Understanding "Clear Channel" COLREGS.

[JDCAVE]

The Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority had a booth at the Vancouver Boat Show this year. I had quite a chat with the "Patrol Officer" at the booth and he asked me whether I was aware of the "Clear Channel" requirements at First Narrows and Second Narrows. Evidently some vessels (presumably tethered tankers) might request a "Clear Channel". When I mentioned that I monitor the requisite VTS channel for commercial vessel activity and requests, he mentioned that a mariner should contact VTS to inquire if there had been a "Clear Channel" request for the mariner's desired location of transit. I have not had an occasion to transit through either First Narrows and Second Narrows, so was unaware of this specific requirement for these areas.

I presume the request relates to Rule 9 (b) of the COLREGS: "A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway." and Rule 9 (k): "...in the Canadian waters of a narrow channel or fairway where there is a current or tidal stream and two power-driven vessels are meeting each other from opposite directions so as to involve risk of collision...(etc)..."

Coastal Explorer uses the actual CHS charts for this area. There is no documentation associated with the chart in either of these two restricted channels that points out the concern with "Clear Channel." However the CHS Sailing Directions (Page 5-7, paragraph 3.1.6) states: "The term “Clear Narrows” is defined as the transit of a vessel through either First or Second Narrows, unimpeded and not met, overtaken or crossed ahead of by any other vessel. The MCTS Centre will issue a “Clear Narrows” clearance upon request by the master of a vessel that requires a clear passage through either First or Second Narrows, provided that traffic conditions allow. The MCTS Centre will issue a "Clear Narrows" on VHF Channel 16 followed by a broadcast on VHF Channel 12."

So, I guess either the officer got the term wrong, or I didn't hear him correctly. MCTS refers to "Marine Communications and Traffic Services", which I believe oversees generally the "Vessel Traffic Services".

For the record, I have two radios on the bridge, one on VHS 16 and one on the VTS channel. If in doubt, I contact any commercial vessel on the VTS channel to ensure we agree on necessary actions to take on safe passes. Victoria VTS allows captains of "non participatory vessels" to make these sorts of communications.

Jim

 

[Nick F]

Hi Jim - I don't see any disagreement. I do think that this is a recent move. I have heard it referred to on the radio, but have not had to wait for a priority ship passage as yet.

I believe this is part of increased tanker traffic through our two narrows. There is also a brand new range light/markers located just East of the second narrows which sets you in mid span of the bridge.

 

[JDCAVE]

Hi Nick. I think you are probably right about the increased tanker traffic. I don’t think there was any disagreement or misunderstanding. It just had to do with correct terminology, as I looked into the requirements. The specific term, according to the CHS Sailing Directions is “Clear Narrows” and presumably that is what VTS will broadcast. For everyone’s FYI, the “CHS Sailing Directions” are available for free download, and they are well worth it. I have them on my Nav computer for reference.

Canadian Sailing Directions

Canadian Sailing Directions

charts.gc.ca

Jim

 

[twistedtree]

Sounds like it's a VTS operating policy for that location. And more specifically a way for one VTS vessel to request a Clear Narrows, and for VTS to grant that if it's clear, and if they can keep it clear.

For a non VTS vessel, I think the rules remain the same. Stay out of the way of VTS-constrained vessels, period.

 

[JDCAVE]

TT: Do you mean VTS-constrained, or RAM—Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre? I’ve not heard of the term VTS-constrained before.

Jim

 

[SteveK]

If a clear Narrows is declared, does that mean no other boat can transit under the bridge, or does it mean stay out of the way in center channel?
I ask as there seems to be plenty of room for both a large ship and pleasure craft.

 

[twistedtree]

TT: Do you mean VTS-constrained, or RAM—Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre? I’ve not heard of the term VTS-constrained before.

Jim

It's not an official term - I made it up. But boats subject to VTS have to stay in VTS lanes and confer with VTS. And non-VTS vessels have to stay clear. I think it's all part of VTS rules, not the basic NAV rules and vessel pecking order.

 

[luna]

There are 3 Traffic Control Zones (TCZ) within Vancouver Harbour, First Narrows, Second Narrows and the Eastern Burrard Inlet zone. Each are different in size with the last one almost 5 miles in length.

The rules are basically the same for recreational (Tier 2) vessels in all 3 zones.

You must not interfere in any way with the passage of the Tier 1 vessel, for which the Clear Narrows was declared.

Once the "Clear Narrows has been declared (VHF Ch. 12 & 16) by MCTS (aka VTS) if you are not in the TCZ at present your are barred from entering the TCZ.
If you are in the TCZ when the "Clear Narrows" is declared and you can exit quickly without passing the Tier 1 vessel you are likely good to go. Otherwise you will be told to turn around and exit the TCZ quickly or be ushered by the Port Authority Patrol vessel to one of numerous holding locations so that you can watch the Tier 1 vessel pass. Expect a tongue lashing. The Eastern Burrard Inlet zone, due to it's size, appears to be exempt this requirement.

These are not entirely new regulations. They existed in large part long before the start up of the new Trans Mountain Pipeline in 2024.
My copy of CHS Chart 3494 dated 2005, shows the restricted area at Second Narrows, the holding locations and directs you to consult the Port Authority Operations Handbook.

