JDCAVE
Guru
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2011
- Messages
- 2,908
- Location
- Canada
- Vessel Name
- Phoenix Hunter
- Vessel Make
- Kadey Krogen 42 (1985)
These are the Maritime Collision Regulations in Canada,
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/C.R.C.,_c._1416.pdf
and, an interesting story that relates to them here.
http://wwbaca.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/A-Boaters-experience-in-Active-Pass.pdf
Active Pass can be a busy place. We travel at around 7 kts, perhaps up to 10 kts through the Pass with a following tide. BC Ferries move at 20 kts, and we have encountered upwards of 4 of them (including the Gulf Island ferries) during a single transit. The two "Spirit class" ferries on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route meet and pass one another in the middle of Active Pass, and you don't want to be in the middle of that mash-up.
I have begun contacting the ferries on Victoria Traffic (VTS), channel 11 to confirm safe passes, when they are bearing down on me. Typically, I keep the Galiano Is. shore close to starboard southbound through the pass, and the Mayne Is. shore close to starboard northbound. I have also begun contacting VTS myself when entering, and I have confirmed with them by email that this is acceptable. I began doing this when they contacted me last year: "Southbound vessel entering Active Pass, this is Victoria Traffic". We were the only ones entering so we contacted them. They just wanted to advise us of an oncoming tug and tow and one of the Spirit Class boat entering.
Anyways, it's useful to know that it's a good idea to watch your p's and q's when operating around Commercial Traffic!
Jim
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/C.R.C.,_c._1416.pdf
and, an interesting story that relates to them here.
http://wwbaca.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/A-Boaters-experience-in-Active-Pass.pdf
Active Pass can be a busy place. We travel at around 7 kts, perhaps up to 10 kts through the Pass with a following tide. BC Ferries move at 20 kts, and we have encountered upwards of 4 of them (including the Gulf Island ferries) during a single transit. The two "Spirit class" ferries on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route meet and pass one another in the middle of Active Pass, and you don't want to be in the middle of that mash-up.
I have begun contacting the ferries on Victoria Traffic (VTS), channel 11 to confirm safe passes, when they are bearing down on me. Typically, I keep the Galiano Is. shore close to starboard southbound through the pass, and the Mayne Is. shore close to starboard northbound. I have also begun contacting VTS myself when entering, and I have confirmed with them by email that this is acceptable. I began doing this when they contacted me last year: "Southbound vessel entering Active Pass, this is Victoria Traffic". We were the only ones entering so we contacted them. They just wanted to advise us of an oncoming tug and tow and one of the Spirit Class boat entering.
Anyways, it's useful to know that it's a good idea to watch your p's and q's when operating around Commercial Traffic!
Jim
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