Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners – Section 1A of Notices to Mariners

These notices are indicated by a (T) or a (P), respectively. Please note that nautical charts are not amended by the Canadian Hydrographic Service for temporary (T) and preliminary (P) notices. It is recommended that mariners chart these corrections in pencil. For the list of charts affected by (T) & (P) notices, please refer to the current Notices to Mariners - Monthly Summary of Temporary and Preliminary Notices publication.

Suggestions and Corrections Form

This form is specifically for suggestions and corrections to Notices to Mariners publications. It is available online and also in fillable PDF format included with the monthly publication ZIP file.

To submit comments and suggestions on possible improvements to the various publications and services: Notmar.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

To report chart discrepancies and/or corrections to the Canadian Sailing Directions booklets: Fill out the Marine Information Reporting Form and/or email chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

To report emergencies or navigational hazards: Contact your nearest MCTS centre
- VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
- MF/HF frequency 2182 kHz/4125 kHz (where available)
- ∗16 on a cellphone (where available)

NOTMAR Website – Monthly Editions, Chart Corrections and Chart Patches

The NOTMAR website allows users to access the monthly publications, chart corrections, and chart patches.

Users can subscribe for free to the email notification service  to receive notifications when charts of interest are updated, including their patches, as well as when a new Monthly Edition of Notices to Mariners is published.

In addition, the monthly publication and related files to download, such as chart patches, can be obtained all together through the download of a single ZIP file.

Chart Corrections – Section 2 of Notices to Mariners

Corrections to nautical charts will be listed in numerical order by chart number. Each chart correction listed applies only to that particular chart. Related charts, if any, will have their own specific correction listed separately.

Users should also refer to CHS Chart 1: Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms for additional information pertaining to the correction of charts.

The illustration below describes the elements that will comprise a typical Section 2 chart correction:

The last correction number is identified with the LNM/D or Last Notice to Mariners Number / Date.

Mariners are advised that only the most critical changes that directly affect safety to navigation are issued in “Section 2 – Chart Corrections.” This limitation is required to ensure that charts remain as clear and easy to read as possible. As a result, mariners may see minor discrepancies of a non-critical nature between information in official publications. For example, a small change in the nominal range or focal height of a light may not result in the production of a chart correction in Notices to Mariners, but may result in a correction in the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals publication.

Note: In the case of a discrepancy between information provided on CHS charts relating to aids to navigation, and the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals publication, the latter shall be deemed as containing the most up-to-date information.

3000 - Juan de Fuca Strait to/à Dixon Entrance - New Edition - 20-JAN-1989 - NAD 1927

3001 - Vancouver Island / Île de Vancouver, Juan de Fuca Strait to/à Queen Charlotte Sound - New Edition - 23-FEB-2001 - NAD 1927

3002 - Queen Charlotte Sound to/à Dixon Entrance - New Edition - 16-DEC-1994 - NAD 1927

3441 - Haro Strait, Boundary Pass and/et Satellite Channel - New Edition - 01-JUL-2005 - NAD 1983

3442 - North Pender Island to/à Thetis Island - New Edition - 01-JUL-2005 - NAD 1983

3461 - Juan de Fuca Strait, Eastern Portion/Partie Est - New Edition - 01-JUL-2005 - NAD 1983

3462 - Juan de Fuca Strait to/à Strait of Georgia - New Edition - 01-JUL-2005 - NAD 1983

3473 - Active Pass - New Edition - 10-JAN-2020 - World Geodetic System 1984

3478 - Fulford Harbour - New Edition - 12-JUL-2013 - NAD 1983

3479 - Approaches to/Approches à Sidney - New Chart - 18-MAY-2007 - NAD 1983

3492 - Roberts Bank - New Edition - 09-DEC-2011 - NAD 1983

3493 - Vancouver Harbour Western Portion/Partie Ouest - New Edition - 15-NOV-2019 - World Geodetic System 1984

