Dear Members,
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) have issued the following 4 notices for the Welland Canal:
Notice No.1 : General Instructions
This notice provides general navigation instructions and safety guidelines for vessel transits on the Welland Canal in the Niagara Region. It outlines operational procedures such as holding positions at locks, radar settings, transit precautions near loading wharves, rules for cruise ship passenger movements, identification of hazard and restricted areas in and around locks, securing at approach walls, use of hydraulic assist, navigation lighting and signals, and specific wharf draft limitations, including reduced maximum drafts at certain wharves due to shallow depths. The notice emphasizes safe navigation practices, security calls, and compliance with updated conditions and restrictions effective for the 2026 navigation season.
Notice No. 2: Shipchandler Interfaces with Ships at the Wharves in the Welland Canal
It outlines procedures for ship chandler interfaces at wharves in the Welland Canal, specifying that such interactions are permitted only at Wharves 2, 12 South, and 16 with prior arrangements; ships must inform the Seaway of their intent to use wharves in advance (at least 4 hours for Wharves 2 and 16, and at least 6 hours for Wharf 12 South), coordinate all logistics and security under the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, provide contact information for ship representatives, and comply with security and timing requirements to facilitate the transfer of stores and supplies.
Notice No. 3: Personnel Interfaces with Ships at the Locks in the Welland Canal
This notice details procedures and restrictions for personnel interfaces with ships in the Welland Canal during the 2026 navigation season. It specifies where and how crew, pilots, technicians, and other authorized personnel may embark or disembark at certain locks and at the Lock 8 southwest approach wall, emphasizes that ship chandlers and supply exchanges at locks are prohibited, outlines required advance requests and safety/security ID requirements for accessing ships, and provides operational instructions to ensure interfaces are only undertaken when vessels are securely moored and with prior approval from canal authorities.
Notice No. 4: Opening Ceremony at Lock 3 – 24 March, 2026
The Seaway will conduct an opening ceremony on March 24, 2026. Navigation will be restricted at Lock 3 from 08:30 to 11:00 in the Welland Canal while the ceremonial first ship is in the lock.
Sincerely,
Farah Ahmad
Coordinator, Operations