Due to the increased presence of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, seasonal speed restrictions apply from April 28 to November 15, 2018 through a combination of a static speed zone and four dynamic shipping corridors.
Latest information on the speed limits applicable in the dynamic zones can be found below (*).
A. Static Zone:
Vessels to operate at 10 knots or less (speed over ground), except in the four dynamic sectors below.
WARNING: DUE TO GALE WIND WARNINGS, SPEED RESTRICTION IN THE STATIC ZONE HAS BEEN LIFTED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
B. Dynamic Sector Corridors
Vessels may proceed at a safe operational speed when the Government of Canada has completed two flights over the dynamic sectors within 7 days and determined that no whales are present in these areas. Information on applicable speed limits is continuously broadcasted to vessels by the CCG MCTS via Notice to Shipping (NOTSHIP).
As per the latest NOTSHIP Q1826/2018 (effective 1700UTC November 9, 2018):
Sector A: Vessels may proceed at a safe operational speed
Sector B: Vessels may proceed at a safe operational speed
Sector C: Vessels may proceed at a safe operational speed
Sector D: Vessels may proceed at a safe operational speed
Click HERE for the full text of the NOTSHIP.
Coordinates for static and dynamic sectors can be accessed through the NOTMAR 406/18 on pages 5 to 7 (click HERE).
(*) NOTE: Although the above information will be updated as often as possible, NOTSHIPs issued by the Canadian authorities remain the source of information to ensure compliance and can be accessed through the CCG website (click here).
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