There are several Canadian authorities involved in the cruise operations of Arctic passenger vessels, namely, the Federal Government, the Government of the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Government of Nunavut (Iqaluit) and the Government of Yukon (Whitehorse). The Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Québec both extend into the Arctic area, but information on those areas is not within the scope of this publication. Provided the cruise operator knows whom to contact regarding the various Canadian regulations in force, cruise planning and all aspects of the voyage can be accomplished to the satisfaction of all concerned.
The objective of these Guidelines is to assist cruise operators, and their agents, in the planning of Arctic cruises and in making contact with all relevant Canadian government authorities well in advance to ensure that all the required publications are on board the ships and have been studied before entering Canadian Arctic waters and that the operation complies with all applicable regulations.
Navigation in Arctic ice for an ice-strengthened passenger ship requires specialized skill and is very different from open water cruising. Crews must be well prepared for any eventuality affecting the safety of ships and passengers. There are no drydocks or suitable repair facilities in the Canadian Arctic. Non-satellite radio communications can be seriously affected by atmospheric and magnetic disturbances. Mountainous coastlines, especially in the Eastern Arctic and north of about 750 North latitude, may restrict satellite communications by blocking the low angles of sight necessary at high latitudes. Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans/Canadian Coast Guard and other agencies provide a number of services to assist the Arctic mariner and these are highlighted in the text. An Arctic cruise is a fascinating experience provided due precautions have been taken beforehand.
The organizational titles for all agencies cited in these Guidelines, their postal and Internet addresses, as well as telephone and facsimile numbers are listed in the reference section at the end of the Guidelines. The text gives appropriate references to contacts in the various administrations. Numbers in brackets in the text refer to contact addresses in the Appendix.
Consolidated federal government regulations applicable to cruise ships in Canadian Arctic waters can be obtained as a package from Transport Canada, Prairie and Northern Region – Marine (1). All legislation and regulations administered by Transport Canada are also available to the public on the Department’s website (see appendix for address). It is strongly recommended that cruise operators and shipowners obtain and study all applicable regulations early in the planning process.
The reader should note that all organizations change over time. While Transport Canada intends to update these Guidelines periodically, some of the contact information in the Appendix may become obsolete before revisions take place. Comments, corrections and suggestions for improving the Guidelines should be sent to the address on page ii.