NOTICES TO MARINERS
PUBLICATION
EASTERN EDITION

Colour Web Patches are free to the mariner, and given the quality of many printers, should reproduce well. They will be available in real time all around the world.

CHS welcomes your feedback on this service at chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

The cumulative chart corrections published in Notices to Mariners can now be accessed at
https://www.notmar.gc.ca/corrections-en.php

CHART EDITIONS
The three terms described below are used to indicate the publication status of Canadian charts.

NEW CHART - "NEWCHT"
The first publication of a Canadian chart embracing an area not previously charted to the scale shown, or embracing an area different from any existing Canadian chart.

NEW EDITION - "NEWEDT"
A new issue of an existing chart containing amendments essential to navigation in addition to those issued in Notices to Mariners and making existing editions obsolete.

REPRINTS
A new issue of the current edition of a chart incorporating no amendments of navigational significance other than those previously promulgated in Notices to Mariners. It may also contain amendments from other sources provided they are not essential to navigation. Previous printings of the current edition remain in force.

The current chart edition dates can be accessed at www.chs-shc.gc.ca/charts-cartes/paper-papier/index-eng.asp

Background

By providing nautical charts to the public, the goal of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is to provide services for safe navigation in a fiscally responsible manner. As a result, CHS continues to expand its portfolio of nautical paper charts that are printed using Print On Demand (POD) technology. These charts are easily recognized by their whiter paper and the coloured logo of the Canadian Hydrographic Service. This new technology enables CHS to print charts in a more efficient manner, while enhancing chart content through being able to quickly add new and important information. POD technology provides customers with up-to-date charts without the historical hand-drawn corrections or glued-on patches. Additionally, this technology eliminates out-of-stock situations which arise with the traditional printing and warehousing methods. In the event of a national emergency, CHS can respond to the appropriate authorities with the best available information very quickly.

Care of Your POD Chart

CHS encourages its customers to handle the POD charts more carefully than the traditional lithographic charts. When plotting information on POD charts, use HB pencils and apply limited pressure. Testing has suggested that an Indian gum eraser is more effective than alternatives when used on the product. This eraser is also suitable for charts printed using lithographic processes.

Mariners are advised that ECDIS may not display some isolated shoal depths when operating in "base or standard display" mode. Route planning and monitoring alarms for these shoal depths may not always be activated. To ensure safe navigation and to confirm that a planned route is clear of such dangers, mariners should visually inspect the planned route and any deviations from it using ECDIS configured to display "all data". The automated voyage planning check function should not be solely relied upon.

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. (This notice refers to the previous one published in November 2012 with number *1103.)

The Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Quebec Region identified information missing in the 2018 Canadian Tide and Current Tables Volume 3 - St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord, page 67.

Replace the part of Table 3 with the patch provided in Section 1 of this monthly edition.
https://www.notmar.gc.ca/publications/monthly-mensuel/images/ed012018-part1-tidal-information-vol3-p67-patch.pdf

The Canadian Hydrographic Service has moved patch downloads from http://www.chs-shc.gc.ca/patches/ to ftp://ftp.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/patches/. The PDF versions of the monthly editions of Notices to Mariners prior to July 2017 are published with the previous location to download patches, while the HTML versions have the updated hyperlinks to the new location. These changes have also been applied to the “Search Chart Corrections” service on the Notices to Mariners website (https://www.notmar.gc.ca/corrections-en.php).

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 Act Establishing the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. 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 channel 16.

For more information on the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, see notice 5C of the Notices to Mariners Annual Edition 2018.

Voluntary protection measures

Provisional measures in effect from May 1^st to October 31^st, 2018. 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 meters (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.

Due to the changing migratory habits of the North Atlantic Right whale and their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Government of Canada has put in place seasonal speed restrictions in specified areas. These restrictions are a combination of static zone and dynamic speed reduction sectors. (See map below.)

These measures are in effect from April 28 to November 15, 2018. These dates are subject to change dependent on North Atlantic Right whale presence. Once the mandatory speed restriction has been lifted, vessels are asked to voluntarily reduce their speed to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground in the presence of North Atlantic Right whales only if maritime conditions permit safe operation of their vessel at that speed.

Static zone coordinates: 47° 10'N 062° 00'W; 47° 10'N 065° 00'W; 50° 20'N 065° 00'W; 50° 20'N 063° 00'W;
49° 43’N 063° 00’W and 49° 04’N 062° 00’W

Within the static zone, with the exclusion of the dynamic sector corridor, vessels 20 m or more in length are required to operate at a speed not exceeding 10.0 knots over the ground during the above specified dates.

