Vancouver has a busy harbour. With thousands of commercial and recreational vessels moving through the waters that make up the Port of Vancouver every year, alongside ferries and seaplanes, it is crucial for all marine users to be aware of the rules and procedures to follow to ensure safety and harmony on the water. As part of our ongoing efforts to raise that awareness and promote boating safety within the limits of the Port of Vancouver, we’ve developed the Boaters’ Handbook.
The handbook is designed to help boaters and paddlers have safe and enjoyable cruising experiences within the shared waters of the Port of Vancouver, including English Bay, Burrard Inlet, and the Fraser River. It covers all the safety rules and procedures that either apply to—or directly impact—recreational marine users at the Port of Vancouver. It also provides guidelines and best practices to help protect local ecosystems and be good neighbours to nearby communities.