Trevor Ng
Area Whiskey Golf, a section of the Strait of Georgia, is a maritime test facility located on the east side of Vancouver Island at Nanoose Bay, BC. It is a military operations area where the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges conduct torpedo tests. The area is marked on Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3512 and 3459 and is designated as a 'defence establishment' under the National Defence Act. Due to the frequent activity in this area, boaters are advised to monitor the Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) channel to determine if Area Whiskey Golf is active before approaching.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Area Whiskey Golf (WG) |
| Location | Strait of Georgia, east side of Vancouver Island at Nanoose Bay, BC |
| Function | Maritime test facility |
| Tests Conducted | Torpedo tests; 300-400 tests annually; estimated 31,000+ tests since 1965 |
| Users | Canadian Forces; Foreign governments, including the U.S. Navy |
| Vessels | Submarines and surface ships |
| Status | Active |
| Communication Channels | Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) WX1; VHF 21B; Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) in Victoria |
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What You'll Learn
- Area Whiskey Golf is a military operations area in the Strait of Georgia
- It is a defence establishment as defined in the National Defence Act
- The Canadian government allows foreign governments to test torpedo firings here
- The U.S. Navy routinely sends warships to Area Whiskey Golf
- Area Whiskey Golf is marked on Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3512 and 3459
Area Whiskey Golf is a military operations area in the Strait of Georgia
Area Whiskey Golf, also known as WG, is a military operations area in the Strait of Georgia. It is a maritime test facility located on the east side of Vancouver Island at Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. The Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges oversee this area, which is used for torpedo testing by the Canadian Forces and foreign governments, most notably the U.S. Navy. Approximately 300 to 400 torpedo tests are conducted in this area each year, with an estimated total of 31,000+ tests carried out since the range opened in 1965.
Area Whiskey Golf is designated as a 'defence establishment' under the National Defence Act, with specific regulations outlined in the Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations. It is clearly marked on Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3512 and 3459. Information about its active hours can be obtained through various channels, including Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) and VHF 21B. Due to the frequent requests from vessels inquiring about its active status, mariners are requested to monitor the CMB channel before calling.
The area is isolated from the open ocean, providing ideal conditions for torpedo testing. The depths are suitable, and the relatively flat bottom makes it easier to retrieve torpedoes after testing. The U.S. Navy routinely sends naval warships, submarines, and surface ships to participate in tests at Area Whiskey Golf. More than 400 U.S. Navy vessels have been involved since 1999.
The active status of Area Whiskey Golf is regularly announced on the radio to prevent unauthorised vessels from entering the area. However, as mentioned in a first-hand account, some boaters still wander into the area during active torpedo testing, prompting warnings from the military personnel. This highlights the importance of adhering to the designated boundaries of the military operations area and monitoring the appropriate channels for updates on Area Whiskey Golf's active status.
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It is a defence establishment as defined in the National Defence Act
Whiskey Golf (WG) is a section of the Strait of Georgia, covered by the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges. It is a defence establishment as defined in the National Defence Act, with Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations in place. The area is used for testing torpedo firings, with an estimated 31,000+ tests conducted since the range opened in 1965. The U.S. Navy routinely sends warships to the area, and the Canadian Forces actively use it for testing.
The National Defence Act provides the legal basis for various matters relating to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. It establishes the duties and authority of the Minister and other actors to address a range of issues. The Act covers the functioning and governance of the Canadian Armed Forces, including enrolment, promotion, release, active service, pay, and allowances. It also establishes the Military Police Complaints Commission and sets out the roles of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and the Commission in handling complaints.
Part II of the Act names the Canadian Armed Forces and provides for the appointment of the Chief of the Defence Staff. It deals with grievances and establishes the Military Grievances External Review Committee to provide findings and recommendations on specific types of grievances to the Chief of the Defence Staff. Part III of the Act is the Code of Service Discipline, which forms the foundation of the military justice system, encompassing disciplinary jurisdiction, service offences, punishments, and pretrial procedures.
The Act also includes provisions for authorizing military manoeuvres in Canada, deploying the Armed Forces for public service, and assisting in federal law enforcement. While the Act provides legislative authority, certain operations derive their authority from the Crown Prerogative, exercised by the Cabinet, Prime Minister, or individual Ministers. The National Defence Act is regularly updated, with the latest amendments made in August 2024.
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The Canadian government allows foreign governments to test torpedo firings here
The Canadian government allows foreign governments to test torpedo firings in the Strait of Georgia, on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, in an area known as Whiskey Golf (WG). WG is a section of the Strait of Georgia covered by the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges, a maritime test facility located at Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. The area is isolated from the open ocean, with depths suitable for testing and a flat seabed that makes it easy to retrieve torpedoes.
