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RAMN 2015 Atlantic Part 5 - Environment Canada's Marine and Ice Warning and Forecast Programs - Radio Aids Marine Navigation 2015
HomeMCTSRadio Aids Marine Navigation RAMN 2015 Atlantic, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and ArcticRAMN 2015 Atlantic Part 5 - Environment Canada's Marine and Ice Warning and Forecast Programs
Part 5 - Environment Canada's Marine and Ice Warning and Forecast Programs
Download PDF version of Part 5 - Environment Canada's Marine and Ice Warning and Forecast Programs [906 KB]
Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) is the agency responsible for delivering Canada's weather service. The MSC offers a broad range of products and services that are designed to help mariners make informed decisions on how weather will affect them. The Canadian Coast Guard also plays an important role in disseminating forecasts and warnings, and in collecting and relaying weather information from volunteer observers and ships. The constant stream of data coming from both automated and manned coastal observation stations, as well as ships and weather buoys, is supplemented by satellite imagery, weather radar and a full set of numerical weather products adapted for marine operations.
Warnings of extreme weather events that pose a threat to life and property at sea such as strong winds, freezing spray, high coastal waters, squall lines and other localized phenomena shall be issued for the offshore economic zone including the St. Lawrence Seaway and major inland waters. Major inland waters are defined as having significant marine activity and where time to reach safe harbour is comparable to the marine weather warning lead time. The criteria for issuing weather warnings is based on national guidelines, but determined regionally to account for regional climatology and the nature of the regional marine community. The following table describes the warning program:
Synoptic warnings and warning criteria
Synoptic warnings*Warning criteria
Strong wind warning (1)
*These warnings are included in the body of the text forecast.
The strong wind warning program is active on a regional basis as required for coastal and inland waters during the recreational boating season. A warning is not required when the wind is described using the range 15-20 knots. This range is normally used for greater accuracy. Gusts are excluded from the definition.
Table 5-2 - Localized Warnings
Localized warnings and warning criteria
Localized warnings/watches*Warning criteria
Issued to warn mariners and coastal populations of potentially hazardous impacts due to abnormally high water levels or waves along coastal areas.
Marine forecasts are issued for the offshore economic zone including the St. Lawrence Seaway and major inland waters. For sea ice, ice forecasts are issued for offshore marine areas as well as the Great Lakes. The production schedule is detailed in each regional section of this chapter. The forecast program includes the following bulletins:
Forecast or bulletin nameDetails
Provides information on: synoptic warnings, wind, visibility, precipitation and freezing spray. It may include air temperature as appropriate. Valid for Days 1 and 2.
Provides information on significant wave heights for Days 1 and 2 (not available for northern and Arctic lakes or inland waterways).
Provides information on hazardous ice conditions for Days 1 and 2.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)-compliant NAVigational TelEX bulletin issued with each regular marine forecast or ice forecasts in a standardized abbreviated format - see section 5.8.1 for Abbreviations.
MAFOR1
Note (1): More details on NAVTEX and MAFOR are provided at Section 5.8 and Section 5.9
Current weather data is available to Canadians for their local area. The frequency and quality of the data will be consistent with the standards established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The date may include, as appropriate:
Meteorological support is provided during emergencies and includes the provision of meteorological information and forecasts. In the case of a pollution event, Environment Canada adheres to the “polluter pay” policy for the provision of all services. Where agreements are in place, Environment Canada will make its distribution systems available to transmit vital information during emergency situations.
Delivery of marine warning and forecast services to mariners navigating waters within Environment Canada’s forecast areas of responsibility is primarily by mass communication in order to reach the greatest number of mariners through the standard communications technologies available to mariners. The following principles apply, regardless of the specific available technologies:
Marine forecasts and warnings comprising the meteorological Maritime Safety Information (met MSI) issued by Environment Canada will be made available to the marine community via the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services according to established procedures within the framework of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (see RAMN Part 4 Section 4.2.1 General Procedures – Systems – GMDSS).
Internet access via the World-Wide Web. All forecast and warning information will be found at Weather.gc.ca. Mariners should note, however, that the internet is not part of the Maritime Safety Information system and should never be relied upon as the only means to obtain the latest marine forecasts and warning information. Access to the internet may be interrupted or updated information delayed without prior notice.
