In 2011 The Thetis Island Marine Association (TIMA) was given authority by Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans under the Navigable Waters Protection Act to proceed with the installation of Private Spar Buoys, marine moorage application for regulation of marine buoy placement and privilege to delineate marine traffic around designated anchorage areas.
TIMA projects include:
· Installation and maintenance of channel markers improving navigation
· Mapping and designation of mooring anchorage areas
· Removal of derelict vessels.
· Transport Canada Approved harbour plan approved moorage application process.
After several years of inactivity, a new board stepped forward in April of 2022 to continue and build on the work of the previous board. The top priority of the new board was to replace the hardware and reset the channel markers which was completed this May.
Our next project is to update the current mooring information in Telegraph Harbour.
We are in the process of creating a database of the existing moorings in Telegraph Harbour. The GPS mapping coordinates have been completed and each buoy has been assigned a number. This will be a fluid document which can be changed as the information of the buoy occupant changes, however the number will not change.
Our intention is to create a list of the numbered buoys with the corresponding owners contact information. This would help us manage our harbour and provide contact information for emergencies, such as a collision, fire or breakaway.
The Transport Canada (TC) Regulations for private buoys are quite prescriptive and the majority of the moorings in Telegraph Harbour do not comply.
Private Buoy Regulations (justice.gc.ca) for complete information . Canada Shipping Act SOR/99-335
We don't expect that all the buoys will comply with all the regulations but we would hope to see compliance with a name and contact number of the current mooring owner as prescribed in the Private Buoy Regulations:
1d) "the buoy displays, in a conspicuous location and in a permanent and legible manner, the name, address and telephone number of its owner"
2) The owner of a private buoy placed in any Canadian waters shall ensure that the information required by paragraph (1)(d) is accurate at all times.
If you have relinquished your mooring to someone else it is important that the information on the buoy is changed because there may be some unintended liability issues.
Unmarked moorings could indicate that the mooring is abandoned and may be subject to removal or reassigned. There are several buoys missing contact information in the Harbour.
We will have a booth at the community information day this Saturday 10-2 at Forbes Hall with a map of the existing harbour plan and mooring buoys and an opportunity to update information.
If you intend to place a mooring please contact TIMA for assistance. We can help you do it right the first time.
Why become a member?
· Have a voice on harbour planning, mooring buoy placement and transient anchorage space.
· Support Derelict boat reporting and removal programs.
· Give our volunteers the resources to monitor & maintain channel markers, signage and mooring buoy registration logistics.
Membership is $10.00 per family per annum. - register before July 1 to be eligible for our prize extravaganza.
Membership includes 1 ticket in our prize draw for :
2 BC Ferry Passes (car and Driver Mainland)
2 SeaAir tickets
Boat related supplies
Why register your mooring?
Registration and Membership links can be found on the Thetis Island Community website under the Community tab - the Thetis Island Marine link which is currently being updated to include form fillable pdf files for registration and membership.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly at thetisislandmarine@gmail.com and request membership/registration forms.
Interac e-transfers can be made at the time of application. It is important to make sure that the message section of the transfer includes the name you want to be registered under.
Hope to see you on Saturday
TIMA executive