NOTICES TO MARINERS
PUBLICATION
EASTERN EDITION

TRANSPORT CANADA – RESTRICTED SPEED AREA - ST. CLAIR AND DETROIT RIVERS

(Recurrent publication of notice *1103/12, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 11/2012.)

Since November 14, 2012, the restricted speed area currently in place as per the St. Clair and Detroit River Navigation Safety Regulations between the Detroit River light and Peche Island light is reduced in size by relocating the southern point of the restricted speed area from its current location at the Detroit River light to a new location at Bar Point light D33.

CANADIAN COAST GUARD PUBLICATION – COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON NOTICES TO MARINERS (NOTMAR) PUBLICATIONS

In an effort to continuously improve the Notices to Mariners publications and to provide the most efficient service possible, the Notices to Mariners team invites all mariners and other interested parties to submit comments and suggestions on possible improvements to its various publications and services at the following email address: Notmar.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

CANADIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE – MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2020 CANADIAN TIDE AND CURRENT TABLES VOLUME 1 – ATLANTIC COAST AND BAY OF FUNDY

(Recurrent publication of notice *203/20, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 02/2020.)

The Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Atlantic Region has identified an error in the 2020 Canadian Tide and Current Tables Volume 1 - Atlantic Coast and Bay of Fundy, Tide tables for Holyrood, Newfoundland (station #925)

Mariners must refer to the following link for updated information on Holyrood's Tide Tables:

http://tides.gc.ca/eng/data/table/2020/wlev_sec/925

SAGUENAY-ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK AND SURROUNDING WATERS – WHALE PROTECTION

(Recurrent publication of notice *404/20, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 04/2020.)

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 2020.

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION MEASURES

Provisional measures in effect from May 1 to October 31, 2020. 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.

TRANSPORT CANADA – COVID-19 MEASURES, UPDATES AND GUIDANCE

(Recurrent publication of notice *401/20, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 04/2020.)

Please refer to the link below for the latest updates to transportation related measures taken by Transport Canada in response to the evolving novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):

https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-tc.html

For travel advice and all other updates, please visit: Canada.ca/coronavirus

CANADIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE – MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2020 CANADIAN TIDE AND CURRENT TABLES, VOLUME 2 – GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

(Recurrent publication of notice *506/20, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 05/2020.)

The Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Quebec Region has identified a correction in the 2020 Canadian Tide and Current Tables, Volume 2, Gulf of St. Lawrence, on page 79.

Mariners should replace a section of Table 3 with the corresponding section annexed below:

https://www.notmar.gc.ca/publications/monthly-mensuel/images/ed052020-part1-vol2-p79.pdf

SAGUENAY–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 *605/20, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 06/2020.)

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 1^st to October 31^st 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 21^st to September 21^st, 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 2020 or visit http://parcmarin.qc.ca/home/.

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 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: http://marinepark.ca/protect/#regulations.

Mouth of the Saguenay Fjord (Figure 1) — Slowdown Area (area cross-hatched 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 21^st to September 21^st, 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 cross-hatched in yellow):

•From June 21^st to September 21^st, 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 dialling 1-866-508-9888. For any other situation concerning a marine mammal that is either dead or in trouble, contact the emergency network at 1-877-722-5346, or use VHF channel 16.

Figure 1

Figure 2

GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE – PROTECTION OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE

(Recurrent publication of notice *706/20, originally published in the Notices to Mariners Publication - Eastern Edition 07/2020.)

Reference: Notice *504/20 is cancelled.

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 established seasonal speed restrictions in specific zones. These speed restrictions are defined as “static zones”, “dynamic shipping zones”, “seasonal management areas”, a trial “voluntary speed restriction zone’’ and a “restricted area”. See the map below for details.

Note: Navigational Warnings with these speed restrictions are considered to be Notices to Shipping, which vessels must follow as per the Interim Order Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Interim Order for the protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in and near the Shediac Valley for the restricted area.

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

Changes to speed restriction zones

Based on consultations with industry and on scientific data, changes to the speed restriction zones will be effective from April 28^th, 2020, while the restricted area will be implemented as per the Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in and near the Shediac Valley.

•Portions of the static zones located north and south of dynamic shipping zone E are now changed to seasonal management area 1 (north of dynamic shipping zone E) and seasonal management area 2 (south of dynamic shipping zone E).
•A trial voluntary speed restriction 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, at the beginning and end of the season.
•A restricted area located in and near the Shediac Valley, determined based on aggregation of North Atlantic right whales.

Please refer to the latest NAVWARN issued by the CCG-MCTS for all speed restrictions currently in effect.

Speed Restriction Measures for 2020

These restrictions will be in effect from April 28 to November 15, 2020.

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.

Mariners will be notified ahead via a NAVWARN should the speed restriction status change, due to inclement weather.

Within any static zone that is not subject to a speed restriction, 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.

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:

If the Government of Canada does not detect North Atlantic right whales in these zones, vessels may transit through them at a safe operational speed.

When the Government of Canada detects a North Atlantic right whale in a dynamic shipping zone, vessels above 13 m in length overall (LOA):

•will be notified through a NAVWARN; and
•must proceed at a speed of not more than 10.0 knots over the ground within that zone.

Speed restrictions in the dynamic shipping zones

The detection of North Atlantic right whales in one or more dynamic shipping zone(s), 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 issuance of the NAVWARN. We may extend a speed restriction past the 15 days if North Atlantic right whales continue to be 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 zone that is not subject to a speed restriction, 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.

