Lighthouses to be Unmanned
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 4:35 PM
Subject: Skies to become less safe for coastal travellers?
To the Honourable Mr. John Baird
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Dear Mr. Baird,
It has recently been brought to my attention that the Canadian Coast Guard intends to finalize automation of lighthouses on the east and west coasts of Canada, bringing to an end a rich history of invaluable service provided by live Lightkeepers. The Open Letter to All Canadians from Lighthouse Keepers can be read here: http://www.vivelecanada.ca/article/235930680-unmanning-lighthouses-spells-danger-for-coastal-travellers.
As an advocate for the safety of workers transported by air, this decision brings me great distress. As far back as 1990, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada recommended improved, manned, weather services in remote locations in their Report of a Safety Study of VFR Flight into Adverse Weather (Report No. 90-SP002: http://www.bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/etudes-studies/90sp002/90sp002.asp). The importance of such services was further reiterated in Transport Canada's 1998 Safety of Air Taxi Operations Task Force Report (see SATOPS: Weather at http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/systemsafety/pubs/tp13158/commentary/weather.htm).
The following is an excerpt.
"The closing of lighthouse stations by the Canadian Coast Guard has reduced the weather information available to pilots flying on the west coast of British Columbia. Lighthouse keepers aren't accredited aviation weather observers, but the information they provide is essential for west coast VFR pilots since it is the only local weather information available. The Pacific coast is a unique operating environment where the weather conditions change quickly and vary dramatically over short distances due to localized weather phenomena.
"Aviation weather reporting was thought to be inadequate even prior to the decommissioning of lighthouses. Weather information is perceived to be geared to IFR aircraft and not appropriate for VFR operations since the information is often not valid within a few miles of the reporting source. VFR pilots on the west coast need to know weather conditions at and below 1000 feet ASL."
Despite these findings and recommendations, I am told that in 2001, the weather service provided by the remaining manned lighthouses was reduced.
As adequate weather services remain a huge problem for VFR aviators, especially in the coastal regions and as evidenced by several fatal crashes here in BC in recent years, I respectfully request that the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Mr. John Baird, review this decision and request that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans rescind its plans to unman the remaining lighthouses. It is my sincere hope that the information I have provided herein has somehow been overlooked and that the safety of both workers and the public travelling in coastal waters will not be further diminished.
Respectfully,
Kirsten Stevens
Campbell River, BC
Founder, http://safeskies.ca
CC: United Steelworkers, BC ForestSafe
Additional Information
Union of Canadian Transportation Employees
October 6th letter from United Steelworkers to Minister Baird
Importance of staffed lighthouses on YouTube.
Download Official Petition to Stop Canadian Lightstation De-Staffing
Online Petition to Stop Canadian Lightstation De-Staffing.
On September 22, 2009 Pacific Coastal Airlines submitted a letter to the Federal Minister of Transport voicing their concerns about the effect of destaffing lighthouses on the floatplane industry. We have been given permission to publicize this document in the hopes that other operators will continue to follow suit.
Click here to read Pacific Coastal's letter.
On September 30th, a reprieve was announced.
Lighthouse automation in B.C., N.L. on hold
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Canadian Press
The Trial Island lighthouse off Victoria is said to be slated for automation as the coast guard looks to cut expenses, but Ottawa has ordered a review of the coast guard's plans. (CBC)Fisheries Minister Gail Shea has ordered a review of the coast guard's plans to automate lighthouses in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Shea said safety concerns have been raised by a number of parties over the gradual de-staffing of light stations in the two provinces, so no more automation will take place until the review is complete.
There are 27 staffed lighthouses left in B.C. and nine in Newfoundland and Labrador, but the coast guard announced plans earlier this year to automate the stations.
More than 23 other lighthouses in B.C. have already been automated.
Shea said automated lighthouses in other provinces haven't compromised safety but a review is needed.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents the country's remaining lighthouse staff, launched a petition last week to force the government to reverse the decision to de-staff the lighthouses.
The union said the lighthouse keepers are the eyes and ears of the coast and cannot be replaced with computer equipment.
