3956 - Malacca Passage to Bell Passage Nautical Chart

The Gateway to the Sound: 3956 - Malacca Passage to Bell Passage

Navigate the sophisticated western approaches of the British Columbia North Coast with the professional authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Chart 3956 is the definitive 1:40,000 scale navigational guide, providing the high-resolution data required to safely transition from the exposed waters of the Hecate Strait into the primary shipping lanes of Chatham Sound.

Precision for Coastal Landfalls and Strategic Transit

This region is the front door for international shipping and coastal cruisers arriving from the west or south. CHS Chart 3956 provides the "ground-truth" data required for safe pilotage in these technical waters:

• Malacca Passage & Arthur Passage Junction: Features high-resolution mapping for the critical corridor between Kennedy Island and Porcher Island, a vital transit point for vessels avoiding the open sea.

• Stephens Island & Bell Passage: Detailed bathymetry for the waters surrounding Stephens Island and the navigationally complex Bell Passage, providing safe leads for vessels making their landfall toward Prince Rupert.

• Porcher Island Northern Fringe: Offers the granular resolution necessary to navigate the rocky northern coastline of Porcher Island and the entrance to Edye Passage.

• Hazard & Light Identification: Explicitly marks the numerous drying reefs, isolated dangers, and major navigational lights (such as the Lawyer Islands) that define the entrance to the Sound.

The Professional Standard for North Coast Navigation

As the primary navigational resource for vessels transiting the hazardous waters of the North Coast, the reliability of Chart 3956 is paramount. Specifically designed to meet the rigorous requirements of marine navigation, this official CHS chart delivers the accuracy and detail needed to navigate the approaches to Prince Rupert with total confidence.