*505/23Canadian Hydrographic Service – Magnetic Declination Calculations

(Recurrent publication of notice *505/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 05/2023 publication.)

Mariners are advised that CHS has adopted the harmonized World Magnetic Model (WMM), as found on the NCEI/NOAA website. Old compass rose declination information on CHS navigational products can be updated using this website: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml#declination. While the differences in the model declinations are small each year, they can become more significant over a large period of time.

*1207/23Canadian Hydrographic Service – Inappropriate Geographical Names Review Process

(Recurrent publication of notice *1207/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 12/2023 publication.)

The records of the Canadian Hydrographic Service could contain geographical names that may be considered inappropriate, offensive and derogatory. Geographical naming authorities are in the process of addressing many offensive place names, the review process is underway. For more information, about inappropriate geographical names, please see the following announcement. 

*405/25Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park - Beluga Whale Protection: Slowdown Area at the Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and Area Closure at Baie Sainte-Marguerite

(Recurrent publication of notice *405/25, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2025 publication.)

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and its surrounding area are at the heart of endangered beluga whale critical summer habitat. Marine mammal protection measures have been put in place in accordance with the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations within the limits of the Marine Park.

However, important feeding, calving and rearing areas for beluga whales require greater protection to ensure the recovery of the species. The portion of the Saguenay situated between the mouth of the Fjord and Baie Sainte-Marguerite is one of the areas most used by females and their young from May to October. The mouth of the Saguenay is known as a feeding ground and Baie Sainte-Marguerite as a calving and rearing area.

In order to prevent collisions with beluga whales, a compulsory 15-knot slowdown area is in effect from May 1st to October 31st at the mouth of the Saguenay. To ensure tranquility for female belugas and their young during the critical calving period, access to Baie Sainte-Marguerite is prohibited to all vessels from June 21st to September 21st, except for special authorizations (see description below).

For safety reasons, the slowdown area measure at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord does not apply to cargo ships (see the monthly edition of Notice to Mariners from May to October for voluntary protection measures in the St. Lawrence Estuary). An enhanced vigilance is, however, recommended to all navigators between the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and Baie Sainte-Marguerite for the protection of beluga whales.

For more information on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, see notice 5C of the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2025 or visit the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park website.

REGULATORY PROTECTION MEASURES — BELUGA WHALE

Entire Marine Park Territory:

•When beluga whales are less than half a nautical mile (926 metres) from a motorized vessel, the vessel must maintain a steady speed of between 5 and 10 knots.
•All vessels, including human-powered vessels (kayaks and canoes), must continue to move forward and maintain their heading.

•All vessels must maintain a minimum distance of 400 metres from beluga whales at all times.

For more information concerning the regulations, consult the “Navigate” section of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park website.

Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord (Figure 1) — Slowdown Area (area crosshatched in red):

•Maximum speed at the mouth of the Saguenay between buoys S7 and S8 and the ferry docks between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac is 15 knots from May 1^st to October 31^st.

Baie Sainte-Marguerite (Figure 2) — Area Closure (red area):

•From June 21st to September 21st, vessels must not enter the red area, which follows a line between Cap Nord-Ouest and Cap Sainte-Marguerite.

•Special authorizations are granted only for kayaks, canoes and recreational fishermen who must travel without stopping along a corridor within 10 metres of the shore or in shallow areas.

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION MEASURES

Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector (Figure 2) — Transit Area (area crosshatched in yellow):

•From June 21st to September 21st, navigation in this area is recommended at a speed of between 5 and 10 knots without stopping.

The purpose of this transit area is to favour respect of the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations, since beluga whales are often present in the Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector.

Information

All incidents, including collisions with whales, must be reported without delay by calling 1-866-508-9888. For any other situation concerning a marine mammal that is either dead or in trouble, contact the Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network at 1-877-722-5346, or use VHF channel 16.

