Vancouver Boat Show – Booth Number 253

Show Hours

February 8 to 12, 2012:

BC Place & Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina

Show Admission:

Onsite Tickets – Prices include HST

Admission includes the indoor show at BC Place and the In-Water venue at Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina; shuttle bus between the two locations; FREE boat rides; access to unbiased experts at the Discover Boating Centre; seminars; and all special show features.

For More details visit the Boat Show Website click here

It can be noted that safety patrols during the Fraser River Gill Net Fisheries are the major commitment for the Steveston Lifeboat each Summer and Fall.

The vessel has been performing this voluntary service annually for the past thirty five (35) years. During this time the boat and crew have been able to provide assistance or a rescue service on more than 750 occasions.

During the most recent patrols, identified in item 5) above, more than 300 commercial vessels were escorted through the areas congested by gill net fishing boats and nets.

Fishery Patrols

Generally, these commercial vessels require the deeper water in the main channel of theFraserRiver for their passage, and have limited ability to manoeuvre whilst transiting to and from the river mouth. Travelling a little way ahead of the escorted commercial vessel, the Lifeboat is able to give early warning of the approaching traffic to the fishing vessels, who can then usually get their nets, and boats, out of the way and provide a safe clear passage. On those occasions when the channel is not clear, we are able to alert the following vessel and provide information on the nature and location of the hazard.

In providing this voluntary service the Lifeboat works closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and maintains constant communications and cooperation with the Victoria Vessel Traffic System authorities and Coast Guard Radio operations.

It can be noted that safety patrols during the Fraser River Gill Net Fisheries are the major commitment for the Steveston Lifeboat each Summer and Fall. The vessel has been performing this voluntary service annually for the past thirty five (35) years. During this time the boat and crew have been able to provide assistance or a rescue service on more than 750 occasions. During the most recent patrols, identified in item 5) above, more than 300 commercial vessels were escorted through the areas congested by gill net fishing boats and nets.

Specific assistance provided to other mariners in 2011  included the following, typical, cases:

1.  On three occasions, fishing vessels that were on the rocks
2.  A fishing vessel taking on water
3.  On two occasions fishing vessels had fouled on fishing nets
4.  A fishing vessel aground, with a broken rudder
5.  A fishing vessel out of fuel
6.  A fishing vessel with its own net fouled on the sea-bed
7.  A rubber boat (RHIB) broken down
8.  A sailing vessel with a broken rudder
9.  A small motor boat (“Runabout”) out of fuel
10.  On two occasions sailboats that were on the rocks
11.  A motor boat that was on the rocks with a broken drive shaft
12.  Safety escort for the Southern Straits Yacht race.
13.  Safety escort for the RNSI single handed race
14.  Escort for Richmond Tall Ships arrival
15. Escort for HMSC Oriole into Steveston

Naval Reserve

A major naval reserve exercise is planned for the period January/February 2012, and the Steveston Lifeboat will probably be involved..

The current crew list for the Steveston Lifeboat comprises a total of thirty (30) personnel, bringing a variety of skills and levels of training to the operations of the vessel.

A number of crew personnel have attended the Pacific Marine Training Institute and  Fire Fighting School. They have also participated in “aircraft down” exercises over the mud flats off Vancouver International Airport.

Senior crew members have merchant marine or naval service qualifications.