The VOS program has been discontinued within Canada. Environment Canada currently supports the Automated Voluntary Observing Ship program (AVOS) program and will support visiting VOS ships from other jurisdictions on a “best efforts” basis. Contact your regional PMO for further information.
In order to complement the observational network, Environment Canada operates a network of buoys across the country. This data becomes part of the collection of weather reports sent to the distribution network and is used to improve marine forecasting. The location, WMO identifiers and names of the Environment Canada buoys are given in the regional annexes. Mariners are requested to use caution when approaching buoys as mooring chains are normally not detectable from a ship and can be damaged or even severed if there is contact. Such a mishap could possibly result in the buoy going adrift thus requiring a costly effort to recover the platform. Please keep the regional PMO informed of any incidents involving buoys. Buoy locations: Buoy positions are described in each specific regional annex.
5.6 MAREP (Marine REPorting Program)
MAREP gives mariners the opportunity to informally report local weather conditions and to receive up-to-date weather forecasts and warnings. MAREP stations are generally operated on a semi-volunteer basis by a member of the marine community who is concerned about marine safety. The stations operators are in regular contact with the Marine Weather Forecaster of the area. Since the program is informal, the individuals at the stations do not provide a 24-hour service, but are likely available during day-time and early evening hours.
5.7 Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs)
In addition to a variety of other duties, PMOs also act as a liaison between Environment Canada and ships involved in the VOS and AVOS programs. This is to encourage vessels to report weather and ice conditions, to instruct observers about procedures and the use of code; to supply observing forms, handbooks (free of charge); to calibrate equipment; and, in some cases, to install, on loan, meteorological or oceanographic instrumentation. The PMO is also responsible for recruiting new vessels to participate in the AVOS program. If a PMO visits your ship, feel free to ask questions about observing and coding, and reporting weather and ice conditions. Inform the PMO of any concerns you may have with forecasts, warnings, or facsimile products, especially if you have specific problems. The PMO will contact the appropriate party for investigation. Keep the PMO informed of your contact information.
5.7.1 Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs)
Tony Hilton, Superintendent Shawn Rickard, PMO Environment Canada, MSC 100 East Port Boulevard Hamilton ON L8H 7S4 Telephone: 905-312-0900 Facsimile: 905-312-0730 Email: anthony.hilton@ec.gc.ca Email: shawn.rickard@ec.gc.ca
Derek Cain, PMO Environment Canada, MSC 45 Alderney Drive, 16th floor Dartmouth NS B2Y 2N6 Telephone: 902-426-6616 Cellular: 902-222-6325 Facsimile: 902-426-6404 Email: derek.cain@ec.gc.ca
Andre Dwyer, PMO Environment Canada, MSC 6 Bruce Street Mount Pearl NL A1N 4T3 Telephone: 709-772- 4798 Cellular: 709-689-5787 Facsimile: 709-772-5097 Email: andre.dwyer@ec.gc.ca
Erich Gola, PMO Environment Canada, SMC Canada Place Bonaventure, Portail Nord-Est 800 de la Gauchetière ouest Suite 7810 Montréal QC H5A 1L9 Telephone: 514-283-1644 Facsimile: 514-496-1867 Email: erich.gola@ec.gc.ca
Denis Erdely, Supervisor Dragan Radovic, PMO Environment Canada, MSC 140 13160 Vanier Place Richmond BC V6V 2J2 Cellular: 604-785-4555 or 604-340-2153 Facsimile: 604-664-4094 Email: denis.erdely@ec.gc.ca Email: dragan.radovic@ec.gc.ca
Ben Lemon, PMO Environment Canada, MSC M.J. Greenwood Centre 9345 - 49 Street Edmonton AB T6B 2L8 Telephone: 780-918-0402 Facsimile: 780-495-7739 Email: ben.lemon@ec.gc.ca
Greg Stansfield, PMO Monitoring and Systems Environment Canada, MSC Suite 150, 123 Main Street Winnipeg MB R3C 4W2 Telephone: 204-983-6155 Email: greg.stansfield@ec.gc.ca
5.8 NAVTEX
SYNOPSIS:17/14Z STRM storm 980 MB OVR SRN NFLD over southern Newfoundland18/14Z STRM storm 985 MB OVR NRN NFLD. over northern Newfoundland17/14Z RIDG OVR WRN QUE. ridge over western Québec18/14Z RIDG OVR WRN GU ST LAW. ridge over western Gulf of St Lawrence
ParametersArea name
End of waves and part one
Header FQCN34 CYQX 171330
Title (VCO part two)
ParametersMarine areasWarningWindVisibility
ParametersMarine areasWaves
End of waves and part two
Mariners navigating northern and Arctic waters are advised that marine forecast bulletins issued for MSC's METAREAs marine forecast service uses similar text formatting. Further information regarding the METAREAs forecast program is provided in RAMN Part 5, Section 5.10.
