11.1 GENERAL

This chapter provides information regarding nautical services in the Port of Prince Rupert.

11.2 VTS

VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES (VTS) AND TRAFFIC CONTROL
Vessels approaching Prince Rupert will enter an area of responsibility of the Prince Rupert Traffic Zone. This zone is the largest VTS Zone in Canada, extending from Cape Caution to the Alaskan border and extends south including the Tofino Traffic Zone which was consolidated with Prince Rupert in spring 2014. Vessels approaching from the south along the United States coastline, or vessels travelling south from Alaska will now enter the consolidated Prince Rupert Traffic Zone.

For Vessel Traffic Services call “Prince Rupert Traffic”.

Sector 1, west of Haida Gwaii, extends 12 nms from shore, south of the Cape Knox reporting line #25. Zone 1 also includes east of Haida Gwaii to the mainland including Hecate Strait, to Reporting line #21 Rose Spit/Seal Rocks. Sector 1 Vessel Traffic Services monitors VHF Channel 11.

When entering Sector 2, from seaward into Dixon Entrance directly, north of Cape Knox/Langara Island (reporting line #24 – approximate position 133°21W) or from Hecate Strait, north of Rose Spit/Seal Rocks, use VHF Channel 71.

Within the Port of Prince Rupert, deep-sea traffic movements are regulated by PRPA Marine Operations via the daily schedule and the restrictions listed in section 8.7.

RADAR COVERAGE
Shore-based radar monitored by MCTS VTS and PSOC provides extensive coverage from the Prince Rupert Harbour and approaches, past the Triple Island Pilot Station to the west.

BASIC RULES OF COMMUNICATION
Radiotelephone procedures are described in the Canadian Coast Guard Radio Aids to Marine Navigation, Part 4.⁸⁹ In the interest of safe navigation, Masters should ensure that a continuous listening watch is maintained on both 2182 kHz and on VHF 16 (156.8 MHz). These two frequencies SHALL ONLY BE USED FOR DISTRESS, URGENCY AND SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS, AND FOR CALLING PURPOSES. Marine channels with licensed assigned frequencies are regulated by Industry Canada. Unauthorized channel interference may result in charges under the Radio Communication Act and the Radio Communication Regulations.

Port of Prince Rupert VTS assigned frequency:
VHF 71 (156.575 MHz) “Prince Rupert Traffic”

REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE
• Every vessel 20 metres or more in length
• Every vessel engaged in towing or pushing any vessel or object, other than fishing
gear, where:
• The combined length of the vessel and any vessel or object towed or pushed
by the vessel is 45 metres or more in length; or
• The length of the vessel or object being towed or pushed by the vessel is 20
metres or more in length.

EXCEPTIONS
• A ship towing or pushing inside a log booming ground.
• A pleasure craft less than 30 metres in length.
• A fishing vessel that is less than 24 metres in length and not more than 150 gross
tonnes

VTS SERVICES
Canada’s VTS system is operated by Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communication and Traffic Services Officers (MCTSOs), who monitor the movement of vessels using VHF radio, direction finding equipment, AIS, and in some areas, surveillance radar.

Prior to beginning a voyage within Canadian waters or entering from seaward, ships are required to obtain a VTS clearance. This clearance is issued by a Marine Communication Officer (MCO) after screening information about identity, condition, cargo and intentions of the vessel. As it proceeds on its voyage the ship is required to maintain a listening watch on designated marine VHF radio channels and report at specific positions, Calling-In-Points (CIPs). In turn, the vessel is provided with information, advice, navigational safety and weather information. In many places traffic routing systems have been established to further enhance vessel movement safety. These consist of “one way” lanes and separation zones and are shown on nautical charts.

HARBOUR SCHEDULE
PRPA Marine Operations authorizes all ship movements, anchorages and berth assignments in the Shipping Schedule.⁹⁰ Agents and Pilots may request changes to the Shipping Schedule by contacting the PSOC (Telephone: +1 (250) 627-2522 or Email:psoc@rupertport.com).

11.3 PILOTAGE

Every vessel that is over 350 gross tonnes, and every pleasure craft over 500 gross tonnes, is subject to compulsory pilotage. The Master, Owner or Agent of a vessel that is to arrive in a compulsory pilotage area shall notify the Pacific Pilotage Authority⁹¹ of the estimated time of arrival, universal time co-coordinated (UTC) and local time, off Triple Island near Prince Rupert, at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and shall confirm or correct the estimated time of arrival 12 hours prior to arrival. A Pilot boarding station is located off Triple Island (54° 19.00’”N; 130° 53.10’ W) approximately 22 nautical miles from port.

Prince Rupert Harbour is designated a compulsory pilotage area under the Pilotage Act.⁹² Any vessel required to carry a Pilot under the Pilotage Act will not navigate within the harbour unless a certified BC Coast Pilot is on board or in emergencies, as directed by PRPA Marine Operations.

The Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA) will issue Notices to Industry when there are important updates to pilotage rules and regulations, which can be found here.⁹³ These notices will also advise of new initiatives, services, and other important announcements concerning pilotage.

ORDERING PILOTS
ARRIVING SHIPS
Normally Pilots will be ordered via the ship’s Agent who will contact PPA or use the online Agent Portal at least 10 hours prior to arrival. The Master, Owner or Agent shall provide the estimated time of the ship’s arrival at Triple Island Pilot Station in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and local time, at least 48 hours before arrival.

DEPARTING SHIPS AND SHIPS IN THE PORT OF PRINCE RUPERT
Normally Pilots will be ordered by the ship’s Agent at least 10 hours before the estimated time of departure. If a vessel fails to anchor in its assigned anchorage or if it drags out of its position in the anchorage, the vessel may be ordered by PRPA Marine Operations to be repositioned by a certified BC Coast Pilot. A vessel so ordered will absorb all costs associated with the repositioning.

HOW TO PREPARE THE SHIP FOR BOARDING OF THE PILOT
Ships shall prepare a pilot Ladder on both sides of the vessel (unless otherwise directed) and lower it to one metre above the waterline. Ships are also to have a line available to hoist up the Pilot’s bag prior to the Pilot embarking.

PILOT BOARDING STATION
The Pilot Boarding Station is located off Triple Island (54° 19.00’ N; 130° 53.10’ W) approximately 22 nautical miles west of the Port of Prince Rupert.

Vessels may be instructed to follow the Pilot Boat into sheltered waters near Lucy Island for boarding during heavy weather.

PILOT BOAT
The Pilot Boat is either the “PACIFIC PATHFINDER”, a 22 metre, yellow hull, white house and yellow mast stand boat, “PACIFIC CHINOOK”, a 17 metre, yellow hull, white house, yellow mast stand boat or “PACIFIC PILOT IV”, a 20 metre, yellow hull with white house boat. Communications with the Pilot Boat is normally on VHF 17 one hour prior to arrival time at the Pilot station.

PILOT HELICOPTER
To be promulgated. Updates on this service will be available online at the Pacific Pilotage Authority website.⁹⁴

11.4 TUGS

All vessels require the use of tugs when arriving or departing berths in the Port of Prince Rupert. Escort and berthing tug requirements will be in accordance with current Pacific Pilotage Authority and BC Coast Pilot guidelines.

Also, all vessels require the use of tugs while underway in Prince Rupert Harbour when it is appropriate for navigational safety or when ordered by PRPA Marine Operations.

TUGS AVAILABLE
SAAM TOWAGE
Telephone: +1 (250) 627-1331

SEASPAN MARINE TRANSPORTATION
Telephone: +1 (604) 990-3300

*Escort rated

WAINWRIGHT MARINE SERVICES LTD.
Telephone: +1 (250) 624-9858

HOW TO ORDER A TUGBOAT
Tugs are normally ordered through the ship’s Agent or in an emergency by calling Prince Rupert Traffic on VHF 71.

TOWING
Where, in the interests of safe navigation, PRPA considers that a vessel should engage tug service for moving in the harbour, PRPA may, at the risk and expense of the owner of the vessel, order the vessel to engage such service. Every vessel towing another vessel in the harbour shall have sufficient power to perform such service properly and shall at all times maintain full control of the vessel in tow. No vessel towing or in charge of another vessel shall cast adrift or allow to become adrift such other vessel, except to prevent imminent danger to life or property.

SAFETY TOW LINE
In the event of a fire or other emergency, it may be necessary to take a vessel off the berth.Vessels berthed in the port should rig a tow line at both bow and stern, securely fastened on deck by one end and hanging over the offshore side of the vessel with an eye in the other end positioned not more than one metre above the waterline.Tow lines for vessels handling explosives are mandatory and they must be made of steel.

11.5 MOORING

Lineboats are required at berths on Ridley Island and Westview Terminal. Linesmen are available at all berths through the Agent or Terminal. For more information regarding specific terminals please reference the appropriate Port Sections Guide.

11.6 LASHING OF CARGO

Lashing, securing, and stowage of cargo must be done in accordance with the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations⁹⁵ of the Canada Shipping Act. Also applicable are the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code)⁹⁶ from the IMO and the Canadian Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes.⁹⁷

Footnotes

⁸⁹http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/Marine-Communications/RAMN-2015/Part4-Pacific-General-Procedures
⁹⁰https://pems.rupertport.com/public/dashb.ashx?db=caprr.dailyshipping
⁹¹http://www.ppa.gc.ca
⁹²http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-14/FullText.html
⁹³http://www.ppa.gc.ca/Publications%20%26%20Industry%20Notices
⁹⁴http://www.ppa.gc.ca/Publications%20%26%20Industry%20Notices
⁹⁵http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2007-128/
⁹⁶http://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_id=22526&filename=A714(17).pdf
⁹⁷https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/bulletins-1998-02-eng.htm