Figure 1

Figure 2

*406/25Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and Surrounding Waters – Whale Protection

(Recurrent publication of notice *406/25, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2025 publication.)

The waters in and around the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park are well known for the resident endangered beluga population and the wide diversity of whales that migrate there to feed, particularly between April and November.

REGULATORY PROTECTION MEASURES

All whale species that are found in the St. Lawrence are protected under the Marine Mammal Regulations, pursuant to the Fisheries Act. Within the boundaries of the Marine Park, specific measures are set out in the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations, pursuant to the establishment of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Act. Any collision with a marine mammal within the Marine Park must immediately be reported to a park warden at 1-866-508-9888. For collisions that occur outside the Marine Park or for any situation involving a marine mammal that is dead or in trouble, contact the emergency network at 1-877-722-5346 or on VHF channel 16.

For more information on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, see notice 5C of the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2025.

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION MEASURES

Provisional measures in effect from May 1 to October 31, 2025. See map at the end of this notice.

These measures apply to merchant vessels and cruise ships between Pointe à Boisvert and Cap de la Tête au Chien to prevent collisions with whales. These measures should only be taken when they will not jeopardize navigational safety.

Caution area (yellow area): To reduce the risk of collisions with whales that can be present anywhere in this area, heightened vigilance of navigators is critical. Posting a lookout is recommended in order to increase the chances of seeing the whales and thus taking necessary measures to avoid them. If bypassing the whales is not possible, slow down and wait for the animals to move away to a distance greater than 400 metres (0.215 nautical miles) before resuming original speed. It is more difficult to see the animals at night therefore increased caution is recommended.

Slow down to 10 knots or less area (red area): To reduce the risk of collisions with whales in this feeding area, it is recommended that vessels slow down to a maximum speed through the water of 10 knots and post a lookout. It is further recommended to remain in the Laurentian Channel to the north of Île Rouge to minimize the impact of noise in a sensitive area south of this island, which is highly frequented by herds of beluga whales composed of females and young.

Area to be avoided (hatched red area): To reduce noise and the risk of collisions with whales, vessels should avoid transiting through this area which is highly frequented by blue whales, an endangered species. If the area cannot be avoided, slow down to a speed through the water of 10 knots or less.

*601/25Protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale: Speed Restriction Measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

(Recurrent publication of notice *601/25, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 06/2025 publication.)

Reference: Notice 501/25 is cancelled

Purpose

This notice describes the speed and navigational restriction zones that vessels must follow in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The Government of Canada has established these zones to reduce the risk of vessel colliding with North Atlantic right whales (NARW).

Background

Due to changing migration patterns of North Atlantic right whales and their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Government of Canada has set seasonal speed restrictions in specific zones. These speed restrictions zones are defined as “static zones”, “dynamic shipping zones”, “seasonal management areas”, a “voluntary seasonal slowdown zone’’ and a “restricted area”. See the map below for details.

Note: Vessels must follow Navigational Warnings outlining the speed restrictions. The Interim Order No.3 for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2025 enables the issuance of Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) imposing speed restrictions and navigation restrictions.

Speed restriction zones are described in monthly Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs), which are published by the Canadian Coast Guard. The status of these zones is broadcasted through NAVWARNs, which are published by the Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres.

CHANGES TO SPEED RESTRICTION ZONES AND MEASURES

Based on consultations with industry and on scientific data, changes to the speed restriction zones are effective since April 16^th, 2025, while the restricted area will be implemented based on whale presence.
A voluntary seasonal slowdown of 10.0 knots over the ground spanning from Cabot Strait (a line running from Cape North NS to Cape Ray NL) to the eastern edge of dynamic shipping zone E will be implemented at the beginning and end of the North Atlantic right whale season (Spring and fall).
Please check the latest NAVWARN for all speed restrictions currently in effect.

SPEED RESTRICTION MEASURES FOR 2025

These restrictions are in effect from April 16 to November 15, 2025.

