News Flashes

Boating course is scheduled to start Monday Jan 12 at the Northwest Community College in Terrace. Contact Ron Anderson if you require more information.

The photo contest will be starting again and it would be great to see more entries this year. Check back for more details. This will also be mentioned in the next news letter.

Course proctors. If you would like to help in the upcoming courses please give Ron Anderson a call.

Dec 6 Santa Parade. Thanks to those that volunteered for the decorating and thanks to Gerald for the use of his shop and Tony for the use of his generator.

The Terrace Squadron will have an information booth at Canadian Tire Dec 19-20 for further information contact Ron Anderson if you would like to help.

Have a great holiday season. There are only 110 days left before the great fishing season of 2009 starts.

The photo contest 2008 has ended and Al Richardson of Photoworks Studio had been asked to judge our contest this year. He judged them on exposure and composition and he didn't know who they were submitted by. Thank you Al.

The squadron is looking at getting involved in fixing up a public boat launch near the north end of Kalum Lake. Dominic has made contact with Highways and has started to get the ball rolling on this item. Good start Dominic. Project located 2.18 km north of Maroon Creek. Plans in the works to schedule a site visit to draft work plan/determine scope of work, and construction drawings(using digital photos). for more information contact Dominic Ignas or Ron Anderson

At the meeting Mike was given the past Commander's flag and Gerald was given the Executive Officer flag

A PCCC Award was given to the Terrace Squadron at the last National meeting and was accepted by Dave Pebbles. This is for the Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check. will add more information and a scan copy very soon.

There is a new revised Marep program with new forms. The key thing is focus on correcting errors, identifying needed changes to the notices to mariners (NOTMAR) and notices to shipping (NOTSHIP), with chart changes being expected to be rare. All one really needs is a portable hand-held GPS (or the GPS frequently built in to many boats), a digital camera to photograph the object at issue and possibly a lead line, plus of course to fill in the much simplified form.

You will be interested to know that these forms that will shortly go on the National website, both in French and English.

These will both be interactive through downloading and can be electronically filled and filed, enabled to be proactive and/or be printed and used in the field as a template, then sent on to the Squadron MAREP Officers and thence by Squadron MAREP Officers to me as District MAREP and through me on to the Regional CPS Coordinator plus the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Log into the CPS web site and search for MAREP it will show the link to the new information.

Have included a copy of the report for. please click the following. MAREP report

September news letter has been sent and copy is located on the News Letter web page. Please let the squadron now your email address and if it has changed let us know your changed address. It is easier to send the newsletter notice by email as compared to sending a paper copy. Also on that web page see the pictures of this years cruise to Welcome Harbour, Hunts Inlet July 2008.

River clean up. The Rotary club is cleaning up the shores of the River approx Sept 28.

Now for other news. Seems we have all heard of some mishaps on the river this year. Did not know which numbers to call if you had an emergency on the river.

If near Terrace call the Terrace Fire Department at 250-638-8121 who will contact Terrace Search and Rescue. Also for air and marine emergency call 1-800-567-6111. You may also want to see if there is a charge depending on your situation.

Do you want to participate in a Bridge meeting or see what happens at these meetings? Give Ron Anderson a call to see when the next meeting is taking place and any items on the agenda.

The marine weather forcasts on the weather link on the home page has changed in format. There is also predictions of the weather for several days. Take a look. I think you will be impressed with their changes.

In January of 2007, the Governing Board approved a project relating to the retail distribution of Boat Pro Manuals. An agreement was completed with MapArt which was reported on at the June, 2007 Governing Board meeting. It was also reported at that time that it was important for all Squadrons and Districts to "complete the deal". MapArt was given the exclusive rights to the retail market in Canada for the now called BOATING HANDBOOK: Boat Pro

Couple of interesting items to note. There is a new Safe Boating Guide. see training links for viewing

The Small Craft Warning which used to be for 20-33 knot winds is now changed and called Strong Wind warning which is 22-33knots.

Pleasure craft less than 15 gross tons (12m or less) and powered by an engine of 10hp (7.5kW) or more must be licensed or registered, regardless of where they operate in Canada. A licence is free of charge and can presently be obtained through Service Canada Centres. Remember dinghies or tenders equipped with an engine of 10hp or more must be licensed separately. The dinghie or tender also needs it's own required safety equipment.

