Please be advised that the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has issued a notice of amendment, dated December 3, 2024, to inform members of the public, industry and other stakeholders of proposed updates to our Port Information Guide.
Our Port Information Guide outlines practices and procedures applicable to all ships operating within defined vessel operating areas in the port authority’s jurisdiction to support the safe and efficient movement of trade. From time-to-time the port authority makes amendments, in accordance with Section 56 of the Canada Marine Act.
Background
In accordance with the Canada Marine Act, 1998, Section 57 – Notice, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is proposing amendments to the practices and procedures contained within the Port Information Guide. These practices and procedures are applicable to all ship(s) operating within the jurisdiction of the port authority. A ship, as defined by the Canada Marine Act, 1998, and Port Information Guide means, every description of vessel, boat or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for marine navigation, whether self-propelled or not and without regard to the method of propulsion, and includes a sea-plane and a raft or boom of logs or lumber.
Proposed Amendments
The amendments will be published in the Port Information Guide following a 45-day notification and comment period. All comments received will be taken into consideration before the proposed amendments are implemented.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority proposes to make the following amendments to the Port Information Guide to further promote safety and efficiency within the Port of Vancouver:
- Adding new definitions and updating existing one without changing intent or meaning
- Updating the wording around pilot ladders to ensure safe pilot boarding
- Making the interim arrival and departure window for ships anchoring around the Southern Gulf Islands (i.e., night-time planning standard) a permanent procedure
- Updating anchorage assignment procedures to better support port fluidity and minimize social impacts, using Southern Gulf Islands anchorages as overflow, based on vessel arrival times and suitability
- Including the new requirements for clear transit areas for tugs and barges carrying liquid cargo in bulk in traffic control zone 4 (TCZ-4).
- Introducing a vertical clearance requirement for Tier 2 vessels moving through traffic control zone 2 (TCZ-2) when the CN’s Second Narrows Rail Bridge is in the closed position to ensure safe navigation
- Including the escort tug requirements for specific vessels to ensure enhanced safety of transits in TCZ-4, in line with the Pacific Pilotage Authority’s Notice to Industry (02/2024)
- Introducing the use of the centralized scheduling system for all Tier 1 vessels moving through traffic control zone 1 (TCZ-1)
- To improve consistency throughout the document, replace "Passage" with "Transit" in specific instances where it enhances clarity and aligns with the intended context
- Refreshing the Port Information Guide with general updates that will not affect intent or application
A detailed overview of the proposed amendments is outlined within the full notice of amendment, available at the link below:
December 2024 Notice of amendment to the Port Information Guide
Comments
All comments with respect to these amendments can be made in writing and directed to the attention of:
Marine Operations Specialist at [email protected] by January 17, 2025.