The Nanoose Range is a joint United States-Canadian facility, with the US Navy being the primary user among foreign governments. Since the range opened in 1965, the US Navy has routinely sent naval warships—both submarines and surface ships—to the area, with over 400 visits recorded since 1999. The US Navy has reported significant cost savings by using Nanoose Bay for torpedo testing.
In addition to the US, other allies have also utilised the facility for torpedo testing, including the Royal Australian Navy, the UK, Norway, and Chile.
The Canadian Forces also actively use the WG area for their own torpedo testing, with an estimated 31,000 torpedo tests conducted in total since 1965, averaging between 300 to 400 tests annually.
Area WG is designated as a 'defence establishment' under the National Defence Act, and mariners are advised to monitor the Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) channel to determine if the area is active before approaching.
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The U.S. Navy routinely sends warships to Area Whiskey Golf
Area Whiskey Golf, or WG, is a section of the Strait of Georgia covered by the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges. It is a maritime test facility located on the east side of Vancouver Island at Nanoose Bay, BC. The Canadian government allows foreign governments, primarily the U.S., to test torpedo firings in this area. It is reported that approximately 300 to 400 torpedo tests are conducted at the facility each year, and the U.S. Navy routinely sends warships to participate in these tests. Since 1965, over 31,000 torpedo tests have been carried out at WG, with U.S. Navy involvement increasing significantly since 1999.
WG is an isolated area, away from the open ocean, with depths suitable for testing and a relatively flat bottom that facilitates torpedo retrieval. The area is designated as a 'defence establishment' under the National Defence Act, and access is controlled and restricted. The Canadian Forces actively use WG for testing torpedo firings, and the U.S. Navy's presence in these tests is a regular occurrence.
The U.S. Navy's involvement in WG is not just limited to torpedo testing. They also send submarines and surface ships to participate in various exercises and training drills. The area's isolation and unique geographical features make it an ideal location for the U.S. Navy to conduct a range of maritime activities. The U.S. Navy's presence in WG is a testament to the strong military ties between the United States and Canada and highlights the importance of this area for naval training and preparedness.
The routine presence of U.S. Navy warships in WG has raised some concerns about potential safety risks for nearby civilian vessels. The military operations area is frequently active, and warships are tasked with patrolling the area to ensure no unauthorised vessels enter. Despite announcements being made on the radio at regular intervals, some boaters still venture into the active torpedo testing range, putting themselves and military personnel at risk.
The U.S. Navy's routine presence in WG is, therefore, a significant aspect of naval operations and contributes to the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Canada in military endeavours. The area's unique characteristics make it a valuable asset for naval testing and training, and the two countries have established a long-standing partnership in this regard.
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Area Whiskey Golf is marked on Canadian Hydrographic Charts 3512 and 3459
Area Whiskey Golf, also known as WG, is a section of the Strait of Georgia, on the east side of Vancouver Island at Nanoose Bay, BC. It is a maritime test facility, where the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges are located. It is marked on Canadian Hydrographic Charts as 3512 and 3459.
The area is defined as a 'defence establishment' under the National Defence Act, and Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations apply. It is a restricted area, with controlled access, and is actively used for testing torpedo firings. An average of two submarines and six surface ships visit the site each year, and it is also used by allies including the UK, Norway, and the Royal Australian Navy.
The Canadian government allows foreign governments, most frequently the US, to test torpedo firings in this area. It is estimated that there have been over 31,000 torpedo tests since the range opened in 1965, with around 300-400 tests conducted annually. The US Navy has sent over 400 naval warships to the area since 1999, and the US Navy has reported significant cost savings due to the use of Nanoose Bay.
The area is isolated from the open ocean, with depths that are suitable for testing and a relatively flat bottom that allows for easy torpedo retrieval.
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Frequently asked questions
Whiskey Golf (WG) is a military operations area in the Strait of Georgia, on the east side of Vancouver Island at Nanoose Bay, BC.
WG is a maritime test facility where the Canadian Forces test torpedo firings. Approximately 300 to 400 torpedo tests are conducted each year, and foreign governments, primarily the U.S., are also allowed to test their torpedoes here.
Whiskey Golf is a "defence establishment" as per the National Defence Act. Information about its active hours can be obtained from Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) WX1 and VHF 21B (listen-only). Mariners approaching WG can monitor the CMB channel to find out if it is active.
If someone enters the Whiskey Golf area when it is active, they are putting their vessel and personnel at serious risk. Warships patrol the area and military personnel instruct intruders to leave via radio announcements, which are made as frequently as every 15 minutes.
