SERVING RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITIES FROM MIDDLE POINT TO EARLS COVE/EGMONT
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PROJECTS / INITIATIVES

Derelict Boats 
& Liveaboards

As a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the beauty and health of Pender Harbour, we have been actively involved in addressing the issues of derelict boats and liveaboards in our waters for many years.
The Challenge:
Vessels of concern, including wrecked, abandoned, hazardous, or dilapidated boats, pose significant threats to our community’s public health, safety, environment, and economy. These vessels not only mar the scenic beauty of our harbours but also risk contaminating our waters, disrupting marine ecosystems, and impacting local tourism and shipping routes.
In addition to derelict vessels, we are deeply concerned about the discharge of raw sewage from liveaboard vessels, which can have severe environmental consequences for our precious marine environment.
Our Efforts:
We’ve successfully completed several vessel removal projects, including:  1. The removal of the Kwatna and Lulu Island in 2019, two of the harbour’s worst derelicts.  2. Removal of two derelict vessels in Garden Bay, with assistance from Mackenzie Marine.  3. A complex operation to remove the sunken Chuckanut from Gerrans Bay, which involved extensive community collaboration and volunteer efforts.
These projects have required navigating complex regulatory processes, securing funding, and coordinating with various local businesses and volunteers. We’re particularly grateful for the community support that made these efforts possible.
Moving Forward:
We remain committed to:
  1. Continuing our efforts to remove derelict vessels from our harbours.
  2. Working to discourage improper liveaboard practices that harm our marine environment.
  3. Educating boat owners about proper mooring and sewage disposal regulations.
  4. Collaborating with local, provincial, and federal authorities to enforce relevant regulations.

How You Can Help:

If you share our vision for clean, safe, and beautiful harbours, we welcome your support. You can contribute to our efforts by making a donation earmarked for “Derelicts” through our website. Click here. Every contribution helps us maintain the health and beauty of Pender Harbour for current and future generations.

Together, we can preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our cherished waterways.

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More Information

Understanding the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessel Act

This Act is a key measure to protect Canada’s waterways and marine ecosystem, under the Government of Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan.

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What To Do If You Find a Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessel

Vessels of concern, including wrecked, abandoned, hazardous, or worn-down (dilapidated) boats, can create issues to local public health and safety, the environment, and the economy. Not only are they unsightly objects, but they can also contaminate our waters, impact local tourism and shipping routes, and affect the marine ecosystem.

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Transport Canada’s Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act

According to Transport Canada, “Vessels of concern, including wrecked, abandoned, hazardous, or worn-down (dilapidated) boats, can create issues to local public health and safety, the environment, and the economy. Not only are they unsightly objects, but they can also contaminate our waters, impact local tourism and shipping routes, and affect the marine ecosystem. In 2019, Transport Canada’s Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act increased accountability for vessel owners and can take proactive actions against owners in cases where a dilapidated vessel has been identified.
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Transport Canada’s MOORING Buoy Regulations  

Vessels of concern are typically illegally moored. Mooring buoys must adhere to strict regulations including specific identification and limit the maximum size of vessels moored to a buoy to 12 metres and only a single vessel can be attached to a mooring. According to Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety’s Small Vessel Regulations, vessels at anchor must also show approved all round white anchor lights at night.

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Transport Canada’s Sewage Regulations   


PHARA is also seriously concerned about the discharge or raw sewage from liveaboard vessels. Under the Canada Shipping Act, a ship that has a toilet on board must have a holding tank or an approved marine sanitation device. Under that act, the discharge of untreated sewage into all Canadian inland waters and Canadian coastal waters within three nautical miles of land is banned.

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Residents Association