Note: This is the third interim order for the 2025 North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) season, which started on April 16^th, during the 2025 federal election period. The first was signed for a 30-day period, to provide protection for the species, while meeting Caretaker Convention requirements. The second Interim Order extended the protective measures for 30 days to provide continuity while Cabinet is formed. The third interim order was signed to cover the remaining of the NARW season until November 15^th, 2025.

Exceptions

The following exception will apply to all measures:

a)a vessel in distress or providing assistance to a person or a vessel in distress;

b)a government vessel being used:

i)for law enforcement activities;

ii)for search and rescue operations; or

iii)to ensure the competency of the crew or the operational readiness of the vessel or crew with respect to such activities or operations.

STATIC ZONES

In the static zones, all vessels above 13 m in length overall (LOA) must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground.

Exclusions

Air cushion vessels operated by or on behalf of the Government of Canada that are engaged in ice-clearing activities from April to June in and around Chaleur Bay are exempted when in operation.

36.57 m (20-fathom) shallow water protocol exclusion

Vessels engaged in any commercial fishing activity may proceed at a safe operational speed in waters not more than 36.57 m (20 fathom) deep within the static zones.

If a notice to fish harvesters and a NAVWARN state that at least one North Atlantic right whale has been detected in waters within a static zone or its associated buffer zone that are not more than 36.57m deep, the speed limit of 10.0 knot over the ground will apply in the concerned zone(s) to all vessels above 13m in length overall (LOA). The speed restriction will be in effect for 15 days after the day on which the whale was detected. The buffer zones associated with the static zones are located 5 miles north and south of their adjacent border in waters less than 36.57m deep.

DYNAMIC SHIPPING ZONES

There are five dynamic shipping zones (DSZ) located in the routeing systems north and south of Anticosti Island: A, B, C, D and E

Coordinates for the dynamic shipping zones:

When a North Atlantic right whale is detected in a dynamic shipping zone or in the buffer zones, located 5 nautical miles south or 2.5 nautical miles from the eastern and western edges of the dynamic shipping zones:

•All vessels will be notified via a NAVWARN; and

•Vessels above 13 m in length overall (LOA) must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground within that zone.

Even though dynamic shipping zones overlap with static zones, vessels can travel at a safe operational speed in dynamic shipping zones when they are not under speed restriction. Mariners must also keep in mind that North Atlantic right whales may be nearby.

SPEED RESTRICTIONS IN THE DYNAMIC SHIPPING ZONES

The detection of North Atlantic right whales in one or more dynamic shipping zone(s), or in their buffer zones, will trigger a speed restriction in the concerned zone(s). The speed restriction in the dynamic shipping zone(s) will be in effect for 15 days from the date of detection. In the event of a new North Atlantic right whale detection occurring in the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period, the speed restriction will be extended for an additional 15 days from the date of the new detection. This would continue until no NARW are detected.

When a NAVWARN is issued implementing a speed restriction in one or more dynamic shipping zone(s), vessels above 13 m in length (LOA) must not exceed a speed of 10.0 knots over the ground. Within any dynamic zone that is not subject to a speed restriction, mariners may proceed at a safe operational speed. Mariners are encouraged to take into consideration the potential for their vessel striking North Atlantic right whales when considering a “safe operational speed” during navigation.

SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS

Seasonal management area 1 (SMA-1) and seasonal management area 2 (SMA-2) are speed restriction areas located north and south of dynamic shipping zone E, respectively.
Within seasonal management areas, vessels above 13 m in length (LOA):

•must restrict their speed so as not to exceed 10.0 knots over the ground from April 16th to June 24th, 2025; and

•are allowed to proceed at a safe operational speed from June 25^th to November 15^th, 2025, unless a North Atlantic right whale is detected. If a whale is detected, a speed restriction of 10.0 knots over the ground will be triggered for 15 days from the date of detection. In the event of a new North Atlantic right whale detection occurring in the last 7 days of the 15-day slowdown period, the speed restriction will be extended for an additional 15 days from the date of the new detection. This would continue until no North Atlantic right whales are detected.

