Bella Bella (October 24, 2106) – The Heiltsuk Nation is pleased with new interim measures announced today by the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA), including changes to waiver exemptions allowing vessels that carry petroleum products to traverse the West Coast without a Canadian marine pilot.

“While it’s regrettable that it took a diesel spill in Heiltsuk waters to get these safeguards in place, we appreciate that PPA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Obermeyer reached out and came to our community,” says Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk Tribal Council.“Heiltsuk leadership is impressed that Mr. Obermeyer came to Bella Bella with recommendations to improve PPA regulations on the Central Coast,” says Chief Slett.

The Pacific Pilotage Authority has introduced several measures it says will take effect this week, including the requirement that a Master pilot be on the ship’s bridge when it travels through Heiltsuk and other coastal waters.

The Nathan E. Stewart tug was traveling under a waiver that allowed it to transit Canadian waters without a Canadian marine pilot when it went ashore and sank in Seaforth Channel on October 13.

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For more information contact:

Heiltsuk Communications
ayla.brown@heiltsuknation.ca

(250)957-2381

Jo Anne Walton
joawalton@gmail.com
778.953.3103