Port of Vancouver
The long weekend is filled with festivals and events in Vancouver, and Croatia is up for the final night of the Honda Celebration of Lights tomorrow evening. Vancouver harbour will be busy and regardless of wether you're spending the entire day or an evening watching the fireworks out on the water, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority harbour patrol crew wants your outing to be fun and safe. Review these safe boating reminders before setting sail and enjoy your night!
Fireworks
1. Be prepared: Boating at night is different. It’s more difficult to see your surroundings, so it is important to have the proper lighting and safety equipment on board, to take extra precautions, and to go slower. A little planning goes a long way to make sure you, your friends and family are safe. Take some time to review the port authority’s safe boating guidelines before getting on the water.
2. Stay out of the fireworks exclusion zone: Be aware of the 1,200 ft radius exclusion zone marked by buoys, and ensure you stay outside of this area at all times. The fireworks won’t begin unless the zone is clear.
3. Be aware of current and tide changes when anchoring: Think about the conditions (wind, weather and tides) to determine what your boat will do when anchored. You need to ensure you won’t drift inside the exclusion zone while at anchor.
4. Maintain a maximum speed of five knots in the event area: Honour the 5-knot speed restriction, and go even slower in and around boats at anchor. The waters are busier in the summer and at night it can be even more difficult to navigate your surroundings. Go a little slower, give yourself more time and plan your day—and night—accordingly.
5. Make sure your navigation lights are working:Recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights when out on the water between sunset and sunrise. Navigating in a crowded area can be as dangerous as boating in stormy weather, or in fog. Display an anchor light while anchored around the fireworks barge.
6. Paddlers must be visible at night: Be sure to carry a bright flashlight if you are kayaking or paddle boarding at night to ensure other boaters can see you.
7. Be patient: Heading back to shore after the fireworks can take some time, so be courteous and careful. Stay to the right in narrow channels.
8. Have an extra set of eyes watching the water: It’s tough to see on the water at night. Assign a lookout to help watch for other boaters and debris in the water.
9. PFDs for everyone: Make sure everyone on board has a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Always wear a PFD when operating a human-powered vessel.
10. Follow the “rules of the road” and watch for other traffic: Always be aware of other vessels around you and comply with rules around restricted areas. Five or more short and rapid blasts of a ship’s whistle means “danger—stay clear.” Monitor VHF (Very High Frequency) 16 and 12 on your radio.
Originally published here.