RESTRICTED AREA

In the summer months, an important proportion of the total North Atlantic right whale population gathers for feeding and surface activity near the Shediac Valley. Since this makes the North Atlantic right whale more susceptible to vessel collisions, a mandatory restricted area will be implemented in and near the Shediac Valley and will come into force once 80% of the restricted area is closed to fishing for the season as per the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ right whale closure protocol or at the latest on June 16^th, 2025. The restricted area will be lifted on September 26, 2025, unless North Atlantic right whale detections are reported in high number, which would extend the restricted area beyond September 26.

The size and location of the area are determined based on historical detection data of North Atlantic right whales. All necessary details can be found in the Interim Order No.3 for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2025. Triggering and lifting of the restricted area will be communicated to mariners through NAVWARNs and notices to fish harvesters.
Vessels above 13 m in length (LOA) will be required to:

•avoid the area unless they are part of the exceptions listed in the Interim Order No.3 for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2025;

•transit the area at a speed not exceeding 8.0 knots over the ground if they are part of the exceptions.

The following exceptions will apply to the restricted area. The following listed vessels can travel through the area at not more than 8.0 knots over the ground:

•A vessel being used for commercial fishing;
•A vessel being used for fishing under the authority of a licence issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations;
•A vessel being used for research purposes on behalf of the Government of Canada
•A vessel being used as part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Marine Mammal Response Program to assist a marine mammal or sea turtle in distress or to access or retrieve a deceased marine mammal or sea turtle;
•A vessel authorized by the Government of Canada to retrieve or identify the location of abandoned or lost fishing gear;
•A vessel involved in pollution response operations;
•A vessel avoiding immediate or unforeseen danger;
•A vessel involved in research relating to right whales as part of a project that has received funding from the Government of Canada.

The following vessels can travel through the restricted area at a speed over 8.0 knots, but below 10.0 knots over the ground as required by the static speed restriction zone:

•A vessel being used by an employee of the Government of Canada or peace officer who is performing their duties.

Coordinates for the restricted area:

•48°31.8’ N 063°39.6’ W
•48°24.72’ N 063°17.88’ W
•47°18.84’ N 064°10.8’ W
•47°27.18’ N 064°30.72’ W

Inclement weather exception

Mariners will be notified in advance via a NAVWARN should the speed restriction status change in any zone or area, due to inclement weather.

Within any zone or area that is no longer subject to a speed restriction due to adverse weather conditions, mariners may proceed at a safe operational speed. Mariners are however encouraged to take into consideration the potential for their vessel striking North Atlantic right whales when considering a
“safe operational speed” during navigation.

*Non-excepted vessels are still prohibited from transiting through the restricted area.

VOLUNTARY SEASONAL SLOWDOWN IN CABOT STRAIT

To coincide with the North Atlantic right whales entering and exiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence in large numbers, a voluntary seasonal slowdown is being put in place in Cabot Strait from April 16^th to June 24^th, 2025, and from September 3^rd to November 15^th, 2025.

•During these periods, vessels above 13 m in length (LOA) are requested to voluntarily reduce their speed as to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground.

Voluntary seasonal slowdown zone coordinates:

•48° 10.5’ N 061° 00’ W
•47° 37.2’ N 059° 18.5’ W
•47° 02’ N 060° 23.7’ W
•47° 58.1’ N 061° 03.5’ W
•48° 00’ N 061° 00’ W

Map of the Gulf of St. Lawrence

The following map shows

•the static zones (north and south), in pink;
•the dynamic shipping zones (A, B, C, D and E), in green;
•the seasonal management areas, in dark pink;
•the voluntary seasonal slowdown zone, in grey;
•the restricted area, in dark blue; and
•the 36.57 m (20 fathom) shallow water protocol line.

