approval of the Minister of Transport Canada under the
terms of the Navigation Protection Act.
1.1 Some offshore exploration and exploitation work takes place in waters under Canadian jurisdiction (see
attached drawing). Such areas of operation have been established on the Grand Banks of
Newfoundland, on the Scotian Shelf off Nova Scotia and Sable Island, in the Beaufort Sea off the
Mackenzie Delta, in Hudson Bay and the Canadian waters of Lake Erie.
1.2 Frequently, complaints are received from these exploration or exploitation vessels stating that
dangerous situations have developed because passing ships have come much too close to their areas
of operation.
1.3 The most common complaint is the lack of any response to safety radiotelephone calls transmitted from
these vessels to warn approaching ships. Most of these calls are made on the VHF distress, safety and
calling frequency Channel 16, (156.8 MHz).
1.4 Other means of attracting attention such as the use of a signaling lamp and/or searchlight, the firing of
rockets to draw the attention of the approaching ship, and the dispatching of a stand-by vessel to
intercept have not always proved to be effective.
1.5 Some passing ships have also been observed using offshore exploration and exploitation vessels as a
navigational way- point on a trans-oceanic voyage. This is a dangerous practice because it tends to
concentrate passing ships at a place where their presence could adversely affect safe navigation.
1.6 Most of these waters are noted for their adverse weather conditions. Icebergs, extended periods of
reduced visibility and ice coverage make it all the more difficult for passing ships and exploration and
exploitation vessels to identify and make contact with each other.
1.7 Mariners are reminded when navigating in areas where exploration or exploitation work takes place to:
.1 give all offshore exploration and exploitation vessels a wide berth and if necessary make any
course alterations in ample time so that there is no doubt to the personnel on such vessels that
they have been seen and will be avoided by a wide margin;
.2 maintain a continuous listening watch on the VHF radio- telephone distress, safety and calling
frequency (Channel 16, 156.8 MHz) and to respond to navigation safety calls on that frequency in
accordance with:
.2.1 the appropriate Canadian legislation (see VHF Radiotelephone Practices and Procedures
Regulations which apply in Canadian waters and fishing zones);
.2.2 Regulation 12 of Chapter IV of SOLAS which requires ships fitted with VHF radiotelephone to
maintain a continuous listening watch on the navigating bridge on VHF DSC Channel 70 and
Channel 16 when practicable; and
.3 monitor the bridge-to-bridge VHF Channel 13 in certain areas of the Great Lakes in accordance
with the VHF Radiotelephone Practices and Procedures Regulations.
.4 contact the most convenient Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) free of
charge, to obtain the latest information on the positions of offshore exploration and exploitation
vessels by addressing the request to:
.4.3 "Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) Sarnia (Sarnia Traffic)" for
Canadian Great Lakes waters, and
.5 plot the most recent positions of all offshore exploration and exploitation vessels so that a route
can be planned to safely avoid such vessels.
2.1 (a) A temporary Notice to Mariners is published quarterly. This gives a complete list of the up-to-date
positions of every reported offshore exploration and exploitation vessel in waters under Canadian
jurisdiction, except on the Great Lakes. These notices are promulgated in Section l of the monthly
Notices to Mariners edition numbers 1, 4, 7 and 10. In the event of changes in the position of such
vessel(s) a Notice to Shipping will be issued.
(b) Production Platforms can indicate a permanent offshore structure which significantly affects
navigation. These changes are charted by Notice to Mariners or through New Edition of a chart.
2.2 On the Great Lakes (presently only in Lake Erie) exploration and exploitation vessels change positions
too frequently to warrant being published as a Notice to Mariners. Subsequently information on their
positions is promulgated by Notice to Shipping broadcasts. For the positions of all drill barges and
exploration or exploitation vessels operating East of Long Point, mariners may also call Seaway Long
Point on VHF Channel 11 for the latest information prior to transiting this area.
2.3 Selected Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres (MCTS) also broadcast twice daily:
These NOTSHlPS and the list contain any revision to the position of every reported exploration and
exploitation vessel operating in waters under Canadian jurisdiction.
A list of these stations, the frequencies and times of broadcast can be found in the Radio Aids to Marine
Navigation, published by the Canadian Coast Guard and in the List of Coast Radio Stations, published by the
International Telecommunication Union.
2.4 The United States also broadcast daily NAVAREA warnings to shipping which include any reported
movement and relocation of exploration and exploitation vessels. All such movements are summarized
monthly in section III of the Notices to Mariners published by the United States. It also contains a list by
number of all NAVAREA warnings still in effect. The quarterly edition summarizes the details of all
NAVAREA warnings still in effect and includes the positions of all reported exploration and exploitation
vessels.
2.5 Mariners are reminded that Section 7 of the Canadian Collision Regulations states that, Every vessel
shall navigate with particular caution where navigation may be difficult or hazardous and, for that
purpose, shall comply with any instructions and directions contained in Notices to Mariners and Notices
to Shipping.
3 Safety zones
3.1 In Canadian Waters, Rule 43 of the Collision Regulations establishes safety zones which are 500
meters in all directions from an exploration or exploitation vessel or 50 meters beyond the boundaries of
its anchor pattern, whichever area is greater. Ships are prohibited from Navigating within a Safety Zone
unless they are specifically excepted. The Regulations permit under certain circumstances the
establishment of a larger safety zone.
3.2 In offshore areas, the Canada Oil and Gas Drilling Regulations also establish safety zones and prohibit
unauthorized ships from entering these zones. These zones may extend (a) for 50 meters beyond the
boundaries of the anchor pattern for a drilling unit that is anchored and (b) 500 meters in all directions
from any other drilling unit that is on location over a well.
3.3 The navigational warning signal may be used by offshore exploration and exploitation vessels in
imminent danger of being rammed, or by stations that consider a ship is in imminent danger of running
aground. The navigational warning signal is an interrupted tone transmitted by radiotelephone on 2182
kHz in the medium frequency maritime bands for a period of 15 seconds, prior to the broadcast of a vital
navigational warning. The power of this transmission should, where practicable, be limited to the
minimum necessary for reception by ships in the immediate vicinity of the offshore exploration or
exploitation vessel or of the land concerned. The navigational warning signal should be immediately
followed by a radiotelephone transmission giving the identity and position of the offshore exploration or
exploitation vessel as part of a vital navigational warning to shipping. Stations that consider a ship is in
imminent danger of running aground should similarly provide as much identification and position
information as possible as part of a vital navigational warning to the endangered vessel.
4 Violations
Persons in charge of exploration or exploitation vessels must ensure that such units exhibit the proper lights
and sound the prescribed signals. They should also take all reasonable measures to give early warning to
ensure that unauthorized ships keep clear if it appears that these ships may enter the safety zone. Ships
that violate safety zones should be reported to the nearest Transport Canada Marine Safety office
immediately following the incident for follow-up action. The information required in this report is stated below
for the use of all mariners when reporting a near miss incident to the appropriate responsible authority.
a) Name
c) Course
d) Speed
b) Visibility
c) Precipitation
4.9 Plotting charts from the drilling unit and the stand-by vessel depicting the incident
4.10 Report of actions taken by unit and all vessels involved in incident
4.12 A summary of all communications exchanged; and/or attempts to communicate that are pertinent to the
incident.
5.1 Mariners are advised to obtain up-to-date position reports on drilling vessels and production
installations before entering an area of exploration or exploitation. This information is available by
contacting, as appropriate, ECAREG CANADA, NORDREG CANADA or VTS OFFSHORE via any
Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS).
5.2 Mariners should make contact with the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS)
described in paragraph 1.7.4 of this notice as soon as possible to ensure receipt of timely information
on the current position of each exploration and exploitation vessel as this information may not be
contained in the latest Notice to Mariners.
In Arctic waters mariners may encounter artificial islands. These islands, which are man-made structures, are
marked on navigation charts. A number of these artificial islands have been abandoned and are marked on
the chart by the symbol "Aband". Mariners are warned that abandoned artificial islands tend to wear down
below the wave action depth line and continue to be a hazard to shipping.
Before anchoring in the Canadian waters of Lake Erie mariners are cautioned to note the underwater
positions of existing exploitation facilities.
Mariners are cautioned that damage to these exploitation facilities can be extremely hazardous because
pressurized natural gas is both toxic and flammable. Ships may also be liable for any damage that they may
cause to these facilities which supply a very large area of southern Ontario.
The following coordinates designate an area in Long Point Bay that is recommended as a suitable
anchorage.
4236'18" N 8010'00" W
4236'18" N 8011'27" W
4238'24" N 8014'40" W
4242'30" N 8014'40" W
4242'30" N 8010'00" W
22 Seismic Surveys
Seismic surveys for the exploitation of offshore oil and mineral resources are conducted in all Canadian and
adjacent waters. Details of these surveys may be broadcast to mariners by coastal Marine Communications
and Traffic Services Centers; however, mariners may encounter surveys in progress without prior notice.
In accordance with the requirements of the Oil and Gas Production and Conservation Act, operators of
seismic surveys are required to obtain authorization to conduct a geological or geophysical survey from the
National Energy Board (NEB). When requesting an authorization from NEB, the proponent shall provide
information concerning the dates of activity, the proposed location of the survey, and a full description of the
vessel(s) and equipment. In addition, NEB requires that operators forward weekly telex reports which
describe the progress of the survey, location of the vessel (s) and any significant details.
Seismic survey vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver are required to exhibit the lights and
signals described in Rule 27 of the Collision Regulations; and sound the appropriate sound signals described
in Rules 34 and 35 of the Collision Regulations. Mariners should give such vessels a wide berth.
Survey vessels can operate independently or in company and may tow sensing devices streamed 2.5 to 3.5
miles astern, and if there are multi-streamers, they may be 50 m or 100 m apart. The sensing device is
ballasted so that it remains submerged just below the surface or at streamer depths ranging between 10 m
and 20 m. An orange float is usually attached to the end of the cable to mark the extent of the streamers. A
white light and a radar reflector are fitted on this float. The display of this light is consistent with the intent of
Rule 24(g) of the Collision Regulations.
In the process of surveying, repeated shock waves may be generated at intervals of 5 to 10 seconds by
mechanical or electrical energy sources or by using compressed air. Dynamite is rarely employed for this
purpose, but if used, large charges of up to 1000 Kgs may be fired. In the course of the survey, the vessel
will usually be making way through the water at speeds of 4 to 5 knots; however, vessels may stop for
extended periods during the survey while repairs are made to equipment.
If charges are being fired by radio or electrically triggered detonators, survey vessels may suspend radio and
radar transmissions in order to avoid accidental firings. Vessels being called by a signaling light should,
therefore, answer by the same means and not use their radio.
Explosive charges may be contained in cylinders, canisters, tubes or bags which may not be marked as
dangerous. No attempt should be made to recover such items, and any inadvertently taken aboard in trawls,
etc., should be jettisoned immediately.
Masters of vessels requiring a pilot are reminded that a request for such service must be submitted in
sufficient time to enable the pilot to meet the vessel.
(d) Whether or not the vessel has been granted radio pratique.
The minimum notice of a vessel's ETA at the pilot stations that is required to avoid delay in obtaining a pilot is
shown below for various pilotage districts. ETA's must be revised if necessary prior to arrival at the pilotage
station.
Masters of vessels requiring pilotage service in the waters of the Great Lakes must give at least 12 hours
notice to Pilot Offices to avoid any delay in obtaining a pilot.
This message, giving ship's name, draught, ETA or ETD, and destination must be confirmed at least 4 hours
prior to arrival at a pilot station or departure from a port, and can be relayed via any Marine Communications
and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre.
Vessels westbound desiring a pilot must give at least 12 hours notice by message addressed to pilots Detour
via any MCTS Centre. A confirmation of the ETA and order for a pilot at Detour must be sent by radio at
least 4 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station.
Vessels eastbound must give at least 12 hours notice of their ETA at Gros Cap light for pilot requirements, by
message addressed to pilots Detour via Thunder Bay MCTS A confirmation of the ETA and order for a pilot
at Gros Cap light must be sent by radio at least 4 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station.
Notices of arrival
6(1) The owner, master or agent of a ship that is to arrive in the compulsory pilotage area at the pilot boarding
station at Les Escoumins shall
(a) if the ship is arriving from any point east of the Strait of Belle Isle, Cabot Strait or the Strait of Canso
(i) give a first notice of the estimated time of arrival 24 hours before the estimated time of arrival.
(ii) give a second notice of the estimated time of arrival 12 hours before the estimated time of arrival,
and
(iii) give a final notice confirming or correcting the estimated time of arrival 6 hours before the estimated
time of arrival.
(b) if the ship is arriving from any point west of the Strait of Belle Isle, Cabot Strait or the Strait of Canso
(i) give a first notice of the estimated time of arrival 12 hours before the estimated time of arrival, and
(ii) give a final notice confirming or correcting the estimated time of arrival 6 hours before the estimated
time of arrival.
(2) The notices referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) shall be given by calling the pilot dispatch center of the
Laurentian Pilotage Authority:
E-Mail: pilot e-mt l@apl.gc.ca
Fax number: (514) 283-3647
7 The owner, master or agent of a ship that is to arrive in the compulsory pilotage area from any point above
the entrance to St. Lambert Lock shall give notice of the immediate and ultimate destinations of the ship in
the compulsory pilotage area by calling the St. Lawrence Seaway Radio Control when passing lroquois Lock
and Beauharnois Lock.
Notices of departure
8 The owner, master or agent of a ship that is to depart from a berth in the compulsory pilotage area for any
purpose, other than making a movage, shall, by calling the pilot dispatch centre,
(a) give a first notice of its estimated time of departure 12 hours before its estimated time of departure, and
(b) give a final notice confirming or correcting its estimated time of departure at least 4 hours before the
estimated time.
Notices of movage
9(1) The owner, master or agent of a ship that is to make a movage shall,
(a) in any harbour within the compulsory pilotage area other than the Harbour of Montreal or the Harbour of
Qubec,
(i) give a first notice of the estimated time of movage 12 hours before the estimated time of movage,
and
(ii) give a final notice confirming or correcting the estimated time of movage 4 hours before the
estimated time of movage,
(b) in the Harbour of Montreal or the Harbour of Qubec, give a notice of movage 3 hours before the time
of movage.
(2) The notices referred to in subsection (1) shall be given by calling the pilot dispatch centre.
Optional Notices
10(1) Notwithstanding sections 8 and 9, the owner, master or agent of a ship that is to depart or make a movage
may within 8 hours after having given the first notice referred to in paragraph 8(a) or subparagraph 9(1)(a)(i),
give a second notice confirming or correcting the estimated time of departure from or movage in any
compulsory pilotage area.
(2) Where a second notice has been given in respect of a ship pursuant to subsection (1), the time of departure
or movage of that ship shall not be later than 12 hours from the time that notice was given.
Required Information
11 Where the owner, master or agent of a ship gives a notice referred to in subparagraph 6(1)(a)(i) or 6(1)(b)(i),
he shall state,
(a) in the case of the first arrival of the ship in the compulsory pilotage area in any calendar year,
(i) the name, nationality, call sign and agent of the ship,
(ii) the length, breadth, moulded depth, deepest draft, speed, deadweight tonnage and the largest net
registered tonnage of the ship, and
(iii) the immediate and ultimate destinations of the ship within the compulsory pilotage area, and
(b) in the case of any subsequent arrival, movage or departure of the ship in the compulsory pilotage area
in any calendar year,
(i) the name, call sign, deepest draft, the speed of the ship and any changes in the information
provided under paragraph (a), and
(ii) the immediate and ultimate destinations of the ship within the compulsory pilotage area.
12 Where a ship has on board one or more holders of pilotage certificates who are certificated for the
compulsory pilotage area through which the ship is to proceed, the master of the ship shall, each time the
ship proceeds through the area, state
(a) the names of the holders of pilotage certificates and the certificate numbers, and
13 Where in any case referred to in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, the owner, master or agent of a ship fails without
reasonable cause to give the notice required by that section for that case, the Authority is not required to
provide that ship with the services of a pilot.
Notice to obtain pilots for compulsory and non-compulsory areas Arrivals and Departures.
The Atlantic Pilotage Authority (APA) has established a central dispatch office in Halifax, N.S. All pilot orders
for arrival, departure or moves are placed through the Atlantic Pilotage Authority Dispatch Office (APA
DISPATCH). Pilots may still be ordered through any Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS)
Centre with a clear request to <<Please forward to Atlantic Pilotage Authority Dispatch, Halifax>>. The name
of the port where the pilot is required should be clearly identified.
Only masters, owners or agents may order pilots. To avoid delays in obtaining pilots, the master, owner or
agent at the designated ports listed below shall advise APA DISPATCH of the estimated time of arrival
(ETA), Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), at the pilot boarding station as indicated in columns 4 and 5.
Such notice shall be by one of the following means:
Telephone: 1(902)426-7610
Fax: 1(902)425-1746(fax to email direct)
Halifax, N.S. VHF Ch 23
With reference to departures and moves, masters, owners or agents should advise APA DISPATCH with the
notice as indicated in column 6. .
When calling dispatch it is of great help if the Dispatcher knows at the outset what type of call is coming in
such as a new order or a change in an existing order. To place a new/original order please follow the
guideline for information needed as below:
(1) Port
(2) Vessel Name and Call Sign
(3) Date of Assignment (order date)
(4) Type of Order e.g. Trip, Move, Trial Trip, etc.
(5) Draught
(6) Length/Breadth/Moulded Depth
(7) GRT
(8) Air Draught (if applicable)
(9) Certificate Number (if applicable)
(10) Agent Name
(11) Callers Name
(12) Taxes: Refer to page 1.5
(13) Special Instructions
(14) Hazards/Dangerous Cargo. e.g. H2S gas concentrations present for tanker vessels.
For a confirmation of order
(1) Port
(2) Vessel Name
(3) Date and Time of Assignment
(4) Dispatcher will reconfirm original order information
(5) Callers name
For a change of order
(1) Port
(2) Vessel Call Sign
(3) Date of Original Assignment
(4) Agent
(5) Callers Name
(6) Information to be Changed
FACSIMILE / E-MAIL
A facsimile form will be provided to all agents for the convenience of faxing information correctly. This form
can also be used to place an order via E-Mail. Please refer to APA web page for a copy of the form.
NON-COMPULSORY PORTS
COASTAL PILOTAGE
To order pilots for the above categories, please contact the Dispatch Centre with as much notice of Arrival
as possible.
(SAMPLE LETTER)
Dear Sir/Madam:
Please be advised we, __________________ act in the capacity of shipping agents and hereby declare all our
Principals for which we request services as Agents only, are non-resident, non-registrants. We, therefore,
respectfully request all charges for all services rendered to the vessels of our Principals be zero rated.
