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THE GREAT LAKES
The five Great Lakes offer access to world class ports. The routing system is made up of separate shipping lanes adopted by the Canadian and American inland fleets. These up-bound and down-bound lanes are shown on the general charts of the Great Lakes.
Vessels sailing beyond Lake Erie should obtain the St. Claire and Detroit River Navigation Safety Regulations, which contain speed limits, traffic calls and reports, as well as navigation and anchorage rules. Vessels enter Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, through the Sault Ste. Marie Locks which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Facilities include four parallel locks of varying dimensions. The fifteen locks between Montreal and Lake Erie accommodate vessels of these maximum dimensions:
*7.95 m (261) from April 15 to November 30
Please note that the angle of raised bascule bridges may limit the width of the cargo gear or superstructure of some vessels.
Ship operators planning a Seaway voyage should obtain a copy of the Seaway Handbook. The handbook is invaluable; it contains Canadian and U.S. Regulations on condition of vessels, equipment, radio communications, speed, dangerous cargo, pre-clearance and transit information, vessel charges and cargo tools, and general plans of the system. In fact, transiting vessels must have a copy onboard. Prior to their first transit on the Seaway, vessels will be inspected for: Draught Markings Clearly marked on both sides, at the bow, stern and amidships. Masts Accurate measurement of masts, radar masts and jumbo derricks. Fenders Well tapered and in good condition. If not permanently attached, made of acceptable floating material and carefully attended throughout by an experienced crew member. Landing Booms Vessels more than 50 m long need at least one landing boom on each side. The Seaway Handbook contains recommended boom arrangements. Radio Telephone Equipment Vessels need two VHF radio telephones. Transmitters must have sufficient power to communicate with Seaway stations from a distance of 48 km (30 miles). Frequencies used are 156.55, 156.6, 156.7 and 156.8 MHz (Channels 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16). Mooring Lines Uniform thickness throughout, fitted with an eye not less than 2.4 m (8 feet) long and of sufficient strength to check the vessel. Details relating to material, breaking strength, hand lines, fairleads specifications and locations are in the Seaway Handbook. Anchors Ships over 110 m must have an operational stern anchor. Orange anchor marking buoys of an approved typed, fitted with 22 m (75 feet) of suitable line, which must be secured to all anchors. Alarms Vessels 1600 GRT or over should have the following safety devices in both the wheelhouse and the engine room: propeller direction and shaft fpm indicators, visible and audible wrong-way propeller direction alarms (or propeller lock device), pitch indicator, and visible and audible pitch alarms on vessels with controlled pitch propellers. Sewage Disposal, or containment facilities - Required to meet Canadian and U.S. pollution prevention guidelines. If necessary, most of this equipment can be rented or purchased, and installed, at the Port of Montreal. |
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