5.8.1 Abbreviations used by MSC within NAVTEX
WordAbbreviation
Forecast AreaAbbreviation
ParameterAbbreviation
Wind elementAbbreviation
Freezing Spray QualifierAbbreviation
Wave elementAbbreviation
Weather elementAbbreviation
HVY-TS
Weather/visibility elementAbbreviation
very poor*
above one mile
* The visibility ranges associated with descriptive visibility terms as used in METAREAs visibility forecasts are given in the table 5-22
Trend DescriptorAbbreviation
Systems descriptorsAbbreviation
Position descriptorsAbbreviation
Cardinal point descriptorsAbbreviation
Territorial referencesAbbreviation
5.8.2 Ice Elements
Ice concentrationAbbreviation
Ice typeAbbreviation
Ice qualifierAbbreviation
Ice generalAbbreviation
Ice directionAbbreviation
Visibility Category (NAVTEX term)Visibility Range (nautical miles)
Very poor (VERY POOR)
Less than 0.5 (vis < 0.5).
0.5 or greater and less than 2 (0.5 ≤ vis < 2).
2 or greater and 5 or less (2 ≤ vis ≤ 5).
Greater than 5 (5 < vis).
5.9 Mafor Decode Table
Time of commencement of forecast (UTC). Midnight is encoded as 00
amPortion of the maritime area
Whole of the area AAA
Northeast quadrant of the area AAA
Eastern half of the area AAA
Southeast quadrant of the area AAA
Southern half of the area AAA
Southwest quadrant of the area AAA
Western half of the area AAA
Northwest quadrant of the area AAA
Northern half of the area AAA
Rest of the area AAA
G: Forecast period D: Direction from which the wind is blowing Fm: Beaufort number Wm: Forecast weather
GForecast periodDWindFmWindWmForecast weather
CodeDescriptiveCodedirectionCodeBeaufortCode 0
Visibility greater than 3 nm.
Valid for 3 hrs
Risk of accumulation of ice on superstructures.
Valid for 6 hrs
Strong risk of accumulation of ice on superstructure.
Valid for 9 hrs
Visibility ≥ 1 nm and ≤ 3 nm.
Valid for 12 hrs
Visibility < 1 nm, including fog.
Valid for 18 hrs
Snow, or rain and snow
Squally weather with or without showers.
Text description of Environment Canada's Suggestions and Comments form
5.10 Northern Canada
Includes: Western and Eastern Arctic, Hudson Bay & Major Inland Lakes of Manitoba, Northern Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories.
The Prairie and Arctic Storm Prediction Centre (PASPC), which is jointly located in Edmonton and Winnipeg provides marine weather forecasts in support of Arctic marine activity during the open water season from summer into parts of the fall. Wave height forecasts are provided for salt water areas. The PASPC-Edmonton forecast area encompasses Lake Athabasca, Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River, as well as the waterways of the Western and High Arctic, and Baffin Bay. The PASPC-Winnipeg provides marine forecasts for Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Foxe Basin, Ungava Bay, and Davis Strait. Marine forecasts are also provided for Lake Winnipeg (north and south basins), Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis during the open water season in support of pleasure and commercial activities. The forecast program for the Manitoba Lakes continues through the winter months as a public rather than a marine forecast in aid of commercial ice fishing. Minimum and maximum temperatures along with wind chill are included in the forecast.
Table 5-23 - Production Schedule Text Format
Forecast nameIssue TimeTime ZoneMarine region
Hudson Bay and Eastern Arctic
08:00, 16:30, 21:30
Inland waters (Lake Athabasca, Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River)
MCTS CentreNameHeaderIssue Time
Warning TypesComments
Applies to Manitoba Lakes, Lake Athabasca, Great Slave Lake and Mackenzie River
5.10.2 Weather and Ice Messages
Ship weather and ice reports in the international meteorological code, taken at the standard synoptic hours of 00:00, 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 UTC are solicited from ships of all nationalities which have been recruited by their national weather service, or other weather services. These reports should be transmitted directly to the circuit using Inmarsat. Alternatively, the observation should be passed to the nearest Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centre, irrespective of the ship's position. Reports made close to, or even within sight of land, are as important as reports made offshore, due to the greater variability of weather conditions in proximity to a coastline. Such reports contribute to the overall knowledge of Arctic weather from both a real-time operational perspective and from a climate perspective.
