Evaluating Navigational Information and Data Needs to Support Safe Shipping in Canadian Arctic Waters

Le résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Vessel operators in the Canadian Arctic rely on accurate weather, water, ice, and climate (WWIC) information to make safe navigational decisions, particularly where sea ice is present. Despite the necessity of accurate WWIC information, it is currently unknown what services are being accessed by users on vessels in the Canadian Arctic, and to what extent user needs are being met by available WWIC services. User perspectives are crucial for developing meaningful WWIC services, yet there remains a gap between what service providers believe to be useful information and what users need and use for their decision-making. To address this gap, a mixed-methods online survey targeted individuals who use WWIC information while navigating in the Canadian Arctic onboard marine vessels of various sizes and types (e.g., general cargo vessels, pleasure craft, cruise ships). The results show that the needs of most respondents (61%) were met “frequently” by current WWIC services, but 63% said that their voyages would benefit from additional information and better services. Sea ice concentration was the most important WWIC factor identified to support safe navigation, followed by sea ice age/thickness, wind speed, wind direction, and then sea ice drift. The southern route of the Northwest Passage and the Arctic Ocean north of Ellesmere Island were consistently identified as areas where information was regularly inaccurate and where improvements are needed. Some of the recommended improvements for WWIC service delivery included the need for more frequent information updates, improving internet connectivity speed and satellite coverage, and more information offered in low-bandwidth formats. Significance Statement The purpose of this study is to better understand what weather, water, ice, and climate (WWIC) information vessel operators identify as a need to safely travel in the Canadian Arctic. This is important because vessel operators rely on accurate and accessible WWIC information for making safe navigation decisions, yet their needs are not always considered when creating WWIC services. Our results highlight what WWIC services are currently being used in the Canadian Arctic and make recommendations on what improvements are needed to support safe shipping in the region.

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