Should the status of any of our Principals change in the future, we undertake to inform you of the same so
Yours truly,
NEW BRUNSWICK
Compulsory areas
1. Miramichi Pilots 47 07 30 N 12 4 4 16
Apr. 16-Dec. 10 Miramichi 64 47 00 W
1(a) Miramichi Pilots 45 24 00 N 24 12 4 14
Dec. 11-Apr. 15 Miramichi 61 01 00 W
2. Restigouche Pilots 48 03 12 N 12 4 4 16
(a) Dalhousie Dalhousie 66 15 00 W
(b) Campbellton
3. Saint John Pilots 45 10 48 N 12 4 4 16
Saint John 66 03 42 W 12
For Tankers and
Liquid Natural Gas Inbound 45 09.5 N
Carriers, the 66 05.8W
Compulsory Pilotage Outbound
Area is extended : 45 10 48 N
66 03 42 W
Non-compulsory
areas
1. Bathurst Pilots 47 43 45 N 12 4 4 16
Bathurst 65 33 48 W
2. Belledune Pilots 47 56 00 N 12 4 4 16
Belledune 65 48 00 W
3. Caraquet Pilots 47 54 24 N 12 4 4 16
Caraquet 64 48 30 W
NEWFOUNDLAND
Compulsory areas
1. Bay of Exploits
NEWFOUNDLAND
Non-compulsory areas
1. Baie Verte Pilots 50 02 48 N 24 6 12 16
May 31 - Dec. 14 Bay of 56 01 54 W
approximately Exploits
Nova Scotia
Compulsory areas
1. Cape Breton
Chedabucto Bay
Non-compulsory
areas
1. Eastern Shore Pilots Off Halifax 24 6 6 12
Halifax to Cape Halifax 44 30 4 N
Canso 63 29 5 W
(or local
boarding by
previous
arrangement)
Pilots 45 02 00 N 6 6 16
Country Harbour Halifax 61 33 00 W
PRINCE EDWARD
ISLAND
Compulsory areas
1. Charlottetown Pilots 46 00 00 N 12 6 6 -
Charlottetown 63 08 00 W
2. Confederation Bridge Pilots Northwest 24 6 6 16
Confederation Station
Bridge 46 15 12 N
63 49 12 W
Southeast
Station
46 10 30 N
63 41 30 W
Non-compulsory areas
1. Georgetown Pilots 46 08 30 N 12 6 6 -
Georgetown 62 20 30 W
2. Souris Pilots 46 19 00 N 12 6 6 -
Souris 62 13 30 W
3. Summerside Pilots 46 19 00 N 12 6 6 -
Summerside 63 53 00 W
QUBEC
Non compulsory
areas
1. Chandler Pilots 48 19 00 N 12 4 4 16
Chandler 64 38 00 W 11
c/o La
Compagnie
Gaspsia Lte
2. Gulf of St. Lawrence Pilots As arranged 24 6 - 14
Cape Breton 12
Note: Requests for pilotage services for ports where it is non-compulsory, in any province, should be made as early
as possible to allow time for the verification and the availability of a liscensed pilot.
(a) off Victoria, B.C., adjacent to the VH buoy off Brotchie Ledge;
(b) off Cape Beale, at the entrance to Trevor Channel in Barkely Sound (no pilot boat, helicopter by
arrangement);
(e) off Sand Heads, at the mouth of the Fraser River, for Area 1 pilot transfers; and
(f) at any other point or place in the region that the Authority considers necessary to ensure a safe and
efficient pilotage service.
2(1) The master, owner or agent of a ship that is to arrive in a compulsory pilotage area shall notify the Authority
of the estimated time of arrival, universal co-ordinated time (UTC), of the ship at the pilot boarding station
(a) referred to in paragraph 1(a) at least 12 hours prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the estimated
time of arrival not less than 4 hours prior to arrival;
(b) referred to in paragraph 1(b) at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the estimated
time of arrival not less than 12 hours prior to arrival;
(c) referred to in paragraph 1(c) at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the estimated
time of arrival not less than 12 hours prior to arrival; and
(d) designated pursuant to paragraph 1(d) at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the
estimated time of arrival not less than 12 hours prior to arrival.
(e) referred to in paragraph (e) at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the estimated
time of arrival not less than 12 hours prior to arrival.
(2) The master, owner or agent of a ship that is subject to compulsory pilotage - shall notify the Authority in
advance of the local time that a pilot is required to be on board the ship that is to go:
(a) from one place in a compulsory pilotage area to any other place in a compulsory pilotage area;
(b) from one place in a compulsory pilotage area to a place outside a compulsory pilotage area; or
(c) from a place outside a compulsory pilotage area to any other place within a compulsory pilotage area.
3(1) The notices referred to in sub-section 2(1) shall be addressed Pilots Victoria, including the required
information sent via any coast station by radiotelephone or other appropriate means or shall be given by
calling a pilot dispatch centre.
(2) The notice referred to in paragraph 2(2)(a) shall be given by calling a pilot dispatch centre as follows:
(a) The master, owner or agent of a ship departing from a place where pilotage service is required shall
place a Notice of Requirement in Local Time with the Pilotage Authority at least 12 hours before the
pilot or pilots are required to be on board the transportation to the ship specified in the Pilotage Order,
or, at least 12 hours before the pilot or pilots are required to be on board the ship, if berthed at a place
where pilots are based.
(b) The Pilot Order time specified in a Notice of Requirement may be delayed once, and/or cancelled,
without payment of cancellation fees if prior notice of delay or cancellation is received by the Authority
not less than:
(i) 6 hours prior to transportation in the case of long jobs, i.e. pilotage assignments involving ports,
places or harbours on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and ports, places or harbours north of
50 North Latitude, excluding Port Alberni, Campbell River, Duncan Bay, Prince Rupert and Kitimat;
(ii) 4 hours in the case of Roberts Bank, English Bay, Fraser River Ports, all anchorages and berths
east of Berry Point and airports at Vancouver, Victoria and Cassidy.
(3) The Authority may agree to waive the 12 hour Notice of Requirement providing the master, owner or agent
gives reasonable cause for not complying.
(4) (a)All Notices of Requirement scheduled between the hours of 1200 and 1700 shall be confirmed,
delayed or cancelled by 0900 hours daily - any subsequent delays or cancellations will incur the
appropriate detention or cancellation fees.
(b) All Notices of Requirement scheduled between the hours of 1700 and 2100 shall be confirmed, delayed
or cancelled by 1200 hours daily - any subsequent delays or cancellations will incur the appropriate
detention or cancellation fees.
(c) Agents are requested to make their best efforts to ensure that orders scheduled to commence during
the period from 2000 hrs to 1059 hrs the following morning shall be placed prior to 1730 hrs daily.
(5) In cases of emergency involving danger to life, limb or property, the Authority shall waive any Notice of
Requirement and dispatch the first available pilot to cover the emergency.
4 A notice under section 2 may be verbal or, when required by the Authority, shall be in writing and shall state
(b) the name, nationality, length, breadth, gross tonnage and deepest draft of the ship.
6 Pilot boarding facilities - Pertaining to foreign flag vessels - Canadian territorial waters
- St. Lawrence River (Les Escoumins to St. Lambert) Pilot Boarding Stations
Under the Section 74 of Navigation Safety Regulations, ships using stations pilot boarding within the above
regions are required to comply with Regulation 23 of Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 and as amended periodically. IMO Resolution A.889 (21) has been replaced by
Resolution A.1045 (27).
Authority: Transport Canada
74. (1) Every ship engaged on a voyage in the course of which a pilot is likely to be employed shall be provided
with pilot transfer equipment and arrangements in accordance with Regulation 23 of Chapter V of the
Safety Convention.
(2) Pilot transfer equipment and arrangements with which a ship is provided shall meet the requirements of
the annex to IMO Resolution A1045(27) as amended time to time, Pilot Transfer Arrangements.
(3) Despite subsection (1), in the case of a Canadian ship in the waters of the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence
River, if the distance from the water to the point of access of the ship is more than five metres, the ship
shall provide an accommodation ladder, or other equipment that provides equally safe and convenient
access to and egress from the ship, so that the climb on the pilot ladder does not exceed five metres.
SOLAS Chapter V
1 Application
1.1 Ships engaged on voyages in the course of which pilots are likely to be employed shall be
provided with pilot transfer arrangements.
1.2 Equipment and arrangements for pilot transfer which are installed on or after 1 July 2012 shall
comply with the requirements of this regulation, and due regard shall be paid to the standards
adopted by the Organization.
1.3 Except as provided otherwise, equipment and arrangements for pilot transfer which are provided on
ships before 1 July 2012 shall at least comply with the requirements of regulation 17 or 23, as
applicable, of the Convention in force prior to that date, and due regard shall be paid to the standards
adopted by the Organization prior to that date.
1.4 Equipment and arrangements installed on or after 1 July 2012, which are a replacement of equipment
and arrangements provided on ships before 1 July 2012, shall, in so far as is reasonable and
practicable, comply with the requirements of this regulation.
1.5 With respect to ships constructed before 1 January 1994, paragraph 5 shall apply not later than the first
4
survey on or after 1 July 2012.
----------------------------------
1 Refer to the Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/23 (MSC.1/Circ.1375).
2 Refer to the Pilot transfer arrangements (resolution,1045(27)).
3 Refer to resolution MSC.99(73), renumbering previous regulation 17 as regulation 23, which entered into force on
1 July 2002.
4 Refer to the Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290).
2 General
2.1 All arrangements used for pilot transfer shall efficiently fulfil their purpose of enabling pilots to embark
and disembark safely. The appliances shall be kept clean, properly maintained and stowed and shall be
regularly inspected to ensure that they are safe to use. They shall be used solely for the embarkation
and disembarkation of personnel.
2.2 The rigging of the pilot transfer arrangements and the embarkation of a pilot shall be supervised by a
responsible officer having means of communication with the navigation bridge who shall also arrange
for the escort of the pilot by a safe route to and from the navigation bridge. Personnel engaged in
rigging and operating any mechanical equipment shall be instructed in the safe procedures to be
adopted and the equipment shall be tested prior to use.
2.3 A pilot ladder shall be certified by the manufacturer as complying with this regulation or with an
5
international standard acceptable to the Organization . Ladders shall be inspected in accordance with
regulations I/6, 7 and 8.
2.4 All pilot ladders used for pilot transfer shall be clearly identified with tags or other permanent marking so
as to enable identification of each appliance for the purposes of survey, inspection and record keeping.
A record shall be kept on the ship as to the date the identified ladder is placed into service and any
repairs effected.
2.5 Reference in this regulation to an accommodation ladder includes a sloping ladder used as part of the
pilot transfer arrangements.
3 Transfer arrangements
3.1 Arrangements shall be provided to enable the pilot to embark and disembark safely on either side of the
ship.
3.2 In all ships where the distance from sea level to the point of access to, or egress from, the ship exceeds
6
9 m, and when it is intended to embark and disembark pilots by means of the accommodation ladder ,
or other equally safe and convenient means in conjunction with a pilot ladder, the ship shall carry such
equipment on each side, unless the equipment is capable of being transferred for use on either side.
3.3 Safe and convenient access to, and egress from, the ship shall be provided by either:
.1 a pilot ladder requiring a climb of not less than 1.5 m and not more than 9 m above the surface of
the water so positioned and secured that:
.1.2 it is within the parallel body length of the ship and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-
ship half length of the ship;
.1.3 each step rests firmly against the ships side; where constructional features, such as
rubbing bands, would prevent the implementation of this provision, special arrangements
shall, to the satisfaction of the Administration, be made to ensure that persons are able to
embark and disembark safely;
.1.4 the single length of pilot ladder is capable of reaching the water from the point of access to,
or egress from, the ship and due allowance is made for all conditions of loading and trim of
the ship, and for an adverse list of 15; the securing strongpoints, shackles and securing
ropes shall be at least as strong as the side ropes; or
----------------------------------
5 Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular publication ISO
799:2004, Ships and marine technology Pilot ladders.
6 Refer to regulation II-1/3-9 on Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships, adopted by resolution
MSC.256 (84), together with the associated Guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1331).
.2 an accommodation ladder in conjunction with the pilot ladder (i.e. a combination arrangement), or
other equally safe and convenient means, whenever the distance from the surface of the water to
the point of access to the ship is more than 9 m. The accommodation ladder shall be sited leading
aft. When in use, means shall be provided to secure the lower platform of the accommodation
ladder to the ship's side, so as to ensure that the lower end of the accommodation ladder and the
lower platform are held firmly against the ship's side within the parallel body length of the ship and,
as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half length and clear of all discharges;
.2.1 when a combination arrangement is used for pilot access, means shall be provided to
secure the pilot ladder and manropes to the ship's side at a point of nominally 1.5 m above
the bottom platform of the accommodation ladder.In the case of a combination
arrangement using an accommodation ladder with a trapdoor in the bottom platform (i.e.
embarkation platform), the pilot ladder and man ropes shall be rigged through the trapdoor
extending above the platform to the height of the handrail.
Means shall be provided to ensure safe, convenient and unobstructed passage for any person embarking on,
or disembarking from, the ship between the head of the pilot ladder, or of any accommodation ladder or other
appliance, and the ships deck. Where such passage is by means of:
.2 a bulwark ladder, two handhold stanchions rigidly secured to the ships structure at or near their bases
and at higher points shall be fitted. The bulwark ladder shall be securely attached to the ship to prevent
overturning.
5 Shipside doors
Shipside doors used for pilot transfer shall not open outwards.
7 Associated equipment
7.1 The following associated equipment shall be kept at hand ready for immediate use when persons are
being transferred:
.1 two man-ropes of not less than 28 mm and not more than 32 mm in diameter properly secured to
the ship if required by the pilot; man-ropes shall be fixed at the rope end to the ring plate fixed on
deck and shall be ready for use when the pilot disembarks, or upon request from a pilot
approaching to board (the manropes shall reach the height of the stanchions or bulwarks at the
point of access to the deck before terminating at the ring plate on deck);
.3 a heaving line.
7.2 When required by paragraph 4 above, stanchions and bulwark ladders shall be provided.
8 Lighting
Adequate lighting shall be provided to illuminate the transfer arrangements overside, and the position on deck
where a person embarks or disembarks.
In order to minimize the vertical distance to be climbed on the pilot ladder, and where this is possible, the
position of the pilot ladder will be adjusted in such a way as to lower the point at which the pilot moves
between the pilot ladder and the accommodation ladder (Figure 1).
12
As requested by the pilots and after consultations, it was determined that, alternatively, under certain
conditions, it would be safe to lower the accommodation ladder to allow the pilot to move directly onto or off
the pilot boat, provided the ship has the requisite equipment (Figure 2). Transport Canada, Marine Safety
and Security, recognizes this as equipment that is equally safe and convenient as set out in the
Regulations, provided that the following conditions are met:
2. When the pilot boat approaches the ship, the accommodation ladder is raised so that there is no risk or
obstacle for personnel on the deck or for the superstructures of the pilot boat.
3. Once the pilot boat is in position, and under the supervision of personnel on the deck of the pilot boat and the
ship's officer in charge of the transfer, the accommodation ladder is moved to its final position:
a) at the place where the pilot will move between the accommodation ladder and the pilot ladder,
depending on sea and swell conditions, or
b) if there are no waves or swell, at a minimum distance of about 350 mm (the distance between two
rungs of the ladder according to SOLAS) so that the pilot can embark directly from the deck or from the
platform of the pilot boat.
4. The pilot(s) remain(s) inside the pilot boat or on the deck of the ship until all equipment is in final position and
supported against the side of the ship.
Lowering the point of transition between the accommodation ladder and the pilot ladder is thought to be an
effective way of reducing the risks involved when transferring pilots in winter. Direct embarkation from the
accommodation ladder will also be considered when a tug is being used instead of a pilot boat for
transferring pilots in winter.
11
Note that ships are not required to have accommodation ladders installed for this purpose if the distance between the
water and the point of access is 5 metres or less in the case of Canadian ships, or 9 metres or less in the case of other
ships.
12
Working Group on Pilots Transfer during winter.
FIGURE 1: LOWERING THE POINT OF TRANSITION BETWEEN THE PILOT LADDER AND THE
ACCOMODATION LADDER
74.(4) Despite subsection (1), in the case of a Canadian ship in the waters of the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence
River, if the distance from the water to the point of access of the ship is more than five metres, the ship shall
provide an accommodation ladder, or other equipment that provides equally safe and convenient access to
and egress from the ship, so that the climb on the pilot ladder does not exceed five metres.
The purpose of subsection 74.(4) is to ensure that the distance to be climbed on the pilot ladder does not
exceed 5 metres. The transfer point, where the pilot moves between the pilot boat and the pilot ladder, may
be considered as the lower point of the climb. This transfer point will be unique to each pilot boat and may be
the main deck of the pilot boat or a raised position on a platform or on the structure of the pilot boat that is
specifically designed to allow pilots to embark more easily. The height of the transfer point above the water
for a particular pilot boat may be obtained in advance from the pilot station when the services of a pilot are
requested. If the distance from this transfer point to the point of access to or egress from the ship does not
exceed 5 metres, an accommodation ladder may not be provided.
Notwithstanding the above, the regulations do not allow the use of a pilot ladder where the climb of the
ladder would exceed a height of 9m above the water.
27A Guidelines for the Transit of Wide-Beam Vessels and Long Vessels
Definitions:
Wide-beam vessel means a vessel whose overall length does not exceed 300.0 metres and whose breadth*
is equal to or greater than 32.5 metres, but not exceeding 44.0 metres.
Long vessel means a vessel whose overall length is between 270.0 and 300.0 metres and whose breadth*
does not exceed 44.0 metres
* Breadth means the greatest breadth of the vessel as stated in the COLREG Convention 1972 Part A,
Rule 3 j). Its the maximum distance (in metres and centimetres) between the outside edges of the shell
plating of the ship, including fenders and bridge wing, etc
This notice authorizes wide-beam and long vessels to safely navigate the St. Lawrence waterway between
Qubec and Montral.
Mariners are requested to refer to the Notices to Mariners monthly edition at www.notmar.gc.ca - Edition 4
and chart VN-301. These documents explain which segments pose a risk.
G-1) The Corporation of Mid St. Lawrence Pilots (CMSLP) must appoint a liaison officer to work with the Ice
Operations Centre in coordinating information on any ice-related risks that may be present during the transit
of a wide-beam or long vessel.
G-2) Wide-beam and long vessels must wait for favorable conditions before proceeding through the waterway
between Qubec and Montral, in accordance with the CCG Ice Operations Centre notices or directives.
Accordingly, vessels must comply with the following conditions:
a) For an up bound vessel destined for the Qubec-Montral segment: At le Blanche, the CMSLP pilot will
notify the CCG Ice Operations Centre of the vessels estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the Qubec pilot
station, as well as report on how the vessel is handling in the ice. The CCG Ice Operations Centre will
then contact the CMSLP liaison officer and together they will assess the ice conditions, including
weakened or unstable fast ice, with a view to determining whether dislodged ice floes could pose
problems to shipping during the vessels transit between Qubec and Montral;
b) Before a vessel leaves her berth, bound for the QubecMontral segment: the CMSLP liaison officer must
contact the CCG Ice Operations Centre so that they together may assess the ice conditions, including any weakened
or unstable fast ice, with a view to determining whether dislodged ice floes could pose problems to shipping during the
vessels transit in the QubecMontral segment.
G-3) Wide-beam and long vessels which, given their operational conditions, appear unable to overcome the
forces exerted by the ice, whether due to:
mechanical problems;
or other,
shall not proceed upriver from Qubec before the systems in question are re-established, in order to ensure
safe passage at confined areas of the river.
G-4) When there is ice under pressure, as determined by the CCG Ice Operations Centre and the CMSLP liaison
officer, wide-beam and long vessels must proceed under the Qubec bridges with the tidal currents.
G-5) In the Lac St-Pierre sector, pilots must give preference to the meeting of vessels during daylight and under
good visibility in order to clearly perceive vessel movement, the ice conditions and whether wake from
passing vessels could result in the risk of fast ice breaking off.
2) Directives concerning the meeting of vessels in medium- and high-risk areas (R)
Any time, wide beam vessels will have to favor day transit in the section Quebec-Montreal.