Table 5-25 Buoys Deployed During the Open Water Season
WMO#Location/InformationLAT(deg)LONG (deg)
50.48 N
096.44 W
Great Slave (moored buoy 25 nm northeast of Hay River)
115.19 W
53.15 N
098.15 W
51.24 N
096.420 W
Great Slave (moored buoy - immediate west of Inner Whaleback Rocks)
61.55 N
113.45 W
Tuktoyaktuk (moored buoy - Beaufort Sea)
70.35 N
133.00 W
5.10.3 Weatheradio Canada
Weatheradio Canada Stations
StationCall SignFrequency (MHz)Effective Radiated Power (Watts)Location
Cap Dorset (Kingait)
CHR956
CHR951
CHR952
CFM468
CHR957
CHR953
CHR955
Trizic Building
* Winnipeg, Riverton and Long Point provide continuous broadcast of marine weather forecasts and warnings for the Manitoba Lakes, and of marine weather observations when available. Further information regarding EC's Weatheradio network can be obtained via the internet at Weatheradio Canada.
5.10.4 Marine Forecast Areas
Table 5-26 - Eastern and Western Arctic Waters and Hudson Bay
Forecast availability period for Eastern and Western Arctic Waters, and Hudson Bay
NumberArea NameForecast Availability Period*
Puvirnitug
South Prince-Patrick
Forecast availability period for Inland waters
NumberArea NameAvailability Period
Danish Marine Forecasts for Baffin Bay Waters available
NumberArea NamePeriod
Table 5-29 - Marine Weather Observations - Manned Station Reports (Area Name)
Table 5-30 - Marine Weather Observations - Automatic Reports (Area Name)
Table 5-31 - Marine Weather Observations - Buoy Reports (Area Name)
5.10.5 Marine Forecast Service to METAREAs XVII, XVIII and Northwestern Sections of METAREA IV (Hudson Bay & Approaches)
Environment Canada’s METAREAs Forecast Program provides marine forecast service to METAREAs XVII, XVIII, and northwestern sections of METAREA IV during the northern and Arctic shipping season.
Forecast service to waters comprising northwestern sections of METAREA IV including Hudson Bay & Approaches covers all sea-areas that lay within the geographical region bounded by 67°N to the north, 071°W to the east, 51°N to the south, and 095°W to the west. Marine Forecast service to these METAREAs is tailored to ensure compliance with the relevant standards for this type of service within the framework of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Meteorological Maritime Safety Information (met MSI) consisting of marine weather warnings and forecasts, wave height forecasts, and sea-ice conditions for waters within these METAREAs is regularly issued twice-daily and updated as required – see maps:
Figure 5-2 - Marine Forecast Areas: METAREAs XII & XVIII
Text description of Figure 5-2 Marine forecast areas: METAREAs
Figure 5-3 Marine Forecast Areas - Northwestern METAREA IV
Text description of Figure 5-3 - Marine forecast areas - Northwestern METAREA IV, Hudson Bay & Approaches
5.10.6 Serviced Forecast Zones
Environment Canada provides marine weather warnings and forecast, wave height forecasts, and sea-ice conditions, to the following marine zones within METAREAs XVII, XVIII, and northwestern sections of METAREA IV:
Table 5-32 - FQCN01 CWAO - Marine Forecasts & FICN01 CWIS - Ice Bulletin for METAREA XVII North of 75°N Marine forecasts for METAREA XVII north of 75° N
NumberArea Name
Table 5-33 - FQCN02 CWAO - Marine Forecasts & FICN02 CWIS – Ice Bulletin for METAREA XVII South of 75°N
Marine forecasts for METAREA XVII South of 75° N
Table 5-34 - FQCN03 CWAO - Marine Forecasts & FICN03 - Ice Bulletin for METAREA XVIII North of 75°N
Table 5-35 - FQCN04 CWAO - Marine Forecasts & FICN04 CWIS - Ice Bulletin for METAREA XVIII South of 75°N
Marine Forecasts for METAREA XVIII South of 75°N
Table 5-36 - FQCN05 CWAO - Marine Forecasts & FICN05 CWIS - Ice Bulletin for Northwestern Sections of METAREA IV including Hudson Bay & Approaches
Marine Forecasts Ice Bulletin for Northwestern sections of METAREA IV including Hudson Bay and Approaches
Telephone: 709-256- 6612 Facsimile: 709-256-6627 Email: metareas17.18@ec.gc.ca
Additional information may be obtained by consulting the Joint Commission on Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) web site or by consulting the Canadian Coast Guard notices to mariners (NOTMAR) web site.