Boating season is coming very soon. Heard winter springs were in the harbours. Boat shows have started. Time to start checking the list for required items on the boat. Fire extinguishers need the annual inspections. Check the dates on the flares. Check the wish list and see if I need to add something extra. Check the anchor rope, chain, shackles for condition. Make sure I have a couple Racor filters on hand.

There is also a lot of interest in the next Boat Pro course. If you are interested in the Boat Pro Course please contact Bev at Aqua Clear Bottlers, 635-2341 for registration and information.

The boat pro course provides a PCOC when you have successfully passed the exam. This course is not as long as the full boating course and only covers the basics. Cost is $60. This is also a classroom setting where you can ask questions and get answers. April 11 and 12 see also calendar web page.

The Radio Course will cost $80. Mar 31 April 1 & 3 see calendar web page. Contact Aqua Clear Bottlers or Commander Mike for more information.

Change of Watch pot luck dinner and meeting is scheduled for April 19 at the Elks Hall. The phoning committee will be calling the membership.

General Meeting and supper took place Wednesday Nov 14, 2007 at the Bear Country Inn Terrace. Social at 18:00 Dinner at 19:00 with meeting after.

MK Bay User Group Society – a new society has been formed and registered to represent all users of the MK Bay facility. The aims of the society are:

To urge and improve communication, on an ongoing basis between all parties involved with MK Bay Marina for the betterment of the Marina.

To communicate with the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine and MK Bay Marina Management on behalf of the marina users on matters concerning the MK Bay Marina.

To engage in similar or related functions as recommended by the membership or directors and officers.

Membership is open to anyone interested in the Marina and annual dues have been set at $10 per person. If you would like to join the society or would like more information, please contact fellow squadron member and MK User Group president Doug McLeod at dougmcleod@terraceinsurance.com

More boater have put their boats away for the winter or are in the process of winterizing. Made a list of the items which I wanted to replace in the spring. Just to ensure I don't forget. What a year with all the rain and high water. Now we can start working on some of those things that were put off.

The rivers were high and there are new channels and new fishing holes. It has been a great summer on the water with some fantastic days. The fishing has been good and the boating has been great. There is the upcoming fall boating with hopefully warm days and cool nights. Hopefully your boating season has also been great. Some days had a lot of rain, to the point of nature being a touchless washer washing your boat. It is too bad we did not get the super sun to dry the boats after the wash cycle.

The cruise of this year was to Princes Royal Island. This was a trip around the island and fantastic Spirit Bear viewing as there should be a number of Pink Salmon running to bring the bears out of the woods. Gerald Mitchell arranged this trip which started the morning of July 21, 2007 from MK Bay Marina and completed July 29, 2007. A few boats met at Bernard Harbour and there was miles of coho. Fish everywhere. There were some larger yachts in the area and commercial fishing boats were waiting for an opening. The weather was blowing in one channel and in the next channel which was also open to the north it was flat calm. I managed to pick the channel which had white caps. After bouncing in the water it was time for a bit of relaxation in the hot springs. The yacht next to us on the dock was baking chocolate chip cookies and we were asked to sample some. We enjoyed the company of a kayaker and the couple on the yacht. There are a number of people that have set out from Seattle, Union Lake and are heading to Glacier Bay in kayaks. Some are doing it solo and meeting up with others as they progress north. The one kayaker gal we talked to had sent herself some food and treats to the post office in Hartley Bay because you can only carry so much in a Kayak. Thought it was a good idea. She thought she would be in Glacier Bay in mid September.

Decorating the boat.

The Squadron has done Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks for interested boaters. They have done checks at the Kitsumkalum fish derby and if you are interested in a courtesy check please contact Mike Graham.

The Terrace Squadron has a number of trained members to do Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks.

We are the first squadron in BC to have this program and we now have people available to begin doing these checks on area pleasure vessels.

Please note you will now need to have a yearly inspections on your fire extinguishers signed by a fire extinguisher inspection company.

Any suggestions for fall courses for the members? GPS? Weather? contact Mike Graham at 638-1347.