R-1) Meetings are prohibited in high-risk areas. The high-risk areas between Qubec and Montral for vessels with a
combined nominal breadth of between 65 and 72.6 metres and between 72.61 metres and 88 metres are identified on
chart VN-301.
a) The Contrecoeur course sector is identified as a study sector for meetings of wide-beam vessels of a
combined nominal breadth of between 72.6 metres and 88 metres. Though, a priori, meetings are
prohibited, pilots will be able to meet other wide-beam vessels under favourable conditions. Before
their vessels meet, the pilots must notify MCTS of the manoeuvres they have agreed on.
b) Within 10 days following the meeting, the CMSLP must provide CCG and TC authorities with a report
describing the vessels' condition, the passage conditions, the environmental factors, the manoeuvring
conditions and all relevant comments on how the vessels handled when they met.
R-2) Medium-risk areas are assessed by pilots to determine whether vessels may be able to safely meet where
one or more of the factors listed below apply:
a) The medium-risk areas between Qubec and Montral for vessels with a combined nominal breadth of
between 65 metres and 72.6 metres and between 72.6.1 metres and 88 metres are identified on chart
VN-301. Before their vessels meet, the pilots must notify MCTS of the manoeuvres they have agreed
on.
b) Within 10 days following the meeting, the CMSLP must provide CCG and TC authorities with a report
describing the vessels' condition, the passage conditions, the environmental factors, the manoeuvring
conditions and all relevant comments on how the vessels handled when they met.
c) In assessing the risks associated with the meeting of vessels, pilots must take the following factors into
consideration:
1) Nighttime navigation: Darkness makes it more difficult to evaluate distances, background light
can be confused with ships navigation lights and aids to navigation, beacons are fewer and unlit
in winter and the effect of wave action from passing vessels on shorelines is difficult to observe;
2) Visibility: When vessels meet, the visibility must be sufficient for the pilots to visually assess the
approach between the two vessels. Pilots must take into consideration that aids to navigation have
a theoretical availability (75% availability) of 4.3 nm and that buoys can be hidden under the ice
cover;
3) Wind velocity and direction: Under certain vessel load conditions, wind direction and velocity
(above 35 knots) can influence vessel manoeuvrability;
4) Manoeuvring distance: The pilot must ensure that he/she has sufficient distance to complete the
manoeuvre and re-establish the course before the next medium- or high-risk area;
5) Marine traffic: The pilot must ensure that there are no other vessels manoeuvring to overtake or
meet in the sector and must also consider recreational boating and other nautical activities. All
manoeuvre agreements made between vessels that contradict these directives must be
communicated to the sector's MCTS;
6) Vessel characteristics: The pilot must ensure that the vessels manoeuvring characteristics and
the distance separating the vessels are sufficient to counter the interaction effects between them;
7) Passage under overhead cables and bridges: In order to ensure safe passage, the pilot must
make certain that he/she has the exact data on the vessels draught and on the vertical clearance
of any electrical lines and bridges at the place of passage;
8) Towing and dredging operations: MCTS must provide pilots with information on towing and
dredging operations being carried out so that the pilot may adequately assess the situation and
plan the vessels passage;
9) Channel characteristics: The pilot must take into consideration the channel configuration, type of
bottom, currents and tides.
In the context of a meeting with a tanker, the pilot must ensure that the angle of incidence on the tankers
longitudinal axis is under 30 in order to increase the likelihood (in the event of a collision) of a ricochet effect
on the broadside of the vessel instead of perforating her double hull.
R-3) Speed control: In the context of a meeting of vessels that are subject to speed controls because of their
draught, the pilots must adjust the prescribed speed so as to increase the safety margin by 50% more than
that prescribed in the CCG under keel clearance table, without, however, exceeding a speed over water
(SOW) of 9 knots.
R-4) Meetings with long vessels are prohibited in the following areas (chart VN-301):
Sainte-Croix Bend
Barre Boulard
Cap Charles Bend
Cap--la-roche Bend
Champlain Bend
Bcancour Bend
le de Grces Bend
Belmouth Bend
The segment between Cap Saint-Michel and le aux Vaches
The downstream sector of Ttreauville
Any time, wide beam vessels will have to favor day transit in the section Quebec-Montreal.
D-1) Overtaking is prohibited in high-risk areas. The high-risk areas between Qubec and Montral for vessels with a
combined nominal breadth of between 65 metres and 72.6 metres and between 72.61 metres and 88 metres are
identified on chart VN-301.
D-2) Medium-risk areas are assessed by pilots to determine whether a vessel may be able to safely overtake
another where one or more of the factors listed below apply:
a) The medium-risk areas between Qubec and Montral for vessels with a combined nominal breadth of
between 65 metres and 72.6 metres and between 72.6.1 metres and 88 metres are identified on chart
VN-301. Before a vessel overtakes another, the pilots must notify MCTS of the manoeuvres they have
agreed on;
b) Within 10 days following the meeting, the CMSLP must provide CCG and TC authorities with a report
describing the vessels' condition, the passage conditions, the environmental factors, the manoeuvring
conditions and all relevant comments on how the vessels handled when they met;
c) In assessing the risks associated with overtaking a vessel, pilots must take the following factors into
consideration:
1) Nighttime navigation: Darkness makes it more difficult to evaluate distances, background light
can be confused with ships navigation lights and aids to navigation, beacons are fewer and unlit
in winter and the effect of wave action from passing vessels on shorelines is difficult to observe;
2) Visibility: When a vessel overtakes another, the visibility must be sufficient for the pilots to
visually assess the approach between the two vessels. Pilots must take into consideration that
aids to navigation have a theoretical availability (75% availability) of 4.3 nm and that buoys can be
hidden under the ice cover;
3) Wind velocity and direction: Under certain vessel load conditions, wind direction and velocity
(above 35 knots) can influence vessel manoeuvrability;
4) Manoeuvring distance: The pilot must ensure that he/she has sufficient distance to complete the
manoeuvre before the next medium- or high-risk area;
5) Marine traffic: The pilot must ensure that there are no other vessels manoeuvring to overtake or
meet in the sector and must also consider recreational boating and other nautical activities. All
manoeuvre agreements made between vessels that contradict these directives must be
communicated to the sector's MCTS;
6) Vessel characteristics: The pilot must ensure that the vessels manoeuvring characteristics and
the distance separating the vessels are sufficient to counter the interaction effects between them;
7) Passage under overhead cables and bridges: In order to ensure safe passage, the pilot must
make certain that he/she has the exact data on the vessels draught and on the vertical clearance
of any electrical lines and bridges at the place of passage;
8) Towing and dredging operations: MCTS must provide pilots with information on towing and
dredging operations being carried out so that the pilot may adequately assess the situation and
plan the vessels passage;
9) Channel characteristics: The pilot must take into consideration the channel configuration, type of
bottom, currents and tides.
D-3) Speed control: When planning to overtake another vessel, the pilot must obtain the authorization of the
vessel to be overtaken. The vessels will adjust their speeds to obtain, ideally, a ratio of 2:1 (twice the speed)
in order to minimize the interaction effects between the vessels. However, the overtaking vessel must not
maintain a speed that could lead to accelerated shoreline erosion or cause shoreline property damage.
D-4) Overtaking long vessels is prohibited in the following areas (chart VN-301):
Sainte-Croix Bend
Barre Boulard
Cap Charles Bend
Cap--la-roche Bend
Champlain Bend
Bcancour Bend
le de Grces Bend
Belmouth Bend
The segment between Cap Saint-Michel and le aux Vaches
The downstream sector Ttreauville
M-1) No anchoring of wide-beam or long vessels at the Pointe-aux-Trembles (PAT) anchorage, except under
exceptional circumstances.
13
M-2) No wide-beam or long vessels may use the long-term anchorage areas in the sector of the waterway
between Qubec and Montral.
14
M-3) The holding anchorage areas authorized for wide-beam or long vessels are the following: Qubec/Saint-
Nicolas, Trois-Rivires and Sorel/Lanoraie.
M-4) If wide-beam or long vessels use an authorized holding anchorage area, the avoidance radius of the
anchorage point must not adversely affect traffic or make it deviate.
In order to maximize the loading, operators and captains of wide-beam vessels and long vessels determine
the minimum under keel clearance (UKC) by using the minimal authorized speed established at 7 knots in
the UKC table. That constrains up bound vessels in Quebec-Montreal sector to transit during a long period
with at minimum speed because of window passages restrictions. The speed between Quebec and Trois-
Rivires can be influenced by the tide and the passage can be completed in 7 hours. But, Trois-Rivires and
Montreal sector depends only on water levels; the vessel, not being able to go faster than 7 or 8 knots over
the water (SOW) , corresponding to a speed of 5 knots over the ground (SOG) it will take 12 hours to
complete the transit. Thus the vessel will cause a congestion of the system for a long period, that makes
difficult to coordinate passages and safe meetings because they have to favor transits mainly during daylight
and can anchor only in short time anchorages.
The hydraulic pressure on these very wide ships is important, at low speed they are less manoeuvrable and
the response time is slower. When we need to push the ship to increase the pressure of water on the rudder
to thwart a yaw, the ship inertia is so heavy it takes several minutes to have the wished effect. The operators
and the captains should thus plan their transits at a minimum speed of 10 knots SOW , in order to reduce the
transit time and allow the ship to be in the system for an acceptable and plannable time while favoring
daylight passages and by ensuring a good maneuverability.
13
Long-term anchorage area: Where the ship may wait several days before going alongside.
14
Holding anchorage area: Where the ship may wait few hours before going alongside or continue her route. The
reasons are diverse (e.g.: wait for a water level window, wait for favorable weather conditions, wait for a favorable
traffic window in a restricted sector, availability of tug boats, availability of quays, movement of ships during urgent
measures alongside the quay, etc.).
In order to ensure a safe conduct and allow the coordination of the transits in opposite directions of vessels
in the Saint-Lawrence between Quebec City and Montreal, vessels with beam greater than 32.50 meters
(Post-Panamax) shall:
Conform with the under keel clearance calculation table as per notice to mariners 27C.
When up bound to a destination upstream Quebec City, ensure to have an under keel clearance
permitting a transit at a minimum speed of 10 knots on the water.
When down bound from a locality upstream Quebec City ensure to have an under keel clearance
permitting a transit at a minimum speed of 7 knots on the water
Notwithstanding the preceding, all vessels should be capable to reduce their speed if necessary in order to
allow the coordination of the meetings between ships and conform to the voluntary measures of speed
reduction.
http://www.marinfo.gc.ca/documents/Post-Panamax/VN-301_mtl-3r_novembre_2016.png
http://www.marinfo.gc.ca/documents/Post-Panamax/VN-301_3r-qc_novembre_2016.png
Transit of Vessels with Combined Breadth Equal to or Higher than 81.3 metres in the Traverse du Nord Sector
of le dOrlans
Background/Context:
As a result of the recent passage of post-Panamax vessels en route to ports located upstream from the
Traverse du Nord Sector of le dOrlans, the Canadian Coast Guard proceeded with a review of Marine
Traffic Management Rules applicable to that segment of the St. Lawrence Waterway.
The rules described hereafter are mainly based on the Canadian Coast Guard Guidelines for the Safe
Design, Maintenance and Usage of Navigation Channels and on consultations with concerned marine
stakeholders.
Effective December 1, 2009, the following measures shall apply to vessels with a combined breadth equal to
or higher than 81.3 metres..
1. Passage (encounter) and overtaking of two (2) vessels, each with a combined breadth equal to or higher
than 81.3 metres, shall not be authorized in the dredged channel of Traverse du Nord, between Buoys
K-136 and K-92.
2. Should a vessel be required to slow down or stop to avoid encountering within the limits of the dredged
channel, the vessel with a following current (stern) shall have priority to maintain course (ref. Collision
Regulations, Rule 9, Section K).
3. The Marine Communications and Traffic Services Officer (MCTSO) shall inform the vessels concerned
sufficiently in advance in order for the vessels to make appropriate arrangements to abide by these
measures.
4. The vessels concerned shall inform the MCTS Officers of their agreed arrangements in order for MCTS
to advise relevant traffic accordingly.
Note: In applying the above measures, it is understood that the bridge crew shall consider all hazards to
navigation, risks of collision and any specific circumstances, such as limitations of the concerned
vessels, and may therefore have no alternative but to deviate from the prescribed measures in
order to avoid an immediate danger. Should there be sufficient reasons to derogate from these
prescribed rules, the Pilot shall inform the MCTS Officer who will immediately relay the relevant
information to other waterway users.
6) Double pilotage
Vessels, whose breadth is equal to or greater than 32.5 metres transiting in the portion between Quebec and
Montreal, are subject to double pilotage by Laurentian Pilotage Authority.
Conditions of use
Effective December 1st 2012, the following measures shall apply to the anchorage of Saint-Jean (position:
4654.7N 7052.5W).
- -The vessel shall obtain the authorization from the Marine Communications and Traffic Services
- Anchorage will not be authorized in winter when it will be established that the current weather and ice
conditions or the short-term forecast will be a threat for the safety of the vessel, the navigation and the
environment.
2 SAINT-VALLIER ANCHORAGE
Conditions of use
Effective December 1st 2012, the following measures shall apply to the anchorage of Saint-Vallier (4655.6N
7049.3.W).
- The vessel shall obtain the authorization from the Marine Communications and Traffic Services.
- Anchorage will not be authorized in winter when it will be established that the current weather and ice
conditions or the short-term forecast will be a threat for the safety of the vessel, the navigation and the
environment.
*An exception to the margin of safety / manoeuvrability is allowed for a ship with a width not exceeding 24m
at a speed of 6 to 7 knots. Only in this case, a margin of 0.58m is accepted instead of 0.61m.
The above parameters are presented on the basis that the vessels Master or Officer-in-charge has given
consideration to other specific elements which may have an impact on under-keel clearance, some of which
are: the accurate determination of water level (including tides) during vessels transit; the vessels speed; the
wind and waves effects and the vessels response to it; the estimation of the vessels draught (changes in
ballast); any additional squat effects due to passing within close proximity to the bank of the channel or when
meeting / overtaking another vessel. The vessels Master or Officer-in-charge has the ultimate responsibility
for the vessels safety at all times.
Authority: Canadian Coast Guard (TC-L95-133; AMA8035-10-1); Notice to Mariners No. 462 of Edition No.
17 of 1995. Modification: 2013/03/21
*An exception to the margin of safety / manoeuvrability is allowed for a ship with a width not exceeding 24m
at a speed of 6 to 7 knots. Only in this case, a margin of 0.58m is accepted instead of 0.61m.
The above parameters are presented on the basis that the vessels Master or Officer-in-charge has given
consideration to other specific elements which may have an impact on under-keel clearance, some of which
are: the accurate determination of water level (including tides) during vessels transit; the vessels speed; the
wind and waves effects and the vessels response to it; the estimation of the vessels draught (changes in
ballast); any additional squat effects due to passing within close proximity to the bank of the channel or when
meeting / overtaking another vessel. The vessels Master or Officer-in-charge has the ultimate responsibility
for the vessels safety at all times.
Authority: Canadian Coast Guard (TC-L95-133; AMA8035-10-1); Notice to Mariners No. 462 of Edition No.
17 of 1995. Modification: 2013/03/21
1 The Canadian Forces (CF) in co-operation with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has overall responsibility
for coordination of federal aeronautical and maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) activities in Canada,
including Canadian waters and the high seas off the coasts of Canada. The CF provides dedicated SAR
aircraft in support to marine SAR incidents. The CCG coordinates maritime SAR activities within this area
and provides dedicated maritime SAR vessels in strategic locations. Joint Rescue Coordination Centres
(JRCC) are maintained at Victoria, B.C., Trenton, Ont. and Halifax, N.S. These centres are staffed 24 hours
a day by Canadian Forces and Canadian Coast Guard personnel. Each JRCC is responsible for an
internationally agreed designated area known as a Search and Rescue Region (SRR) (see plate A.1). In
addition, a Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC), staffed by Coast Guard Personnel is located in Qubec,
Qu, to coordinate local maritime SAR operations. MRSC Qubecs Search and Rescue Sub-region (SRS)
includes the areas of the St. Lawrence River and the north and central parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (See
Annex A4).
2 The "Oceans Act and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001" (CSA, 2001) provide for the Minister of Fisheries and
Oceans to delegate the authority necessary for maritime Search and Rescue coordination. This authority as
exercised by JRCCs and MRSCs, empowers the SAR co-ordinator on duty, when he/she has knowledge of
an actual distress, or a missing vessel or if signals or other information indicate a distress situation may exist,
to order all vessels within a specified area to report their position, to take part in a search, and to carry out
such other SAR operations as deemed necessary.
The master or person in charge of the vessel is obligated to comply with such orders except where such
compliance would endanger his own vessel, tow or persons on board. It is Government SAR Policy to
requisition federal government owned vessels for SAR operations before privately owned ships when the
former are readily available and suitable for the operations at hand and to release requisitioned privately
owned vessels from SAR operations as they are replaced by government ships.
3 The CSA, 2001 also allows the master of a vessel in distress to requisition any vessel or vessels to come to
his/her assistance. Even if he/she has done so and the situation appears well in hand, it is advisable for the
master to ensure that the JRCC/MRSC concerned is informed and kept up-to-date since the Centre has at its
disposal expertise and communication links with resources specialized in SAR and other emergency
agencies which may be of use to the master, for treatment and care of survivors (casualties).
4 A vessel requisitioned to proceed to the assistance of a vessel in distress is required to comply with the
direction from JRCC/MRSC and/or the master of the vessel in distress. The CSA, 2001 sanctions penalties
for refusal to give aid. The JRCC/MRSC may delegate its authority to the Commanding Officer of a SAR unit
on scene, equipped with specialized Search and Rescue and communications equipment, who then becomes
the "On-Scene Co-ordinator (OSC)". In the absence of a dedicated SAR unit, JRCC/MSRC authority may
also be delegated to another vessel on scene. The duties of OSC are described in the International
Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (Volume III)(IAMSAR), a joint publication of the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which
should be referred to.
5 The JRCC/MRSC will attempt to inform owners or agents of vessels which have sent a distress signal, of the
circumstances and action taken. Where possible, owners or agents of requisitioned ships will also be
informed of action taken.
Distress communications
6 The procedures for handling distress messages are international and are described in the International
Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR), and IMO/ICAO publication and also in
Canadian Coast Guard publication "Radio Aids to Marine Navigation". The CCG Radio system provides
coverage of all maritime distress frequencies, although each station does not necessarily guard each
frequency. Details of this system are contained in the relevant CCG Publication "Radio Aids to Marine
Navigation" DFO 5470 and DFO 5471.
Marine Communications and Traffic Services standard operating procedures provides for the automatic relay
of distress messages to JRCC/MRSC.
7 When selecting an appropriate frequency to broadcast distress messages or communicate with assisting
vessels, masters should bear in mind that the statutory requirements to carry radio equipment differ from
region to region. For instance, only VHF radio telephone equipment is mandatory for vessels when operating
on the Great Lakes west of Montreal. Details of the required equipment are contained in the CCG Publication,
"Radio Aids to Marine Navigation" (Atlantic and Great Lakes) DFO 5470.
8 Mariners are reminded that distress flares/signals as described in Annex IV of the Collision Regulations are
for the use of a person or persons who are in distress and require immediate assistance. Any other use of
distress flares is contrary to the Canadian Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA, 2001) and the International Convention
for the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS). Organizations wishing to conduct training in the use of flares are
encouraged to contact the flare manufacturer for information on where/how to obtain training aids.
9 A ship-to-air distress signal for use in Canadian waters has been designed in conjunction with SAR
authorities. The signal consists of a cloth painted or impregnated with fluorescent paint showing a disc and
square to represent the ball and flag of the well known visual distress signal. Evaluation tests by SAR aircraft
indicate that the most suitable colour combination is black symbols on a background of orange-red
fluorescent paint. The smallest useful size is 1.8 m (72 in.) by 1.1 m (45 in.) showing symbols which have
dimensions of 46 cm (18 in.) and are 46 cm (18 in.) apart. Grommets or loops should be fitted at each corner
to take securing lines (see illustration following this Notice).
