Marine Response Team Conducts Oil Spill Drill Off Vancouver Island

On a September morning, the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) conducted a significant drill to prepare for potential oil spills off the coast of Vancouver Island. The exercise involved a coordinated effort among multiple vessels, including the Hecate Sentinel, a 20-metre skimming ship, as well as Canada’s largest oil response vessel, the K.J. Gardner.

As the Hecate Sentinel navigated the waters, engineer Jashan Bains was the first to spot a black dorsal fin, identifying a group of killer whales. Captain Dylan Adams remarked on the rarity of such sightings, highlighting the importance of their role in protecting marine ecosystems. The drill served as a reminder of the delicate balance between industry and environmental stewardship, particularly as shipping traffic increases in the region.

The exercise involved simulating an oil spill scenario, a timely necessity given the recent expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. This expansion has prompted concerns over potential spills, making the preparedness of marine response teams critical. During the drill, the Hecate Sentinel deployed self-inflating booms to contain simulated oil while transferring it to the K.J. Gardner, demonstrating their operational capabilities in a controlled environment.

The vessels gathered in the Turn Point Special Operating Area, where Canadian and American waters converge. This location, known for its sharp navigation turn near the Canada-U.S. border, has been identified as a high-collision zone due to challenging tides and weather conditions. Established regulations aim to reduce the risk of maritime accidents, but the area’s complexity necessitates ongoing vigilance from marine response teams.

WCMRC was founded in 1976 and has grown significantly in response to environmental disasters, such as the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989. The organization now has a fleet of nearly 90 vessels and a workforce of 220, dedicated to responding to oil spills along the West Coast of Canada. According to Michael Lowry, senior communications manager for the corporation, their operations are designed to handle “worst-case scenarios,” including spills of up to 10,000 tonnes.

The Canada Shipping Act mandates that WCMRC be prepared for spills of this magnitude, and the organization reports having 2.6 times the necessary equipment to manage such incidents. Lowry emphasized that they can be on scene within six hours and are capable of cleaning up up to 20,000 tonnes of oil within days.

WCMRC responds to an average of 20 spills annually, most of which are smaller incidents involving pleasure crafts or fishing vessels. The last significant black-oil spill occurred in 2023 in Nanaimo Harbour. Funding for WCMRC comes from fees paid by shipping and oil-handling facilities, based on the polluter-pays principle. More than 2,300 organizations contribute to this funding, which mandates that all vessels over 400 tonnes and oil transporters over 150 tonnes participate.

As the Port of Vancouver continues to see increased traffic, WCMRC remains focused on enhancing its readiness. Recent statistics from David Huntley, professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University, indicate a tenfold increase in tanker traffic since the completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in 2024. Discussions are ongoing between British Columbia and the federal government regarding the potential dredging of Burrard Inlet, aimed at increasing the efficiency of oil transport.

Despite the complexities surrounding shipping regulations and environmental concerns, Lowry stated that WCMRC’s primary mission is to remain prepared for any risks that may arise along the coast. Their commitment to marine safety underscores the critical role they play in mitigating potential disasters, ensuring that they are ready to respond effectively should the need arise.

This article was initially published by The Canadian Press on October 5, 2025.