Oil or another substance observed on the water: report marine pollution to the Canadian Coast Guard
Get to safety, record position and extent without touching the substance, then call the regional number with observed facts.
For a vessel in distress or an immediate threat to life, use marine emergency communications. Do not approach a slick, vapours or unknown containers.
Observe without exposure
Stay away and upwind. Record colour, odour only if noticeable without approaching, sheen, debris, affected animals and drift direction.
Fix the position
Record coordinates, shore landmarks, time, weather, safe photos, vessel name or description and possible source without presenting a hypothesis as fact.
Call promptly
Use the regional marine pollution number or vessel traffic services. Give contact details and remain available to clarify the observation.
Keep a record
Retain the time, contact, file number, original images and observed changes. An owner or operator may have additional immediate duties.
Report marine pollution — Canadian Coast Guard