File # 2010-ISU
2010-01-20 11:13 PST

Mariners are advised that Olympic Marine Security Zones will be in effect around various waterside venues and areas beginning 10 January 2010 until 25 March 2010. Specific dates and restrictions will be published separately but in summary the following areas will have increased security activity and/or restrictions.

Burrard Inlet

  • Ballantyne Pier – 10 January to 5 March 2010
  • Main Media Centre (Canada Place/New Convention Centre) – 30 January to 25 March 2010

False Creek

  • East Basin - Vancouver Athlete’s Village - 25 January to 25 March 2010

Fraser River Middle Arm

  • Richmond Olympic Oval – 1 February to 28 February 2010

Vancouver Harbour, Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound (enhanced surveillance only)

  • 25 January – 25 March 2010

Map of marine security for Burrard Inlet, Fraser River and False Creek

Mariners are further advised that the waters of Vancouver Harbour, Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound will see an increase in Olympic safety and security vessels which may include diving operations. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of Olympic safety and security vessels. Olympic Marine Security vessels can be contacted on VHF channel 9 or 16 using the call-sign “Olympic Marine Security” or at 604-915-5814.

Olympic marine security may conduct hailings of vessels and are authorized to stop any vessel for inspection. Mariners are cautioned to avoid designated Olympic marine security zones and operate in accordance with imposed speed restrictions within the harbour. Further information is available on the Transport Canada, Port Metro Vancouver and Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit Websites at:

For marine security purposes, Olympic Marine Security Zones will be established in Burrard Inlet around Ballantyne Pier and the Main Media Centre (Canada Place/New Convention Centre), in the False Creek East Basin (East of Cambie Bridge) around Vancouver Athlete’s Village and in the Fraser River Middle Arm at the Richmond Olympic Oval. All other areas will see enhanced surveillance. The above security zones have been further divided into Exclusion and Controlled Access Zones as follows:

  • Exclusion Zone - an Exclusion Zone is an area of water where only authorized security or safety vessels are permitted. This zone will be clearly delineated by marine security barriers, booms or buoys marked with bilingual signage and will be enforced by marine security boat patrols. All unauthorized marine vessels and activity must remain outside of this zone.
  • Controlled Access Zone – A Controlled Access Zone is an area of water outside an Exclusion Zone where only authorized vessels are permitted. This zone will be marked by buoys or bilingual signage on nearby structures and will be enforced by marine security boat patrols.
  • Security Zone Access – No unauthorized vessel movements or activities are permitted in both the Exclusion and Controlled Access Zones.

Entry into Controlled Access Zones will only normally be authorized for a limited number of previously authorized commercial vessels. These vessels must receive Olympic marine security approval to operate and are subject to all Olympic marine security requirements. No other vessels will be permitted to access Controlled Access Zones.

Communications

Olympic Marine Security can be contacted on VHF channel 9/16 using the call-sign “Olympic Marine Security” or at 604-915-5814.

Signage example

Example of Marine Security signage

Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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