Some fantastic boating weather. The summer has not been overly warm but there have been some great days with calm waters. Also some great fishing and it is getting better.

You may want to look at the following web site before going rock cod fishing. There are new Rock Cod Conservation Areas effective Feb 1, 2007. Click on the link below to go to the Fisheries and Oceans web site.

AGM meeting April 28, 2007 at the Elk's Hall in Terrace. The Dinner and meeting was excellent. See bridge web page for new bridge 2007-2008.

Restricted Operator's Certificate – Maritime – this course provides certification for the recreational use of marine VHF radios and includes Digital Selective Calling (DSC) endorsement. It was held at NWCC on the evenings of April 2, 3 and 5.

Tony Gardiner reports that Transport Canada, and CPS have reached agreement regarding the Boating Safety Specialists (courtesy safety inspections) program. Tony hopes to have the agreement signed by both parties within the coming weeks and have the program underway for this boating season. The program authorizes specially trained CPS members to conduct vessel safety checks in BC. We are now recruiting members who would like to become Boating Safety Specialist. Transport Canada will conduct training sessions for Squadrons. If you are a squadron member and would like to a Boat Safety Specialist contact Commander Mike or Past Commander Ron. They would like to have this in place before the boating season begins.

The boat in the picture came north from Kitimat during the night and anchored in Refuge Bay near Edye Passage. Unfortunately they let out too much rode and ended up as shown. Fortunately it was glass calm that night and the boat, an aluminum 24 footer was unharmed . The guy told me he thought the angle was a little steep for sleeping. Thanks Jim.

In April 2006, the Province of British Columbia announced the creation of 20 new protected areas, called conservancies, as a result of North Coast and Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP). An integral part of any management planning process is involving the communities and people who use the areas in the planning process. To view the map showing these new areas please click on View Map

Finalization of the planning product and recommendations on the areas management will also be made through collaborative management boards that are being developed with First Nations.

The Ministry of Environment has hired a consultant, Adrian de Groot, working on drafting these documents and contacting interested parties for their input. Adrian is looking for input into identifying important values, management issues, and management strategies to address these issues. He can be contacted at (250) 877 7737, adriandegroot@bulkley.net, or 8612 Horlings Rd, Smithers, BC V0J 2N2.

The Ministry will be hosting an open house in Prince Rupert March 7, 2006 from 5 ‑ 9 pm at the Crest Hotel. This is an opportunity to talk about Conservancy related issues with staff from the Ministry. The open house will also solicit input on the management issues facing the conservancies to help inform future management and planning of these conservancies. This will be particularly useful as the Ministry of Environment, Environmental Stewardship Division is starting a management planning process for the new conservancies in the Skeena Region of the Ministry of Environment.

Note: Contact David Brown at the Ministry of Environment, Environmental Stewardship Division the Ministry of Environment or their consultant Adrian to confirm the meeting date, location, time and which part of the coast they will be discussing at that meeting.

You can also send an email to the Terrace Squadron at cpsboating@hotmail.com for news stories etc.

What you see here is what we view as the ultimate example of halibut and chips. Last October 28/06 we were fishing out of Rupert for halibut. Bob, pictured holding the halibut and the potato was the butcher boy on our trip. When he noticed a large lump in the fish’s stomach he did some amateur surgery on the fish only to discover the potato he is holding. Our question is where did the halibut get the potato. We were at least 6 miles from the nearest settlement and anchored in at least 200 feet of water. During the entire day we saw one other boat and we don’t eat potatoes on our boat. The waters surrounding us were much deeper. Go figure. This is a weird spot. Last June when Art and I were fishing this same flat. A good fish hit and over went my rod. O’ heck and golly gee whiz were among some of the expletives I used. The rod was a Christmas present from my son. Art tried to reassure me by saying he knows what Doug can get me next Christmas. Fortunately, a few hours later as we were leaving I hooked the line and got the rod back. We were at least a quarter of a mile from where I had lost it. Art told me to buy a lottery ticket as soon as I got home!

You may want to view this new publication if you are a sport fisher or hunter. It shows the diseases you can get from Wildlife and how to identify these problems in fish and wildlife. Click on the picture below and view the following site: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/wldhealth/diseases_from_wildlife_safetymanual.pdf

To view the Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations click on picture below.

