The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced that it has made amendments to the procedures described in its Port Information Guide. This aims to promote safety best practices within the Port of Vancouver.
As the Port explained, these changes include replacing the current Vancouver and Approaches Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) with the English Bay Routing System (EBRS) and setting out procedures for ships operating within the new EBRS.
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Members of the public were also invited to submit feedback during a comment period between March 18, 2019 and April 18, 2019. After the public comment period, the port authority reviewed and considered all comments.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for maintaining the safe and efficient movement of marine traffic within the Port of Vancouver. In partnership with other agencies, the port authority regularly assists to keep shipping lanes clear of small vessel traffic
the Port stated.
In addition, the port authority encouraged recreational boaters to learn more about how to be safe on the water by reading its safe boating guides:
- Watch out for larger vessels: Large, deep-sea vessels have limited visibility – do not assume they can see you;
- Never cross a tugboat and its tow: Tow cables are often submerged and not visible;
- Listen for aircraft: Float planes landing and taking off need plenty of space;
- Attend to signals from other vessels: Five or more short blasts of a ship’s whistle means “danger – stay clear”. Monitor VHF 16 and 12;
- Be prepared to move out of the way: Large, deep-sea vessels can’t move quickly, especially in narrow channels. Even if you have the right-of-way, you must yield to them;
- Report incidents.
