How a Notice to Mariners Promotes Safe Navigation

September 24, 2024 / 5 mins read

Whether you're a professional mariner or a recreational boater in B.C., navigating safely is essential in addition to your boat insurance.

A key element of maritime safety is the notice to mariners (NOTMAR), a communication tool that helps keep B.C. boaters informed about changes to water depths or charter corrections that could affect their trips.

What is a notice to mariners (NOTMAR)?

A notice to mariners (NOTMAR) is an official, regularly updated publication that provides information about navigational aids, chart corrections, and potential hazards to boaters. It’s a safety bulletin designed to help anyone navigating Canada’s/B.C.’s waterways (and internationally) stay aware of changes that could impact their safety.

In Canada, NOTMARs are provided by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard. These updates are sent to mariners on a weekly basis to ensure that navigational charts and publications reflect the most current information.

Safety first

More than anything else, the purpose of a NOTMAR is to promote safe navigation. By staying informed about hazards, changes in regulations, and updates to navigational aids, B.C. boaters can avoid dangerous situations that could lead to accidents, collisions, or groundings.

Boat insurance in British Columbia is essential to protect your investment in your boat. Remember that boat insurance protects you, your belongings while you’re onboard, and most importantly it protects you financially if you injure or cause the death of someone or cause damage to another person’s boat or property while you’re operating your boat.

Key elements in a notice to mariners

Some of the most common updates in a NOTMAR include:

Chart corrections: Information about updates or errors related to nautical charts. These corrections ensure that maps reflect accurate details about the geography, depth soundings, and hazards of specific waterways.
Navigational aids: Updates on buoys, lights, markers, and other aids to navigation that guide vessels safely through waterways. This includes information about new aids, changes to existing ones, or removal of aids no longer in service.
Maritime hazards: Notifications about temporary or permanent hazards that could pose a threat to boats. These could be anything from sunken vessels to new construction projects such as dredging operations or installation of new structures.
Regulations and restrictions: Updates about new or modified rules and regulations that impact navigation. This can include temporary restrictions due to maritime events, such as regattas, or more permanent changes like the establishment of restricted zones.
Tide and current data: Updates on tides and currents, particularly if there are any anomalies or expected changes due to unusual weather patterns, storms, or other natural events.

Why is NOTMAR important?

Navigating waterways involves dealing with constantly changing conditions. What was a safe, unobstructed route yesterday could have new hazards today. Charts, while valuable, are only accurate as long as they are kept up to date. This is where NOTMAR comes in, ensuring B.C. boaters have the latest information.

Here’s why the notice to mariners is an important resource:

Ensuring compliance

Following maritime regulations isn’t just about safety; it’s also about legal compliance. NOTMARs provide information about new rules or restrictions that boaters must follow. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties or fines, making it critical for B.C. boaters to stay informed.

Reducing delays

Navigating through unknown hazards or outdated information can result in costly delays. Whether it’s a commercial shipping vessel trying to avoid grounding or a recreational boater looking for safe waters, having access to current information helps prevent unnecessary detours or setbacks.

Accurate navigational planning

Planning a voyage—whether it’s for a short recreational trip in British Columbia or a long commercial journey—requires up-to-date information. NOTMARs help navigators accurately plan routes by accounting for any recent changes or potential obstacles, enabling smoother and more efficient voyages.

Who needs to pay attention to NOTMARs?

Although notices to mariners are often associated with professional mariners and large commercial vessels, they are equally important for B.C.’s recreational boaters. For example, anyone operating a pleasure craft must be familiar with navigational rules and conditions in their area. Whether you're sailing a yacht, fishing boat, or even a small motorboat, understanding the waters you’re navigating is essential for your safety and the safety of others.

Who should regularly consult NOTMARs:

Commercial shipping operators: Large vessels operating in Canadian waters need to be aware of all changes to navigation, both for legal compliance and for avoiding hazards that could damage their ships or cargo.
Recreational boaters: Even if you’re just out for a casual sail, NOTMARs help you stay updated on changes to buoys, channels, and potential new obstacles in the water. Staying updated is especially important when navigating unfamiliar waters.
Fishing vessels: Fishermen navigating coastal waters need to be aware of potential hazards, such as construction or environmental changes that could impact fishing grounds.
Marine pilots and harbor masters: Those responsible for guiding ships into harbors or along key waterways rely on the latest NOTMARs to ensure safe passage.

How to access NOTMARs in Canada

The Canadian Hydrographic Service, along with the Canadian Coast Guard, makes Notices to Mariners readily accessible to all mariners. NOTMARs are available for free online, and you can subscribe to receive updates on a regular basis. This ensures that you’re always aware of the latest changes.

Here’s how you can access Notices to Mariners in Canada:

Online: The official NOTMAR website provides access to all Canadian Notices to Mariners. You can download updates, browse recent notices, and search by region or specific topic.
NOTMAR subscription: You can sign up to receive email updates that alert them to new notices. This service is particularly useful for those who need to stay on top of changes but don’t want to constantly check the website.
Mobile applications: Some mobile apps provide access to NOTMAR data, allowing mariners to check notices on the go. These apps often integrate other navigational tools, such as weather forecasts and GPS, making them valuable resources for boaters.
Physical copies: While most mariners use digital resources, physical copies of NOTMARs are also available through certain maritime agencies.

A notice to mariners (NOTMAR) is an essential tool for safe and effective navigation. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recreational boater in British Columbia, staying updated with the latest NOTMARs helps ensure that your boat trips are safe and compliant with regulations.