3496 - Approaches to/Approches à Vancouver Harbour - New Chart - 29-MAR-2019 - World Geodetic System 1984

3527 - Baynes Sound - New Edition - 06-APR-2001 - NAD 1983

3535 - Secret Cove and/et Smuggler Cove - New Edition - 08-MAR-2019 - World Geodetic System 1984

3543 - Cordero Channel - New Edition - 27-NOV-1992 - NAD 1983

3646 - Uchucklesit Inlet - New Edition - 30-JUN-1995 - NAD 1983

3646 - Ucluelet Inlet - New Edition - 30-JUN-1995 - NAD 1983

3668 - Alberni Inlet - New Edition - 10-MAR-2023 - World Geodetic System 1984

3670 - Broken Group - New Edition - 21-OCT-1994 - NAD 1983

3671 - Barkley Sound - New Edition - 04-NOV-2005 - NAD 1983

3673 - Clayoquot Sound, Tofino Inlet to/à Millar Channel - New Chart - 01-DEC-1995 - NAD 1983

3674 - Millar Channel to/à Estevan Point - New Chart - 01-DEC-1995 - NAD 1983

3726 - Laredo Sound and Approaches - New Edition - 07-OCT-2016 - World Geodetic System 1984

3727 - Cape Calvert to Goose Island including Fitz Hugh Sound - New Edition - 23-SEP-2016 - World Geodetic System 1984

3733 - Catala Passage - New Chart - 30-AUG-2002 - NAD 1983

3744 - Queen Charlotte Sound - New Edition - 20-MAY-1988 - NAD 1927

3800 - Dixon Entrance - New Chart - 06-MAY-2011 - NAD 1983

3813 - Port Louis and Otard Bay - New Chart - 19-MAY-2023 - World Geodetic System 1984

3868 - Port Louis to/à Langara Island - New Edition - 05-MAY-2006 - NAD 1983

3869 - Skidegate Channel to/à Tian Rock - New Edition - 28-NOV-1986 - Unknown

3902 - Hecate Strait - New Edition - 09-DEC-1988 - NAD 1927

3908 - KITIMAT - NEW CHART - 15-MAR-2013 - NAD 1983

3908 - Kitimat Harbour - New Chart - 15-MAR-2013 - NAD 1983

3910 - Entrance to/Entrée à Mathieson Channel - New Edition - 11-SEP-2020 - World Geodetic System 1984

3937 - Queens Sound - New Chart - 07-JUL-2000 - NAD 1983

3938 - Queens Sound to/à Seaforth Channel - New Edition - 15-APR-2016 - World Geodetic System 1984

3939 - Fisher Channel to/à Seaforth Channel and/et Dean Channel - New Edition - 01-AUG-2014 - World Geodetic System 1984

3939 - Shearwater - New Edition - 01-AUG-2014 - World Geodetic System 1984

3978 - Bonilla Island to/à Edye Passage - New Chart - 01-JUL-2016 - World Geodetic System 1984

3980 - Laredo Sound - New Chart - 13-JAN-2017 - World Geodetic System 1984

7010 - Davis Strait and/et Baffin Bay - New Edition - 12-JAN-1979 - Unknown

7011 - Hudson Strait/Détroit D'Hudson to/à Groenland - New Edition - 02-SEP-1983 - Unknown

7052 - Cape Mercy to/à Kangeeak Point - New Edition - 25-MAR-2016 - NAD 1983

7170 - Exeter Bay and Approaches/et les Approches - New Edition - 25-MAR-2016 - NAD 1983

7527 - Erebus and Terror Bay and/et Radstock Bay - New Edition - 29-APR-2016 - World Geodetic System 1984

7569 - Barrow Strait and/et Wellington Channel - New Edition - 17-MAR-2017 - World Geodetic System 1984

7940 - Eureka South and Southern Approaches/et Les Approches Du Sud Including/y Compris Baumann Fiord - New Edition - 27-APR-1979 - NAD 1927