As the purpose of the signal is to attract the attention of aircraft, it should be secured across a hatch or cabin
top. In the event of foundering, it should be displayed by survival craft.
Canadian SAR authorities recognize this signal as a distress signal and will look for it in the course of a
search. Any aircraft, on seeing this signal, is requested to make a sighting report to the nearest JRCC/MRSC.
The signal is available commercially but it can be made at home or aboard ship without difficulty. Unbleached
calico, or similar material, together with a can of orange-red fluorescent spray paint, are the principal
requirements. Recommended minimum dimensions are shown in the illustration following this Notice.
The signal is voluntary equipment, but it is hoped that the masters of tugs, fishing vessels and pleasure craft
will take advantage of its usage to increase the effectiveness of SAR operations.
10 The CSA, 2001 does not authorize the Rescue Co-ordinator to order vessels to undertake salvage but the
JRCC/MRSC will attempt to inform the stricken vessel and its owners, of the presence of nearby vessels and
will normally issue a radio broadcast requesting if any vessels are available to provide assistance.
The CCG recognizes that the timely provision of towing assistance to disabled vessels can be an effective
way of preventing loss of life and injury and expediting the resolution of an emergency situation under certain
circumstances. However, the Federal Government or its agents will not directly assist disabled vessels merely
on request and will not compete with commercial interest to provide direct assistance. Some incidents
involving the use of the SAR system are clearly preventable or unreasonable. The response to these
incidents occupies resources that may be needed for more serious incidents and may place responders in
unnecessary danger.
Government vessels will undertake property salvage only when salvage is incidental to rescue, or is minor or
unobtainable from the private sector or is likely to cause undue hardship through delay.
*Note: Though the MRSC St. John`s was closed in April 2012 and its responsibilities transferred to Joint
Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax, for members of the public the phone numbers they must call
in case of a marine emergency remain the same.
Specialized SAR vessels conduct patrols in areas of concentrated fishing, commercial, recreational and other
maritime activities off both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts.
Specialized SAR craft are stationed at the following locations for local operations; and are indicated on
marine charts by the symbol CG:
Burin, Burgeo, Port-aux-Choix (seasonal), and Lark Harbour (seasonal), Nfld; Louisburg, Clark's
Harbour, Bickerton, Sambro and Westport, N.S., Summerside and Souris, P.E.I. (seasonal), Shippegan
(seasonal), and St. John, N.B.
Tofino, Bamfield, Port Hardy, Vancouver, Powell River, Campbell River, Prince Rupert, Ganges and
French Creek. Also one SAR Hovercraft is available at Sea Island, B.C.
Small SAR craft between 5 to 7 metres in length are operated between mid May and early September on the
east and west coasts in areas of peak activity. Locations may change due to operational needs and traffic
patterns.
There are no SAR patrol as such on the St-Lawrence Estuary and Gulf. But when the shore-based lifeboat
stations terminate their operation because of the winter season, icebreakers may also provide some SAR
coverage in the area:
Specialized lifeboats are stationed on a seasonal basis at the following locations: Cap aux Meules (les de la
Madeleine), Rivire au Renard, Havre Saint-Pierre, Tadoussac, Kegashka, and Qubec City for the St.
Lawrence River portion. For the Great Lakes portion, we may find the same type of craft in Kingston,
Cobourg, Port Weller, Port Dover, Amhersburg, Goderich, Tobermory, Meaford and Thunder Bay.
SAR small Craft of a similar size and mode of operation to those described in para. 14 above are based at
locations throughout the area.
Air facilities
(b) Helicopters:
Other facilities
19 Depending on the anticipated need, government vessels not normally used on routine SAR duties are from
time to time tasked to such duties. Additionally all Canadian government owned vessels and aircraft are
available when required.
20 a) Rule 45 of the Collision Regulations (COLREGS) identifies the use of a blue flashing light by any
government vessel or any vessel that is owned or operated by a harbour, river, county or municipal
police force may exhibit as an identification signal a blue flashing light when the vessel:
(i) is providing assistance in any waters to any vessel or other craft, aircraft or person that is
threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance, or
Any vessel operated by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary may exhibit a blue flashing light as
an identification signal when the vessel participates, at the request of the Canadian Coast
Guard, in search and rescue operations.
A vessel referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) that exhibits a blue flashing light as an identification
signal is not relieved from the obligation to comply with the Steering and Sailing Rules set out in
Part B.
In the case of a ship owned or operated by a federal, provincial or municipal police force, the law
enforcement duties. It is recommended that this light be fitted on as many government ships as possible,
particularly the ships which may reasonably be expected to be engaged in search and rescue and law
enforcement duties. The blue flashing light does not give a ship any special privileges under steering and
sailing rules of the Collision Regulations. However, mariners should consider that the vessel exhibiting a
blue flashing light is proceeding to carry out search and rescue or law enforcement duties.
b) The use, characteristics and definition of the blue flashing light are described in Rules 21, 22, 45 and
Annex 1, which are the Canadian provisions to the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision
at Sea (COLREGS) - 1972.
21 The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) is an association of some 5000 dedicated volunteers operating
more than 1500 vessels to support the Canadian Coast Guard Maritime Search and Rescue. CCGA units
are located on the East and West Coasts, the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg,
Great Slave Lake, Nunavut and on the Mackenzie River.
References
The following publications are available to the mariner and provide useful guidance in SAR.
(a) International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR) Volume III, IMO/ICAO
publication.
(b) Radio Aids to Marine Navigation (Pacific and Western Arctic) DFO 5471; and Radio Aids to Marine
Navigation (Atlantic, St-Lawrence, Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and Eastern Arctic) DFO 5470.
Selected sections of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (as amended) which relate to SAR are quoted
below for guidance.
384. (1) The master of a Canadian ship at sea, on receiving a signal from any source that a ship or aircraft or survival
craft thereof is in distress, shall proceed with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress informing
them if possible that he is doing so, but if he is unable or, in the special circumstances of the case, considers
it unreasonable or unnecessary to proceed to their assistance, he shall enter in the official log-book of the
ship the reason for failing to proceed to the assistance of those persons.
Ships requisitioned
(2) The master of any ship in distress may, after consultation, in so far as possible, with the masters of the ships
that answer his distress signal, requisition one or more of those ships that he considers best able to render
assistance, and it is the duty of the master of any Canadian ship that is so requisitioned to comply with the
requisition by continuing to proceed with all speed to the assistance of the ship in distress.
(3) The master of a ship shall be released from the obligation imposed by subsection (1) when he learns that one
or more ships other than his own have been requisitioned and are complying with the requisition.
Further release
(4) The master of a ship shall be released from the obligation imposed by subsection (1), and, if his ship has
been requisitioned, from the obligation imposed by subsection (2), if he is informed by the persons in the ship
in distress or by the master of another ship that has reached those persons that assistance is no longer
necessary.
(5) If the master of a Canadian ship contravenes this section he is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to a fine
not exceeding five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.
Right to salvage
(6) Nothing in this section affects the provisions of section 451 and compliance by the master of a ship with this
section does not affect his right, or the right of any other person, to salvage.
385.(1) The Minister may designate persons, to be known as rescue coordinators, to organize search and rescue
operations in Canadian waters and on the high seas off the coasts of Canada.
(2) On being informed that a vessel or aircraft or survival craft thereof is in distress or is missing in Canadian
waters or on the high seas off any of the coasts of Canada under circumstances that indicate it may be in
distress, a rescue coordinator may
(a) order all vessels within an area specified by him to report their positions to him;
(b) order any vessel to take part in a search for that vessel, aircraft or survival craft or to otherwise render
assistance; and
(c) give such other orders as he deems necessary to carry out search and rescue operations for that vessel,
aircraft or survival craft.
Defence
(4) No master or person in charge of a vessel shall be convicted of an offence under subsection (3) if he
establishes that compliance with an order of a rescue coordinator or person acting under the direction thereof
would have exposed his vessel or tow or persons on board it to serious danger.
Trenton SRR
7000N 08000W, 6400N 08000W, 6200N 07000W, 4642N 07000W, westerly along the Canada
United States border to the Alberta British Columbia border, north along the Alberta British Columbia
border to 6000N 12000W, westerly to 6000N 12400W, north along the Yukon North West Territory
border to the Beaufort Sea, westerly along the coast to the Canada Alaska border, north along 14100W to
the North Pole, south to 8200N 06000W, 7800N 07500W, 7600N 07600W, 7400N 06818W,
7300N 06700W, 7000N 06300W and west to 7000N 08000W.
Halifax SRR
6400N 08000W, 7000N 08000W, 7000N 06300W, 6530N 05839W, 5830N 05000W, 5830N
03000W, 4500N 03000W, 4500N 05300W, 4336N 06000W, 4152N 06700W, 4430N 06700W,
th
north to the Canada United States border, westerly along the Canada United States border to the 70
th
meridian, north along the 70 meridian to 6200N 07000W and north west to 6400N 08000W.
Annex A4 - Search and Rescue Sub-regions
Helicopter medical evacuations are a serious matter. Since they can be hazardous to both the patient and the
helicopter crew, they should be used only as a last resort to prevent death or permanent injury. If you are out
on a fishing boat, for example, and one of the crew members suffers a slight injury, you should NOT request a
helicopter medical evacuation so that you might continue fishing.
(f) Nature and specific location of pain. Is pain dull, sharp, continuous, intermittent, confined to a small
area or widespread?
(g) When injury occurred and cause - blow, burn, fall - nature of wound, cuts or bruises. State if patient has
been moved.
(i) Describe any deformity or abnormal functioning on the part of the patient.
(j) What treatment has been given and how patient has responded.
(n) If helo is to be involved: position on the ship best suited for helo hoist - clear of obstructions - and
frequency for helo to contact vessel on.
NOTE 1: The details on the patient's conditions are necessary because, based on this information, the Regional
Surgeon will or will not approve the use of a helo.
NOTE 2: You should advise the Coast Guard immediately if any of this information changes.
NOTE 3: The Coast Guard should be advised immediately if the evacuation by helicopter is no longer required
due to alternate arrangements or if the patient expires.
In addition to regular communication methods, Masters of ships may obtain medical advice by addressing a
radio-telegram to "Radiomedical" and routing it via the nearest Marine Communications and Traffic Services
Centre which will refer to the appropriate regional medical authority and transmit the reply to the ship.
Preparations
Most rescue helicopters can proceed less than 150 miles offshore, and then only if weather conditions
permit. If an evacuation is necessary, you must be prepared to proceed within range of a helicopter. If you
are beyond helicopter range, you must advise the Coast Guard of your intentions so that a rendez-vous point
can be selected.
Once the decision has been made to evacuate your patient, you should make the following preparations:
1 Provide continuous radio guard on 156.8 MHz (Channel 16 VHF-FM), 2182 kHz, Channel 70 VHF DSC or
other specified voice frequency.
2 Select and clear the most suitable hoist area, preferably aft on the vessel, with a maximum radius of clear
deck. (Ideally 16 metres or 50 feet radius). Secure loose gear, the headgear worn by the crew at the hoist
area, awnings and antenna wires and trice up running rigging and booms. If hoist is aft, lower the flag staff.
The foredeck should be prepared only when the stern and amidships area cannot possibly be used. Be sure
to advise the helicopter before it arrives, so that the pilot can make his approach to aft, amidships, or
forward, as required. If the bow area is used for the hoist, then the speed should be brought close to 5 knots
and alter the course to place the wind 015-030 off the starboard quarter, (i.e., wind from North, the vessel
heading would be between 195 to 210). If the stern area is used for the hoist, then the speed should be 5-
10 knots and alter the course to place the wind + 015 to 030 on port bow, (i.e., wind from North, the vessel
heading would be 015-030)."
3 Point search lights vertically to aid the helicopter crew in locating the ship. Turn them off when the helicopter
is on scene.
4 If the hoist is to take place at night, light the pickup area as well as possible. Be sure that you do not shine
any lights on the helicopter because they will blind the pilot. Put lights on any obstructions in the vicinity, so
the pilot will be aware of the position. A fixed wing aircraft may also illuminate the area with parachute flares
during the hoisting operation.
5 Remember that there will be a high noise level under the helicopter and that voice communications on deck
will be virtually impossible. Arrange a set of hand signals to be used among the crew members who will
assist.
6 Leave the patient in a warm dry area. A SAR Tech that will be lowered to the vessel will evaluate the
patient's condition and organize the hoisting of the patient to the helicopter.
7 Make sure the patient's documentation is available - passport, visa, hospital insurance card, etc. as well as
his medical record - should be in an envelope or package, ready for transfer with him.
8 Have a life jacket available for the patient but do not put the life jacket on the patient until the SAR Tech has
examined him.
Hoist operations
1 Change course to permit the ship to ride as easily as possible, with the wind preferably as referred in
paragraph 2 of Preparations. Try to choose a course to keep the stack gases clear of the hoist area.
3 When you are ready for the hoist, signal the helicopter. If you do not have radio contact, signal "come on"
with your hand or, at night, use flashlight signals.
4 Allow the SAR Tech to touch the deck before assisting him, to avoid static electrical shock. DO NOT
CONNECT ANY LINE LOWERED FROM THE HELICOPTER TO YOUR VESSEL; merely tend it by keeping
a moderate tension on it by hand.
5 The SAR Tech will coordinate all subsequent actions with the helicopter. The helicopter will provide all
necessary equipment.
6 Once the SAR Tech is on board, the helicopter will retract the hoist hook clear. When the litter and patient
have been returned to the hoist area, the hoist hook will be lowered for attachment by the SAR Tech.
By following these procedures you can help ensure that a helicopter evacuation, if one is necessary, will be
performed safely and as quickly as possible.
The following is an extract from Air Navigation Order, Series V, No. 6, and other documents:
1 None of the provisions in this order shall prevent the use, by an aircraft in distress, of any means at its
disposal to attract attention, make known its position and obtain help.
Distress Signals
2 The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that grave and imminent danger
threatens, and immediate assistance is requested:
(a) a signal made by radio/telegraphy or by any other signalling method consisting of the group
. . . - - - . . . in Morse Code
(c) rockets or shells throwing red lights, fired one at a time at short intervals,
(e) the two-flag signal corresponding to the letters NC of the International Code of Signals,
(f) a signal consisting of a square flag having above it or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball,
3 The following procedures performed in sequence by an aircraft shall mean that the aircraft is directing a
vessel towards an aircraft, ship or person in distress:
(b) crossing the projected course of the vessel close ahead at a low altitude while rocking the wings
(opening and closing the throttle or changing the propeller pitch may be used instead but is less
effective);
(d) if the vessel does not respond, a, b, and c shall be repeated with the same meaning.
4 The following procedure performed by an aircraft shall mean that the assistance of the vessel to which
the signal is directed is no longer required: crossing the wake of the surface craft close astern at low
altitude while rocking the wings (opening or closing the throttle or changing the propeller pitch may be
used instead but is less effective).
Urgency Signals
5 (1) The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft wishes to give
notice of difficulties which compel it to land without requiring immediate assistance:
(2) The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft has a very urgent
message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft or other vehicle, or some person on
board or within sight:
(a) in radio/telegraphy, three repetitions of the group XXX, sent with the letters of each group,
and the successive groups clearly separated from each other;
Safety Signals
6 The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft is about to transmit a
message concerning the safety of navigation or giving important meteorological warnings:
(a) in radio/telegraphy, three repetitions of the group TTT, sent with the letters of each group and the
successive groups clearly separated from each other;
(b) in radio/telephony, the word SECURITE pronounced as the French word SCURIT, repeated
three times, (to which correspond in English pronunciation the syllables SAYCURE-E-TAY).
Note: Annex IV 1(l) and (m) of Schedule I of the Collision Regulations provides for a radio signal for
use by aircraft in distress for the purpose of actuating the auto-alarms of vessels and thus
securing attention to distress calls or messages. The radiotelegraphy alarm signal consists of a
series of 12 dashes, sent in 1 minute, the duration of each dash being 4 seconds, and the duration
of the interval between 2 consecutive dashes, 1 second. The radiotelephone alarm signal consists
of 2 sinusoidal tones (2200 and 1300 Hz) transmitted alternately, with each tone lasting 250
milliseconds, and sent for a period of at least 30 seconds but not exceeding 1 minute. To
differentiate between coast stations and ship transmissions, the coast station alarm signal shall
end in a continuous tone of 1300 Hz, lasting 10 seconds.
Authority:
Article 36 of the International Telegraphic Union Radio Regulations (Nos. 1463, 1464, 1465).
In the interest of ensuring the highest level of safety, mariners should immediately notify the Canadian Coast
Guard, through any Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre, of any situation which is or may be
developing into a more serious situation requiring assistance from the Search and Rescue (SAR) System.
The need for the earliest possible alerting of SAR Authorities to potential maritime emergencies cannot be
over-emphasized.
This advice is given in accordance with IMO Circular MSC/Circ.892 and similar advice found in the
ICAO/IMO International Aeronautical and Maritime SAR (IAMSAR) Manual Volume III. Further, there have
been similar recommendations arising from serious SAR cases in the Canadian SAR Region where masters
have failed to provide this notice until after the situation deteriorated.
This notification allows SAR authorities to carry out preliminary and contingency planning that could make a
critical difference if the situation worsens. Time lost in the initial stages of a SAR mission may be crucial to its
eventual outcome.
It is always best to consider the worst-case scenario and to alert SAR authorities accordingly. This
notification places no obligations upon the master except to advise the Canadian Coast Guard when the
situation has been corrected.
1 Regulations
1.1 Regulations concerning the carriage of emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRBs) have
been in effect since October 25, 1989. The carriage requirements for the Class I (float-free) and Class II
(Survival craft) EPIRB are contained in the Ship Station (Radio) Regulations. In addition to the carriage
requirements, there are technical requirements that every EPIRB must meet and important testing and
inspection requirements. EPIRBs may be either the 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT. These requirements
are provided by the Ship Station (Radio) Technical Regulations.
2 Application
(a) in the case of a ship that is 20 m or more in length and engaged on a voyage other than a home-
trade voyage, Class IV, or a minor waters voyage;
(b) in the case of a ship that has a gross tonnage of 15 tons or more, is less than 20 m in length and
is engaged on a home-trade voyage, Class I, a home-trade voyage, Class II, or a foreign voyage;
and
(c) in the case of a ship that has a gross tonnage of less than 15 tons, is 8 m or more in length and is
engaged on a home-trade voyage, Class I, a home-trade voyage, Class II, or a foreign voyage.
2.2 A tug that has a gross tonnage of more than five tons shall be equipped with an EPIRB if the tug is
engaged on a voyage other than
(c) in the case of a tug that is less than 20 m in length, a voyage of not more than 50 miles during
which the tug remains within either
2.3 An EPIRB required by these Regulations shall be located on board a ship in a manner and in a place
that would allow it
(a) in the case of a ship that has a gross tonnage of 15 tons or more or a tug, to float free should the
ship sink;
(b) to be readily accessible near the position from which the ship is normally navigated, unless it can
be activated by remote control from that position; and
3 Voluntary Carriage
3.1 The Canadian Coast Guard encourages the voluntary carriage of approved Class I EPIRB on all
vessels that are not required to carry this equipment.
4 Type Approvals
4.1 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRBs carried on board Canadian vessels must be type approved. To
receive Canadian type approval, 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRBs must comply with the
performance standards of the Department of Transport, COSPAS-SARSAT and the radio standards
specifications of Industry Canada.
