Monthly report 5: Interim Protocol for the Use of Southern B.C. Anchorages

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The Interim Protocol for the Use of Southern B.C. Anchorages came into effect on February 8, 2018.

This report is for June 1 to June 30, 2018.

On this page

Highlights for June

  • Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program:
    • completed 24 coastal flights
    • visually conducted a total of 1,308 ship inspections
    • did not observe pollution from the commercial ships anchored along the south coast
    • noted 4 minor incidents:
      • 3 incidents from fishing vessels
      • 1 incident from a tug boat
  • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority continued to follow up with ships that didn’t comply with the protocol’s light and noise guidelines.
    • Some residents were frustrated at having to make a complaint before a ship dims its lights or reduces noise.
    • However, the response to requests was generally positive, and we think it will improve even more as ships become aware of the protocol,
    • If you submitted a report, please send us your feedback by email to: TC.PacificAnchorages-Ancragesdupacifique.TC@tc.gc.ca so the Chamber of Shipping and the Shipping Federation of Canada can follow up with shipping companies.
  • Interest in the national Anchorage Initiative remains high
    • The Vancouver Oceans Protection Plan anchorage desk continues to get inquiries about the interim protocol from coastal residents.
    • We received 18 inquiries (complaints, comments and suggestions)
      • We record all comments and suggestions, and share them with the national Anchorages Initiative.

Data review

  • This month’s data review includes:
    • various charts for the following anchorages:
      • south coast anchorages
      • Vancouver Harbour anchorages
      • Nanaimo Harbour anchorages
      • Royal Roads anchorages
    • These charts show:
      • days at anchor from February to June
      • distribution among anchorages for May and June
    • The data includes names of vessels with their arrival and sail times

To receive the summary data for south coast anchorages for February to June 2018, please email: TC.PacificAnchorages-Ancragesdupacifique.TC@tc.gc.ca

Anchorage use between May and June

  • Anchorages that were not used in either month:
    • Captain’s Pass anchorage
    • Kulleet Bay anchorage
  • Anchorages (usually for larger vessels) that were used more in June:
    • “Cowichan Bay A & C”
    • “Trincomali 2”
    • “Plumper Sound B & C”
    • Royal Roads
  • Vancouver Harbour anchorages were used about the same in both months.
  • Some of the south coast anchorages were used more because:
    • bulk commodity vessels can require several trips to Vancouver terminals for partial loading
    • the wait time between trips is often more than 7 days

Additional information

Time limit on length of stay

  • Some coastal residents have suggested that south coast anchorages should:
    • impose a 7-day limit on length of stay per site
    • require vessels to move to another south coast site after 7 days
  • Transport Canada continues to conduct analysis of the use of anchorages and are considering all suggestions.

Email address for anchorage inquiries

To ensure that we do not miss any important feedback, we’ve set up a dedicated email address for all inquiries related to anchorages: TC.PacificAnchorages-Ancragesdupacifique.TC@tc.gc.ca.

Contact

Please send your anchorage inquiries to TC.PacificAnchorages-Ancragesdupacifique.TC@tc.gc.ca.

If you have comments or suggestions about anchorages, you may also join the conversation at Let’s Talk – Oceans Protection Plan.

Related links