Pine Island Pilot Boarding Station

Wednesday, 25 March 2009 14:47

The Pacific Pilotage Authority has issued a Notice to Industry outlining changes to extend the operations of the Pine Island Boarding Station located at 50º 59’ N Latitude and 127º 48’ W Longitude.

a. No vessel is to proceed east of a line drawn from Cape James point on Hope Island to Pine Island Lt on Pine Island until the licensed pilot is on the bridge.

b. No vessel is to proceed east of a line drawn between Greeting Point on Nigei Island and Bright Island in the Buckle Group until the Master -  Pilot exchange has been completed.

c. Notwithstanding 2(a) and (b) the boarding pilot and master of the inbound vessel can, in the interest of safety such as adverse weather conditions, agree to waive these requirements and agree on an alternative safe boarding location.

For a 12 month trial period during the months October 15th to April 15th the pilot launch will not depart Port Hardy if the sustained wind speed at Pine Island exceeds 30 knots. If the launch is unable to carry out the transfer due to weather conditions the alternatives will be:

a. Helicopter transfer off Kaiens Island or Cape Beale.

b. Launch transfer off Cape Beale utilizing the Victoria launch.

If there are any queries, concerns or a wish to meet to further discuss these issues please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 604-666-6771.