Friendly letter from Canada Transport.

[jssailem]

Well I am back from my 15 day cruise into the Gulf Islands. It was fun to be back on the water. 2 years of Marina life takes the edge off one’s sailing boating skills. While it is a bit like riding a bike, it took me a couple of times to get the feel needed to spin the boat in confined space. I got better at all the small boat handling skills required in solo sailing. I think I escaped with only one small ding on the hull. Maybe only a scratch that needs to be rubbed out.

I did just receive a polite notice from Transport Canada. “Pacific Region Whale Protection Advisory” Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters in Canadian Waters. It is from the Whale Enforcement Unit, Vancouver BC. Identifies my Vessel and my MMSI Id #.

I am not sure is this is a “make the boater aware” or a warning that you violated the rules don’t do it again. With AIS they can see you coming and going.

If your are going to the Gulf Islands here is the notice zone. The primary “No Go Zones” are on the West side of Pender and the South East corner of Saturna. They are marked in Red on the chart.

 

[Hello Below]

With AIS they can see you coming and going.

Yes and the operator may even be sitting at a computer in Gatineau, PQ. I am surprised they did not hail you on Ch. 16 as they often do to folks inadvertently wondering into the zone. Or chase you down in one of their fast RIBs.
I also received one of these letters when the zones initially came into effect. I am now verrrry careful in these areas.
Ouchy

 

[jssailem]

I have a new chart plotter. I am learning to use its features. I believe I will set a “NO GO” Boundary to try and stay out of the Whale waters. I was sailing and headed out into Swanson Channel. Never saw a whale. Not going over 4 knots. I even have a “black” painted hull to show the fishies I am not a threat.

 

[jssailem]

Wondering if I should or should not contact the email address to better understand their observations.

 

[Terry Cox]

Wondering if I should or should not contact the email address to better understand their observations.

Could be s scammer, John. No notice received here.

 

[Mark Maulden]

You lucked out….they are starting to fine…I think the later electronic charts are showing the boundaries…

 

[mermike]

The zones are marked on my Canadian ENC charts, but not at all scales. If I recall there was a virual AIS ATON marking the eastern Saturna Island zone a couple of years ago.

 

[jssailem]

It appears that the zone along the west side of North Pender has been extended to 0.5 nm into the Swanson Channel. The information was not evident on my new plotter charts. I’ll be work create a boundary to avoid.
The letter was not a fine nor a scam. It was information.