This map is for visual representation only and is not to be used for navigation or enforcement.

ROSEWAY BASIN – AREA TO BE AVOIDED

The Roseway Basin, located approximately 20 nautical miles south of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, is a critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales, which have been observed to gather in the area on a seasonal basis in Canadian waters. This critical habitat is also located near key shipping routes. In 2007, Canada, with the support of many groups with varied interests, proposed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the establishment of a seasonal Area to be Avoided in the Roseway Basin to protect North Atlantic right whales, which IMO accepted and adopted.

To reduce the risk of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales, it is recommended that vessels of 300 gross tonnages and more, in transit during the period of June 1 through December 31, avoid the Roseway Basin area. Smaller vessels are also encouraged to avoid passage through this area. If passage is necessary within the Area to be Avoided, it is recommended that all mariners decrease their vessel speed to no more than 10 knots, when safe to do so.

Roseway Basin coordinates:

•43° 16’ N 064° 55’ W
•42° 47’ N 064° 59’ W
•42° 39’ N 065° 31’ W
•42° 52’ N 066° 05’ W

BAY OF FUNDY – VOLUNTARY SLOWDOWN

The Grand Manan Basin located in the Bay of Fundy is identified as a critical habitat for the North Atlantic right whale. When North Atlantic right whales are detected in the Bay of Fundy shipping lanes and near the Grand Manan Basin area, the Fundy Traffic will ask vessels to voluntarily slowdown to 10 knots via VHF channel 12 or 14 at corresponding Calling-in-Points.

NAVWARN BROADCASTS

The Canadian Coast Guard issues NAVWARNs:

•by radio broadcast; and

•online at Canada’s Maritime Information Portal and its Navigational Warnings site, using the
North Atlantic Right Whale category.

Mariners must ensure they have accurate and up-to-date information about the protection of the North Atlantic right whale, as in all applicable NOTMARs and NAVWARNs.
For the North Atlantic right whale speed restrictions, the NAVWARN(s) currently in effect will be provided to vessels subject to the Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations or the Eastern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations:

Outbound vessels will receive NAVWARNs

•at Calling-in-Point 10 (St-Laurent); or

•upon a departure downstream from the Quebec pilot station (including the Saguenay River,
Chaleur Bay, Miramichi Bay, etc.)

Inbound vessels will receive NAVWARNs

•when a clearance to enter Canadian waters is granted

Vessels in transit will receive NAVWARNs

•at the last reporting point prior to entering the mandatory speed restriction zones; and/or

•at 10 nautical miles before they enter the mandatory speed restriction zones

For those vessels not subject to the above-mentioned regulations, vessel operators are required to monitor broadcasts by the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services network for the most up to date information. For marine radio frequencies and broadcast times, information may be found in the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation publication.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION

The Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) aids to navigation (AIS AtoN) in specific areas. These aids may notify mariners of dynamic shipping zones and/or seasonal management areas subject to speed restrictions.
Each zone is delimited by four to six virtual AIS AtoN, which can be displayed on a ship’s navigation equipment, such as

•Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS);
•Electronic Chart System (ECS);
•RADAR;
•Minimum Keyboard Display (MKD); and
•Electronic Nautical Chart (ENC).

The Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts the virtual AIS AtoN only when a speed restriction is in effect in one or more testing zones.

Mariners must select the virtual AIS AtoN symbol to view a message such as “SectA1 Spd Lim 10 kt.” This message refers to a speed restriction in effect for a specific zone.

Note: This system is not the primary method of communicating this information.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

Vessels must comply with the Interim Orders made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and any NAVWARNs broadcasted and published by the Canadian Coast Guard relating to the Interim Orders, aimed at regulating the navigation for the purposes of protecting the North Atlantic right whales.

