Thinking of going to the Fireworks in Vancouver by boat?

Read this first….

By Rob Stokes (North Shore Power Squadron)

Fireworks night can be somewhat of a gong show. But they’re fun to watch.. If it was us going…

Have your PFDs, flares and other safety gear at the ready.. Chances are you’ll have an interaction with some form of law enforcement out there. The quicker they realize you’re not a risk the sooner they’ll move on to others..

We’d go early and get a good spot. What is a good spot? One that’s out of the way of vessel traffic headed home after the show. So we’d be  close to the beach and not close to the barge. Stern to the barge is preferred, but wind and current will dictate that.

As for scope, if all chain, 3 to 1 is probably fine as you’re staying aboard. 4 to 1 of you have combo rope/chain. Most folks out there will toss the anchor and their rode and expect it to work. Strangely it sometimes does..

Plan on going early and cooking dinner while your there and waiting.  It’s a fun thing to watch as folks start packing in and a cool place to be.

Latecomers may want to tie up and raft etc.. That’s your call, but I’d decline unless I knew them

After the show, do nothing. Wait for most folks to clear out, then weigh anchor and run home slowly. 1st narrows is insane after the show.. Boats, waves etc.. Best to just let it happen without being involved..

Listen to VHF Ch 12 when you’re out there and ready to come home. Commercial traffic will still come and go so best to be aware of vessel movement so you know where not to be.

Remember that most weekend boaters do not have fast recall of the collision regulations etc., so they may, or may not do what they’re supposed to. Plan on them not doing what they should and you should be one step ahead of them..

Remember also that a lot of those folks will be drinking.. So common sense may be on the short side..

But, it’s one heck of a show from the water and can be a super memorable evening.