Effective date: October 31, 2024
From: Harbour Master’s office
Following a successful voluntary trial period, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is pleased to provide requirements for tier 2 vessels in using TCZ-2 centralized scheduling system (CSS). The CSS is designed to enhance transparency and visibility for all port users and facilitate coordination and collaboration between supply chain partners.
To safely transit the Second Narrows Traffic Control Zone (TCZ-2), many tier 2 vessels require the lift span of the Second Narrows Rail Bridge to be raised, an operation performed by rail bridge operator Canadian National Railway (CN). Considering the importance of both marine activities and the rail transportation system to overall port fluidity, the following procedures aim to promote effective coordination between tier 2 vessels and the rail bridge operator while strengthening marine safety and improving the efficiency and reliability of the flow of goods in this key area of the port.
Application and timeline
A TCZ-2 transit is defined as a movement within TCZ-2 that includes passing under the Second Narrows Iron Workers Memorial Bridge and the Second Narrows Rail Bridge.
Effective October 31, 2024:
- Tugs and barges – participation in TCZ-2 CSS is mandatory for all tug and barge combinations requiring a lift of CN’s Second Narrows Raily Bridge. Traffic clearance must be obtained via the CSS prior to transit, in line with the Methodology described below.
- Light tug - any light tug making a TCZ-2 transit and requiring a lift of CN’s Second Narrows Railway Bridge must follow the transit procedures outlined in this Notice to Industry
Methodology
Port rules: The CSS applies port rules as published in the port authority’s Port Information Guide, section 8.16 Second Narrows TCZ procedures (TCZ-2). The port authority encourages advance vessel planning and coordination by accepting advance transit requests. Upon receipt of all tier 2 transit requests (up to 7 days in advance of movement), the port authority will begin early planning of transit windows. The port authority will apply ‘locked’ status to transit requests, meaning the start time has been scheduled by the port authority, and is subject to change up until the preliminary schedule and revised schedules are released at 15h00 (daily) and 19h00 (daily) respectively.
In case of scheduling conflicts during the planning phases, the port authority may adjust vessel transit timing to allow for the most optimal use of tidal windows, by applying the TCZ-2 vessel traffic procedures (i.e., Order of Transit) to resolve conflicts. The port authority will only make these changes when they are essential and aim to provide sufficient advance notice.
If a vessel requests a transit after the daily preliminary and revised schedules are released, and this request conflicts with the existing schedule, the port authority will try to fit in all movements by applying the TCZ-2 vessel traffic procedures (i.e., Order of Transit). However, if the port authority can’t accommodate all movements safely, it will provide a list of available slots and the vessel can choose one that suits its needs.
Transit windows: The CSS uses a dynamic 7-day forecast model, known as the NCOS forecast. The NCOS forecast predicts metocean and environmental conditions for the Second Narrows including water levels, tides and currents. The NCOS forecast is the primary source of water level and tide and current predictions for vessel traffic movement-related decision making for the operational planning and scheduling of TCZ-2 transits.
Transit procedures
- Scheduled rail movements across the Second Narrows Rail Bridge (rail bridge) may take priority over any tier 2 vessel movement, not otherwise scheduled in the CSS, that requires the lift span to be raised
- Scheduled rail movements may restrict the ability to raise the lift span for up to 30 minutes
- Any tier 2 vessel (i.e., light tugs or tug and barge combinations) transiting beneath the rail bridge in the closed position must maintain a minimum safe overhead clearance of 2.0 metres at all times
- The vessel's Master is ultimately responsible for verifying the vessel’s air draft and rail bridge clearance to maintain minimum safe overhead clearance requirements
- Any light tug making a TCZ-2 transit shall take necessary steps to avoid requiring the lift span of the rail bridge to be raised. These steps may include:
- Planning to transit when the water level allows for a minimum safe overhead clearance of > 2.0 metres
- Vessels designed with an articulated mast shall lower the mast and transit when the water level allows for a minimum safe overhead clearance of > 2.0 metres
- Referring to the CSS traffic dashboard and plan to transit when the lift span of the rail
bridge is scheduled to be raised
- Near real-time tide height, tidal current, and rail bridge air gap information is available on the PortVan eHub app under “Terminals/Alerts”
- Any vessel engaged in an emergency, or required to make a TCZ-2 transit to maintain port safety and efficiency, shall contact the rail bridge and request an immediate lift
- Tier 2 vessels in need of a current window (e.g. drydock traffic) shall participate in the CSS to secure a transit window
This notice should not be considered to relieve or in any way limit the Master’s authority and responsibility to navigate his vessel in accordance with the prevailing conditions, applicable regulations, limitations of the vessel, and the “good practice of seamen”.
User support
To ensure the CSS maintains a high degree of security, multi-factor authentication is required to access the system. The port authority is currently registering users to the CSS and asks that you contact [email protected] to request access to the system.
Once the port authority has created your unique user account, you will receive emails requesting user registration instructions from OKTA and Microsoft. Upon receipt of these emails, please follow the instructions and ensure that the same email address is used to register for both OKTA and Microsoft accounts. Users should allow up to three (3) business days to receive access to the CSS user dashboard.
The port authority has staff available seven days a week to support with any login issues or to support with submitting vessel transit requests. Our technology partner, DHI Seaport OPX, is also standing by to support with supervised vessel scheduling.
If you have any questions or require assistance to create your user account or to request your TCZ-2 transit through the centralized scheduling system, please contact our 24/7 Operations Centre at 604-665-9086 or email [email protected].