As a Squadron member, you receive six free copies of the Pacific Yachting magazine per year. Please note that if you wish to receive the additional six copies during the year, the Squadron member price is $35.28 for three years. You can contact them at 1-800-816-0747 to make this arrangement.

Please note new business card section. There is a source for refilling fire extinguishers and purchasing new ones.

Next Boating Course is started Jan 15 till March 26, 2007 Room 2002 Northwest Community College 7-10 pm. with 23 students and several new members, squadron transfers, sitting in on some of the classes. Great to have this many students.

The Boat Pro Course is scheduled for starting Apr. 13 7-10pm and finishing on Apr. 14, 2007 8-12 noon at the Northwest Community College. At this time we are unsure which room this course will be using. Course may be cancelled if there is insufficient enrollment. Please contact Robin at 250-798-2503 or Ron at 250-635-3189 for further information.

The Marine Radio Course is scheduled for April 2, 3, 5. at the Northwest Community College room 2002. Please contact Robin at 250-798-2503 or Ron at 250-635-3189 for further information. You need a marine radio operator's certificate if you are using a marine radio. If you are interested please call as soon as possible as this course may be filled up very soon.

Some interesting reading at the following links on the cold winter evenings. Click on the titles below to go to their boating and cruising web sites.

Apparently there is some more discussion on the Transport Canada proposed sewage disposal regulations for BC pleasure craft. This raised important safety concerns, could cause boat owners financial hardship and may have adverse environmental effect. Go to the following to view the proposed Sewage Regulations go to Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from ships and for Dangerous Chemicals at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2006/20060617/pdf/g1-14024.pdf

Dec 2 was the Santa Claus Parade. Thanks Kelly for donating your boat for the parade, Jim for the Genset, Gerald for the warm dry place to decorate and all those that took part in the decorating.

Good Annual General Meeting Nov 17. Mike also had an interesting slide show of his and Joset's summer trip to Vancouver Island.

Also there is a new feature for tides and current publications from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The tide tables are available in PDF format. Yes that means you can print a full year for your favorite location. The link is http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/english/DataAvailable.shtml

then key the link ** NEW** Tide tables available in PDF format. You next select the location or volume you would like to view. For the north west coast you may want to view Volume 7.

For the River Boat days parade Jeff had his Jet Boat in the parade with the Squadron signs etc.

The Kermode Belle has been damaged by the Thornhill winds. If you have any suggestions for another float that could be used for River Boat Days and the Santa Parade etc? please contact Mike.

The fall is approaching fast. The leaf colors are turning. The boating season has been good and some folks are getting ready to wrap up for the year. When you bought that Marine safety requirement package, that bailing can, floating rope, whistle and flashlight, did you check to see if there were batteries in the flashlight?

The folks launching boats at MK Marina in Kitimat are very organized and launch ramp courtesy is great. This is a change from a few years ago. You might still get the occasional person that will give everyone a lesson in what not to do at the ramp, but the majority of my launches were great memories.

For those boating in Kitimat, there is a new restaurant in the Kitimat Village. Good sea food and a great view of the harbour. Now we can also get halibut even if our luck was not that good. For those folks boating in Rupert there are a number of restaurants which also serve halibut to those folks that tried but did not catch any.

It seems that the boat motor manufactures are limiting their 2cycle engine production and gearing up for more 4 stroke motors. Seems some 2 cycle models will not be available next year. Heard that this would also have an impact on some Sportjet models for those folks with jet boats.

For those folks that need to premix their gas with 2cycle oil. There is an inexpensive mixing container that I purchased from Canadian Tire in their marine section. It has the most popular mix ratios. This takes the guess work or calculator work out of refueling. Look at the required ratio and fill the container with 2 cycle oil to the line showing the number of liters you have pumped into your tank. Then pour the container into the tank and mix well. If you know how many liters you will be adding you could also add the oil first, but if you under estimated the amount of gas that would go into the tank you will have a mix ratio that will not be correct. If this is done a few times you may not know what ratio your gas is at.