If a vessel does not comply with the Interim Orders or instructions in the NAVWARNs related to the Interim Orders, the vessel could face:

•administrative monetary penalties up to a maximum of CAN $250,000; and/or

•penal sanctions under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than CAN $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.

If a vessel appears to have violated the speed restriction, Transport Canada Marine Safety inspectors will review all information provided through AIS and seek an explanation from the master.
No exemptions to the speed restriction will be granted in advance. However, if a deviation from the speed restrictions is necessary for safety reasons, the following information must be entered into the bridge logbook:

•reason(s) for deviation;
•speed at which vessel is operated;
•latitude and longitude at time of deviation;
•time and duration of deviation; and
•master of the vessel shall sign and date the bridge logbook entry.

For any deviation, Transport Canada will review and consider reasons such as:

•navigating to ensure vessel safety;
•weather conditions;
•force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances); and
•responding to emergencies.

REPORT A NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE SIGHTING

If you see live, free-swimming whales:

•Email: DFO.GLFWhales-BaleinesGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

•When reporting sightings of North Atlantic right whales, you must include: GPS location (latitude and longitude), date and time of sighting, number of marine mammals, photograph(s)/video(s) collected and if possible, behavior of marine mammals observed (ex., feeding, travelling, diving).

SIGHTINGS OF ENTANGLED, INJURED OR DEAD NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE

If you see a North Atlantic right whale (and all other marine mammals) entangled, injured or dead, please document and report it immediately to the regional Response Network.

•When documenting you should collect: GPS location (latitude and longitude), date and time of sighting, number of marine mammals, photograph(s)/video(s), and description of the incident to provide to the Response Network.

Southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island)

Marine Animal Response Society
Telephone: 1-866-567-6277

Newfoundland and Labrador
Whale Release and Strandings Newfoundland and Labrador (Tangly Whales Inc.)
Telephone: 1-888-895-3003 or 1-709-895-3003

Québec

Réseau québécois d’urgences pour les mammifères marins (RQUMM)
Telephone: 1-877-722-5346

Report a marine mammal or sea turtle incident or sighting:

Visit the website for more information on reporting other marine mammal or sea turtle sighting and incidents.

Please consult Whale Insight for the latest right whale observations.

*1001/25Pilot Project – Guidelines for the Transit of Container Vessels up to 310 metres in Length x 40 metres in Beam – Québec–Montréal Segment

NOTICE

This notice sets out the conditions under which container ships, with a maximum length of 310 metres and a beam of up to 40 metres, may safely transit the St. Lawrence waterway between Québec and Montréal.

Effective Date: September 30, 2025

Duration: This pilot project remains in effect until further notice or until permanent guidelines are established.

Scope of the Pilot Project

This pilot project applies to container vessels with following dimensions:

Length Overall: Between 300.01 metres and not exceeding 310.0 metres; and,

Moulded Breadth: Equal to or greater than 32.5 metres, not exceeding 40.0 metres.

Application of Notice to Mariners 27A

Notice to Mariners 27A remains applicable, except for the following sections, which are amended or replaced by the directives specified in this pilot project:

Section 2: Meetings in Risk Areas (R)

Section 3: Overtaking in Risk Areas (D)

Section 6: Maneuverability Assessment

Note: Any changes in the status of the vessel (e.g. hull, navigational equipment, propulsion, etc.) must be reported immediately to the Escoumins Marine Communication and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS Escoumins) prior to entering pilotage area.

Should a deficiency occur, it will be analyzed and reviewed by Canadian Coast Guard, Pilotage Authority and Transport Canada to determine steps to resolve the issue. A reauthorization will be required to proceed into pilotage areas as a vessel participating in a pilot project.

Specific Guidelines – Container Ships up to 310 m x 40 m

1. Meetings and Overtaking
All meetings and overtaking are permitted in accordance with Notice 27A for all vessels, except for Wide Beam and Long vessels.

