Bella Coola (CABLC)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. The port main activities are fishing and recreational.

Summer.

The port of Bella Coola is situated on British Columbia's W coast at the head of North Bentinck Arm.

Small vessels may anchor 0.1nm N of the W wharf in depths of approx 47m, however there is no satisfactory anchorage for large vessels near the head of the North Bentinck Arm.

Approach and entry: The harbour is approached from Fitz Hugh Sound through Burke Channel and North Bentinck Arm. A rock breakwater extends approx 0.075nm NNE from a position 0.3nm E of Sutlej Point.

BA 1933, 3993. Admiralty Pilot NP26, NP286(5).

Refer to "Canadian general information, re Pacific Coast Pilotage".

Bella Coola Light is exhibited from a square aluminium framework tower, with a red and white rectangular daymark, situated at the outer end of the breakwater.

Mean spring range 3.8m; mean neap range 2.0m.

During the summer months the winds in North Bentinck Arm are from the SW following the trend of the arm. The wind typically sets in about 1000 hours and blows until sunset when it usually falls calm. Gale force winds blowing from the valley E of Bella Coola can be expected during the winter months.

San Francisco ("KPH" and "KFS") and Vancouver Coast Guard ("VAI") coast radio stations can be used for passing messages throughout 24 hours. The stations can transmit/receive traffic on all HF frequencies and 500kHz, depending on distance from station. Inmarsat can also be used.

Allowances: Officers and crew are allowed 1 bottle of spirits or 24 cans of beer and 200 cigarettes. Any excesses are confiscated or duties must be paid. Passengers onboard are subject to search of their personal effects if they intend to land. Immigration: Any supernumeraries must be reported (with or without visa). Immigration Officers only conduct spot checks on vessels. Otherwise agent processes Immigration Crew List. Passengers onboard are subject to document checks if they intend to land.

..... Document Copies 1. General Declaration 4 2. Ship's Stores Declaration 3 3. Crew Personal Effects Declaration 3 4. Crew List 3 5. Health Declaration 1 The documents are handed to the agent on arrival. He will leave onboard 2 copies each of items (2) and (3) above. Thereafter, customs may perform spot checks on the vessel and will demand these documents. The vessel's agent usually arranges for forms to be delivered onboard, by the pilot, for the Master to complete for arrival alongside.

Initial ETA to be sent on departure from last port to the consigned agent. Further ETA's, dependent on Charter Party, are normally sent 14, 10, 7 and 5 days prior to arrival. The ETA message should include the date and time of arrival, name of Master, last 3 ports of call, number of crew and breakdown of nationalities.

Interco flag "Q" must be flown if there is sickness onboard.

Canadian Coast Guard may attend a vessel for port state control inspection. Furthermore, if a vessel is more than 10 years old and loading coal or bulk concentrates then they could attend for the bulk carrier inspection programme for structural deficiencies of cargo bulkheads and inspection of wing tanks. Discharge of dirty ballast is strictly forbidden. Owners must apply for an oil spill response agreement prior to vessels arrival, through the agent.

It is not necessary to apply for pratique unless there is an infection or dead person onboard. Pratique can be applied for by radio. If there is any sickness onboard the vessel will be quarantined. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

The custom of the port is to tender NOR on arrival at a safe anchorage or first line at berth. If an outer anchorage is used Master may tender NOR by cable or telex.