Navigation / Operations in Prince Rupert Harbour

Arrival
Prince Rupert Harbour limits are shown on Canadian Chart 3957 and described in British Columbia Coast Sailing Directions (Vol.II). Porpoise Harbour and Ridley Island are included within the Prince Rupert Harbour limits.

Time Zone
GMT -8 hrs, Daylight saving in effect April to October.

Charts and Publications
The Port of Prince Rupert and the approaches are covered by Canadian Charts 3957, 3958, and 3955 and Admiralty Chart 2435. Further information is obtainable from PAC 205 Inner Passage - Queen Charlotte Sound to Chatham Sound, published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service, or the Admiralty Pilot 26.

Entrance
Entry is from the south between Digby and Kaien Islands. Navigation is round the clock with a depth not less than 35 m at the harbour entrance.

Communications
Prince Rupert Marine Communications and Vessel Traffic Services operate on VHF channels 11 and 71. Vessels should establish communications with "Prince Rupert Traffic" on Channel 11 when 50 nm west of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Vessels proceeding to Prince Rupert via Vancouver or Tofino Traffic Zones will be advised when to change frequencies to VHF channel 12. The owner of every deep sea vessel and, if requested by the Port Authority, the owner of every other vessel shall, where possible, give notice to the Port Authority of the current expected date and approximate time of arrival at the harbour. Vessels with explosives on board shall not enter, leave, or remain in the harbour, except with the prior permission of the Port Authority.

Pilotage
Every ship that is over 350 gross tons is subject to compulsory pilotage. The master, owner or agent of a ship that is to arrive in a compulsory pilotage area shall notify the Pacific Pilotage Authority of the estimated time of arrival, universal time co-ordinated (UTC), off Triple Island near Prince Rupert, at least 96 hrs prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the estimated time of arrival 12 hrs prior to arrival. Radio messages from ships requiring pilots shall be addressed to "Pilots Victoria" and sent via any Canadian Coast Guard radio station. Boarding station is located off Triple Island (54° 17' 6" N; 130° 52' 7 W) approx. 42 km from port. Vessels may be instructed to follow the pilot boat into sheltered waters near Lucy Island for boarding during heavy weather.

Radio
Prince Rupert Coast Guard Radio "VAJ" 2182KHz, 4125KHz and VHF channel 16. Vessels wishing to communicate with the Port Authority during office hours may call ''Prince Rupert Duty Harbour Master'' on VHF channel 16. After hours via Prince Rupert Marine Communications and Traffic Services, "Prince Rupert Traffic," on VHF channel 71.

Customs
Prince Rupert is a port of entry and as such has customs facilities. Canada Customs have introduced a system of selective boarding in Prince Rupert, clearances are now generally carried out by the ship's agents. Customs Officers do however conduct unscheduled spot checks.

Health and Medical
Masters are required to complete and furnish promptly at the first port of arrival in Canada, a Declaration of Health in the prescribed form. Advanced radio notification to a quarantine station applies only if a condition of health irregularity occurs onboard. Masters should acquaint themselves with section 12 of the Quarantine Regulations. Prince Rupert has a full service hospital, as well as medical service to larger metropolitan areas.

Physical Conditions
Prince Rupert Harbour is a deep ice free inlet with easy access and can be entered at all times and at all seasons. The inner harbour entrance is 457m wide and 35-44m deep.

Tides and Currents
Tides are mixed, mainly semi-diurnal.

Weather
Prince Rupert Harbour can be subject to extreme gusts of wind from the mountain slopes during SE gales, which are prevalent during the autumn and winter months. When these weather conditions are expected, all necessary precautions to guard against anchor dragging must be taken. Vessels at anchor must have engines at standby and a second anchor ready to let go in winds of 25 kt or more. Remaining in ballast is recommended.

Density
Varies between 1013 and 1025.

Ice
Prince Rupert is a totally ice free harbour all year round.

Anchorages
All Anchorages inside Prince Rupert Harbour limits are allocated by the Harbour Master.

Map of Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert Anchorage Positions
Inner Harbour Anchorages

Chatham Sound Anchorages

Services

Communication
Terminus of the Canadian National Railways transcontinental system and Transcontinental highway 16. Airport 3 km distant. Twice daily flights to Vancouver.

Fuel
All major companies are represented. I.F.O. unavailable. Marine diesel oil is available in limited quantities and supplied by truck or barge. Masters should radio fuel requirements in advance of arrival, and advise the vessel's Agent.

Fresh Water
Available at Fairview, Ridley Terminals, Prince Rupert Grain, Westview Terminal, Ocean Dock and Atlin Dock. Charged per tonne, plus service charge for connect/disconnect. Available at all berths.

Garbage Removal
Garbage is removed on request and only after permission granted by Environment Canada. Garbage is placed in dumpsters and removed by a private contractor. At present there are no facilities to handle international garbage.

Repairs
Minor repairs to all types of marine equipment and electronics. One shipyard catering to large fishing vessels with a 250t marine railway.

Cranes
Hydraulic cranes up to 100 ton capacity, 200' reach. Floating crane 50 t capacity.

Supplies
Arrangement should be made in advance, through the local agents. All types of provisions as well as deck and engine stores are available.

Towage
Private tugs, boatmen and linesmen are available for berthing assistance. No extra charge for tug's lines. Water taxi service.

Fire Fighting Tugs
Two of the four harbour tugs are equipped with fire monitors.

Watchmen
The employment of watchmen from shore is not compulsory, but the Port Authority By-Laws require that the gangway be manned at all times.

Directory of Phone Numbers for Prince Rupert

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