Past Projects

In 2018/19 GMSL completed three projects for Transport Canada related to the Oceans Protection Plan. The first was to lead a Pilotage Risk Management Methodology (PRMM) process to conduct an initial risk-screening of ship-routing and operational measures to reduce ship noise in the Salish Sea and thereby mitigate impacts on the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) populations in Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits. The second project was to conduct a review and assessment of foreign Vessel Traffic Management (VTM) regimes and harbour safety committee practices to identify aspects that could be incorporated within a Proactive Vessel Management (PVM) regime [...]

Served as ice-navigator for a 90m super-yacht through the Northwest Passage from Cambridge Bay NVT to Dutch Harbour AK in September 2015. Joined RRS Ernest Shackleton as assistant ice navigator for icebreaker-escort and expedition logistic support of MV Crystal Serenity eastwards through the NWP in Aug-Sep 2016, the first transit of such a large vessel. Served as assistant ice navigator in the transit of MSV Nordica from Vancouver to Nuuk in July 2017, the earliest seasonal transit of any ship through the NWP. Ice navigator for the NWP transit of RV Xue Long from Nuuk to Nome, as she [...]

Conducted an independent review of the CHS's Hydrographic Risk Assessment Tool. Examined input factors and methodology and compared the CHS product with recent approaches to similar challenges in other countries' hydrographic services

As a result of the Nathan E. Stewart grounding in October 2016, conducted a risk assessment and review of the Pacific Pilotage Authority's rules for granting waivers, worked with industry to examine the composition of the Canadian and US wavered fleets and identify risk factors based on surveys of experience and plotting of traffic patterns and incident records. Through the Pilotage Risk Management Methodology determined reasonable and prudent changes to pilotage waivers, and obtained general agreement on proposed changes that were subsequently approved by the PPA Board.

Conducted a 4-hour orientation session on earthquake planning and response for 100 members of the Hotel Association of Vancouver. The briefing and discussion was tailored particularly to the needs of the downtown Vancouver hospitality industry.

Under subcontract to Lansdowne Technologies Inc, drafted an Immediate Response Plan (IRP) for the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). The plan covered initial responses of the ministry's highways branch to a M7.0-7.3 earthquake in the Vancouver/Victoria urban areas, with particular emphasis on the stand-up of the ICS-based emergency response organizations, as well as individual responses, in the first 72hrs to five days. The project provided critical orientation to staffs in preparation for the June 2016 COASTAL RESPONSE earthquake exercise in Port Alberni.

Conducted for the Pacific Pilotage Authority a net risk assessment for the boarding marine pilots on LNG ships by helicopter. The study was commissioned by PPA in cooperation with Pacific Northwest LNG, BG, Shell and Chevron to consider the implications for the introduction of LNG trade from Prince Rupert and Kitimat. The result was unanimous acceptance and rapid progress to implementation.

Under contract to the Pacific Pilotage Authority and the Port Authority of Prince Rupert, conducted an assessment of future  marine traffic growth (out to 2028) in the Prince Rupert area and the implications for the PPA’s current model of service delivery. Computer methods were used to simulate different hypothetical traffic volumes and mixtures, and to generate data on pilot tasking. This was then used to propose improvements in service delivery contingent on energy-ship introduction to the north coast.

Conducted a study of all current and future marine traffic in the Prince Rupert area and examined risks associated with traffic patterns, using multiple data sources including AIS tracks and GIS computer tools. Proposed a comprehensive plan of both formal and largely informal ship-routing and public-awareness measures to enhance mutual marine safety between large and small vessels in Chatham Sound and the harbour approaches to Prince Rupert.

Conducted for Pacific Pilotage Authority and the Port of Metro Vancouver a study of the risks of berthing ultra-large container ships in Vancouver’s principal terminals. This project involved statistical analysis of PPA assignment data and incident records, and calculation of limiting approach angles and speeds for a range of potential future visitors of greatly increased size. Additional data collected from a number of foreign comparable terminals enabled the development of a risk-assessment tool for the PPA/PMV and the BC Coast Pilots.