Licensing your boat has become easier in Terrace. Previously we had to send the information to Kitimat or Prince Rupert to get a license number for the boat. Now you just need to take your bill of sale and fill in the form from the local Terrace Resource office and you can get your number before you leave the Resource office. If you buy a used boat remember to get the original copy of the license from the person selling the boat. If they can't supply you with the license showing the owner, you may want to check things out further before you hand over that cheque.

Terrace Power and Sail Squadron Decals can be purchased from Rob at the Kermodei Dive shop in Terrace. The scanned image shows the general layout. The decals look great and are standing up well. Hats are also available at the Dive shop.

The second annual safe boating week at MK Marina had great weather again. The tide was a bit low for launching in the morning but the day was great. See some of the pictures below. May 27, 2006

This is the second annual event and was organized by Rob and Laura. There were boats available for viewing also some boats that were for sale also were available for viewing. Kitimat Cdn Coast Guard Auxiliary - Snowflake Responder" was on hand and there will be courtesy safety inspections and information display. Kitimat Fire Department - there was hands on fire extinguisher display with fire engines. Also they looked/inspect your existing fire extinguishers if you wanted. Kitimat Public Health was onsite with health and safety information.

Change of Watch 2006 great work by Joset and team organizing this event. New Commander Mike Graham see pictures below.

Please note last year Orion started to produce a twin star 12 Ga. flare. They are approximately 30% more costly than the single star shot flare but if you are required to have six twin star flares you do not have to buy 12 single star flares which is a savings in both cost and space.

If you are a member of the Terrace Squadron and would like to have your business advertised on the Squadron web site please give Ron Anderson one of your business cards. This is a new web page which will be started very soon.

Date Jan 2006 there is a new Safe Boating Guide. More pictures and information. You can view the link by going to the training web page and clicking on the Safe Boating Guide.

Pub Night The first ever, squadron social pub night was Jan 26, 2006 at the Back Eddy Pub.

Our training officers Mike and Josset Graham attended the Northern workshop in Prince George last month. It was very good, they got a lot out of it and meet many new people from our neighbouring squadrons.

Mike and Joset gave a report on the workshop at our General Supper meeting on Nov 21. We had about 35% of our members attend and following the meeting our past Treasurer gave a power point slide show of his Caribbean vacation aboard his chartered 51 ft. sail boat. It was very good. We even got to use our new Power Point projector which has just been purchased for training along with a new lap top so we are set for the New Year and won’t have to be borrowing these tools again.

We entered our River Boat in the Santa Clause parade Nov 26.It looked very nice all lit up with Christmas light and decorations. You can see it on our web site on the photo gallery page. The paddle wheel was spinning, (motorized) this year. But hear rumblings that a better geared motor will be appearing on the stern. The gear drive worked. Great idea Mike and Gerald.

Financially we are doing fine, we haven’t done many things this year and we didn’t have a bit of a Christmas party after the parade as most members were committed to a musical presentation that evening.

That is it for Terrace for 2005. Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to all.

Commander Ron Anderson.

If you are looking at purchasing a DSC capable radio you should ask the manufacture if there are any problems keying in MMSI group numbers. Apparently some radios can not key a number that begins with "0". Something to check out before you buy. Some units do not have an alphanumeric keypad and separated dedicated high performance Class D channel 70 receiver. Meeting Transport Canada requirements for ship installations of closed construction that are more than 8m in length, carrying more than six passengers and towing vessels. If you need a Class D radio then you may want to ensure all you have all the requirements and not just a radio with DSC function.

The CPS mini-flags are available and can be purchased from supply officer for $8.00.

If you have completed the new VHF with DSC endorsement course, and you are applying for your MMSI number, I have found it is best to fax to Industry Canada in Victoria 250-363-0208. I had heard that Jim Steele had received excellent service by the folks in Victoria and had to only wait a few minutes after faxing his application to receive a fax from them with his number. I have also faxed Victoria for my MMSI number and have also had excellent service. It is great to get service like that. Thanks Margie and Donna of Industry Canada in Victoria.

Any suggestions for Squadron Cruises, picnics, lake or ocean events? Please contact Mike or Ron Anderson.

