Icebreabreaking Operations Directive 2: Commercial Harbour Breakouts

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1.0 Scope

This administrative directive specifies the conditions under which Canadian Coast Guard icebreaking services may be provided for the breakout of commercial harbours where commercial icebreaking services are not available.

2.0 Background

The Minister of Fisheries & Oceans, through various legislative means including the Oceans Act, is mandated to provide icebreaking services for the safe, economical and efficient movement of ships in Canadian waters and to decrease the risk of flooding as a result of ice build-up.

3.0 Principles

3.1 Purposes

Icebreaking services are provided for the safety of life and property in flood plain areas, the safety of navigation and to improve the efficiency of traffic movement in Canadian ice covered waters.

3.2 Provision

To permit more intensive use of both public and private marine infrastructures, facilities and equipment, the Canadian Coast Guard will provide the following icebreaking services:

Icebreaking services include:

1. breaking out approaches and clearing ice from wharf faces of port terminals and facilities;
2. assisting shipping within ports and at remote sites, by keeping ice clear of barge operations, the ship at anchor, and petroleum off-loading hoses; and
3. breaking out harbours to facilitate acceleration of ice clearance at the end of the ice season.

Services will be provided when sufficient Coast Guard resources are available.

3.3 Exclusions

Icebreaking will not be provided by the Canadian Coast Guard in the following situations:

1. Commercial icebreaking services are available to the port;
2. If there is risk of damage to shore facilities; and
3. In waters where geographic, meteorological or operational conditions would unduly endanger Canadian Coast Guard crew, ships, equipment, or those who requested the services.

4.0 Responsibilities

The Superintendent, Icebreaking, under the direction of the Regional Director, Maritime Services, with the advice and assistance of functional staff at National Headquarters, shall be responsible for the application of the provisions of this directive.

5.0 Reference Documents

Icebreaking Operations Levels of Service Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters

6.0 Inquiries

Please direct any inquiries about this directive to the Manager, National Icebreaking Program.