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 28th to June 30th, 2020; and
•are allowed to proceed at safe operational speed from July 1st to November 15th, 2020, 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 issuance of the NAVWARN. The speed restriction may be extended past the 15 days if North Atlantic right whales continue to be 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 put in place in and near the Shediac Valley. The effective date and exact location of the area were based on the observed distribution of the whales. The Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in and near the Shediac Valley will provide the necessary details. This information will also be communicated to mariners through navigational warnings 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 IO;
•exempted vessels transiting the area must do so at a speed not exceeding 8.0 knots over the ground.

The location and dimension of the restricted area will not be modified.

Trial voluntary speed restriction in Cabot Strait

To coincide with the North Atlantic right whales entering and exiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence, we are putting in place a trial voluntary speed restriction in Cabot Strait from April 28th to June 15th, 2020, and from October 1st to November 15th, 2020.

•During this period, vessels above 13 m in length (LOA) will be asked to voluntarily reduce their speed so as to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground.
•Outside of the restriction period, vessels will be able to proceed at safe operational speeds.

Voluntary speed restriction 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 speed restriction zone, in pink (static zones);
•the dynamic shipping zones, in green;
•the seasonal management areas, in dark pink;
•the trial voluntary speed restriction zone, in grey; and
•the restricted area, in dark blue.

Map showing the two static zones (north and south), the five dynamic shipping zones (A, B, C, D and E), the seasonal management areas, the restricted area, the trial voluntary speed restriction zone and the 20 fathom shallow water protocol line.

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

NAVWARN broadcasts

The CCG-MCTS issues and publishes NAVWARNs:

•by radio broadcast; and
•online at Canada’s Maritime Information Portal and its Navigational Warnings site.

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 restriction, the NAVWARN that is 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

•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

•when a clearance to enter Canadian waters is granted

Vessels in transit

•at the last reporting point prior to entering the speed restriction area; and/or
•at 10 nautical miles prior to entering the speed restriction zone

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 (MCTS) 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 is currently testing virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) aids to navigation (AIS AtoN) in specific areas. These aids notify mariners of a dynamic shipping zone subject to a speed restriction, per NOTMAR 819(T)/2016.

Each dynamic shipping zone is delimited by four 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 way we communicate this information.

Compliance and enforcement

You 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 you do not comply with the Interim Orders or instructions in the NAVWARNs related to the Interim Orders, you could face:

•administrative monetary penalties up to a maximum of CAN $250,000; and/or
•penal sanctions under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

If your 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:

•Reasons for deviation
•Speed at which vessel is operated
•Latitude and longitude at time of deviation
•Time and duration of deviation
•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 a North Atlantic right whale that is entangled, injured or dead, please report it to your nearest Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre, or as follows:

Southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Marine Animal Response Society

Telephone: 1-866-567-6277

Newfoundland and Labrador

Whale Release and Strandings

Telephone: 1-888-895-3003

For the Québec Sector

Marine Mammal Emergencies

Telephone: 1-877-722-5346

If you see live, free-swimming whales

•Call 1-902-440-8611 (local) or 1-844-800-8568 (toll free)
•Email: XMARWhalesightings@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Please consult WhaleMap for the latest right whale observations:

https://whalemap.ocean.dal.ca/

*801CANADIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE – NAUTICAL CHARTS

*802CANADIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE – ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS

*803CANADIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE – RASTER DIGITAL CHARTS (BSB V3)

*804TRANSPORT CANADA – SHIP SAFETY BULLETINS #11, #19 AND #20/2020

New and modified Ship Safety Bulletins have recently been posted on the Transport Canada website at www.tc.gc.ca/ssb-bsn/.

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

SSB#11/2020 – Protecting the North Atlantic right whale: speed restriction measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Modified 2020-07-30)
RDIMS#15505520

SSB#19/2020 – Protecting Killer Whales in the Waters of Southern British Columbia

RDIMS#15682274

SSB#20/2020 – Temporary Measures Regarding Marine Medical Certificates

RDIMS#16749881

Sign up for e-Bulletin to receive an e-mail notice each time a new Ship Safety Bulletin is published on our website.

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

*805LAC SAINT-LOUIS – UNLIT BUOY REPOSITIONED

Reference Chart: 1430

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

(Q2020-040)

*806DÉTROIT DE NORTHUMBERLAND / NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT: PARTIE OUEST / WESTERN PORTION: PORTS / HARBOURS – UNLIT BUOYS REPOSITIONED

Reference Chart: 4909

The following unlit buoys have been repositioned to the following coordinates:

(G2020-039 to 044)

*807DÉTROIT DE NORTHUMBERLAND / NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT: PARTIE OUEST / WESTERN PORTION: PORTS / HARBOURS – BUOYS CHANGED AND REPOSITIONED

Reference Chart: 4909

The following lighted buoys have been replaced by unlit buoys and repositioned to the following coordinates:

(G2020-050, 051, 053)

*808DÉTROIT DE NORTHUMBERLAND / NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT: PARTIE OUEST / WESTERN PORTION: PORTS / HARBOURS – UNLIT BUOYS PERMANENTLY ESTABLISHED

Reference Chart: 4909

The following unlit buoys have been permanently established:

(G2020-055, 056, 058 to 060, 063, 064, 066, 068, 073 to 078, 092, 093, 101 to 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 116 to 121)