5.10.7 METAREAs Forecast Transmission
Met MSI for the northwestern sections of METAREA IV is transmitted using rectangular addressed messaging that encompasses waters comprising Hudson Bay & Approaches. The SafetyNET address code for this rectangular area is C3 = 50n098w18030. Thus only those Inmarsat-C receivers aboard vessels navigating within the boundaries defined by this rectangular area will print out met MSI for the northwestern sections of METAREA IV.
During the navigation season met MSI for sections of METAREA XVII and XVIII north of 70°N is broadcast via High Frequency Narrow Band Direct Printing (HF NBDP) on 8416.5 kHz from the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre in Iqaluit NU. Scheduled broadcast times are 03:30 UTC and 15:30 UTC daily. Mariners should note that actual HF service provision dates will be announced by Canadian Coast Guard Notice to Shipping.
Mariners navigating northern or Arctic waters may also obtain METAREAs forecast bulletin via internet by accessing Environment Canada’s “Datamart” web page. However, users are cautioned that the internet is not part of the GMDSS MSI dissemination system and should never be relied upon as the only means to obtain the latest marine forecast and warning information. Access to the internet may be interrupted from time to time, or updates may be delayed. Mariners are advised to refer to the appropriate GMDSS-approved marine communication systems such as Inmarsat-C SafetyNET, HF NBDP, or international NAVTEX for the latest information. When accessing Environment Canada’s Datamart web page please ensure the page you are viewing is updated and not from your web browser’s cache. If in doubt, use your web browser’s Refresh or Reload button to update the web page.
Internet link to the FQCN01 CWAO forecast for METAREA XVII north of 75° N
Internet link to the FICN01 CWIS ice bulletin for METAREA XVII north of 75° N
Internet link to the FQCN02 CWAO forecast for METAREA XVII south of 75° N
Internet link to the FICN02 CWIS ice bulletin for METAREA XVII south of 75° N
Internet link to the FQCN03 CWAO forecast for METAREA XVIII north of 75° N
Internet link to the FICN03 CWIS ice bulletin for METAREA XVIII north of 75° N
Internet link to the FQCN04 CWAO forecast for METAREA XVIII south of 75° N
Internet link to the FICN04 CWIS ice bulletin for METAREA XVIII south of 75° N
Internet link to the FQCN05 CWAO forecast for northwestern sections of METAREA IV
Internet link to the FICN05 CWIS ice bulletin for northwestern sections of METAREA IV
5.11 Newfoundland and Labrador
This consists of a full 24 hours, 7 days a week weather watch, warning and amendment service provided by the Newfoundland and Labrador Weather Office in Gander. The regular marine forecast covers the period out to midnight of the following day (days 1 and 2). An extended marine wind outlook covering the next 3 days (days 3, 4, and 5) is also produced. Wave height forecasts are produced twice a day and cover the period out to midnight of the following day.
Table 5-37 - Production Schedule Text Format
Production schedule in text format
03:00, 10:00, 15:30, 20:00
NDT / NST
04:00, 09:30, 16:00, 21:30
05:00, 16:30
Table 5-38 - Production Schedule NAVTEX Format (refer to Part 2 for the MCTS broadcast schedule)
NAVTEX format (refer to Part 2 for the MCTS broadcast schedule)
MCTS CentresNameHeaderIssue Time
Placentia VCP
FQCN33 CYQX
03:00, 06:00, 10:00, 15:30, 18:00, 20:00 NDT / NST
FQCN35 CYQX
04:00, 06:00, 10:00, 16:00, 18:00, 21:30 NDT / NST
5.11.3 Marine Weather Observations and Forecast Bulletins
Observations available on the Environment Canada Weatheradio network are updated hourly and include a series of coastal stations extending around the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Maritimes and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as offshore buoys. Marine forecast bulletins are updated at regular intervals or whenever necessary. These bulletins are available on MSC’s Automated Telephone Answering Device (ATAD), as well as Weatheradio and Canadian Coast Guard’s Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB).
