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Port authority extends voluntary 15-knot slowdown period for tier 2 vessels in First Narrows Traffic Control Zone

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is extending the voluntary 15-knot speed reduction through the First Narrows that was introduced in July in an effort to ensure the safety of all boaters operating in port waters.

The voluntary slowdown applies to all tier 2 vessels, which includes any vessel not under pilotage. Recreational power boats, fishing boats, and sailboats fall into this category, in addition to tugs, ferries, and whale watching boats, among others. Deep-sea vessels already follow a speed restriction of 10 knots through the First Narrows Traffic Control Zone.

“We first implemented the voluntary speed reduction because any vessel moving at high speeds can pose a danger to others,” said Stephen Brown, interim Harbour Master at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We are very pleased at the high level of participation over the past three months and, based on this success, we are extending the voluntary slowdown period until the end of 2018.”

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.

All boaters are encouraged to subscribe to the port authority’s marine operations email list to receive updates from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. This includes notification of changes and amendments to the Port Information Guide practices and procedures as they happen.

Further information:

• Port Information Guide [PDF] for localized practices and procedures at the Port of Vancouver
• Burrard Inlet Safe Boating Guide [PDF]
• Fraser River Safe Boating Guide [PDF]
• For up-to-date information on safety tips and requirements for pleasure crafts, see Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety

Map of First Narrows Traffic Control Zone

About Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of the federal port lands in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is financially self-sufficient and accountable to the federal minister of transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest, and the third largest in North America by tonnes of cargo, facilitating trade between Canada and more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, the port authority and port terminals and tenants are responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Enabling the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods, port activities sustain 115,300 jobs, $7 billion in wages, and $11.9 billion in GDP across Canada.

Media contact

Danielle Jang
Media Relations Advisor
604.340.8617
[email protected]

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