**** DND Release
Airspace restrictions and Halifax Harbour public access restrictions in effect in the vicinity of His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard
Maritime Forces Atlantic wishes to advise the public of airspace restrictions and Halifax Harbour public access restrictions in effect in the vicinity of His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Dockyard until October 25, 2024.
Public access restricted within the HMC Dockyard Controlled Access Zone
Government of Canada-ordered Controlled Access Zones exist in several locations within Halifax Harbour. The purpose of these buffer zones is to ensure the safety and security of Royal Canadian Navy ships and visiting forces’ vessels as well as Department of National Defence (DND) facilities and Defence Team personnel who operate within these zones. Access to these zones may be restricted and/or blocked as required due to force protection/security requirements.
Until 8:59 p.m. ADT on October 25, 2024, DND security boats will be closely monitoring the HMC Dockyard Controlled Access Zone for the safety and security of a visiting vessel. During this time members of the public, especially recreational watercraft users/operators, are not permitted entry into this zone. Persons and vessels who enter or exit the HMC Dockyard Controlled Access Zone without permission may on the demand of a DND security team member be required to submit to a search of their person or any property or thing under their control. Emergency services and commercial shipping traffic will not be affected by this controlled access measure.
Airspace restriction in place for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Until 8:59 p.m. ADT on October 25, 2024, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) including micro drones are restricted from entering the following airspace in the vicinity of HMC Dockyard:
- The airspace within a 0.5 nautical mile radius of 44 39 30N 63 34 24W from surface to 1000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
As authorized by Transport Canada and in accordance with section 5.1 of the Aeronautics Act, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to activate this RPAS-specific exclusion zone. Other aircraft and emergency services will not be affected by this airspace restriction. Excluding police and fire operations, no other RPAS operations are permitted within the area described unless authorized by Regional Joint Operations Centre (Atlantic), 902-427-2501.
Keeping a safe distance during harbour transit
Watercraft and drone operators are to respect the visiting nation’s unique safety and security requirements by keeping their boats and drones a safe distance from the vessel as it transits through Halifax Harbour. DND security boats will be escorting the vessel during transit. Emergency services, Halifax Transit ferry services and commercial shipping traffic will not be affected by this moving Controlled Access Zone.
