July 2, 2019

Boating Atlantic informs us that they attended a meeting held by Sail Nova Scotia for recreational boating use of Halifax Harbour and its approaches. For your customers and friends, the Atlantic Pilot Authority provided excellent information about the shipping within the harbour and approaches and their full presentation is here:
http://maritimeboating.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pilots-Presentation-June-2019.pdf

Some key information from the presentation:
1. Be aware of other users.
“Halifax Traffic” is the primary point of contact for all users.
Monitor VHF Channel 12 and/or 14 (and 16) when in Halifax Harbour and approaches
Inside Duncan Reef H1 buoy, VHF 12
Outside Duncan Reef H1 buoy, VHF14

2. All users are encouraged to check the Atlantic Pilotage Authority Website  website to see if any commercial traffic requiring a pilot will be transiting your area.
https://www.atlanticpilotage.com/operations/current-assignments/

3. Situational awareness is key: Understand that large commercial vessels are hampered in their ability to maneuver and require a lot of “sea room”.
Communicate with other vessels to discuss and make passing arrangements.  Pilots are always listening and are willing to assist in safe passing.

Visibility from the Bridge perspective of large commercial vessels is hampered by deck cargo, height of eye and other factors.  If you get too close, THEY CAN’T SEE YOU, and may lose tracking on Radar.  

If a Pilot loses sight of a smaller vessel, he is left to assume that the worst has happened and may take evasive action placing the safety of the ship, and port and other vessels in the area, in danger.  

It is always best to let the Pilot know your intentions to prevent any of the above scenarios from evolving.

Our thanks to Boating Atlantic for sharing this.