For these vessels, the authorized zones for meeting and overtaking with vessel up to 310 m x 40m will be determined by the expert committee and communicated to MCTS within 48-hours prior to the transit, based on scheduled traffic of other Wide Beam and Long vessels.

2. Transit Safety Conditions and Measures

2.1 Transits will mostly occur during daylight between Québec and Montréal, depending on weather, traffic, and other navigational risk factors.

2.1.1 During hours of darkness, in favourable conditions, passage is allowed for upbound container vessels until Grondines.
2.1.2 The “Good Manoeuvrability” (BM) classification, as defined in Sections 6 and 7 of Notice 27A, cannot be assigned to the vessels covered by this pilot project.

2.2 Minimum engine speed is required when approaching the Québec bridges and the Laviolette Bridge, provided environmental conditions allow.

2.3 Maximum speed over ground between Île-aux-Vaches and Contrecoeur is 9 knots upbound and 11 knots downbound.
2.4 During pilot changeovers at Trois-Rivières, the handover of conduct shall take place, upstream or downstream after the vessel has cleared the Laviolette Bridge, weather conditions permitting.
2.5 At least 30 minutes before passing under the Québec bridges and the Laviolette Bridge, qualified crew members must be stationed:

•In the steering gear room, ready to activate emergency steering systems; and,

•On the forecastle, ready to drop anchors.

Each station must be equipped with independent communication means with the bridge.

2.6 An operational tug with a minimum bollard pull of 40 tonnes must be assigned and available during the vessel’s transit under the Laviolette Bridge. The tug must:

•Be within a 15-nautical-mile radius of the Laviolette Bridge;

•Ready to respond within one hour’s notice

Passage Management Framework

1. Coordination and Follow-up Procedures
Any shipowner or agent planning a transit under this pilot project must notify the Laurentian Pilotage Authority (LPA) at transit@apl.gc.ca as soon as possible, and at least 10 days in advance.

2. Expert Committee
The expert committee responsible for monitoring this pilot project consists of representatives from:

•Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)
•Corporation of Central St. Lawrence Pilots (CPSLC)
•Laurentian Pilotage Authority (LPA)
•Montreal Port Authority (MPA)
•Transport Canada (TC)

Roles and Responsibilities:

•Pre-transit assessment: Hold a meeting before each transit to analyze environmental, operational, and safety conditions.
•Transit Planning: Coordinate vessel arrival and ensure measures are implemented.
•Transit monitoring: Oversee and study each transit
•Decision-making: Authorize or postpone passage based on observed conditions and evaluated risks.

3. Operational Flexibility

The expert committee may:

•Ease, reinforce, or modify safety measures based on weather, tides, or other risk factors.

•Place representatives on board for study and verification purposes within the pilot project.

Safety and Responsibility Clause

In applying these guidelines, it is understood that the pilot and bridge team must take into account all navigational hazards, collision risks, and special circumstances, as well as vessel limitations, which may require deviation from these measures to avoid immediate danger.

In such cases of deviation, or in any incident or situation, the pilot must inform the nearest MCTS officer.
The pilot conducting the vessel is responsible to the master for the safety navigation of the vessel.
(Section 38.01(3) of the Pilotage Act)

Pilot Project Progress

As part of this pilot project, safety measures will be continuously monitored and may be progressively adjusted by the expert committee based on:

•Operational experience acquired during transits under varied conditions;
•Results of complementary technical studies;
•Assessment of the potential impact on traffic fluidity; and,
•Recommendations made by the expert committee.

Any adjustment must be submitted to the Standing Committee on Navigational Safety (SCNS) for review and, if required, communicated through additional notices.

Reporting and Data Collection

After each voyage, pilots must submit to the expert committee a detailed report on vessel maneuverability and on meetings that occurred during the passage. MCTS will also submit a transit report.

The Laurentian Pilotage Authority will maintain a consolidated database of all transit and maneuverability reports related to this pilot project.

