Chart of the Royal Roads Anchorages

The Department of National Defence, in the form of the King’s Harbour Master (KHM), officially acts as the Port Authority for Esquimalt Harbour, including the Royal Roads Anchorages. As this is a Public Harbour, under the Canada Marine Act, KHM’s role is to assign available space to vessels that make a request, through a Ship’s Agent, collect any required fees, and respond in the event of any emergencies.

The anchorages have been in place for many decades, to assist ships conducting business in west coast ports, an important component to our west coast economy. There has been a steady rise in port activities, which has seen an increase in usage for anchorages and staging areas throughout the area, including Esquimalt Harbour.

The above image is not intended for navigation.