The International Cospas-Sarsat System will cease satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz beacons from
st
February 1 , 2009. All beacon owners and users should begin taking steps to replace their 121.5/243 MHz
beacons with 406 MHz beacons as soon as possible. A good time to consider purchasing a 406 MHz beacon
is when the battery on your 121.5 MHz beacon needs replacing. Typically, batteries need replacing about
every five years. The sooner you upgrade, the better the service the Cospas-Sarsat System can provide
should your beacon be activated in a distress event.
Beginning in 2009, only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This
affects all maritime beacons (EPIRBs), all aviation beacons (ELTs) and all personal beacons (PLBs).
You sell or give up your 406 Mhz beacon? Do not forget to amend the Canadian Beacon Registry (CBR),
your identity is related to the beacon. Contact CBR at:
Mariners should check with INMARSAT for exchange of any currently held INMARSAT 'E ' EPRIBs. Further,
mariners should only purchase and fit COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz EPRIBs in preparation for the
discontinuation of the INMARSAT 'E ' EPRIB service.
5.1 Every 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT and EPIRB is required to have a registration card included with the
EPIRB, as part of the type approval process. Furthermore, the Ship Station (Radio) Technical
Regulations require vessel owners to register each beacon.
5.2 These registries contain information about the beacon, the vessel it is on and the person who owns the
beacon. This information is used for search and rescue purposes and will greatly assist in the speedy
resolution of any beacon alarm incident. The responsibility of ensuring the accuracy of registry data
rests with the beacon owner. Since lives may depend on this information, it is in the owner's best
interests to ensure the initial and continuing accuracy of registered information.
5.3 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRBs must be registered with the Canadian Beacon Registry.
6 Safe Transportation
6.1 The power source for 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRBs is a long-life lithium battery. There are
federal and provincial regulations governing the transportation of equipment containing these batteries,
by land, sea or air.
6.2 Users should consult an EPIRB agent, a transportation company or the appropriate government
transportation authority for guidance prior to the shipment of an EPIRB for any purpose other than
normal use.
7 Warning
7.1 Investigations by the Canadian Coast Guard have determined that the Class 1 float-free, 406 MHz
COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB on board some vessels have not been properly installed or armed in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Such equipment would therefore not function
automatically in an emergency situation. It is imperative that mariners ensure that this float-free EPIRB
is properly installed on board their vessel and set for automatic operation.
8 Maintenance
8.1 Users should ensure that EPIRBs are tested every six months in accordance with the Ship Station
(Radio) Technical Regulations.
8.2 Users should read all instructions carefully and refer to the user manual for the manufacturer's
recommendations on periodic maintenance.
9 False Alarms
9.1 In order to minimize the impact on SAR resources, in the event of accidental activation of an EPIRB,
SAR authorities request that users:
.1 deactivate the beacon by turning the switch from ON to ARMED (or SAFE) position in certain models;
and,
.2 call the Canadian Mission Control Centre at 1-800-211-8107 or (613) 965-7265 or the nearest
JRCC/MRSC office to report the situation.
The information is to be reported to the TSB and this can be accomplished by reporting it via a marine radio
station, a Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre, a vessel traffic services station, a
marine radio station operated by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, a Canadian harbour
radio station, or by calling the following appropriate TSB Regional Standby number directly at:
Persons responsible for ships are reminded that penalties may be incurred by failing to report a marine
occurrence. The occurrence shall also be reported in writing, within 30 days following the occurrence, by
completing the appropriate form. Please note that workplace injuries on board vessels must also be
reported directly to Transport Canada.
The original TSB form is to be forwarded by mail, fax or email to the following appropriate TSB Regional
office address:
Atlantic Region
Address: 150 Thorne Avenue
Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1Z2
Phone: 902-426-2348
Facsimile: 902-426-5143
E-mail: MarineNotifications.Atlantic@tbs-bst.gc.ca
Central Region
Address: Place de la Cit / Tour Belle Cour
2590, boul. Laurier, bureau 700
Qubec, QC, G1V 4M6
Phone: 418-648-3576
Facsimile: 418-648-3656
E-mail: MarineNotifications.Central@tsb-bst.gc.ca
Pacific Region
Address: # 4-3071 Number Five Road
Richmond, BC, V6X 2T4
Phone: 604-666-5826
Facsimile: 604-666-7230
E-mail: MarineNotifications.Pacific@tsb-bst.gc.ca
Should further information be required, please contact any of the offices listed on the reporting form.
Canada is responsible for the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations and Masters of
vessels should note that these regulations contain specific provisions for oil, noxious liquid substances and
dangerous chemicals, pollutant substances, sewage, garbage, air, and anti-fouling systems. The regulations
incorporate the provisions of MARPOL and the Anti-fouling Systems Convention. Canada has acceded to
both these conventions, including all Annexes of MARPOL. However, stricter discharge provisions apply in
internal and inland waters. Canada is committed to protecting its marine wildlife and ocean environment and
will not tolerate the illegal discharge of oil, oily substances or other toxic substances in Canadian waters.
The North American Emission Control Area is in force and applies south of 60N in waters under Canadian
jurisdiction, including the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. This measure also applies in waters of French
territories of St Pierre and Miquelon and the United States. As of January 1, 2015, all vessels in North
American Emission Control Area must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10%.
All crew members must be made aware of the consequences of illegally releasing oil or other toxic
substances into Canadian waters, including the devastating effects on marine wildlife, the possibility of stiff
fines and imprisonment, and the publication of the names of vessels and individual crew members that have
been successfully prosecuted.
Vessels entering Canadian waters, including the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, are closely monitored
by aerial surveillance, patrol vessels, satellite imaging and port state control inspections.
Vessels suspected of illegally releasing oil, or other toxic substances into the marine environment, can be
detained for investigation and can be prosecuted under Canadian laws. Owners, operators or individual crew
members who are found guilty under Canadian laws can be fined up to $1 million.
Any discharge, or the danger of a discharge, of any pollutant must be reported by the quickest means
available and in the manner prescribed in the Guidelines for Reporting Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods,
Harmful Substances and/or Marine Pollutants (TP 9834) or International Maritime Organization Resolution
A.851(20) as amended. If a vessel has been unable to obtain compliant fuel for North American Emission
Control Area, it must report to in accordance with procedures set out the Ship Safety Bulletin 04/2013,
Reporting when compliant fuel is unavailable.
Masters of oil tankers should note that applicable tankers must carry either a Canadian Oil Pollution
Prevention Certificate or an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate as prescribed by the Regulations
and a Certificate of Insurance or Other Financial Responsibility issued in accordance with the provisions of
the International Convention of Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992.
Master of laden oil and chemical tanker, operating in ice control zones of Eastern Canada, should refer to the
Transport Canada publication Joint Industry - Government Guidelines for the Control of Oil Tankers and Bulk
Chemical Carriers in Ice Control Zones of Eastern Canada (TP 15163) for guidance in the operation of their
vessels while in ice control zones. A copy of the guidelines should be carried on board all applicable vessels.
Masters of vessels entering Canadas exclusive economic zone from seaward are advised to consult the
Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations (the Regulations) and A Guide to Canadas Ballast
Water Control and Management Regulations (TP 13617) to ensure compliance. With the exception of
vessels specifically exempted from the provision of the Regulations, all vessels are expected to exchange or
treat their ballast prior to ballast discharge in waters under Canadian jurisdiction. This requirement also
extends to vessels carrying only residual quantities of ballast water, if local water is to be added to the tanks
and discharged before leaving waters under Canadian jurisdiction. The Master of a vessel, whether or not
they are carrying ballast onboard, must ensure the vessel complies with the regulations and submits a
completed ballast water reporting form as outlined in TP 13617. In cases where Transport Canada
determines that a vessel did not comply with the Regulations, the vessel may be subject to inspection and
detention in accordance with subsection 222(1) of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
Transport Canada is the lead agency responsible for Canada's Marine Oil Spill Preparedness and Response
Regime. The regime was established in 1995 to enable industry to respond to its own oil spills of up to
10,000 tonnes within the prescribed time standards and operating environments, for Canadian waters south
of 60 degrees north latitude. The regime is built upon a partnership between government and industry. It sets
rigorous standards for response organizations and oil handling facilities, and establishes the requirements for
national preparedness capacity. Please refer to the end of this Notice for Transport Canada contact
information.
The Canadian Coast Guard is the lead federal agency responsible for ensuring an appropriate response to
all ship-source spills and will place the onus of response on the polluter. The Canadian Coast Guard
monitors the overall response to ensure that it is effective, timely, and appropriate to the incident. As the
Canadian Coast Guard will be notified of all ship-source spill occurrences, polluters are encouraged to
discuss their intentions with the appropriate Canadian Coast Guard representative. Please refer to the end of
this Notice for regional Canadian Coast Guard contact information.
Pursuant to Part 8 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, all oil tankers of 150 or more tonnes gross tonnage, all
other vessels of 400 or more tonnes gross tonnage that carry oil as fuel or as cargo and groups of vessels
that are towed or pushed, are of 150 gross tonnage or more and carry oil as cargo in Canadian waters south
th
of the 60 parallel of latitude are required to enter into an arrangement with a Transport Canada certified
response organization.
This does not apply to a non-Canadian vessel that is only transiting the territorial sea of Canada or the
exclusive economic zone of Canada, and is not engaged in the loading or unloading of oil during transit.
The following is a list of Transport Canada certified response organizations and their Geographic Areas of
Responsibility:
Western Canada Marine Response Corporations (WCMRC) geographic area of response covers the waters
bordering the Province of British Columbia (including the shorelines associated with such waters) and
extending throughout the Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nautical miles offshore) and including, but not
limited to, the inland waters of the Province.
Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC)s geographic area of response covers all the Canadian
waters south of 60N latitude in the provinces of Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, excluding the waters in the primary
areas of response associated with the designated ports of Saint John, N.B. and Point Tupper, N.S.
Point Tupper Marine Services Ltd. (PTMS)s geographic area of response comprises all the waters between
an arc having a 50 nautical mile radius about Bear Head light, 4533 North, 6117 West, but not extending
north of the Canso Causeway into St. Georges Bay and the contiguous land mass and, for greater certainty,
not to include the waters of the Bras dOr Lakes, St. Andrews Channel, St. Patricks Channel, Great Bras
dOr and other waters internal to Cape Breton Island.
Atlantic Emergency Response Team (ALERT) Inc.s geographic area of response covers all the Canadian
waters between the western boundary consisting of an arc having a 50 nautical mile radius about the point
450803N, 661712W, and the eastern boundary consisting of an arc having a 50 nautical mile radius
about a point, centered on Cape Spencer Light. Please refer to the end of this Notice for Response
Organizations contact information.
PART 1
1 Mariners are informed that, if it is necessary for the Department of National Defence to take control of
certain Canadian Ports the following signals will be displayed from a conspicuous position at or near the
ports concerned or by an Examination or Traffic Control Vessel.
(ii) By night - Three flashing red lights disposed vertically and visible all round the horizon.
By night - Three green lights disposed vertically and visible all round the horizon.
(ii) By night - Red light, green light, red light disposed vertically and visible all round the horizon.
The lights described above will be carried in addition to the ordinary navigation lights of Examination
Vessels.
3 Masters of vessels are warned that should they approach the entrance to a port which is being
controlled by the Department of National Defence they should not enter a declared Dangerous Area or
approach boom defences without permission, nor should they anchor or stop in a dangerous area or
prohibited anchorage unless instructed to do so. Masters are advised therefore to communicate with
any Government or Port Authority vessel found patrolling in the area to ascertain the recommended
approach route to the port.
PART 2
Examination service
4 In certain circumstances it may be necessary to take special measures to examine, or to establish the
identity of, individual vessels desiring to enter ports and to control their entry. This is the function of the
Examination Service, whose officers will be afloat in Examination Vessels or Traffic Control Vessels.
These Vessels will wear the distinguishing flags of the Examination Service which are:
5 If ordered to anchor in an Examination Anchorage, Masters are warned that it is forbidden, except for
the purpose of avoiding accident, to do any of the following without prior permission being obtained
from the Examining Officer.
6 Any passenger or member of the crew who has embarked outside of Canada must be examined by a
Canadian Immigration Officer before effecting admission to Canada.
PART 3
7 Nothing in this precautionary Notice is to be taken as overruling any regulations issued by local
authorities at particular ports or by routing authorities of the Department of National Defence.
The Canadian Forces, Maritime Command, operates four VICTORIA Class submarines. Mariners are
warned that they may encounter these submarines anywhere off the Canadian coast particularly in the
vicinity of the Halifax and Victoria approaches, the Juan de Fuca Strait and in naval operating areas south of
Halifax. United States Navy submarines are also frequently encountered off the east and west coasts of
Canada. Submarines may be surfaced or submerged, operating independently, or with surface ships and/or
aircraft.
When a surface ship is operating with a submarine the surface ship will fly the International Code Group NE
Pennant 2 meaning Submarines are exercising in this vicinity, you should proceed with great caution.
Vessels should steer so as to give a wide berth to any ship flying this signal. If from any cause it is
necessary to approach her, vessels should proceed at slow speed until warning is given of the danger zone
by VHF bridge-to-bridge radio, flags or signal lamp. At all times a good lookout should be kept for
submarines whose presence may only be indicated by a periscope or snorkel showing above the water.
A submarine, when operating at depth, either independently or with a surface ship or aircraft, may indicate its
position by releasing a smoke candle or a flare. (See para. 7)
Under certain circumstances warnings that submarines are exercising in specified areas may be issued as
CANHYDROLANT and CANHYDROPAC messages on standard navigational warning broadcasts.
3. Navigation Lights
(a) On many occasions, the overall arrangement of submarine lights and their small silhouettes, both while
underway and at anchor, have led to submarines being mistaken for much smaller vessels. For
instance, submarines at anchor by night have been confused with two separate vessels of less than 50
m (164 ft.) in length. The masthead and sidelights of submarines are placed well forward and very low
over the water in proportion to the length and tonnage of these vessels. In particular, the masthead
steaming light may be well forward of the midpoint of the submarine's length. The stern light is placed
very low and may at times be partially obscured by spray and wash but is invariably lower than the
sidelights. Some submarines may be encountered which do not carry a forward steaming light and on
which the stern light may be situated on the after end of the fin. In addition, if a submarine is sighted
on, or shortly after, surfacing (or shortly before diving), it may not be displaying sidelights as these are
stowed whilst a submarine is submerged. Victoria Class submarine navigation lights are normally
positioned as follows:
I. Masthead Steaming Light - above the fin about 9.27 m above the surface.
II. Stern Light - at the back of the fin about 6.84 m above the surface.
III. Side Lights - are below and forward of the masthead light about 3.0 m apart and 7.63 m above
the surface.
IV. Forward Anchor Light - in the bows about 5.5 m above the surface; and
V. After Anchor Light - at the stern about 3.3 m above the surface.
(b) In addition to displaying the prescribed navigation lights for such vessels, some submarines may show
a yellow coloured light, producing 90 flashes per minute, visible all round the horizon for a distance of
at least three nautical miles. The light is located over the fin about 10.16 m above the surface.
(c) Submerged submarines at periscope depth may show an all round or quick flashing red or yellow light
to indicate their presence to exercising aircraft.
Note: In restricted waters submarines should be passed with caution observing their limited manoeuvrability on the
surface, deep draught and their vulnerability to collision.
A disabled submarine, which is unable to surface, will try to indicate its position by the following methods:
(a) Releasing distress buoys described in para 6 of this notice as soon as the accident occurs;
(b) Firing red pyrotechnic signals described in para 7 of this notice. While the submarine may fire these
signals at any time, the signals are most likely to be released on the approach of surface vessels
and in response to sound signals in para (5) (e). These are special message carrying smoke candles,
which also release dye. Every effort should be made to obtain this message, which will be in a tubular
container attached to the top of the smoke candle;
(e) Personnel or debris floating on the surface. The personnel may be unconscious or incoherent due to
decompression sickness (DCS) problems and unable to explain their position. They may or may not be
wearing a Submarine Escape Suit or a Submarine Surface Abandonment Suit.
Mk 18 One Man Life Raft which comes with Submarine Escape Suit
a. There are a myriad of reasons that may force a crew of a submarine to abandon their vessel. In most
cases, these will include damage sustained as a result from a fire, flood, atmosphere contamination, or
reactor emergency. Circumstances leading to the crew abandoning a submarine will develop rapidly
and very likely result in a swift evacuation with little preparation time.
b. Surface abandonment from a submarine is accomplished by evacuating the submarine using the main
deck hatches or sail/ fin hatches. This is an extremely difficult evolution, particularly in higher sea
states and unlike surface ships; submarines offer no freeboard protection and are usually not fitted with
large life rafts and/ or ready-use provisions to support and sustain the crew.
c. Once the crew has successfully abandoned the submarine, survivors face numerous challenges and
adverse conditions while waiting for rescue forces. Survivors from an abandoned submarine are
unlikely to have experienced DCS however; there may be casualties or major injuries from smoke
inhalation, radiation, or hypothermia.
d. Survivors are likely to be in an Escape Suit or in some instances, a Submarine Surface Abandonment
Suit and may be tethered together or in portable or fixed life rafts.
The Submarine Surface Abandonment Suit (SSAS) is a high performance one piece, one size fits all
immersion suit designed to provide an exceptional level of thermal protection and floatation to personnel
immersed in colder waters for a period of up to 12 hours.
Victoria Class submarines carry ten portable six-person submarine inflatable life rafts. These life rafts are
designed for use in the event personnel are forced to abandon ship and are to be deployed in conjunction
with the SSAS.
The portable six-person submarine inflatable life raft is manufactured of twoply, polyisoprenecoated nylon
fabric. The design construction comprises twin superimposed circular buoyancy chambers; each chamber is
capable of supporting the fully laden life raft in adverse weather conditions; an inflatable boarding ramp;
additional boarding facility in the form of a footstep ladder and haulinginline arrangement; an inflatable
floor; and an automatically erected canopy supported by an inflatable arch structure. Water stabilizing ballast
pockets, a righting strap and a sea anchor are also standard features of the life raft. The canopy sides are
adjustable to allow total or partial closure; a means of rainwater catchment is also provided on the canopy.
Interior and exterior illumination is provided by wateractivated lighting system assemblies.
(a) In any submarine accident, time is the most vital factor affecting the chances of rescue of survivors. At
the first indication that a submarine accident has occurred - by sighting the indications noted in para 4
of this notice or actually being in collision with a submarine - an immediate report should be made
by the quickest available means to the Headquarters of Maritime Forces Atlantic in Halifax NS, Phone
(902) 427-2501 or the Headquarters of Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt BC (250) 363-2425 as
appropriate, or to the nearest Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre.
(b) The aim of a submarine rescue operation is to save lives and will have to achieve the following:
(i) Fixing the exact position of the submarine;
(ii) To get a ship standing by to pick up survivors, if practicable with boats already lowered;
(iii) To inform the trapped personnel that help is at hand;
(iv) To get medical assistance to recovered survivors;
(v) To get a recompression chamber to the scene; and
(vi) To get divers, rescue equipment, etc. on the scene to assist the submarine personnel.
(c) There are Maritime Forces Atlantic and Pacific organizations designed to respond to a submarine
search and rescue event, which are kept at an immediate readiness for action. It is clear, however, that
any ship may at any time find evidence of a submarine disaster, and if it takes prompt and correct
action as described above may be in a position to play a vital role. There should be no reluctance to
make a report of a suspected submarine accident because the observer has been unable to establish
beyond any reasonable doubt that a submarine accident has occurred. The Canadian Maritime Forces
Atlantic and Pacific are prepared to react appropriately.