5.11.4 Weatheradio Canada
There is 1 main station in the Newfoundland and Labrador region
StationCall SignRepeaters
XLM 616
Frequencies in use: 162.400 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Broadcasts can be received over most coastal areas of Newfoundland and southern Labrador, and include marine weather and ice warnings, regular marine and wave height forecasts, and synopses. Hourly updated observations from coastal stations and offshore buoys are all incorporated in the broadcast. Further information regarding EC’s Weatheradio network can be obtained via the Internet at Weatheradio Canada.
5.11.5 Marine Forecast Areas
Table 5-39 Newfoundland and Labrador Waters
Table 5-40 - Marine Weather Observations (Area Name)
5.12 Maritimes Region
This consists of a full 24 hours, 7 days a week weather watch, warning and amendment service, including a detailed forecast for Halifax Harbour. The regular marine forecast covers the period out to midnight of the following day (days 1 and 2). An extended marine wind outlook covering the next 3 days (days 3, 4, and 5) is also produced. Wave height forecasts are produced twice a day and cover the period out to midnight of the following day.
ADT / AST
03:00, 10:00, 15:30
03:00, 15:30
Table 5-42 - Production Schedule in NAVTEX Format
Halifax VCS
FQCN33 CWHX
03:00, 05:00, 10:00, 15:30, 17:00, 20:00 ADT / AST
NAVTEX/1
FQCN34 CWHX
NAVTEX/2
FQCN34 CYQX
This warning is indicated in the forecast for coastal waters, Halifax Harbour and the Bras d'Or Lakes. Issued between April 15 and November 15.
Observations and forecast bulletins are available on MSC’s Automated Telephone Answering Device (ATAD) and Weatheradio. Observations are updated hourly and include a series of coastal stations extending from the coast of Maine around the Maritimes and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as offshore buoys. Marine forecast bulletins are updated at regular intervals or whenever necessary and are available on Weatheradio and the Canadian Coast Guard’s continuous marine broadcast.
5.12.5 Canadian Hurricane Centre
The Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) is co-located with the Atlantic Storm Prediction Centre. It becomes operational when a storm system of tropical origin enters or threatens to enter the designated response zone (north of 36ºN and west of 41ºW) within 3 days. The CHC may begin to issue bulletins on a semi-regular basis up to 5 days prior to the expected tropical weather event so as to maintain consistent and informative messaging on the storm, and also as a tool for early contingency planning for the relevant emergency response agencies. During the CHC’s operational phase bulletins are issued at regular 6-hour intervals. These bulletins include information statements for Public and Media notification, and technical messages for use by MSC and Canadian Forces weather offices. Bulletins are issued at 3-hour intervals when the storm’s impacts are occurring within MSC’s forecast areas of responsibility, including offshore waters.
Table 5-43 - Moored Buoys - Positions North-West Atlantic Ocean
Moored Buoys - Positions in the North-West Atlantic Ocean
WMO#NameLAT (deg)LONG (deg)
42.262 N
62.998 W
SW Grand Banks
44.251 N
53.633 W
44.240 N
57.103 W
42.868 N
51.467 W
42.993 N
57.958 W
42.505 N
64.018 W
46.444 N
53.392 W
47.267 N
57.336 W
Halifax Harbour Approaches
44.502 N
63.403 W
Weatheradio is a public service designed to make weather information available over VHF or FM radio continuously. Weatheradio is dedicated to transmitting up to the minute weather reports and forecasts directly to all users including the marine community. There are 2 main stations in the Maritimes region:
Les deux stations principales dans la région des Maritimes
StationCall signRépétitrices
XLM 466
Frequencies in use: 162.400 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Broadcasts can be received over most coastal areas of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Broadcasts include marine weather and ice warnings, and marine forecasts including wave heights, and synopses. Hourly updated observations from coastal stations and offshore buoys are all incorporated in the broadcast.
