What should operators of small recreational boats do when navigating in or near a shipping lane

If at all possible, stay out of areas where there is commercial vessel traffic such as shipping lanes or traffic separation zones. Large vessels and barges have special problems in maneuvering and cannot and will not get out of your way. 

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.

A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a vessel under sail shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. When approching large vessels, remember that they have limited visibility, turning, and stopping capabilities. It is important to maintain an all-around lookout at all times and to be prepared to move out of the path of larger vessels.

A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway. As well, a vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway.

A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal.

Any vessel shall, as much as possible, do not anchor in a narrow channel.

A power-driven vessel shall, as much as possible, keep out of the way of a vessel not under command.

If possible, pleasure boat should travel in groups to increase their visibility.

If at all possible, stay out of areas where there is commercial vessel traffic such as shipping lanes or traffic separation zones. Large ships and barges have special problems in maneuvering and cannot and will not get out of your way.

A pleasure craft should also keep clear from docked ferry, ferry in transit or vessels in tow. Listen out for sound signals from ferries. Be aware that a long blast indicates the ferry is leaving the dock.

Tugs may tow vessels on a long tow line that extends behind the tug. The tow line is often so long that it hangs below the surface of the water and is almost invisible. When passing a tug boat, never pass between a tug and its tow. If a small boat were to hit the hidden line, it could capsize and be run down by the structure being towed. Many towed structures will also have a long trailing line behind them. Give the tug and its tow plenty of space in every direction.

Ferries operated by cables constitute a special hazard. When the ferry is under way, its cables are pulled taut and extend from both ends. Fatal accidents have occurred when vessels have attempted to pass over or under these cables while the ferry was in operation. When the ferry is secured at its landing, however, the cable is lowered and does not impede navigation. Boaters should use extreme caution around cable ferries and other vessels with other vessels/barges in tow.

Boating in rivers is different than operating on an open waterway. Boating in rivers presents its own unique hazards and conditions. Some rivers may exhibit strong currents, which can affect your boat’s steering and the predictability of your craft.

There are a number of activities that are prohibited while in a canal:

• No excessive noise between 11 pm and 6 am
• No mooring a vessel to a navigation aid
• No fishing within 10 m of a lock or from a bridge that passes over a navigation channel
• It is illegal to dive, jump, scuba-dive, swim or bathe within 40 m of a lock, gate or dam

Safety around dams
Use caution when near canal dams where currents and undertows can be dangerous. Steer well clear of dams and adjust your course to avoid strong currents near dams, especially when operating a small craft.

Shipping Lanes

The Collision Regulations require that boaters be aware of shipping lanes (traffic lanes) and use extreme caution when near vessel traffic lanes. Large commercial ships often cannot see small pleasure craft operating ahead of them from the bridge. You should always proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. Boaters should join or leave a traffic lane at its termination, but when joining or leaving from either side you should do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.

You should avoid crossing traffic lanes but if you must, cross at a right angle to the general direction of traffic flow. If navigating near a shipping lane or near the termination of a shipping lane you should use caution and avoid the lane with as wide a margin as practicable. Always avoid anchoring in a shipping lane or near its termination. To increase your visibility to larger vessels in or near a shipping lane, you should stay in groups with other small boats, if possible.

Less Maneuverable Vessels

When operating in the vicinity of large commercial vessels, remember that these vessels have limited visibility, turning and stopping capabilities.

The Collision Regulations require that all smaller pleasure craft less than 20 m in length (including sailboats) must give right-of-way to larger, less manoeuvrable vessels. This is one of a few instances in which a motorized vessel has the right-of-way over a non-powered vessel.

Large vessels, those towing a barge and those engaged in fishing activities with nets and trawls always have the right-of-way and are considered to be the stand-on craft. Pleasure power boats and sailboats must take early and substantial action to stay well clear of these types of vessels.

Remember:
The Collision Regulations require that pleasure sailing craft and those power-driven vessels less than 20 m in length shall not hinder the passage of power-driven vessels which can safely navigate only in a narrow channel or those craft that are navigating in a traffic lane.

Navigating at Sea

Boaters are required to follow the International Regulations for preventing collisions at sea and the Canadian modifications upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith and navigable by vessels as described in the Collision Regulations Rules 1 and 2 and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 Section 562. For more information visit www.tc.gc.ca.

When traveling to the United States by sea or inland waterway, Canadian citizens are required to present a single document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These requirements came into effect on June 1, 2009. Boaters should check with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for up-to-date requirements.