(d) At any time after a submarine accident survivors may start attempting to escape. Conditions inside are
likely to deteriorate rapidly and postponement of escape will only be made in order to allow rescue
ships time to reach the scene. Any ship finding a submarine indicator buoy should not therefore, leave
the position but should remain in the area, well clear, ready to pick up survivors. The survivors will
ascend nearly verticaland it is important that plenty of sea room is given to enable them to do so in
safety. On arrival at the surface, personnel may be exhausted or ill, and if circumstances are
favourable, the presence of a boat already lowered is very desirable. Some personnel may require
recompression and it will be the aim of the Commander of either Maritime Forces Atlantic or Pacific
as appropriate to get personnel to a recompression chamber without delay.
(e) In order that those trapped in the submarine are aware that help is at hand, Canadian Maritime Forces
will drop up to 12 small explosive charges (individually at five second intervals) into the sea. There is no
objection to the use of small charges for this purpose but it is vital that they are not dropped too close
since men in the process of making ascents are particularly vulnerable to underwater explosions and
may easily receive fatal injuries. A distance of a quarter of a nautical
mile is considered to be safe. If no small charges are available, the running of an echo sounder or
rapping on the ship's hull with a hammer from a position below the waterline is likely to be heard in the
submarine. These signalling methods will reassure trapped survivors and therefore should be done at
regular intervals.
(a) Canadian Victoria Class submarines are fitted with two indicator buoys, which are tethered to the
submarine by a mooring line. These buoys are marked either FORWARD or AFT to indicate the end of
the submarine from which they were released and are marked with the submarines identification
number. They can be released from inside the vessel in case of emergency or if for any reason the
submarine is not able to surface. These buoys do not contain a telephone and there is, therefore, no
requirement to approach it. Great care should be taken to avoid damage to the buoy and its mooring
line and it should only be touched if it shows signs of sinking. In this case, a boat should endeavour to
support the buoy while putting minimum possible strain on the nylon line. Attaching a life raft to the buoy
may be the best means of achieving adequate support. There is a great danger of parting the mooring
line and losing the location of the distressed submarine
(b) Victoria Class submarine indicator buoys are Type 639 model 060 buoys. These buoys, with Scotch-
lite orange and silver reflective tape wrapped alternately around the upper half of the body have a white
light which flashes every two seconds. The buoy has a visual three-digit identifier in accordance with
ATP 57 NATO Submarine Search and Rescue Manual. There is a mooring bolt on the bottom from
which is suspended 1000 m of 1.3 cm (circumference) nylon mooring line. The buoys float with a
freeboard of about 15.2 cm. The buoy has an extending vertical whip antenna, which extends to a
height of 1.77 meters above the buoy. A white light which flashes approximately twice every second for
at least 40 hours is mounted in the centre of the top surface. In darkness, and during good weather, the
visibility of the light without binoculars is 3.2 kilometres. For identification purposes, the following
inscription is carried on each buoy around the top surface.
IN ENGLISH - S.O.S. identification number).Finder inform Navy, Coastguard or Police. Do not secure to or
touch
Each of the four Canadian submarines has two buoys. One is located forward of the fin and the other aft.
Each is labelled with a different three digit identification number.
The buoys are fitted with an automatic transmitting radio unit operating on 243.0 MHz, and the Global
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) frequency 406.025 MHz. The signals are transmitted
automatically when the indicator buoy is released. On frequency 243 MHz, the sound is a high-pitched tone
dropping to a low-pitched tone, then a break. This is repeated and these repeating tones will trigger
automatic receiving SAR equipment. On the GMDSS frequency, a 15-digit code is transmitted in digitalized
format. This code is received by satellite, which will correspond to the specific indicator buoy. The code is
identified by the Rescue Coordination Centres. Ships hearing these signals should immediately report their
position and depth of water and, if possible, an indication of signal strength. If sighted in depths of water
greater than 1000 m it is certain to be adrift and this fact should also be reported as soon as possible.
Two are carried on board and can be fired from the submerged signal ejectors.
The SEPIRB is designed for launch from submarines or by hand over the side. The SEPIRB is a 3 inch
diameter device with a maximum overall length of 41.285 inches and a maximum weight of 8.2 lbs.
The SEPIRB is activated after the launch tab is bent back during submarine launch or manually by hand.
Once on the surface, the SEPIRB immediately begins to obtain a GPS fix and begins transmitting a 406.025
MHz digital message to COSPAS-SARSAT system containing its initial GPS fix (default value until GPS fix is
obtained), elapsed time from activation, and unique ID number. No further updates of position are performed.
Six hours after activation the SEPIRB will begin transmission of a 121.5 MHz homing beacon signal to assist
in the location of the buoy. Operation continues until deactivation or end of battery life (min. of 48 hrs).
SEPIRB
The Victoria class carries expendable communications buoys Type ECB 680. This is a silver coloured, radio
rescue spar buoy approximately 10 cm in diameter by 60cm in length powered by a lithium cell (See plate 4).
The buoys are designed for launch from the signal ejector of a submerged submarine. Upon reaching the
surface, the buoy transmits a sabre tone radio distress signal 243.0 MHz for approximately 8 hours. The
buoy is free-floating and not attached to the submarine.
8. Submarine Pyrotechnics
There is a possibility that submarine pyrotechnics may be confused with aircraft marine markers, floats,
sonobuoys, etc. Therefore, when making identification, reference should also be made to paragraph 8.
(a) Smoke Candles - These are fired from submarines to indicate their position. The white candles can
burn for up to 15 minutes emitting smoke and flame and can thus be seen by day or night. (See plate
5). There are also yellow, red, and rarely used green and black smoke candles. These emit smoke for a
shorter period and do not have a marked flame and are difficult to see at night.
(b) Flares and Stars - These may be fired from submarines to indicate their position.
Flares (See plate 6) - A canister floats to the surface and a small explosive hurls a container about 150 m
(450 ft.) into the air. The container then disintegrates and a flare very similar to a Very's light is visible for
about 15 - 45 seconds. The flares are red, green or yellow.
Stars (See plate TBA)operate in a manner similar to flares except the container is hurled to a height of
about 151 m (450 ft.) and when the container disintegrates the red, green or yellow star descends
suspended from a parachute. At the same time the star canister in the water emits smoke of a colour
similar to the star for about 15-45 seconds.
(c) Dye Markers - Are attached the top red para flare candles and when released from the submarine float
to the surface and give off white smoke for up to 15 minutes. At the same time they release green
fluorescent dye in the water.
(d) Message Carrier - Message carriers (See plate 8) are curved tubular containers, which may be secured
to the top of red para flare. A message carrier is normally found on the body of a candle, which also
gives off fluorescent dye markings. Every effort should be made to obtain the message.
9. Marine Markers
The following may be dropped by aircraft or ships and unless closely examined, may be mistaken for
submarine pyrotechnics:
(a) Sonobuoys
All sonobuoys currently in use by the Canadian Forces are cylindrical in shape prior to deployment and
have the following dimensions:
Once deployed, however, the physical characteristics of the sonobuoys vary considerably, depending
on purpose and manufacturer.
Warning - Some sonobuoys contain lithium batteries, which are potentially hazardous. Improper
handling of the lithium power supply could result in extreme battery temperatures, venting of toxic
gases, fire and explosion. Most sonobuoys employ CO2 gas bottles to inflate the surface float and may
be hazardous if accidental activation occurs during handling.
(b) Warning - Markers contain pyrotechnic composition (red phosphorous) and, if not completely burned
out, are very dangerous and may cause severe burns if handled.
6 The airspace identification numbers used in this Notice conform to the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) Standards for airspace designations.
The identification system consists of a three-part code as follows:
(a) The assigned national identification letters - Canada is CY; and
(b) The letter R for a restricted area or the letter D for a danger area; and
(c) A three-digit number which will identify the airspace. This number will also indicate the region of
Canada within which the area is located according to the following criteria:
101 to 199 British Columbia
201 to 299 Alberta
301 to 399 Saskatchewan
401 to 499 Manitoba
501 to 599 Ontario
601 to 699 Qubec
701 to 799 New Brunswick; Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island; Newfoundland
801 to 899 Yukon Territory
901 to 999 Northwest Territories; Arctic Islands
EXAMPLE: CYD401
CY CY indicates Canada,
D Indicates Danger Area,
401 Indicates the assigned number of the area in Manitoba
7 WARNING
The portion of WG (Diagram 14) enclosed by pecked lines is an active surface, sub-surface, air and torpedo
firing/operations area which may also include use of active sonar. Operations are generally (though not
exclusively) conducted from 0700-1730 Monday to Saturday during which times area WG is considered
extremely hazardous to marine traffic. Additionally, any number of lit and unlit Mooring Buoys may be within
Area WG at various locations throughout the year to be used for military purposes. These buoys may be
placed, moved and/or removed without notice. Mariners are to exercise caution whenever transiting this area,
and vessels are required to remain clear whenever WG is active. Area WG constitutes a defence
establishment as defined in the National Defence Act to which the Defence Controlled Access Area
Regulations apply
EAST COAST
4400N 6300W
Chart 4400N 6245W
4320 4355N 6245W
4355N 6300W
4333N 6300W
Chart
4330N 6300W
8006
4330N 6234W
4400N 6230W
Charts
4400N 6200W
4001, 4003
4330N 6200W
To And 8007 Sub surface operations area.
4330N 6230W
HOTEL TWO 30,000 1
feet 4400N 6230W Firing Exercise (FIREX)
Chart 4400N 6200W
4013 4352N 6200W
4352N 6230W
4330N 6230W
To Charts Sub surface operations area.
HOTEL 4330N 6200W
30,000 4001, 4003 1
THREE 4300N 6200W
feet And 8007 Firing Exercise (FIREX)
4300N 6230W
4330N 6300W
Charts
4330N 6230W
4001, 4003
4300N 6230W
And 8007
4300N 6300W
4330N 6300W
To Sub surface operations area.
Chart 4330N 6240W
HOTEL FOUR 30,000 1
4012 4300N 6240W
feet Firing Exercise (FIREX)
4300N 6300W
4300N 6234W
Chart 4300N 6300W
8006 4330N 6300W
4330N 6234W
4516N 6100W
Charts
4400N 6100W
4001, 4003
4400N 6200W
And 4013
4459N 6200W
INDIA Sub surface operations area. 1
4452N 6200W
Chart 4400N 6200W
8007 4400N 6100W
4452N 6100W
4553N 6000W
Charts
4400N 6000W
4001, 4003
4400N 6100W
and 4013
4516N 6100W
JULIET Sub surface operations area. 1
4452N 6100W
Chart 4400N 6100W
8007 4400N 6000W
4452N 6000W
4300N 6500W
Charts
4300N 6400W
LIMA ONE 4001, 4003 Sub surface operations area. 1
4200N 6400W
and 8006
4200N 6500W
Rocket Area
Location Co-Ordinates Employment Diagram
DND DOT
AREA A
585600N 940000W
571800N 940000W
572000N 910800W
570400N 900000W 1R
594630N 900000W 2 Dependent on the characteristics of
each rocket, the trajectory will
AREA B cross all altitudes up to
approximately 600,000 feet during
594630N 900000W a period not exceeding 30 minutes
570400N 900000W the time of launch. It is that
551300N 823000W majority of rockets launched will
552800N 820000W impact at a point within Area A
Hudson Bay and 612700N 820000W (see diagram 10). Radar and other
Strait Churchill, surveillance procedures will be
10
Manitoba AREA C used over the area during the
(Chart 5000) range operations. No rocket will be
552800N 820000W launched if it is known that an
585500N 782800W aircraft or ship is likely to be
631500N 782800W endangered. Further details may
631500N 830000W be obtained through Thunder Bay
602100N 940000W MCTS
585600N 940000W Telephone: Officer in Charge
594630N 900000W 807-345-4618;
612700N 820000W MCTS Operations: 807-345-5190;
Facsimile: 807-345-2688
AREA D
631500N 830000W
631500N 900000W
602100N 940000W
#A
Islands
WG ACTIVE AREA
(HAZARDOUS)
Islands
Nanoose
Harbour
C
Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) - Nanoose Bay, BC
The Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges tests ship and aircraft systems and
torpedoes launched by surface vessels, submarines, or aircraft. No explosives are used; however, a
hazard exists due to the possibility of the torpedo homing on vessels and then the vessel being struck by the
torpedo on its way to the surface.
Testing is usually carried out during daylight hours Monday to Saturday. During testing, area "WG" is "Active".
Any vessel within the area will be required to clear or stop on demand from the "Winchelsea Island Control" or
any of the range vessels or range helicopter. The positions of these coordinates are clearly marked on the
diagram above.
A transit area 1,000 yards north of Winchelsea Island and 1,000 yards east of South Ballenas Island is
recommended to enable mariners to transit safely around the active area. It also facilitates unimpeded
access to marina facilities in Schooner Cove and Nanoose Bay. The active range area is clearly depicted on
CHS charts 3512, 3456 and 3459 by means of pecked lines.
Additional information on active range hours or for safe transit through the area may be obtained from:
Range vessels exhibit a flashing red light in addition to the prescribed lights and shapes. These vessels may
operate outside of scheduled hours and should not be approached within 3,000 yards because they may be
in a three-point moor with mooring lines extending to buoys 1,500 yards away. Additionally, lighted and
unlighted mooring buoys are randomly located within the area. Mariners are advised to use caution when
transiting this area during non-active range periods to avoid mooring buoys and lines.
Note: All of JDF Area is bounded by the shoreline where the area comes in contact with land
1 In order to extend the early warning coverage for the defence of the North American continent a plan is
now in existence for the reporting of vital intelligence sightings during peacetime. Reports originating
from ships will be known as MERINT (pronounced MUR-ENT) messages.
2 All Canadian vessels should originate MERINT reports as and when applicable. Types of reports shall
be as follows:
(b) AMPLIFYING report - a report giving additional significant information that becomes available.
(a) Immediately upon a vital intelligence sighting, except when the vessel is within territorial waters of
a country other than Canada, the U.S.A. or Greenland.
(b) When a situation previously reported changes sufficiently to warrant an amplifying report.
(c) When subsequent observation nullifies an initial sighting or amplifying report so as to warrant a
cancellation report.
Note: In the event a report cannot be made by radio, the master should report the details of the
MERINT sighting to the appropriate Canadian or U.S. consular or military authority immediately upon
arrival in port. Such reports should be made by the quickest available means.
4 MERINT messages should be transmitted to the nearest or most convenient Canadian or U.S.
Government coast station. No address is necessary for such messages as coast stations hold detailed
instructions for the delivery of MERINT messages.
5 All airborne and waterborne objects which appear to be hostile, suspicious or unidentified should be
reported.
(iii) Submarines.
(v) Aircraft or contrails (vapour trails made by high flying aircraft) which appear to be directed
against Canada, the U.S., their territories or possessions.
6 MERINT reports shall contain the following data, as applicable, in the order listed:
(c) The object sighted. A brief description containing the following items should be given.
(ii) Category of object, general description, etc. i.e. size, shape, type of propulsion, etc.
Note: MERINT reports should not be withheld or delayed due to lack of data for any of the above items.
7 When calling a coast station to deliver a MERINT message the call should be preceded by the word
MERINT transmitted three times as a priority indicator. If this priority indicator does not produce
satisfactory precedence the International Urgency Signal may be used.
Example:
MERINT MERINT MERINT - HALIFAX COAST GUARD RADIO HALIFAX RADIO HALIFAX COAST
GUARD RADIO - THIS IS KINGFISH KINGFISH KINGFISH - OVER.
MERINT PACIFIC LOGGER VICTOR GOLF ROMEO XRAY SIX JET BOMBERS FIVE ONE
NORTH ONE THREE FIVE WEST ONE FOUR ONE FIVE ZERO TWO ZULU HEADED
SOUTHEAST HIGH WITH CONTRAILS SPEED ABOUT FIVE ZERO ZERO MILES PER HOUR
NO IDENTIFICATION BROKEN CLOUDS - OVER.
MERINT AMPLIFY PACIFIC LOGGER VICTOR GOLF ROMEO XRAY ONE FOUR ONE FIVE
ZERO TWO ZULU TWO ADDITIONAL JET BOMBERS SIGHTED CIRCLING TO SOUTH - WEST
ONE FOUR ONE FIVE ZERO EIGHT ZULU - OVER.
MERINT CANCEL PACIFIC LOGGER VICTOR GOLF ROMEO XRAY ONE FOUR ONE FIVE
ZERO TWO ZULU IDENTIFIED AS UNITED STATES AIRCRAFT - OVER.
1 Fishermen operating off the coasts of Canada are warned that both non-explosive and explosive ordnance
may be discovered in normal fishing areas. These ordnance items may be brought to the surface in nets or
trawls.
2 Non-explosive ordnance such as practice torpedoes will normally be painted bright orange, smaller non-
explosive ordnance will normally be a dark or light blue. Any item which cannot be readily identified by sight
as non-explosive ordnance should be treated as explosive in character. Explosive ordnance small or large
will normally be painted or marked in yellow, red or green. If there is any doubt about the identity of any
object brought up by nets or trawls it should be considered as an explosive.
b. The dark blue was the old marking for dummy ammunition now it is bronze;
d. When a colour for a primary role does not in itself indicate the presence of an explosive or other hazardous
material, the presence of these materials may be indicated by narrow bands or by letters applied in an
appropriate colour of the code.
3 Explosive ordnance may still be dangerous even if they have been in the water for many years. Suspected
explosive ordnance should be treated with great care, and if observed in the net or trawl while still outboard,
no attempt should be made to bring it alongside or aboard. The trawl should be lowered and where possible,
towed clear of regular fishing grounds before cutting away the net as necessary.
4 In the event that a suspected explosive ordnance item cannot be released or freed by cutting the net or line,
the following actions are advised:
5 In the event of a suspected ordnance item not being detected until the contents of the trawl have been
discharged on deck, the following action should be taken:
(i) Great care should be taken to avoid bumping the object.
(ii) It should be stowed on deck away from heat and vibration.
(iii) It should be firmly chocked up and well secured to prevent movement.
(iv) It should be kept covered up and dampened down. (This is important because any explosive
which may have become exposed to the atmosphere is liable to become very sensitive to shock if
allowed to dry out).
(v) Notify nearest Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and stand by for instructions. The JRCC
will contact the nearest EOD team for direction.
6 A ship with a suspected explosive item on board or in her gear, should warn other ships in the vicinity giving
her position.
Note: The accompanying plates showing ordnance used currently and in the past by DND ships and
aircraft, will assist in identifying explosive ordnance that may be recovered from the sea.
NAVAL DECOY
NAVAL PYROTECHNICS
NAVAL PYROTECHNICS
Flare Aircraft
Signal Underwater
Parachute
Sound Mk411
LUU 2AB/2BB
Length 38.1 cm
Length 91.4 cm
Diameter 7.62 cm
Diameter 12.4 cm
Marker Location
5.125 inch chaff
Marine
Mk 182
C1A1 or C1A2
Length 1206.5 mm
Length 47 cm
Diameter 130 mm
Diameter 7.56 cm
NAVAL PYROTECHNICS
Marker Location
Signal Distress
Marine
Day and Night
Mk 58
Length 135 mm
Length 21.5 inches
Diameter 42 mm
Diameter 4.9 inches
NAVAL SHELLS
40 mm 57 mm
76 mm 20 mm
NAVAL SHELLS
Cartridge 40mm
Cart 57mm Pre-
High Explosive-
Fragmented
tracer (HE-T)
High Explosive
Cartridges 40mm
Practice (BL/P)
Depth Charge
HE DM211
Anti-Frogman
Practice bomb
Length 268 mm
Diameter 60 mm
1 The attention of shipowners and mariners is called to the danger to all concerned which is caused by
single vessels approaching a formation of warships or merchant vessels in convoy, so closely as to
involve risk of collision, attempting to pass ahead of, or through such a formation or convoy.