Soutwestern Shore
Table 5-45 - Marine Weather Observations (Area Name)
5.13 Québec Region
Area of coverage includes the St. Lawrence waterway between Cornwall*, Ontario, and Anticosti Island (65oW), and the navigable waterway of the Saguenay River between Saguenay and Tadoussac (see map areas 301-309). The program provides a full 24 hours, 7 days a week weather watch, warning and amendment service. Regular forecasts are issued twice a day from the Québec Storm Prediction Centre in Montréal. Time coverage: Year round *St. Lawrence Seaway portion (Cornwall to Montréal) in open season only. Wave height forecasts are issued twice a day for marine areas 301, 302, 303 and 305.
Table 5-46 - Production Schedule – Text Format
St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers
Table 5-47 Production schedule in NAVTEX format NAVTEX format (refer to Part 2 for the MCTS broadcast schedule)
Les Escoumins VCF
FQCN37 CWUL
03:00, 15:00 EDT / EST
FQCN37 CWHX
NAVTEX/3
FQCN37 CYQX
Regional particularities with respect of regular programs
Issued between May 1st and October 15th only. Regular program only.
5.13.4 Marine Weather Observations and Forecast Bulletins
Environment Canada operates a network of coastal and insular weather observing stations as well as one weather buoy. Hourly weather reports from these stations are available continuously on Environment Canada’s Weatheradio (see Weatheradio Canada below) and on request from the Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centres (refer to Marine Weather Observations). Marine forecasts are updated at regular intervals or whenever necessary and are available on Weatheradio and Canadian Coast Guard’s continuous marine broadcast.
5.13.5 Buoy Position St. Lawrence River
In order to complement its network of coastal and insular weather observing stations, Environment Canada operates one weather buoy on the St. Lawrence River. Mariners are requested to use caution when approaching the buoy as mooring chains are normally not detectable from a ship and can be damaged or even severed if there is contact.
Buoy position on the St. Lawrence River, including WMO#, Name, Latitude and Longitude
49.543ºN
065.760ºW
5.13.6 Weatheradio Canada
Weatheradio is a public service designed to make weather information available over VHF or FM radio continuously. Weatheradio is dedicated to transmitting up to the minute weather reports and forecasts directly to all users including the marine community. The table below lists all the Weatheradio stations under the responsibility of Environment Canada - Québec region broadcasting marine forecasts and weather reports, showing the stations and frequencies:
Weatheradio stations and their frequencies
StationsFrequency (MHz)
Sept-Îles (Pointe Noire)
Gaspé (Pudding Stone)*
Mingan*
Kegaska*
Harrington Harbour*
Magdalen Islands*
* Also broadcast marine forecasts issued from Environment Canada - Atlantic Region (refer to the Maritimes Region and the Newfoundland and Labrador Region).
5.13.7 Marine Forecast Areas
Tadoussac to Pointe-à-Michel
Isle-aux-Coudres to Tadoussac
Beauport to L'Îsle-aux-Coudres
Richelieu and Northern Lake Champlain
Table 5-49 - Marine Weather Observations – St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers (Area Name)
Île d'Orléans (St François)
Pointe-de-l'Islet
5.14 Great Lakes Including St. Lawrence River to Cornwall
5.14.2 The Regular Program
5.14.3 The Recreational Program
03:00, 10:30, 18:30
Great Lakes and the Ontario portion of the St. Lawrence River
Great Lakes and the Ontario portion of the St Lawrence River
05:00, 11:30, 17:30
Lake of the Woods, Lake Nipigon, North Channel, Lake Nipissing, Lake Simcoe
03:00, 18:30
Table 5-51 - Production Schedule in NAVTEX Format (refer to Part 2for the MCTS broadcast schedule)
FQCN38 CWTO
03:00, 10:30, 18:30 EDT / EST
Sarnia VBE
FQCN39 CWTO
Issued April - November and applies to Canadian waters only.
5.14.4 Buoys
In order to complement the observational network, Environment Canada operates a network of buoys around the Great Lakes. This data becomes part of the collection of weather reports used to improve marine forecasting. Mariners are requested to use caution when approaching buoys as mooring chains are normally not detectable from a ship and can be damaged or even severed if there is contact, which could result in the buoy becoming adrift and a costly recovery of the platform. Please keep the regional Port Meteorological Officers informed of any incidents involving buoys.