Dynamic sector coordinates:

Sector A) 49° 41’N 065° 00’W; 49° 20’N 065° 00’W; 49° 11’N 064° 00’W; 49° 22’N 064° 00’W;
Sector B) 49° 22’N 064° 00’W; 49° 11’N 064° 00’W; 48° 48’N 063° 00’W; 49° 00’N 063° 00’W;
Sector C) 49° 00’N 063° 00’W; 48° 48’N 063° 00’W; 48° 24’N 062° 00’W; 48° 35’N 062° 00’W; and
Sector D) 50° 06’N 064° 00’W; 50° 00’N 064° 00’W; 49° 56’N 063° 00’W; 50° 03’N 063° 00’W.

Within the static zone, there are four dynamic sectors: A, B, C and D. Within these sectors, vessels may proceed at a safe operational speed when the Government of Canada has determined that whales do not appear to be present. When North Atlantic Right whale presence has been determined inside a dynamic sector, vessels 20 m or more in length will be notified through a Notice to Shipping (NOTSHIP) and are required to reduce their speed to not exceed 10.0 knots over the ground within that sector.

Speed restrictions within the dynamic sectors (A, B, C and D) will be in effect for 15 days, from the date of issuance, and can be extended in the event of continued whale presence. The establishment of speed reduction zones and sectors will be announced through NOTSHIPs.

NOTSHIP Broadcasts

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) continues to promulgate valid NOTSHIPs via radio broadcasts over various terrestrial systems and also online at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/navigating-hub. Mariners shall ensure that they have correct and up-to-date information concerning the protection of the North Atlantic Right whales as contained in all applicable Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) and NOTSHIPs.

Aids to Navigation

In addition, CCG is testing the use of virtual AIS aids to navigation (AIS AtoN), NOTMAR 819(T)/2016 refers, which will notify a mariner of a dynamic sector that is subject to a speed reduction. Each dynamic sector will be delimited by four virtual AIS AtoN which could be displayed on ship’s navigation equipment such as: ECDIS, ECS, RADAR, Minimum Keyboard Display, and Electronic Nautical Charts. The virtual AIS AtoN will be broadcasted only when speed reduction is in effect in one or more sectors. The mariner is required to select the virtual AIS AtoN symbol to view a message as such: “SectA1 Spd Lim 10 kt.” This message refers to a speed reduction in effect for a specific sector. As this system continues to be in the testing phase, it is not the primary means of communicating with the mariner.

Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with mandatory speed restrictions could lead to enforcement action and subject to fines ranging from $6,000 Cdn to $25,000 Cdn. If vessels appear to have violated the speed restriction, Transport Canada Marine Safety Inspectors will review all information provided through AIS and seek information from the master.

Exemptions to the speed restrictions will not be granted in advance; however, factors such navigation to ensure vessel safety, weather conditions, and responding to emergencies, will be reviewed and considered.

Reporting of Whale Sightings

Mariners are requested to report all observations of entangled, dead, or injured whales to the nearest CCG Marine Communication and Traffic Services Centre; or as follows:

•For the southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence:

–Marine Animal Response Society at 1-866-567-6277

•For Newfoundland and Labrador:

–Whale Release and Strandings at 1-888-895-3003

•For the Québec sector:

–Marine Mammal emergencies at 1-877-722-5346.

Sightings of live, free-swimming whales should be reported by phone to 1-902-440-8611 or 1-844-800-8568 or by email: XMARWHALESIGHTINGS@DFO-MPO.GC.CA

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, these measures do not apply to cargo ships (see notice “Saguenay–St.Lawrence Marine Park and Surrounding Waters – Whale Protection” in the monthly edition of Notice to Mariners concerning voluntary protection measures in the St. Lawrence Estuary from May to October). 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 2018 or visit http://parcmarin.qc.ca/home/.

SUMMARY OF 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 (see dotted line, Figure 2) within 10 metres of the shore or in shallow areas.

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION MEASURES

Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector - 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

AMEND

TO READ

Reference Chart: 1351

The following private daybeacons have been permanently established:

Marina de Sabrevois (LL 12023.5) (45° 11’ 55.5”N 073° 15’ 02.7”W)

Marina de Sabrevois (LL 12023.55) (45° 11’ 54.8”N 073° 15’ 02.8”W)

(Q2018-080, 081)

Reference Chart: 6370

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

Resdelta Channel light buoy ER (LL 1680.1) (61° 21’ 38.4”N 113° 41’ 52.8”W)

Comments on this action are solicited from mariners and other interested parties by December 28^th, 2018, three months following the initial publication date of September 28^th, 2018. Comments should be directed to the following:

A/Superintendent, Glenna Evans
Aids to Navigation & Waterways, Western Region
Canadian Coast Guard
25 Huron Street
Victoria, BC V8V 4V9
Telephone: (250) 480-2602
Fax: (250) 480-2702
Email: glenna.evans@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Any objections raised must state the facts on which they are based and should include supporting information on safety, commerce and public benefit.

(A2018-029)