Here is a link to the current VPA Information Guide, all 307 pages of it.

https://www.portvancouver.com/media/documents/port-information-guide-0

I have been stuck waiting for up to 3 Tier 1 vessels to pass the Second Narrows TCZ numerous times. Nobody wants to be in a spot that they should not be in, waiting to go.
What the VPA needs to do, now that the tanker traffic has about tripled, is to publish a schedule of departures for the day. It must be known as water level, currents and Pilot availability all need to be co-ordinated.
I asked in writing a year ago. So far lots of finger pointing. No accessible schedule yet.

 

[JDCAVE]

Thanks for that Luna. I’ve been reading through Vancouver Fraser ports guide, and I must say it’s highly detailed and tricky to navigate through it. Mariners have been transiting through the second narrows for 130 years. A new kids on the block or the tethered tankers. I suppose if “Tier 2” Mariners wanted to really protest, they could fill up the “Holding Areas” so the tankers couldn’t go in there. That would really put a monkey wrench in the works.

I should add, I’ve had professional dealings with the Fraser River Port Authority since 1984, over dredging concerns in the Fraser River at Tilbury. Fraser Ports and Vancouver Ports amalgamated sometime in the 1990’s. They have always been a very difficult organization to deal with.

I’m heading to the boat now, as I have work to do. I’ll work on this a little bit more.

Jim

 

[luna]

Monkey wrenches typically bruise my knuckles.
All I would like to know, with some degree of certainty, is when this kind of thing is going to happen.

​

Understanding the ship is likely full of hydrocarbons or Canola Oil, a "Clear Narrows" decree seems appropriate!

Photo of a tanker transiting Second Narrows, courtesy of Seaspan Marine.

 

[JDCAVE]

I don’t disagree at all. However I think a face to face with “Ports Metro
Vancouver” or whomever they call themselves at this juncture might be appropriate. Perhaps a separation scheme for “Tier 2” vessels, similar to the lanes in Victoria Harbour might be appropriate. Possibly find out what Tsleilwahtuth might be interested in might work. They’ve got significant clout in the region.

Jim

 

[SteveK]

If a clear Narrows is declared, does that mean no other boat can transit under the bridge, or does it mean stay out of the way in center channel?
I ask as there seems to be plenty of room for both a large ship and pleasure craft.

Credit to @luna for posting the port info where I answered my own question on page 70 and other where pleasure craft <30 metres must stay out of the way at all times in the harbour but are not restricted to travel during a clear narrows if they use the edges of the deep sea traffic lanes.

 

[JDCAVE]

Steve: I don’t think that’s the case for the 2nd Narrows, TCZ-2. I wish I had taken the opportunity to talk to the pilots about this at the Boat Show.

Jim

 

[SteveK]

Steve: I don’t think that’s the case for the 2nd Narrows, TCZ-2. I wish I had taken the opportunity to talk to the pilots about this at the Boat Show.

Jim

TCZ-2 Vessel Traffic Procedures
Jim, page 98, as I read it tier 2 vessels which includes Pleasure craft must not interfere, must stay 50 metres, must not overtake from Tier 1 vessels. There is no requirement to wait until they pass. With the railway bridge span of 137 Metres there may even be room to stay 50 metres away, but then you would be passing to get into that position. Under the 2nd narrows there is plenty of shallow water where deep sea ships will stay clear of.
Maybe I do not understand your position on this.

 

[luna]

Not all Tier 1 vessels require a "Clear Channel" decree. In fact most don't. Generally oil tankers, large ships and cruise ships do.

The rules if there is no "Clear Channel" decree allow you to be in TCZ 2 but you have to stay to the side of the navigational channel, not cross in front of or impede the Tier 1 vessel.

There is no way you could be abreast of the Tier 1 vessel as it transits the 2 bridges as the navigation channel is the full width of the bridge span. You can't be in the navigational channel.

If there is a "Clear Channel" decree, things change and you can't even enter TCZ 2. You wait for the transit to be over.
The 35' blue boats with the blue flashing light, if on scene, will ensure compliance.

 

[JDCAVE]

Steve: I don’t have a position or experience. I think Luna transits the 2nd Narrows frequently: “I have been stuck waiting for up to 3 Tier 1 vessels to pass the Second Narrows TCZ numerous times. Nobody wants to be in a spot that they should not be in, waiting to go.”

I think that’s the issue. I went over the Iron Worker’s Bridge the other day and there was a standing wave with the current on a roaring flood tide, and one of those big yellow tugs bucking against it, transiting westbound.

Jim

 

[SteveK]

Steve: I don’t have a position or experience. I think Luna transits the 2nd Narrows frequently: “I have been stuck waiting for up to 3 Tier 1 vessels to pass the Second Narrows TCZ numerous times. Nobody wants to be in a spot that they should not be in, waiting to go.”

I think that’s the issue. I went over the Iron Worker’s Bridge the other day and there was a standing wave with the current on a roaring flood tide, and one of those big yellow tugs bucking against it, transiting westbound.

Jim

Jim, that I understand. Not being a frequent flyer of 2nd narrows, occasional harbour visit, never had to wait.

 

[gilbertpark]

Hello Here in the UK we have a similar thing in the Solent. There are a lot of very big ships - tankers going to Fawley, container and car ships going to Southampton. They have to make a sharp turn around Bramble Bank. There is an exclusion zone of 1km in front and 100m to each side of the ship and its towing vessel. It's enforced by the Harbour Master and is shown on the charts.

Everyone (including ferries) abides by it apart from a few applying for the Darwin award