Voluntary Protection Zone for Shipping, West Coast Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands)

Haida Gwaii’s remote location, rugged coastline, variable sea and weather conditions, and rich ecological and cultural heritage make it vulnerable to the potential for pollution from shipping breakdowns and accidents. Increasing the distance vessels travel offshore can increase the amount of time available to address propulsion, steering or other issues, and the likelihood of a towing vessel being able to respond to a vessel that is disabled or drifting. This in turn reduces the risk of grounding and oil spills.

A Voluntary Protection Zone for Shipping is in effect on the West Coast of Haida Gwaii. Within this zone, commercial vessels of 500 gross tons or greater shall observe a minimum distance of 50 nautical miles offshore when transiting, with the following exceptions:

- Cruise vessels, to observe a minimum 12 nm distance from shore;
- Vessels transiting between Pacific Northwest ports (Washington, Alaska, BC), to observe a minimum 25 nm distance from shore;
- Tugs and barges (including pushing and towing alongside), no minimum distance; and
- Fishing vessels, no minimum distance.

Vessels are requested to adhere to these distances on a voluntary basis and only when it does not jeopardize the safety of navigation, the vessel, the persons aboard, and the cargo.

For more information on the Voluntary Protection Zone project, visit haidagwaii-vpz.ca or see monthly Notice to Mariners.