2 Mariners are therefore warned that single vessels should adopt early measures to keep out of the way
of a formation or convoy.
3 Although a single vessel is advised to keep out of the way of a formation or convoy, this does not entitle
vessels sailing in company to proceed without regard to the movements of the single vessel.
Vessels sailing in a formation or convoy should accordingly keep a careful watch on the movements of
any single vessel approaching the formation or convoy and should be ready, in case the single vessel
does not keep out of the way; to take such action as will best aid to avert collision.
Aircraft carriers
4 Attention is drawn to the uncertainty of the movements of aircraft carriers, which must usually turn into
the wind when aircraft are taking off or landing. While operating aircraft, aircraft carriers will show the
lights or shapes as prescribed by Rule 27(b) of Schedule I of the Collision Regulations. Aircraft carriers
may display red or white flight deck lighting during night flying operations.
(a) their steaming lights placed permanently off the centre line of the ship and at considerably reduced
horizontal separation.
(ii) on either side of the island structure, in which case the port bow light may be as much as
30.5 m (100 ft.) from the port side of the ship.
In the forward part of the vessel at a distance of not more than 1.5 m (5 ft.) below the flight deck, two
lights in the same horizontal plane, one on the port side and one on the starboard side.
In the after part of the vessel at a height of not less than 4.6 m (15 ft.) lower than the forward lights, two
lights in the same horizontal plane, one on the port side and one on the starboard side.
Each light is visible over an arc of at least 180. The forward lights visible over a minimum arc from one
point on the opposite bow to one point from right astern on their own side, and the after lights from one
point on the opposite quarter to one point from right ahead on their own side.
7 Mariners are warned that certain ships of the Maritime Command operate helicopters and cannot
manoeuvre freely when helicopters are taking off or landing. Such ships are fitted with hangars and
landing platforms, and when operating at night use red or white flood lighting.
8 By night, such ships in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b) of Schedule I of the Collision
Regulations may exhibit the following lights:
(a) Red aircraft warning lights on the foremast, visible 360. The lights will be on continuously when a
helicopter is in the vicinity of the ship.
(b) A cluster of six red, green, or yellow lights, mounted on the after side of the helicopter hangar,
visible from red 090 to green 090 through the stern. These lights will be used intermittently as
required when helicopters are landing.
(c) Subdued white flight-deck illumination lights. These lights will present a general white glow to
other ships.
(d) White, high intensity, flight deck flood lights, fitted on the after side of the hangar, visible from red
090 to green 090 through the stern may be used after the helicopter has landed.
(Red deck lights and flood lights may be used instead of white.)
(e) Lighting associated with Helicopter Operation may be shown in addition to masthead lights, side
lights and overtaking light, at the discretion of the officer in tactical command (OTC).
Replenishment-at-Sea
9 Canadian and Allied Warships in conjunction with auxiliaries frequently exercise Replenishment-at-Sea.
While doing so the two or more ships taking part are connected by jack-stays and hoses. They display
the signals prescribed by Rule 27(b) of Schedule I of the Collision Regulations.
10 Mariners are warned that while carrying out these exercises the ships are restricted both in
manoeuvrability and speed. Other vessels are to keep well clear in accordance with Rules 2 and 18 of
the above Regulations.
11 Lights and shapes carried by North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mine Countermeasures Vehicles.
Mariners are warned that Canadian, Allied Warships and Helicopters engaged in mine countermeasure
activities, cannot manoeuvre freely whilst so engaged. These ships/aircraft may be encountered singly
or in formation. Attention is directed to the lights and shapes displayed during these operations:
a. Minehunters
Ships engaged in minehunting will show the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(f) of Schedule I
of the Collision Regulations. Minehunters normally work in conjunction with small boats and
inflatable rubber dinghies from which diving or mine disposal operations are conducted. These
may be up to 1,000 metres from the minehunter. When showing the lights or shapes prescribed in
Rule 27 (f) of Schedule I of the Collision Regulations, other vessels should not approach closer
than 1,000 metres of the minehunter. When a dinghy is being used to operate divers or conduct
mine disposal operations, the minehunters in addition to the lights and shapes prescribed above
will:
(1) By Day:
Display Flag ' A' or Flag ' B' of the International Code of Signals as appropriate.
(2) By night:
(a) Signal the letter ' U' by flashing light when approached by other vessels.
(b) Make a warning signal in accordance with Rule 36 of Schedule I of the Collision
Regulations if approaching vessels do not take avoiding action.
b. Diving Dinghies
When operating divers or conducting mine disposal operations, the dinghy will be required to:
(1) By day:
Display/be prepared to display Flag ' A' or Flag ' B' of the International Code of Signals as
appropriate when approached by other vessels.
(2) By night:
(a) Display/be prepared to display an all-round white light in accordance with Rule 23(c) of
Schedule I of the Collision Regulations.
c Minesweepers
(1) Ships engaged in minesweeping will show the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(f) of
Schedule I of the Collision Regulations. Other vessels should not approach closer than
1,000 metres from the minesweeper.
(2) In addition, the minesweepers may carry the following Station-Keeping Lights:
Two vertical white lights, dimmer controlled, visible from 020 before the beam on either side
to right astern. In smaller minesweepers, where the lower light may not be visible through the
whole area, it may be necessary to carry two lower lights, one on each side, visible from 020
before the beam to right astern.
d. Helicopters
The helicopter shall be equipped with a quick flashing amber light to indicate that gear is being
towed.
39 Naval Messages to Canadian Merchant Ships Including Small Craft and Fishing
Vessels
2 Canada subscribes to the Commonwealth GBMS organization by which NAVAL MESSAGES are
passed to Commonwealth Merchant Ships.
3 The procedures for passing NAVAL MESSAGES to Canadian and Commonwealth ships in Canadian
areas are described hereunder. Such messages will be important and may be vital to your ship's safety
and welfare.
I Ships fitted with Radiotelegraph Equipment (Ocean Shipping) will comply with the procedure
outlined for the GBMS Organization in Admiralty Annual Notice to Mariners No. 3A. THIS
PROCEDURE WILL BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE BY CANADIAN MESSAGE A.
II Other vessels, primarily those fitted with Radiotelephone Equipment (Coastal Shipping) will be
informed of the commencement of emergency procedures by a special message from National
Defence Headquarters. This will be on the normal working frequency of each MCTS Centre
making scheduled weather broadcasts and repeated at intervals until sufficiently promulgated.
Such broadcasts will be preceded by a general call to all stations on the calling frequency. The
following points concerning transmissions after emergency procedures have been brought into
force are to be noted and observed:
(a) Ships are to continue to receive messages from MCTS Centres serving the waters in which
they are operating.
(b) Naval messages will be broadcasted immediately following scheduled weather broadcasts.
(c) The text of each naval message will indicate the Naval Authority which has originated it and
will contain if necessary, details of the locality to which it refers. The last group in the text will
consist of a six figure date-time group to indicate the date and time the message was
originated.
Example:
All Canadian Merchant Ships, this is St. John's Coast Guard Radio. Here is a message from National
Defence Headquarters (or Maritime Command Headquarters, or Maritime Headquarters Pacific) begins
... (text). I say again... (repetition of text) ends. This is St. John's Coast Guard Radio. OUT.
(d) Messages are not to be acknowledged unless ships are specifically directed in the text to
make acknowledgement.
4 Tests of these procedures may be conducted from time to time in conjunction with Naval Exercises. The
texts of test messages will always begin and end with the words, This is a test message. Masters of
ships receiving a test message are required to forward brief reports by mail through their owners to
National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Canada, stating the time and the approximate position at
which the message was received.
5 Radio Officers and others concerned should note that in peace time Canadian Naval Messages and
Admiralty Messages will be transmitted through Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and
Traffic Services Centres only.
40 Contamination Prediction System for Merchant Ships at Sea and the MERWARN
System
1 Introduction
Radioactive fallout from nuclear explosions and chemical and biological contamination (hereafter
collectively referred to as contamination) on sea and land targets, particularly from the latter, may affect
large areas of adjacent waters. The areas affected will depend upon the prevailing wind conditions, and
any ship close to or approaching these areas will be in grave danger. It is therefore essential that
shipping should be warned of the fallout hazards and contamination in order that:
(a) Passive defence measures, such as switching on washdown systems, may be taken.
2 Danger zones
All shipping in waters out to 200 nautical miles from any coast at the outset of nuclear release must be
regarded as being in an area of possible fallout danger from that release on shore.
The point on the surface of the earth at, or vertically below or above, the centre of a planned or actual
nuclear detonation (GZ).
A simplified contamination warning system has been established throughout NATO for broadcasting,
via MERCOMMS and coastal radio stations, warnings of contamination dangerous to merchant
shipping. This system calls for the origination, by NATO naval authorities, of five types of messages:
(a) MERWARN NBC Effective Downwind Message (MERWARN NBC EDM). The MERWARN NBC
EDM is a prediction, for a specified sea area and time interval, of the fallout, which will result from
a one megaton (1 MT) nuclear surface explosion. It will give the master of a ship, observing a
nuclear explosion, an immediate indication of the area likely to be affected by fallout.
(b) MERWARN NBC 3 NUC. The MERWARN NBC 3 NUC will be issued after a nuclear attack and
gives fallout data for a specific nuclear explosion or series of explosions, which will be identified in
the message.
(c) MERWARN NBC Chemical Downwind Message, (MERWARN NBC CDM). This contains a
forecast of the meteorological data needed for the chemical hazard area prediction procedure.
(d) MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM. This message is issued to pass immediate warning of a predicted
chemical contamination and hazard area.
(e) MERWARN DIVERSION ORDER. This is a general diversion order, based upon the fallout threat,
whereby merchant ships proceeding independently are passed evasive routing instructions of a
general nature.
Note: In some cases it may be better to provide warning of contamination by means of general plain
language messages rather than by the formats above. The messages in a., b. and c. above are
explained in more detail in the following paragraphs. Biological procedures for shipping are the same
as for land and are described in Chapter 9 to the NATO ATP-45.
MERWARN Originating and Diversion authorities will be designated by national or NATO commanders
before commencement of operations.
All MERWARN NBC messages should be given the precedence FLASH (Z) to ensure rapid handling on
any military circuit between the originating authority and the MERCOMMS and/or coastal radio stations.
This precedence should not be used where the rules for the use of the International Safety Signal (TTT
for CW and Security for voice circuits) apply. (See para 7).
7 Method of Promulgation.
All MERWARN NBC EDM, MERWARN NBC CDM, MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM and NBC 3 NUC
messages will be transmitted in plain language, using GMT, preceded by the International Safety Signal
(TTT for CW and Security for voice circuits) from the appropriate MERCOMMS station and from all the
coastal radio stations of the area concerned. Thus masters need not concern themselves with the
identity of the MERWARN originators, but only with the sea areas covered by each message.
8 Relay Responsibilities.
(a) The appropriate Coast Earth Station (INMARSAT) (CES), Coast Radio Station (CRS) under their
control and/or other CRS in their geographic area.
(b) Their own national authorities (for transmission to merchant ships not yet copying MERCOMMS).
(c) Adjacent MERWARN originators and shipping diverting authorities within the geographical area
affected by each MERWARN NBC 3 NUC message.
Note: Adjacent MERWARN originators are responsible for relaying to CES/CRS under their control as
necessary.
9 MERWARN EDM
MERWARN NBC EDM is a prediction, for a specified sea area and time interval, of the fallout, which
will result from a one megaton (1 MT) nuclear surface explosion. It will give the master of a ship,
observing a nuclear explosion, an immediate indication of the area likely to be affected by fallout.
MERWARN NBC EDM will be issued at 12 hour intervals from the time of activation of the
MERCOMMS system, and will be valid 12 hours ahead from the date and time given in the first line of
the message (A). In the event of changing meteorological conditions it may be necessary for the
originating authorities to issue MERWARN NBC EDM more frequently. The original MERWARN NBC
EDM will automatically be overruled by the latest MERWARN EDM issued. The following standard
format will be used:
(a) Message identifier (MERWARN NBC EDM) and date-time-group (GMT) from which valid for 12
hours ahead.
(c) Effective downwind direction (degrees, 3 digits) and effective downwind speed (knots, 3 digits).
Example:
Note: Sets (b)., (c). and (d). may be repeated for different sea areas should this be considered necessary.
MERWARN NBC 3 NUC will be issued after a nuclear attack producing fallout, and gives fallout data for
a specific explosion or series of explosions, which will be identified in the message. MERWARN NBC 3
NUC messages are issued as soon as possible after the attack, and at six hour intervals (to the nearest
hour) thereafter, for as long as the fallout danger exists. They contain information, which enables the
master of a ship to plot the danger area. The standard format of MERWARN NBC 3 NUC contains the
sets ALFA, DELTA, FOXTROT and PAPAB of the military NBC 3 NUC message (see ATP-45, Chapter
2). The MERWARN NBC 3 NUC has the following structure:
Example:
ALFA/UK/NBCC/02-001/N//
DELTA/021405ZSEP1999//
FOXTROT/451230N014312E/AA//
PAPAB/012KTS/028NM/02NM/272DGT/312DGT//
The MERWARN NBC 3 NUC standard format may not be suitable after a multiple nuclear attack, which
produces fallout from several bursts in a large or complex target area. In such cases warnings will be
plain language statements of a more general nature, indicating area affected and expected movement
of the fallout.
Example 1:
ALFA/UK/02-001/N//
DELTA/021405ZSEP1999//
Fallout extends from Glasgow area to eastern Ireland at 021405Z and is spreading westwards with 12
Knots. Irish Sea is likely to be affected within an area of 60 nautical miles of the British coast.
Example 2:
ALFA/IT/15-001/N//
DELTA/150630ZFEB1999//
Fallout is estimated to be occurring at 150830Z over Adriatic Sea east of the coast line Bari/Brindisi up
to a distance of 30 nautical miles. Fallout is moving south-eastwards with 016 Knots, getting weaker. It
is not expected to be dangerous after 151000Z.
The MERWARN NBC CDM message contains information needed for CHEM/BIO hazard prediction by
the master of a merchant ship. The MERWARN NBC CDM will be issued as required via the
MERCOMMS and will be valid as specified. In the event of changes in the meteorological conditions,
the MERWARN NBC CDM will be updated as required.
ALFA: Message identifier (MERWARN NBC CDM), date/time group (GMT) from which valid
6 hours ahead.
BRAVO: Specified sea area for which valid.
CHARLIE: Representative downwind direction (degrees, 3 digits) and representative downwind
speed (knots, 3 digits).
DELTA: Maximum downwind hazard distance (nautical miles, 3 digits).
ECHO: Additional information.
Example:
MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM. This message is issued to pass immediate warning of a predicted chemical
contamination and hazard area. MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM reports are issued as soon as possible after
each attack. They contain sufficient information to enable the master of a ship to plot the downwind
hazard area.
(a) The following standard format will be used for MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM:
Note: If representative downwind speed is 5 knots or less, or variable, this letter item will consist of
three (3) digits instead of coordinates, representing the radius of a circle in nautical miles centred on the
location of the attack contained in set FOXTROT.
Note: Some of the letter items above may not be completed in the report that is received, but there will
be sufficient information for a Downwind Hazard plot to be carried out.
(b) The MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM standard format may not be suitable after a multiple chemical
attack, which produces a hazard from several attacks or depositions in a large or complex target
area. In such cases warnings will be plain language statements of a more general nature,
indicating areas affected and expected movement of the hazard.
Example 1:
ALFA/DA/NBCCC-4/003/C//
DELTA/020300ZSEP1999//
GENTEXT/PERSISTENT NERVE AGENT VAPOUR HAZARD EXISTS FROM NORFOLK TO
HATTERAS AT 020300Z SEP 1999 AND IS SPREADING SOUTH-EASTWARDS AT 017
KNOTS. SEA AREA OUT TO 100 NAUTICAL MILES FROM COAST LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED
BY 020600ZSEP1999//
Example 2:
ALFA/DA/NBCC-3/003/C//
DELTA/020300ZSEP1999//
GENTEXT/PERSISTENT NERVE AGENT VAPOUR HAZARD AT 020600 SEP 99 IS
ESTIMATED TO BE OCCURRING OVER MOST OF THE SEA AREAS OUT TO 40 MILES EAST
OF THE COAST LINE FROM NORFOLK TO HATTERAS. HAZARD IS EXPECTED TO HAVE
DISPERSED BY 021000Z SEP1999//
In addition to the origination of MERWARN NBC EDM and MERWARN NBC 3 NUC messages, naval
authorities may, if circumstances dictate, broadcast general diversion orders, based upon the fallout
threat, whereby merchant ships proceeding independently will be passed evasive routing instructions of
a more general nature, using the standard Naval Control of Shipping (NCS) identifier MERWARN
DIVERSION ORDER.
(b) English Channel closed. All shipping in North Sea remain north of 052 degrees N until
031500ZSEP1999.
15 Other Warnings.
ATP-2, VOL II, gives instructions for the display of signals by ships, which have received a MERWARN
NBC 3 NUC message, which affects their area. Ships arriving from sea but remaining beyond
visual/aural range of shore stations should continue to keep radio watch in order to receive MERWARN
Messages.
APPENDIX "A"
Winds in the atmosphere vary considerably with height, both in direction and speed, and have a major
influence on the distribution of radioactive fallout from a nuclear cloud. The worst contamination will fall
to the surface along a path represented by the average wind between the surface and the middle of the
nuclear cloud. Based upon meteorological information on the wind conditions in the air space between
the surface and the height of the nuclear cloud, NBC Collection Centres will compute the average
direction and speed of the radioactive particles' path from the nuclear cloud to the surface. The results
of this computation make the fallout prediction, expressed in the terms of effective downwind direction
and wind speed. It should be noted that the direction of the effective downwind is the direction towards
which the wind blows. This direction is also known as the fallout axis. The surface wind will usually be
considerably different from the effective downwind, both in direction and speed, and the surface wind
should never be used to estimate the drift of fallout.
The predicted fallout area consists of two zones, Zone I and II, the criteria of which are:
(a) Zone I is the zone of immediate concern. Within this zone there will be areas where exposed,
unprotected personnel may receive doses of 150 cGy or greater, within 4 hours. Casualties among
personnel may occur within portions of this zone.
(b) Zone II is the zone of secondary hazard. Within this zone the total dose received by exposed,
unprotected personnel is not expected to reach 150 cGy within a period of 4 hours after the actual
arrival of fallout, not even when the radioactive fallout remains on the deck of the ship.
(c) Outside the two zones the risk will be less. This radiation risk considers the total dose received by
exposed, unprotected personnel, not to exceed 75 cGy.
WARNING
At all time consideration must be given to both external and internal radiation doses. Potential
residence times in specified contaminated areas could allow exposure to equal the maximum
dose allowed by any of the zones mentioned above. In addition, this is a maximum permissible
dose approach that requires diligent application of ALARA.
To simplify the plotting and presentation of fallout information in ships, while preserving a reasonable
accuracy, a "Fallout Template" is required. A "Ship's Fallout Template" is shown in Figure G40-I,
designed for use in naval ships as well as in merchant ships. The table containing cloud radii and safety
distances at the bottom of the template is for use in naval ships only, and should not be used by
merchant ships. For the purpose of further simplification, merchant ships are to use cloud radii and
safety distance as follows:
(a) Plotting from MERWARN NBC EDM: Use cloud radius 10 nautical miles and safety distance 15
nautical miles in all cases.
(b) Plotting from MERWARN NBC 3 NUC: Use the cloud radius given in the MERWARN NBC 3 NUC
and, in all cases, a safety distance of 15 nautical miles.
