Cowichan Bay (CACCB)

Cowichan Bay is a large, accessible bay and includes the Thetis Island public port facility. The main wharf is owned by Canadian National Railways and operated by Westcan Terminals Ltd. The port is principally used for the export of lumber. The navigation season is all year round.

Summer.

The port of Cowichan Bay is situated on the Saanich Inlet on the SE coast of Vancouver Island.

LOA 196m, draught 10.4m. Largest vessel handled: "Hoegh Mallard", LOA 200.5m, beam 30.9m.

Approx 12 vessels visit the port annually.

There are 8 anchorages located in the bay and the S side of Satellite Channel. Nos 1 to 4 lie within the bay and Nos 5 to 8 in the W part of Satellite Channel; the bottom is mud throughout.

The approach from Satellite Channel, S of Separation Point, is deep and without danger. The approaches to the deepsea berth, in the SW portion of the bay on the edge of the mud flat, are deep and open. Directions: The port is entered S of Separation Point where a light is exhibited. The bay is deep and there are no off lying dangers. Useful Marks: Separation Point Light (white round tower, 6.0m in height) (48°44.6'N 123° 34.1'W) exhibited from the extremity of the point. Lights (privately maintained) mark the N and S ends of the lumber wharf (48° 44.9'N 123°37.5'W).

BA 4954. Admiralty Pilot NP25.

1025.

Compulsory. Refer to "Canadian General Information, re Pacific Coast Pilotage".

The port falls within the jurisdiction of Chemainus Harbour.

Range 2.1m (springs); 0.5m (neaps).

Assigned frequency 156.55MHz, Ch 11.

Available, larger tugs available at 48 hours notice.

Prevailing winds: W'ly.

Radio: 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.

Arranged through Victoria, to the S.

..... 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.