Executive Summary Licensed marine pilots are required for all deep sea vessels, including tankers, on the west coast of Canada. These services are supplied by the British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd, a private company consisting of approximately 100 pilots, through a contract for services with the Pacific Pilotage Authority. Pilots have intimate knowledge of the coastline and ship handling which is demonstrated by the high safety record of incident free assignments. The recommendations contained in this submission will further enhance the safety of this world class piloting system. Recommendation #1 Move Northern Pilot Boarding Station for Energy Ships – BCCP recommends moving the pilot boarding station for energy ships nine miles west of the current location at Triple Island to distance these vessels from other traffic in the area. Recommendation #2 Create Robust Standards for Tug Escorts – Transport Canada should be encouraged to develop standards for tug escorts by defining the minimum recovery requirements for vessels and capability of escort tugs. Recommendation #3 Require Minimum of Two Pilots on Energy Ships – Two pilots should be required for all energy ships where the length plus the beam is equal to or greater than 265m. Recommendation #4 Provide Navigational Aids – The Canadian Coast Guard should be requested to clarify the respective roles of CCG, ports, and industry with respect to the installation and maintenance of navigational aids. CCG should conduct an additional review of navigational aids along the proposed tanker route from Triple Island to Kitimat, including Caamano Sound. CCG should also pursue the installation of SMART buoys off of the west coast to provide real time information over AIS. In addition, CCG should oversee the installation of private marine aids to ensure the data is transmitted correctly over AIS. Recommendation #5 Provide Electronic Navigational Charts in highest standard format – The Canadian Hydrographic Services (CHS) should be encouraged to provide vector charts in the highest available format and density. Recommendation #6 Provide emergency towing vessel – A rescue tug should be stationed on the northern coast to respond to vessels in distress.
Executive Summary Licensed marine pilots are required for all deep sea vessels, including tankers, on the west coast of Canada. These services are supplied by the British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd, a private company consisting of approximately 100 pilots, through a contract for services with the Pacific Pilotage Authority. Pilots have intimate knowledge of the coastline and ship handling which is demonstrated by the high safety record of incident free assignments. The recommendations contained in this submission will further enhance the safety of this world class piloting system. Recommendation #1 – Move Northern Pilot Boarding Station for Energy Ships BCCP recommends moving the pilot boarding station for energy ships nine miles west of the current location at Triple Island to distance these vessels from other traffic in the area. Recommendation #2 – Create Robust Standards for Tug Escorts Transport Canada should be encouraged to develop standards for tug escorts by defining the minimum recovery requirements for vessels and capability of escort tugs. Recommendation #3 – Require Minimum of Two Pilots on Energy Ships Two pilots should be required for all energy ships where the length plus the beam is equal to or greater than 265m. Recommendation #4 – Provide Navigational Aids The Canadian Coast Guard should be requested to clarify the respective roles of CCG, ports, and industry with respect to the installation and maintenance of navigational aids. CCG should conduct an additional review of navigational aids along the proposed tanker route from Triple Island to Kitimat, including Caamano Sound. CCG should also pursue the installation of SMART buoys off of the west coast to provide real time information over AIS. In addition, CCG should oversee the installation of private marine aids to ensure the data is transmitted correctly over AIS. Recommendation #5 – Provide Electronic Navigational Charts in highest standard format The Canadian Hydrographic Services (CHS) should be encouraged to provide vector charts in the highest available format and density. Recommendation #6 – Provide emergency towing vessel A rescue tug should be stationed on the northern coast to respond to vessels in distress.