When a nuclear explosion is reported in a MERWARN NBC 3 NUC message, the master of a merchant
ship should immediately plot the fallout area, using the information contained in the message. When a
MERWARN NBC 3 NUC is not available, e.g. when a nuclear detonation is observed from the ship, the
data contained in the current MERWARN NBC EDM should be used. The plotting procedures are
almost identical in the two cases. The transparent Ship's Fallout Template is used, and the plotting
should be made in the following order:
(a) Look up fourth and fifth field of set PAPAB (left and right radial line of the fallout area) and
calculate the bisector. This line is the equivalent to the downwind direction. Draw the grid north
(GN) line from the centre of the inverted compass rose (GZ) through the number of degrees on the
compass rose equal to the above calculated downwind direction.
(b) Using the scale of the chart on which the plot is to be used and with GZ as centre and the
downwind distance of Zone I (set PAPAB, field two) as radius, draw an arc between the two radial
lines printed on the template on each side of the downwind axis. Using double the distance of
Zone I as radius, draw another arc, representing the Zone II downwind distance.
(c) Using the chart scale, with GZ as centre draw a semicircle upwind of GZ, the radius of the circle
being the radius given in the MERWARN NBC 3 NUC, (set PAPAB, field three). The pre-printed
semi circles may be helpful.
(d) From the intersections of the Zone I arc with the two radial lines, draw lines to the ends of the
cloud radius semi circle.
(e) Determine the area in which fallout deposition is predicted to occur at any given time after the
detonation:
(1) Multiply the effective downwind speed (from MERWARN NBC 3 NUC, set PAPAB, first field)
by the time after burst (in hours), the result being a distance in nautical miles.
(2) To and from this distance add and subtract a safety distance of 15 nautical miles (see para
4.b.) to allow for finite cloud size, diffusion and wind fluctuations. The result is two distances.
(3) With GZ as centre and the two distances obtained in (2) as radii, draw arcs across the
plotted fallout area.
(4) The area enclosed between the two arcs will contain, in most cases, the area of deposition of
fallout at this particular time after the burst. (See the worked example in para 5).
Example :
(a) Given:
ALFA/UK/NBCC/09-001/N//
DELTA/091715ZSEP1999//
FOXTROT/PLYMOUTH/AA//
PAPAB/018KTS/040NM/05NM/275DGT/315DGT//
(b) Problem:
Determine the predicted fallout area and the area within which fallout is predicted to deposit at the
surface at 091845ZSEP1999.
(c) Solution:
(1) Calculate the downwind direction 295 degrees as bisector from left and right radial line from
set PAPAB, fourth and fifth field. Draw the GN line from GZ through 295 degrees of the
inverted compass rose on the template.
(2) From set PAPAB, the downwind distance of Zone I is 040 nautical miles. Therefore the Zone
II downwind distance is 2 x 40 = 80 nautical miles. Using the appropriate chart scale, with GZ
as centre and 40 and 80 nautical miles as radii, draw arcs between the two radial lines.
(3) From set PAPAB, third field, the cloud radius is 05 nautical miles. With GZ as centre and 5
nautical miles as radius draw the cloud radius semicircle upwind of GZ. The pre-printed semi
circles may be helpful.
(4) Connect the ends of the cloud radius semi circles with the intersection of the left and right
radial lines and the Zone I arc.
(5) 091845Z is 1 hours after the burst. From set PAPAB, first field, obtain the speed of the
effective downwind, i.e. 018 knots.
(6) With GZ as centre and 42 and 12 nautical miles as radii draw arcs across the fallout pattern.
The area enclosed by the two arcs and the contour of the pattern is the area within which
fallout is predicted to deposit at the surface at 091845ZSEP 1999.
When a chemical attack is reported in a MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM message, the following procedure
should be followed:
(a) Plot the location of the attack from the details in set FOXTROT.
(b) Plot the coordinates or radius of the circle contained in set PAPAA.
If a MERWARN NBC 3 CHEM is not received but either observations of an attack, or a local report of
an attack is received, then the following procedure should be carried out:
(a) Mark the actual or suspected location of the attack on the chart.
(b) Draw a circle, radius 0.5 NM, centred on the attack location. From the centre of the attack area
draw the representative downwind direction, which is contained in set CHARLIE of the MERWARN
NBC CDM.
(c) Place the centre of the ship's chemical template on the centre of the attack area. Position the
centre line of the template on the representative downwind direction line.
(d) Keeping the centre line of the template on the representative downwind direction, move the
template upwind until the 20 lines of the template make tangents with the circle around the attack
area.
(e) Mark the tangent lines using the holes in the template. Join these marks with the attack area
circle.
(f) If the chemical agent is identified as nerve agent, take the downwind hazard distance for the
miosis level from ATP-45, Annex E for the agent. Measure this distance from the centre of the
attack area on the downwind direction line and mark it. Through this point draw a line
perpendicular to the representative direction line until it meets the 2 tangents.
(g) If the agent is unknown then use the downwind hazard distance of 44 NM as this will be the worst
case.
(h) The hazard area is now defined as the area bounded by:
(i) Adjustments to the downwind hazard distance can be made as and when the agent is identified.
APPENDIX "B"
1 Attacks with nuclear weapons may be expected on land targets adjacent to your route. Such attacks are
likely to result in radioactive fall-out being deposited over large sea areas, through which you may have
to pass. It may be possible to issue a general warning to indicate which areas are likely to be
dangerous at any particular time.
2 As fall-out will probably be in the form of fine dust, which may well be invisible, you should observe the
following precautions during nuclear fall-out.
3 If your ship is equipped with the necessary instruments to detect fall-out, these precautions may be
relaxed accordingly.
Precautions to be taken
4 If your ship has a pre-arranged radioactive counter-measure plan prepared, ensure that all the
measures laid down in that plan are carried out. If no such plan is in existence, improvise measures as
indicated below:
(a) Select a group, or groups, of compartments as low down in the ship and as far removed from the
ship's sides as possible within which the crew can take shelter. These spaces should be equipped
with washing and lavatory facilities, and sufficient food should be stowed there to last for the
passage through the dangerous area. Spaces selected should be capable of being completely
shut down with all ventilation and other openings secured.
(b) Strike below, or cover, as much weather deck gear as possible, particularly absorbent materials
such as rope, awnings, etc. Ensure that food stores and galleys are closed down with all openings
closed. Stop all ventilation fans and close or cover all ventilation and other openings, which are not
essential for running machinery and continued steaming. In the absence of suitable closures, the
use of canvas covers, adhesive tape, etc., is recommended.
(c) Rig all available fire-fighting/wash-deck hoses and nozzles to spray water continuously over as
much of the weather decks and superstructure as possible, to prevent contamination settling. If
complete coverage is impossible, concentrate effort on the navigating position, over the top of the
shelter position(s) and above the machinery spaces.
(d) If a continued spraying of the upper-works is impracticable, organize working parties at frequent
intervals to wash down the weather decks and superstructure to reduce the build-up of
contamination.
(e) Reduce the number of your crew who must remain on the weather decks or in positions near the
weather decks, or in machinery spaces, to the bare minimum required for safe steaming, and keep
the remainder in the selected shelter position(s).
(f) Ensure that all men who must remain in exposed positions (including machinery spaces, unless
ventilation can be stopped) are fully clothed, preferably in "foul weather" clothing, with all the skin
covered so far as practicable.
(g) During your passage, so far as the numbers of appropriately skilled personnel allow, change round
those manning exposed or relatively unsheltered positions (including the machinery spaces) as
often as possible, in order to spread the radiation dosage. Remember that this advice also applies
to YOU; take as much shelter as the safe navigation of your ship will permit.
(h) Ensure that all men who have been exposed remove at least their outer clothing on returning to
shelter, wash thoroughly their exposed skin, especially the hands, face and neck, as soon as
possible, and in any case before drinking or eating.
(i) Restrict unnecessary movement throughout the ship, to minimize the possible spread of
contamination.
(j) Unless essential, do not distil water for drinking while in the dangerous areas.
(k) As soon as possible after clearing the dangerous area, carry out a thorough hosing down of the
entire weather decks and superstructure.
Mariners, Shipowners and others concerned are advised that H.M.C. and H.M. Ships by virtue of their special
construction, may be unable to comply with the following regulations: Collision Regulations - Rule 23 (a)(ii) of
Schedule I.H.M.C. Ships have been exempted from carrying the second steaming light.
42 Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics Concerning the Prevention of Incidents at Sea
Note: This notice has been eliminated from the annual edition of notices to mariners.
1 The attention of ship owners and mariners is called to understand that a "controlled access zone"
means a zone, designated by the Minister of National Defence that includes all corresponding airspace
above, and water and land below, the zone.
2 Attention is drawn to the following definition: A ship means an Her Majesty's Canadian Ship as defined
in subsection 2(1) of the National Defence Act or a ship under the control of a visiting force that is
legally in Canada by virtue of the Visiting Forces Act or otherwise.
3 Mariners are therefore warned that the Coordinates of the Controlled Access Zones will be reflected in
the next available update to the affected nautical charts.
4 Mariners are warned that the MND has designated as controlled access zones certain areas or parts of
areas of water described in the Controlled Access Zone Order (Halifax, Esquimalt and Nanoose
Harbours). The areas of water described below are hereby designated as controlled access zones for
an indeterminate period.
5 The Chief of the Defence Staff may, having regard to safety or security may:
a. permit persons or classes of persons to have access to a controlled access zone without
conditions;
b. permit persons or classes of persons to have access to a controlled access zone on such
conditions as the Chief of the Defence Staff considers appropriate in the circumstances; or
c. prohibit persons or classes of persons from having access to a controlled access zone.
6 DND will give notice as soon as possible that access to a controlled access zone is permitted or
prohibited and of the conditions of access to the zone, and of any changes to that permission or
prohibition or to those conditions, to all persons who may be affected by them via Annual Edition of
Notice to Mariners, Monthly Notice to Mariners and through the local VTMS. Mariners are encouraged
to contact the local Queens Harbour master if it is deemed that their navigational passage will transit
through a designated Control Zone.
7 Mariners are cautioned that every person on entering or exiting a controlled access zone shall, on the
demand of a security guard, submit to a search of their person or any property or thing under their
control. Should a person refuse to submit to a search, then
a. if the person is seeking entry to the controlled access zone, they may be refused entry; or
b. if the person is exiting the zone, the person or any property or thing under their control may be
searched by a security guard, which search shall be carried out with only such force as is
necessary for that purpose.
8 A security guard may without a warrant search any property or thing in a controlled access zone if the
security guard has reasonable grounds to believe that the property or thing is, or may contain anything
that is, likely to endanger the safety or security of HMCS Ship's, DND personnel, Visiting Forces and
DND facilities.
9 Every person who is in a controlled access zone with permission shall comply with every condition of
access established for the zone and every direction given under this Order by a security guard and the
person, or any property or thing under the person's control, may be removed from the zone by a
security guard if the person fails to comply with any of those conditions or directions.
10 Every person who is in a controlled access zone without permission shall comply with every direction
given under this Order by a security guard and the person, or any property or thing under the person's
control, may be removed from the zone by a security guard if the person fails to comply with any of
those directions.
CONTROLLED ACCESS ZONES FOR HALIFAX, NS., ESQUIMALT AND NANOOSE HARBOURS BC
11 a. Halifax, Nova Scotia: The area of water in Halifax Harbour and the contiguous area of water
bounded by a straight line joining the following coordinates:
(1) The area of water in Esquimalt Harbour bounded on the northwest by a straight line joining
coordinates 4827.13'N, 12327.23'W and 4827.36'N, 12327.01'W, and the contiguous
area of water bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
(2) The area of water contiguous to the naval jetty at Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Rocky
Point, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, bounded by straight lines joining the following
coordinates:
c. Nanoose Bay, British Columbia: The area of water in Nanoose Harbour and the contiguous area of
water bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
d. The area of water in Halifax Harbour contiguous to naval jetty NA1 at Canadian Forces Base
Halifax, bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
e. The area of water in Halifax Harbour contiguous to naval jetties NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NI,
NJ and NK2 at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, bounded by straight lines joining the following
coordinates:
f. The area of water in Halifax Harbour contiguous to naval jetty NL3 at Canadian Forces Base
Halifax, bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
g. The area of water in Halifax Harbour contiguous to naval jetty NN3 at Canadian Forces Base
Halifax, bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
h. The area of water in Halifax Harbour in the Bedford Basin, bounded by straight lines joining the
following coordinates:
i. The area of water in Halifax Harbour south of the MacDonald Bridge, bounded by straight lines
joining the following coordinates:
j. The area of water in Halifax Harbour near McNabb Island, bounded by straight lines joining the
following coordinates:
k. The area of water the perimeter of which is 200 metres from the perimeter of a ship that is moving
within Halifax Harbour or the contiguous water, bounded by a straight line joining coordinates
4430.19'N, 6331.19'W and 4435.55'N, 6326.61'W
l. The area of water the perimeter of which is 500 metres from the perimeter of a ship that is
stationary, including a ship that is at anchor, within Halifax Harbour
m. The area of water in Esquimalt Harbour contiguous to the naval jetties at Canadian Forces Base
Esquimalt, bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
n. The area of water in Esquimalt Harbour contiguous to the naval jetties at Canadian Forces Base
Esquimalt, bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
o. The area of water the perimeter of which is 200 metres from the perimeter of a ship that is moving
within Esquimalt Harbour, bounded on the northwest by a straight line joining coordinates
4827.13'N, 12327.23'W and 4827.36'N, 12327.01'W, or within the contiguous area of water
bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
p. The area of water the perimeter of which is 500 metres from the perimeter of a ship that is
stationary, including a ship that is at anchor, within Esquimalt Harbour, bounded on the northwest
by a straight line joining coordinates 4827.13'N, 12327.23'W and 4827.36'N, 12327.01'W, or
within the contiguous area of water bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates:
q. The area of water contiguous to the naval jetty at Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Rocky
Point, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, bounded by straight lines joining the following
coordinates:
r. The area of water in Nanoose Harbour contiguous to the naval jetties at Canadian Forces
Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges, bounded by straight lines joining the following
coordinates:
s. The area of water the perimeter of which is 200 metres from the perimeter of a ship that is moving
within Nanoose Harbour or the contiguous area of water, bounded by straight lines joining the
following coordinates:
t. The area of water, which is 500 metres from the perimeter of a ship that is stationary, including a
ship that is at anchor, within Nanoose Harbour or the contiguous area of water, bounded by
straight lines joining the following coordinates:
The International Hydrographic Bureau was established as a result of international conferences which had
the following objectives:
To consider the advisability of all maritime nations adopting similar methods in the preparation, construction
and production of their charts and hydrographic publications; of rendering the results in the most convenient
form to enable them to be readily used; of instituting a prompt system of mutual exchange of hydrographic
information between all countries and of providing an opportunity for consultations and discussions to be
carried out on hydrographic subjects generally, by the hydrographic experts of the world.
While specific statutes now clearly state the objectives of the Bureau, the objective of the early conferences
still generally applies.
Four international conferences were held. The first of these was the International Marine Conference
(Washington, 1889); the second and third were the International Congress of Navigation (St. Petersburg,
1908 and 1912); and the fourth was the First International Hydrographic Conference, sponsored by Great
Britain and France, held at London in 1919.
The Bureau began its activities in 1921 with nineteen Member countries. Over the years, this membership
has increased and eighty-one nations are now Member Governments.
The Principality of Monaco was selected as the seat of the Bureau, partly because of its central position, but
largely because of the generous offer of Prince Albert I of Monaco - who was deeply interested in
Oceanography - to provide accommodation for the Bureau in his Principality. The reigning Prince Albert II
has graciously extended the use of this accommodation indefinitely.
The administration of the Bureau is carried out by a Committee of three Directors, each of a different
nationality, who are elected to serve for a period of five years. The present directors are Robert Ward
(Australia) (President), Mustafa Iptes (Turkey) and Gilles Bessero (France).
The Bureau is a non-political international organization working solely for the good of seafarers of all nations.
It enforces no rules or regulations, but rather sets forth Hydrographic Standards as they are agreed upon by
the Member Governments. Thus, it is hoped to obtain uniformity, as far as possible, in the charts and
hydrographic publications produced by the world's hydrographic offices.
In order that this work may be reviewed and developed, regular conferences are held at 5 year intervals.
These are attended by delegates from each Member Government together with observers from international
scientific organizations and non-members.
At the 9th International Hydrographic Conference at Monaco in May 1967, a Convention was adopted with
the aim of establishing the Bureau as an inter-governmental organization. This Convention came into force
nd
on September 22 , 1970, from which date the new title of International Hydrographic Organization came into
effect. The title International Hydrographic Bureau now only refers to the administrative headquarters at
Monaco. The next International Hydrographic Conference will take place in 2017 in Monaco.
The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) produces nautical charts referenced to various horizontal
datums, such as North American Datum 1983 (NAD83), North American Datum 1927 (NAD27), Local
Astronomic Datums and others. The exact placement of lines of latitude and longitude on a nautical chart is
dependent on the horizontal reference datum.
Through the use of satellites and other modern surveying techniques, it is now possible to establish global
reference systems. As a result, NAD83, which for charting purposes is equivalent to the World Geodetic
System 1984 (WGS84), was chosen to replace the various datums used in the past. While charted features
will not move relative to adjacent features when horizontal reference datums change, the latitude and
longitude of each feature will change.
Most CHS charts that have been printed after 1986 have a note indicating the horizontal datum upon which
the chart is based. The note also contains sufficient information to inform the mariner if any correction must
be made to the latitude and longitude when transferring geographic positions from NAD83 (WGS84) to the
horizontal datum of the chart.
Mariners are cautioned that direct readout navigation systems provide latitude and longitude referenced to a
specific horizontal datum.
When satellite navigation systems (e.g. GPS) are referenced to NAD83 (WGS84), positions obtained from
these systems can be plotted directly on CHS charts that are published on NAD83.
A navigation receiver referenced to NAD83 will produce a position that must be adjusted by the average shift
value published on the chart before it can be accurately plotted on a chart that is referenced to NAD27 or
another horizontal datum. This is the most accurate method for plotting positions computed on NAD83
(WGS84) onto a chart that is referenced to NAD27 or to another horizontal datum. This procedure will
produce more accurate results than using the positions obtained directly from satellite navigation systems
where the mariner has selected NAD27 as the horizontal reference datum. The reason is that the satellite
navigation system calculates the geographic position using NAD83, then transforms the position to NAD27.
Differences in the accuracies of the transformation processes used in different navigation systems can result
in significant differences in geographic positions.
If mariners coming from overseas ports set a horizontal reference datum other than NAD83, WGS84 or
NAD27 on their navigation systems, then serious errors in position could occur.
Qubec, QC Superintendant
Aids to Navigation and
Waterways
101, boul. Champlain
Qubec, QC G1K 7Y7
Telephone: 1-418-648-3574 (B)
ST. LAWRENCE SECTOR GREAT LAKES SECTOR
Qubec, QC Supervisor Parry Sound, ON Supervisor
Aids to Navigation Aids to Navigation
101, boul. Champlain 28 Waubeek Street
Qubec, QC G1K 7Y7 Parry Sound, ON P2A 1B9
Telephone: 1-418-649-6999 (B) Telephone: 1-705-773-4322 (E)
Facsimile: 1-418-649-5169 (B)
Email: Aides-nav-quebec.XLAU@dfo- Notices to Shipping 1-613-925-0666 (B)
mpo.gc.ca
Notices to Shipping 1-418-233-2308 (B)(H/N)
Alert network
Telephone : 1-418-648-4366 (B)(H/N)
1-800-363-4735 (B)(H/N)(TF)
(B) Bilingual Service (E) English Only Service (TF) Toll Free (H/N) Holidays and Nights