Pilotage Areas Updated for Summerside and Placentia Bay

Summary#

Two interim orders made by the Minister of Transport on October 16, 2023 redraw or confirm pilotage areas around parts of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and change how people qualify for pilot licences there. The orders let applicants substitute a short, official familiarization program for some sea-time requirements if they completed it within two-year before applying.

What it does#

• Defines the Summerside compulsory pilotage area as the navigable waters east of a line from Seacow Head to Latitude 46°20.9′00″N, Longitude 63°54.5′00″W, then to Ives Point.
• Replaces the old Placentia Bay compulsory pilotage area with two zones:
  • Zone A (Placentia Bay) — all waters north of a line from Long Harbour Head to Fox Island, then to Ragged Point and Eastern Head.
  • Zone B (Argentia) — all waters east of a line from Long Harbour Head to Fox Island, then to Latitude 47°20.6′00″N, Longitude 54°01.8′00″W, then to Latitude 47°18.9′00″N, Longitude 54°00.3′00″W.
• Allows an applicant for a pilotage certificate in either area to skip the extra sea‑time described in subsection 22.22(1) of the General Pilotage Regulations if they have successfully completed a familiarization program set up by the Atlantic Pilotage Authority within the two-year period before applying.
• Repeals the interim orders that were made on October 18, 2022.

Who's affected#

• Local and visiting ship masters and crew who must take a pilot when entering or navigating the Summerside or Placentia Bay areas.
• Companies that operate ships, ferries, fishing vessels or other commercial craft in those waters.
• The Atlantic Pilotage Authority and licensed marine pilots who manage and deliver pilotage in the region.
• Ports and terminals in the Summerside and Placentia Bay/Argentia areas.
  If you work in or operate vessels in these waters, you are likely to notice the change; if not, it probably won’t affect you.

Why it matters#

• The change gives an approved training route (the familiarization program) as an alternative to extra sea time. That can make it easier and faster to qualify pilots for these areas.
• It clarifies which waters are subject to compulsory pilotage. That affects where ships must take a local pilot, which influences scheduling, crew planning and sometimes costs.
• The government says the orders were needed quickly because of an urgent safety or environmental risk. The orders aim to maintain safe navigation while allowing a recognized training option.