A place of refuge is a site where a ship in need of assistance can work to stabilize its condition, protecting human life and the environment. Requests by ships for refuge may be complex and urgent, requiring close coordination and communications between the vessel and marine safety authorities.
The Oceans Protection Plan’s Places of Refuge program has helped build strong partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities, and advance reconciliation efforts in Canada. In the Pacific region, it led to new regional geographic areas of places of refuge for Haida Gwaii and the Queens Charlotte Straight.
Under the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan, Transport Canada will complete a new National Places of Refuge Contingency Plan. This national plan will outline an enhanced, coordinated approach across Canada.