In 1979, by formal agreement, the Canadian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard established the Co-operative Vessel Traffic Services (CVTS) for the Strait of Juan de Fuca region. The purpose of this agreement is to provide for a co-operative system of vessel traffic management in the applicable waters in order to enhance safe and expeditious movement of vessel traffic while minimizing the risk of pollution of the marine environment.

Participation with Prince Rupert, Seattle and Victoria Traffic is mandatory within Canadian and United States territorial waters. The CVTS Area of Operation is defined as 124°40W south along the Washington coast to 48°00N then west to 125°15W and north to 48°35’45”N. Inbound vessels are to check in with Prince Rupert Traffic on VHF Channel 74 (156.725 MHz) at either 48°00N or 125°15W prior to entering the traffic separation scheme. An information service such as a vessel’s identity, destination, or other information obtained through the VTS reports and sensors, is available upon request outside of the VTS zone.

All communications with Seattle, Prince Rupert or Victoria Traffic must be made in clear, unbroken English. At least one person capable of conducting two-way radio communications using the English language must be present on the bridge at all times within the Co-operative VTS area. When language problems do arise, communications may be preceded by using message markers as found in the International Maritime Organisation Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP).

Prince Rupert Traffic

West Coast Approaches to Juan de Fuca Strait.

Vessel Traffic Services from 124°40’00W in Juan de Fuca Strait westward to 125°15’00” W, and intersecting to the south to 48°00N from the west coast of Washington State are provided by the CCG from the Prince Rupert MCTS Centre located in Prince Rupert, B.C.

Vessels should check in with Prince Rupert Traffic on Ch74 when passing 126’00 W. 

All communications with vessels in these areas will be conducted on VHF Ch74 (156.725 MHz). 

Seattle Traffic

Juan de Fuca Strait

Vessel Traffic Services in the area containing all Canadian and United States waters from 124°40’00’’W which intersects the Canadian and United States shorelines thence easterly through the Juan de Fuca Strait, including all waters south and east of a line from Church Point to Race Rocks light to the intersection of the Canada/United States International boundary to Hein Bank light and bell buoy to Cattle Point, and south of a line from Patos Island to Alden Bank lighted gong buoy "A" and north to the 49th parallel, including the United States Gulf Island waters are provided by the United States Coast Guard from the Puget Sound VTS Center located in Seattle, WA (Seattle Traffic).

All communications with vessels in these areas will be conducted on VHF Ch05A (156.250 MHz).

Victoria Traffic

Haro Strait and Approaches, Boundary Pass, South Portion Strait of Georgia

Vessel Traffic Services in the area containing all Canadian and United States waters north and east of a line from Church Point to Race Rocks light to the intersection of the Canada/United States International boundary to Hein Bank light and bell buoy to Cattle Point including all of Haro Strait, Boundary Passage and the southern portion of the Strait of Georgia are provided by the Canadian Coast Guard from the Victoria MCTS Centre located at Patricia Bay, B.C. (Victoria Traffic).

All communications with vessels in these areas will be conducted on VHF Ch11 (156.55 MHz).

Canadian RADIO AIDS TO MARINE NAVIGATION (RAMN)