Location of Canadian Buoys
42.467 N
81.216 W
76.874 W
48.535 N
86.953 W
North Georgian Bay
45.544 N
81.015 W
43.264 N
79.541 W
42.737 N
79.290 W
80.627 W
42.430 N
82.683 W
49.660 N
94.519 W
Southern Lake Huron (Bayfield)
82.075 W
44.500 N
79.368 W
46.233 N
79.716 W
46.051 N
82.637 W
43.767 N
78.984 W
Table 5-53 - US Buoys
Location of US Buoys
Mid Superior
48.064 N
87.777 W
Michigan N.
45.344 N
86.411 W
45.351 N
82.840 W
47.584 N
86.587 W
41.677 N
82.398 W
47.335 N
89.793 W
42.675 N
87.025 W
44.283 N
82.416 W
43.619 N
77.405 W
5.14.5 Weatheradio Canada
Weatheradio Canada automatically alerts users to severe weather warnings. If receivers are equipped with suitable alert devices they will emit a loud continuous tone and/or flashing light when a warning is issued. Detailed information about Environment Canada Weatheradio may be found at Weatheradio Canada.
5.14.6 Marine Forecast Areas
Table 5-55 - Marine Weather Observations (1) - St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes
Area NameReporting
Reports from Duluth (Lake Superior) to Detour Reef (Lake Huron)
Lake Simcoe ODAS buoy
Reports from Great Duck Island to Windsor
Reports from Long Point to Port Colborne
Reports from Kingston to Montréal
Reports from Port Weller to Kingston
Reports from Sarnia to Port Colborne
Reports from Sault Ste Marie to Sarnia and Georgian Bay
Note: (1) Reports are broadcast only when available. Reports from platforms such as buoys or ships are also broadcast when available.
Table 5-56 - Production Schedule - Ice Bulletins Text Format
Ice bulletins production schedule
*FICN36 CWIS
07:00, 19:00 UTC
*Ice NAVTEX FICN36 is being broadcast from MCTS Iqaluit since November 20, 2013.
Table 5-58 - Ice Warning Criteria
Warning NameWarning Criteria
1. Ice Pressure Warning
2. Rapid Closing of Coastal Leads Warning
When one tenth or more of grey-white ice or older is expected to move into areas when that ice is not normally present, or ...
Ice forecasts are issued for daily, monthly and seasonal time scales
Current ice charts are produced daily. The area covered by the chart depends on the time of the season and these charts are normally broadcast at times specified in tables below. Once a week, CIS produces Regional ice charts. These charts are intended to be used as a planning tool rather than a tactical support tool and are available on the CIS Website and through commercial communication lines. They are not broadcast through MCTS Centres.
5.15.5 Ice Beacons
In order to better track the ice drift or to verify ice models, CIS deploys a few ice beacons yearly. While most beacons are only reporting their positions, a few are equipped with barometric pressure sensors.
5.15.6 Weatheradio Canada
Ice forecasts and warnings are not broadcast via Weatheradio, however, mariners planning operations in waters impacted by hazardous ice conditions may obtain details regarding ice conditions by consulting the CIS Website / or by contacting their regional MCTS Centre. Detailed ice information may also be obtained through consultation with an Environment Canada meteorologist using the “Weather One-on-One” 1-900 service at 1-900-565-5555. For cell phone users and credit card billing call 1-888-292-2222. User fees apply.
5.15.7 Ice Areas
Areas for which ice forecasts apply are identical to the marine forecasts areas. In addition to these, ice forecasts will cover Lake Michigan, and may cover 3 areas along the East Coast (501 to 503). 501 Tail of the Grand Banks 502 Flemish 503 Southeast Labrador Sea 541 Lake Michigan
Figure 5-8 - Ice Information Areas: Eastern and Northern Canada
Text description of Figure 5-8 Ice information areas for Eastern and Northern Canada
5.15.8 Ice Charts
Table 5-59 - Ice Charts Listing
Ice ChartsBroadcast SiteSeason
Northeast or East Newfoundland Waters
Southeast Newfoundland Waters
MCTS Iqaluit Summer
MCTS Iqaluit *On request
Table 5-60 - Canadian Coast Guard and Canadian Forces Fleet MetOc Radio Facsimile Stations
NameCall SignModulationIndex of CooperationPowerFrequencies (kHz)Drum Speed
5.15.9 Facsimile Broadcast
Upon authorized request from Canadian Coast Guard, C-GCFR can transmit observed conditions via satellite fax. Vessels must make a request through the Canadian Coast Guard to receive it.Date modified: 2016-03-07