Contact Information

Laurentian Pilotage Authority
Phone: 514-657-2041 option 2
Email: transit@apl.gc.ca

*1002/25Canadian Hydrographic Service – Nautical Charts

*1003/25Canadian Hydrographic Service – Electronic Navigational Charts

*1004/25Canadian Hydrographic Service – Raster Digital Charts (BSB V3)

*1005/25Transport Canada - Ship Safety Bulletins #23/2024 and #14/2025

An updated and new Ship Safety Bulletins have recently been posted on the Transport Canada website.

To view or download these bulletins, please click on the links below:

SSB#23/2024 – Extension of the National trial of remote inspections for grain and concentrates in bulk (Updated)
RDIMS# 20495028

SSB#14/2025 – Vessels equipped with Shaft or Engine Power Limitation Systems (ShaPoli/EPL) operating in all waters including Compulsory Pilotage Areas (CPA)

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Contact us at marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).

*1006/25Pointe des Monts aux/to Escoumins – Daybeacon Permanently Discontinued

Reference chart: 1236

The following daybeacon has been permanently discontinued:

(Q2025-071)

*1007/25Little Current to/à Clapperton Island – Unlit Buoy Repositioned

Reference chart: 2207

The following unlit buoy has been repositioned to the following coordinates:

(D2025-023)

*1008/25Saint John Harbour and Approaches / et les approaches – Unlit Buoy Permanently Discontinued

Reference chart: 4117

The following unlit buoy has been permanently discontinued:

(F2025-016)

*1009/25Plans - Île D'Anticosti – Daybeacon Permanently Discontinued

Reference chart: 4430

The following daybeacon has been permanently discontinued:

(Q2025-070)

*1010/25Hillsborough Bay – Unlit Buoys Permanently Discontinued

Reference chart: 4466

The following unlit buoys have been permanently discontinued:

(G2025-121 to 126)

Section 1A: Temporary and Preliminary Notices

Reminder – Comment Period for Active Preliminary Notices

This is a reminder that the comment period is still open for the following active Preliminary notices:

Please refer to the Notices to Mariners - Monthly Summary of Temporary and Preliminary Notices publication for details.

No notices applicable for this edition.

No notices applicable for this edition.

*1011(T)/25Plans-Péninsule de la Gaspésie – Marine Works

Reference chart: 1230

Construction operations taking place daily from 1100 UTC until 2300 UTC since October 27^th 2025 at the
Rivière-au-Renard wharf (48° 59.879’N 064° 22.887’W) and breakwall (48° 59.993’N 064° 23.030’W).

(NW-C-3292-25)

*1012(T)/25Approaches to / Approches à Bay of Fundy / Baie de Fundy – Obstruction: Scientific Moorings

Reference chart: 4011, 4255, 8005, 8006

Multiple subsurface scientific moorings are deployed in the Fundian channel. The scientific moorings are between five to six meters off the ocean floor at the following positions:

(NW-M-1431-25)

*1013/25Cap des Rosiers à/to Chandler – Obstruction Charted

Reference: Notice 1214(T)/22 is cancelled (Chart 4485).

The sunken barge and excavator have been charted on chart 4485.

No notices applicable for this edition.

*1014(T)/25Kingston Harbour and Approaches/et les approches – Obstruction: New docks

Reference chart: 2017
New floating docks with lights permanently installed at the Kingston Yacht Club.

(NW-C-2930-25)

*1015(T)/25Georgian Bay / Baie Georgienne – Obstruction: Scientific and Subsurface Moorings

Reference: Notice 610(T)/25 is cancelled.

Reference chart: 2201, 2261, 2282, 2291

Sixteen subsurface moorings and one surface mooring temporarily established along the shoreline near Bruce Power at the following coordinates:

(NW-C-3250-25)

*1016/25Port of Thunder Bay – Survey Results Charted

Reference: Notice 1124(T)/24 is cancelled (Chart 2314).

The survey results have been charted on chart 2314.

No notices applicable for this edition.