Welcome to the Bella Coola Harbour

Policies

Before visiting the Bella Coola Harbour, please review the listing of what is required by you, and the Harbour Authority, to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for all involved. Upon arrival, at the Bella Coola Harbour, all users are provided a copy of these policies and are be required to sign the last page to confirm acceptance of this agreement.

Rules of Conduct

To have an enjoyable stay with us, please take note of the following Rules of Conduct to which the Bella Coola Harbour Authority would like you to follow:

  1. The vessel speed within the confines of the Harbour is NO WAKE.
  2. Open fires and/or wood burning stoves aboard vessels or on docks within the harbour are strictly forbidden. Charcoal burners, BBQ’s and grills can be used with constant supervision within the confines of a vessel.
  3. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is only permitted on Private Vessels.
  4. Use of Illegal substances is prohibited.
  5. Disruptive behaviour, such as public intoxication, fighting and/or foul language will NOT be tolerated.
  6. Children under the age of 12 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult on all piers, floats, storage and repair areas.
  7. All children under the age of 12 MUST wear an approved floatation device while on any piers or floats.
  8. Pets MUST be kept on a leash at all times.
  9. Pet owners are responsible for the clean-up after their pets
  10. Swimming, water skiing, SCUBA diving and fishing are NOT permitted within the harbour area, unless special prior approval has been given by the Harbour Manager. Fishing is allowed off outside edge of the Northern Breakwater provided all legal documentation is in order.
  11. Poeple may NOT live aboard their vessels unless special permission has been given by the Harbour Manager and special conditions have been met by the person(s).
  12. Running, cycling, skateboarding and rollerblading is NOT permitted on floats and piers.
  13. Harbour users must comply with local noise regulations.

Thank you for your cooperation. Any violations of the above listed Rules of Conduct may result in the removal of moorage privileges and/or Police or Coast Guard notification.

Our Role and responsibilities

For your safety, Bella Coola Harbour Authority will ensure all main floats and walkways are clear at all times, of supply material, accessories, debris and fishing gear. The Bella Coola Harbour Authority will also ensure no mooring lines, cables, water hoses and/or vessel structures obstruct walkways. Any potential hazards should be brought to the attention of a Harbour employee as soon as possible.

The Bella Coola Harbour Authority reserves the right to take possession of any items left on any pier or wharf over a period of 24 hours. Such items will be returned to the rightful owner once proper identification has been given. Items left in the possession of the Harbour Authority for more than two weeks will be deemed as “recovered items” and will become the possession of the Harbour Authority. After this timeframe, return of the item(s) is at the sole discretion of the Harbour Manager and a storage fee could be imposed.

Garbage disposal

No Garbage, waste or other debris may be discharged or disposed of in the harbour water. The Harbour Authority is responsible of providing identified garbage containers at the harbour and placing them in areas which are accessible to users. Garbage bins are located behind the Office, please ensure they are secured from bears once garbage has been disposed of.

Hazardous materials

Harbour users are responsible for placing hazardous material, such as flammable liquids (and containers), batteries, refrigerants and corrosive material, fish nets, engine blocks ad hatch covers in the appropriate Harbour areas, or disposing of them in accordance with Provincial or Municipal laws.

Waste oil disposal

Boating and fishing activities generate used oil, flammable liquids and oily bilge water. The Harbour Authority is responsible for ensuring such waste is disposed of in an environmentally appropriate manner.

All oil products must be taken to the CCRD oil recycling depot.

Fueling

Fueling at harbours is a source of concern owing to the risk of water contamination and the potential for a fire and/or explosion. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe re-fueling environment.

Before re-fueling:

  1. Stop all engines and auxiliaries.
  2. Shut off all Electricity, open flames and heat sources including cigarettes.
  3. Check bilge water for fuel vapours.
  4. Close access fittings and openings which could allow fuel vapours to enter the vessel’s enclosed spaces.
  5. Evacuate all person(s) from the vessel except the person handling the fuel line.

During fueling

  1. Maintain nozzle contact with fill pipe, or ensure grounding cable attached properly.
  2. Attend fuel nozzle at all times.
  3. Clean spills immediately.
  4. Avoid overfills spillage.

After fueling and before starting ignition

  1. Inspect bilge water for any fuel leakage or odours

Parking and vehicle traffic

  1. The Harbour Authority will provide a parking permit to those needing a parking location while on harbour property. Parking permits are available in the Harbour Office during business hours. Permits are available at $10.50/daily for a single vehicle and $20 daily for a vehicle and one trailer.
  2. NO camping or overnight sleeping is permitted.
  3. Access to the parking area is restricted by vehicle size and weight.
  4. Access to the parking area is restricted to owners/operators of vessels and/or BC Ferry Patrons.