Area 2 Pilotage Rules for Crude Oil Tankers

Summary#

This notice publishes Interim Order No. 3 Respecting Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region, a temporary order made under the Pilotage Act by Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport, on May 30, 2025. It changes which ships must take a local pilot in Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority region, and it repeals the earlier interim order made May 1, 2025.

What it does#

• Redefines the geographic reach of Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority by adding the waters inside a line described by several latitude/longitude points (the full coordinates are in the official order).
• Limits compulsory pilotage in that extended Area 2 so that only laden crude oil tankers with a summer deadweight tonnage of 40,000 or more must take a compulsory pilot.
• Requires that voyage notices to the pilotage authority include the nature of the cargo on board the ship.
• Repeals Interim Order No. 2 Respecting Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region (made May 1, 2025).

Who's affected#

• Ship operators and owners, especially operators of crude oil tankers that call in Area 2. The new rule mainly targets tankers carrying crude oil with a summer deadweight of 40,000 or more.
• The Pacific Pilotage Authority, marine pilots, and pilotage service providers who manage and deliver pilotage in the region.
• Mariners, tug operators and port or harbour authorities that plan ship movements in the waters defined as Area 2.
• Coastal communities and environmental responders near the area may be indirectly affected because the rule focuses pilotage requirements on large crude oil shipments.

Why it matters#

• It changes who must use a local pilot in these coastal waters. That can affect voyage planning, scheduling and pilotage costs for ships — especially for vessels just below or above the 40,000 summer deadweight threshold.
• Requiring the cargo type to be included in notices gives pilotage authorities more information about risk on specific arrivals. That can help with safety planning and emergency response.
• Because this is an interim order made for an urgent safety or environmental reason, it takes effect quickly but could later be replaced or confirmed by regular regulations.