Update
**** Via CFB Halifax
Please note that these airspace and harbour restrictions are no longer in effect as of April 4, 2024. We ask that you please remove the Public Service Announcement from circulation. Thank you.
**** DND Media Release
Airspace restrictions and Halifax Harbour public access restrictions in effect in the vicinity of Lower Shearwater
Maritime Forces Atlantic wishes to advise the public of airspace restrictions and Halifax Harbour public access restrictions in effect in the vicinity of Lower Shearwater until April 12, 2024.
Public access restricted within the Shearwater 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 April 12, DND security boats will be closely monitoring the Shearwater 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 Shearwater 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 will not be affected by this controlled access measure.
Airspace restriction in place for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Until 8:30 p.m. ADT on April 12, 2024, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) including micro drones are restricted from entering the following airspace in the vicinity of Lower Shearwater:
- The airspace within a 0.5 nautical mile radius of 44 37 40N 063 31 22W 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.