New for BC Boaters in 2005 is a change away from the enforcement of minor infractions always requiring a court appearance before a judge. The BC government will now use the options provided to them under the Federal Government’s Contraventions Act. Simply stated, this means enforcing officers (RCMP and Fisheries) now have the option of issuing a ticket for non-compliance. These fines are mostly a minimum $100 for each infraction, such as failure to have required equipment on board in good working order; $200 for failure to have approved PFDs that fit, for each person on board; and $250 for failure to produce a valid Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) or being an underage operator. Fines may be issued to operator, owner and/or person authorizing the vessel’s use. Major infractions such as operating a vessel while impaired will still be dealt with as indictable offenses under the Criminal Code of Canada. These fines also apply to non-motorized watercraft such as rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, etc.

There are no new requirements. All that has changed is the system of enforcement.

Boaters should not be unduly concerned about the change in enforcement. There has been no additional funding for on-water enforcement and most knowledgeable boaters are already in full compliance as a result of past “courtesy checks” by Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. Still, the prudent boater will want to check the requirements for his vessel as outlined in the free booklet Safe Boating Guide from Transport Canada. Courtesy checks will still be available from CCG Aux. Call Transport Canada for answers to other questions.

* Vessel operator cannot show his Pleasure Craft Operator’s card $250 Underage operator, including PWC operators under 16. $250

Failure to have on board proof of age of operator $250 Failure of non-residents to have on board proof of residency $250

Careless operation of a vessel $200 Removing, tampering with hull ID or capacity plates, etc. $200

Placing unauthorized sign restricting boating $150 Mooring to authorized signs, altering, defacing, removing, $150

Failure to remove unauthorized sign $150 Failure to maintain an authorized sign. $150

Operating in contravention of an authorized sign; speeding $100 Operate vessel without required equipment in working order $100

Operate vessel not meeting prescribed safety standards $100 Operate without prescribed equipment bearing official stamp, or label. $100

All refueling infractions, inside or outside vessel … each $100 No rigid International flag code “A” on vessel when diving. $100

Failure to comply with a Peace Officer $100 Licensing of vessel: failure to produce license papers; no hull ID#, $100

No noise abatement device within 5 miles of shore $100 All towing of people infractions: (spotter, seat, after dark,) $100

Failure to exhibit proper lights at night or in limited visibility $100 ** Speeding over 10 km/hr within 30m of shore (in BC on nontidal waters) $100

Failure to have on board as prescribed for your vessel:— 15m heaving line, manual propelling device,

bailer; flares, watertight flashlight; sound signaling device; anchor& rode : $100 each infraction

* PCOC needed now for vessel operators born after Apr. 1, 1983; and for operators of all powered boats 4m & under (about 13’ 2”) includes PWCs & most dinghies. Operators of powered vessels over 4m have until 2009 to get the PCOC (includes canoes over 4m that have small electric or gas motors.)

* * This speed limit is not posted. It came into effect two years ago and applies to all non-tidal water in BC. Exemptions apply to some very narrow fast rivers. Water skiers may start near shore, but the boat must go straight out at 90° to shore, not speed over 10km/hr closer to any shore than 30m (100’) including when dropping skier off. The speed limit is 5 knots or 6 mph or 10 km/hr (these are rough equivalents). Note: This is the speed limit for BC lakes and rivers unless there is a different speed limit actually posted.

The Pleasure Craft Operator’s card can be obtained from the Terrace Power and Sail Squadron

Notice. All Marina's along the west coast are to be using VHF channel 66A in the new year. Industry Canada, Spectrum Management, has sent out information as of January 21, 2004, regarding a VHF Frequency change for British Columbia only - Channel 66A has been designated for Marina use. This is in addition to Channel 68 not instead of. A revised RIC13 will be available in the near future

We will also be getting more information about the Coast Watch Program. Please also see their web site http://www.rcmp.ca/caw/index_e.htm please note this is the new webpage for the RCMP.

Please go to the training page of this web site and scroll down in the box to the icon This is a link to the CPS Website and it has information about courses and also samples. CPS also has courses available on the internet.

If you have taken the CPS Boating Course before April 1, 1999 please go to the training web page and click on the PCOC card for information about obtaining your PCOC card.

Have a great time on the water. If you have any stories or interesting items you would like posted please send me a note. Erich