With a rise in near-miss incidents in the Burrard Inlet this year, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Vancouver Police Department Marine Unit are strongly encouraging boaters to follow the safe boating guidelines to be better prepared, informed, and safe on the water this summer.
“Knowing the ‘rules of the road’ for Canada’s waterways helps everyone avoid collisions by setting out what every boater should do to avoid hitting or being hit by another vessel,” said Stephen Brown, interim harbour master of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “The first and second narrows are busy commercial transit channels, so it is critically important for anyone out on the water in these areas to stay out of the shipping lanes in order to be safe.”
As more recreational boaters and paddlers head out on the water during the summer months, the port authority is seeing an uptick in near-miss incidents in the first and second narrows (waters under and around the Lions Gate and Iron Workers Memorial bridges) where deep-sea commercial ships transit daily. Reviewing the safe boating guidelines and understanding how to navigate the channel is key for the safety of pleasure craft operators and commercial vessels alike, but is often overlooked.
“One of the most important things boaters can do to increase safety for all vessels is to remain aware – aware of the conditions, of other boats, and of the rules on the water,” adds VPD Sgt. Jason Robillard. “If you’re a boater, you are responsible for ensuring you know how to stay safe on the water. Most operators know that drinking and boating don’t mix, and everyone on board should always be wearing a personal flotation device. Be alert and always practice safe and responsible boating.”
Recently, the port authority implemented a temporary and voluntary 15-knot speed restriction in the First Narrows Traffic Control Zone to encourage recreational boaters to slow down when transiting the area. Commercial ships are already required to travel at 10 knots. During the summer months when the weather warms up, this channel typically becomes very congested with recreational boats, as well as human-powered pleasure crafts including kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. Fast-moving boats pose a danger to the smaller watercraft.
“At this time of the year, we see a lot of people on the water who are seasonal boaters and not as familiar with the waterways, which can put them at risk. Reviewing the safe boating guidelines before getting out on the water is the best way to prepare yourself and stay safe,” added Brown. “If there are two key points we encourage recreational boaters to remember, they are to stay to the right of the channel – the same way you do when driving on a road – and to always be aware of other vessels around you.”
The port authority encourages everyone planning to be on the water during the August long-weekend to review the safe boating guidelines and follow the rules of the water.
For more information, visit portvancouver.com to review the safe boating guides for the Burrard Inlet and Fraser River.
