Transport Canada has issued a new Ship Safety Bulletin /2022 which clarifies the vessel requirements under the Interim Order for the Protection of the Killer Whale in the waters of southern British Columbia. This replaces Ship Safety Bulletin /2021.
The Interim Order came into force on 1 June 2022 and applies to all vessels that are navigating in, on or through specific waters in Southern British Columbia regardless of the method of propulsion. These measures have been put in place to reduce the noise and physical disruption which vessels can cause to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.
The measures include a 400-metre approach distance restriction, the establishment of interim Sanctuary Zones and the implementation of Seasonal Slowdown Areas. There are, however, some exemptions. Failure to comply with the Interim Order or instructions in the NAVWARNs related to the Interim Order may result in a fine up to C$250,000 or penal sanctions under the Canada Shipping Act 2001.
