Chart – Text description
This chart shows the Public Port of Victoria traffic scheme, including speed limits for various types of vessels and the locations where runways may be crossed (more details are outlined on this webpage). Victoria Harbour is a water airport. Boaters must keep clear of seaplane runways. No drone zone, permit required.
Map is not to scale. This chart is not a navigation aid. For official information on marine aids to navigation and water depths, refer to Chart 3412 published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
Victoria Harbour is very busy and is a certified water airport with up to 100 flights a day. Follow the rules to keep everyone safe.
You may cross runways only:
- In a straight line between the Shoal Point and Berens Island navigation beacons
- At the Songhees and Laurel Point Narrows
White strobe lights on navigation beacons at Shoal Point, Laurel Point, Berens Island, and Pelly Island will flash when a seaplane is taking off or landing.
Do not cross if the strobes are flashing. Use extreme caution when strobe lights are active.
Speed limits
- Outer Harbour (Ogden Point breakwater to Shoal Point): 7 knots
- Inward from Shoal Point: 5 knots
General rules (all vessels)
- Avoid impeding a taxiing seaplane. Maintain a safe distance
- No sailing. Lower sails when operating under power
- No anchoring
- No blackwater discharge
- No fishing or placing traps in, or near, navigational channels or seaplane operating areas
Vessel traffic
Non-power-driven vessels
- May use the inbound/outbound boat lanes or north of the white information buoys in the middle harbour
Small power-driven vessels (under 20 m/65 ft)
- Must only use the small vessel traffic lanes in the Outer and Middle Harbours
- Must stay clear of seaplane runways
Large power-driven vessels (20 m/65 ft or more)
- May also use seaplane runways
- Transit without stopping or delay
- Prior to entering or departing Victoria International Marina hail harbour patrol on VHF 18A
Contacts
- Port and Airport Manager
- General inquiries: 250-298-1500
Emergency, 24 hours a day: 250-380-8177 - Harbour Patrol
- VHF channel 18A
Available during daylight hours in spring and summer, and during regular office hours in fall and winter - Canadian Coast Guard
- Marine emergency: VHF channel 16 or *16 on a mobile phone
- Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre
- 1-800-567-5111, #SAR (727) on a mobile phone
- Canadian Coast Guard pollution reporting
- 1-800-889-8852
- Canada Customs
- Clearance dock located on the south side of the Middle Harbour at Raymur Point
1-888-226-7277 - Johnson Street Bridge
- Bridge Operator (City of Victoria)
VHF channel 12 or 250-385-5715 - Victoria Police
- Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 250-995-7654 - Moorage
- Several marinas in the harbour offer moorage. Please contact the marinas directly for availability
Note: This traffic scheme isn’t a navigation aid. For official information on marine aids to navigation and water depths, see Chart 3412 from the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
Failure to follow these rules may result in summary conviction and/or fines. Authority is provided under the Canada Marine Act and the Practices and Procedures for Public Ports.
Public Port of Victoria traffic scheme
(PDF, 2.7 MB)