7950 - Jones Sound, Norwegian Bay and Queens Channel - New Edition - 21-JUN-2013 - NAD 1983

*212/25Radio Aids to Marine Navigation 2025 (Atlantic, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Arctic and Pacific)

Page 1-9

ADD AS FOLLOWS:

1.4Telephone / Facsimile / Telex Directory

Table 1-4 e) NAVAREA XVII and XVIII - Telephone / Facsimile / Telex Directory

Page 1-10

AMEND AS FOLLOWS:

1.7Regional Office Addresses

Atlantic Region

Service available in English and in French.

Regional Superintendent
Marine Communications and Traffic Services
Canadian Coast Guard
P.O. Box 1000
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z8

Telephone:902-220-1005 902-456-4761

Page 4-14

DELETE THE FOLLOWING SECTION:

4.2.1 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System in Canada (GMDSS)

REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING:

4.2.1 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System in Canada (GMDSS)
4.2.1.1 What is GMDSS?

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an international system using improved terrestrial and satellite technology and ship-board radio systems. It ensures rapid alerting of shore-based rescue and communications authorities in the event of an emergency. In addition, the system alerts vessels in the immediate vicinity and provides improved means of locating survivors.

GMDSS was developed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and represents a significant change in the way maritime safety communications are conducted. While it is mandatory for all ships subject to the International Convention for the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) (cargo ships 300 gross tons or greater and all passenger vessels, on international voyages), GMDSS impacts all radio-equipped vessels, regardless of size. All SOLAS ships are required to fully comply with GMDSS.

4.2.1.2 Why GMDSS?

GMDSS was developed to save lives by modernizing and enhancing the current radiocommunications system. By utilizing satellite and digital selective calling technology, GMDSS provides a more effective distress alerting system. It improves the current system by:

a)increasing the probability that an alert will be sent when a vessel is in distress;
b)increasing the likelihood that the alert will be received;
c)increasing the ability to locate survivors;
d)improving rescue communications and coordination; and
e)providing mariners with vital maritime safety information.

4.2.1.3 Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

Maritime Safety Information broadcasts, which comprise navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and other safety-related messages can be received in four different ways in GMDSS:

a)NAVTEX receivers are fully automatic and receive broadcasts in coastal regions up to 300 nautical miles offshore;
b)Terminals to receive Enhanced Group Calls (EGC) for areas outside NAVTEX coverage using SafetyNET, SafetyNET II and SafetyCast;
c)High Frequency Narrow-Band-Direct-Printing (HF NBDP) receivers may be used where service is available to promulgate MSI; and
d)VHF marine radio (Sea Area A1) as a medium for obtaining nav/met MSI.

4.2.1.4 GMDSS Sea Areas - International

Although ship-to-ship alerting is still an important function in GMDSS, the emphasis is on two-way communications between ships and shore facilities. All GMDSS ships must be capable of communicating with the shore and transmitting a distress alert by two different means. The equipment carried by a GMDSS ship is therefore determined by its area of operation and the availability of shore-based communications services.

Table 4-7 - Four “Sea Areas” Defined in the GMDSS

4.2.1.5 GMDSS Sea Areas - Canada

In Canada, as a result of consultations with the Canadian marine industry in the early 2000s, Sea Area A1 and Sea Area A3, based on Inmarsat’s coverage, were implemented on the east and west coasts. Additionally Sea Area A4 was established in the Arctic. Figure 4-2 provides up to date information on the theoretical coverage of Sea Area A3 for vessels equipped with Inmarsat systems.

Figure 4-2 - Canadian A1/A3/A4 GMDSS Sea Areas Inmarsat Theoretical Coverage

Sea area A3 is that sea area of the world not being part of any sea area A1 or A2 within the coverage of a recognized mobile satellite service. This figure shows the waters surrounding Canada split into A1 (orange), A3 (cross hatched) and A4 (green) sea areas.

