*1207/22Canadian Coast Guard – Waterway information

(Recurrent publication of notice *1207/22, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 12/2022 publication.)

Reference chart: 14853 (U.S.), 14882 (U.S.), 14883 (U.S.),14884 (U.S.)

Updated shoaling conditions for the navigational channels in the Great Lakes are available on the Canadian Coast Guard websites:

CCG e-Nav - Shoals in the Detroit River (canada.ca)
CCG e-Nav - Shoals in the St. Clair River (canada.ca)
CCG e-Nav - Shoals in the St. Mary's River (canada.ca)

Great Lakes Waterways Channel Bottom Conditions and Active Shoals are available at the website:

GCC - e-Nav Portal - Central - Great Lakes Waterways - Channel Bottom Conditions (canada.ca)

(NW-C-2130-22)

*204/23Canadian Coast Guard – Cessation of Rectangular Broadcasting in NAVAREA / METAREAs XVII and XVIII

(Recurrent publication of notice *204/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 02/2023 publication.)

Since 2010, the five Arctic NAVAREA/METAREAs have promulgated warnings and forecasts to their areas of responsibility using INMARSAT-C’s rectangular area addressing capability. At that time, it was not possible to code older Inmarsat-C receivers to receive warnings and forecasts directly addressed to the Arctic NAVAREA/METAREAs.
All Inmarsat-C and Mini-C receivers available for purchase today are able to receive warnings and forecasts addressed to the Arctic NAVAREA/METAREAs, and have been for more than a decade.
Effective on January 1st, 2024, the Arctic NAVAREA/METAREAs will commence broadcasting their warnings and forecasts using their unique numeric identifier and will cease using rectangular addressing.

During 2023, the Arctic NAVAREA/METAREAs will transmit test messages using the numeric NAVAREA/METAREA identifier to allow mariners to verify reception on their Inmarsat-C or Mini-C receivers.

Mariners navigating in Arctic waters must ensure that their Inmarsat-C or Mini-C receiver detects the new encoding prior to January 1st, 2024 to continue receiving Arctic NAVAREA/METAREA warnings and forecasts.

*310/23Canadian Coast Guard – Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) in Canada

(Recurrent publication of notice *310/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 03/2023 publication.)

Reference: Notice *1206/22 is cancelled.

On December 15th, 2022, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) permanently discontinued the provision of its DGPS service across Canada.

Today’s GPS meets the needs of international Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) requirements for maritime navigation. Further, for mariners in Canadian waters, there is no carriage requirement for ground - or space - based augmentation capability onboard vessels for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

Mariners should note that CCG DGPS sites may broadcast corrections on occasion for technology testing. During these testing, the DGPS corrections broadcasted should not be considered reliable for marine navigation.

*407/23Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and Surrounding Waters – Whale Protection

(Recurrent publication of notice *407/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2023 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 2023.

Voluntary protection measures

Provisional measures in effect from May 1 to October 31, 2023. 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.

*408/23Saguenay–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 *408/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 04/2023 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 2023 or visit marinepark.qc.ca.

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: marinepark.ca/protect/.

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 1st to October 31st.

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

*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.

*507/23Protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale: Speed Restriction Measures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

(Recurrent publication of notice *507/23, originally published in the Notices to Mariners – Monthly Eastern Edition 05/2023 publication.)

Reference: Notice *401/23 is cancelled.

PURPOSE

This notice describes the speed 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 for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2023 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 will be effective from April 19th, 2023, 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.

Please check the latest NAVWARN for all speed restrictions currently in effect.

SPEED RESTRICTION MEASURES FOR 2023

These restrictions will be in effect from April 19 to November 15, 2023.

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.

Exceptions
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

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.

If a notice to fish harvesters and a NAVWARN state that at least one right whale has been detected within the static zone in waters that are not more than 36.57 m deep, the 10 knots speed limit will apply to all vessels above 13 m in length overall (LOA) for 15 days after the day on which the whale was detected.

If a new notice to fish harvesters and a new NAVWARN are published or broadcast during the last seven days of the 15-day period, the speed limit will continue to apply for a further 15 days after the day on which the new detection took place.

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:

•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), 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 19^th to June 27^th, 2023; and

•are allowed to proceed at a safe operational speed from June 28th to November 15th, 2023, 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’s right whale closure protocol. The restricted area will be lifted once the North Atlantic right whale detections decrease in the restricted area.

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 for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2023. Triggering and lifting of the restricted area will be communicated to mariners through a NAVWARN and notice 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 for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2023;

•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 19^th to June 27^th, 2023, and from September 27^th to November 15^th, 2023.

