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Navigational Services

Navigation in ice-covered waters is quite hazardous. Apart from floating ice that poses serious risks to ship structures, there are other safety concerns, which include the following:

  1. Very low temperatures and poor weather
  2. Unreliable navigation information
  3. Varying ice conditions
  4. Remote areas
  5. Difficulty in conducting rescue operations
  6. Difficulty in environmental clean up

In view of the above safety concerns, the Government of Canada provides services and programs that work toward safety of navigation. These programs promote safe, responsible, and sustainable shipping in the Arctic, and include the following:

Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker Des Groseilliers escorting a cargo vessel.NORDREG

Ice Information Products

Sailing Directions

Icebreaker Escort

Reporting Oil Spills

Search and Rescue

Date modified:
2013-01-09