Since January 2024, global Sea Area A3 coverage has become possible through Iridium. A vessel engaged on a voyage in the polar regions with an approved Iridium Ship Earth Station onboard is now considered to be operating within Sea Area A3 (Figure 4-2b)

Figure 4-2b - Canadian A1/A3 GMDSS Sea Areas Iridium Theoretical Coverage

This figure shows the waters surrounding Canada split into A1 (orange) and A3 (cross hatched) sea areas.

Additional information regarding these services and coverage can be found in the International SafetyNET Services Manual and the Iridium SafetyCast Service Manual.

VHF-DSC services are provided in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River west of the lower exit of the St. Lambert Lock.

4.2.1.6 Communications Between GMDSS Vessels and Non-GMDSS Vessels

Since February 1, 1999, GMDSS larger ships have been maintaining an automated listening watch on VHF/DSC Ch70 and MF/DSC 2187.5 kHz. This at times creates the situation, where vessels fitted with traditional, non-GMDSS radio equipment, may have had difficulties alerting or contacting a GMDSS ship. The CCG is addressing this by monitoring both GMDSS and traditional distress frequencies. Regardless of the Regulatory requirements, CCG and Transport Canada encourage all vessels to be equipped with VHF/DSC radios for improved safety and communication.

4.2.1.7 Important Safety Notice Concerning VHF/DSC

After having received a distress, urgency or safety broadcast announcement on VHF/DSC Ch70, the VHF/DSC equipment will automatically switch the DSC radio to VHF Ch16 for the subsequent voice announcements. Mariners who are required by the Navigation Safety Regulations, 2020 to monitor a specific VTS sector frequency should return the radio to the appropriate working frequency after determining, on Ch16, the impact of the VHF/DSC alert broadcast announcement on their vessel’s operations.

It has been determined that vessels maintaining a listening watch on a VTS sector frequency, per the requirements of the VTS Zone Regulations may, if navigating in congested waters, temporarily discontinue DSC watchkeeping on VHF/DSC Ch70 until the required manoeuvre has been completed.

Vessels inadvertently or accidentally transmitting a distress/urgency/safety broadcast on VHF/DSC must cancel the distress/urgency/safety broadcast on VHF Ch16. Intentionally sending a false distress alert carries penalties under both the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Radiocommunication Act.

VHF/DSC equipment must be programmed with the correct Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers (reference “Radio Station Licensing and MMSI numbers” in Section 4.3.12, also reference Section 1.4 for the MCTS Centres’ MMSI numbers).

Figure 4-3 - Radio Coverage Prediction – Atlantic Ocean

Figure 4-4 - Radio Coverage Prediction – St. Lawrence

Figure 4-5 - Radio Coverage Prediction - Great Lakes

Figure 4-6 - Radio Coverage Prediction - Pacific Ocean

4.2.1.8Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres (MCTS)

Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centres continue to monitor the current distress and safety channels VHF Ch16 and MF 2182 kHz for the foreseeable future. Once Canada’s sea areas have all been implemented, lower cost DSC equipment is available, and it is determined that these services are no longer required, these listening watches may be discontinued. This decision will be evaluated at that time.

The CCG national VHF-DSC (digital selective calling) network controlled by MCTS Centres can process VHF-DSC “Test Calls” from vessels provided that the marine radio meets the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard Recommendation M.493-16 (as amended) “Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service.”

The CCG VHF-DSC equipment is configured to automatically acknowledge VHF-DSC test calls within seconds of receipt provided that the MCTS Centre VHF-DSC equipment is not processing higher priority DSC calls.

To supplement the broadcasting of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) on NAVTEX, Inmarsat SafetyNET/SafetyNET II, Iridium SafetyCast and HF NBDP, MCTS Centres will continue MSI broadcasts using the existing VHF continuous marine broadcast system and MF radiotelephony broadcast at advertised times.

No corrections for this section.