•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

NAVWARN BROADCASTS

The Canadian Coast Guard issues 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 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 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 and/or a seasonal management area subject to a speed restriction.

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

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 animals, 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

Quebec

Baleines en direct (GREMM)
Telephone: 1-877-722-5346

Report a marine mammal or sea turtle incident or sighting:

For more information on reporting other marine mammal or sea turtle sighting and incidents: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/report-rapport/page01-eng.html

Please consult Whale Insight for the latest right whale observations:
https://gisp.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/apps/WhaleInsight/eng/?locale=en

*601/23Canadian Hydrographic Service – Nautical Charts

*602/23Canadian Hydrographic Service – Electronic Navigational Charts

*603/23Transport Canada – Ship Safety Bulletins #05, #10, #11 and #12/2023

New and updated 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#05/2023 – Protecting the North Atlantic right whale: speed restriction measures in the Gulf of St.  Lawrence
RDIMS# 18265176

SSB#10/2023 – Guidance for cruise operators to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19
RDIMS# 18943341

SSB#11/2023 – Ukrainian seafarers can now seek Canadian recognition of their STCW certificates – Updated May 2023
RDIMS# 19087588
SSB#12/2023 – 2023 concentrated inspection campaign
RDIMS# 19420419

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).

*604/23Canadian Coast Guard Publication - Amendements to Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2023 - Section A2, Notice 5: General Guidelines for Aquatic Species at Risk and Important Marine Mammal Areas

Several amendments have been made throughout Notice 5, General Guidelines for Aquatic Species at Risk and Important Marine Mammal Areas. The latest version of this notice is available at the following link: https://www.notmar.gc.ca/publications/annual/section-a/a5-en.pdf.

*605/23Canadian Coast Guard Publication - Amendements to Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2023 - Section B, Notice 23: General Information on Pilotage Service

Page 8 :

AMEND AS FOLLOWS :

*606/23Lac Saint-Louis – Unlit Buoys Shape Changed

Reference chart: 1430

The shape of the following unlit buoys have been changed from spar to pillar:

(Q2023-014, 018)

*607/23Lac Saint-François/Lake St. Francis – Unlit Buoy Repositioned

Reference chart: 1432

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

(B2023-016)

*608/23Lake Nipissing / Lac Nipissing(Eastern Portion / Partie est) – Unlit Buoy Permanently Discontinued

Reference chart: 6035

The following unlit buoy has been permanently discontinued:

(D2023-019)

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.

Atlantic Region

*609(P)/23Smith Sound and / et Random Sound – Aid to Navigation to be Discontinued

Reference chart: 4852

The Canadian Coast Guard proposes to permanently discontinue the following aid to navigation:

Initial publication date: Friday, June 30, 2023
Comment submission deadline: Thursday, September 28, 2023

(N2023-074)

*610(P)/23Indian Bay to / à Wadham Islands – Aid to Navigation to be Discontinued

Reference chart: 4857

The Canadian Coast Guard proposes to permanently discontinue the following aid to navigation:

Initial publication date: Friday, June 30, 2023
Comment submission deadline: Thursday, September 28, 2023

(N2023-073)

*611(P)/23Carmanville to / à Bacalhoa Island and / et Fogo – Fog Signal to be Discontinued

Reference chart: 4862

The Canadian Coast Guard proposes to permanently discontinue the fog signal from the following aid to navigation:

Initial publication date: Friday, June 30, 2023
Comment submission deadline: Thursday, September 28, 2023

(N2023-087)

No notices applicable for this edition.

Atlantic Region

*612(P)/23Great Bras D'Or, St. Andrews Channel and/et St. Anns Bay – Notice of Proposed Changes

Reference chart: 4277

The Canadian Coast Guard proposes to permanently change the following aids to navigation:

Initial publication date: Friday, June 30, 2023
Comment submission deadline: Thursday, September 28, 2023

(G2023-019)

*613(T)/23Ottawa to/à Smiths Falls – Marine Works – Bridge Repair

Reference chart: 1512, 1515
Repairs work on the pillars of the MacDonald Cartier Bridge in progress. Scaffolding barge on site. Cautionary buoys upstream and downstream of the bridge. Minimum wake.

(NW-C-1882-21)

*614/23Cape Hurd to/à Tobermory and/et Cove Island – Marine Works Completed

Reference: Notice 1115(T)/22 is cancelled (Chart 2274).

Little Tub Harbour breakwater rehabilitation works are now completed.

No notices applicable for this edition.