Canada is one of the most advanced countries in seaplane base management. With more than 500 water aerodromes spread across its provinces, particularly in British Columbia, Canada has developed the infrastructure, regulatory systems, and navigation technology to support safe and efficient seaplane operations. Among these facilities, the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) is recognized as one of the most successful models for integrating seaplane operations into a complex urban environment.
Located in Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver, VHFC handles over 55,000 aircraft movements annually (Transport Canada, 2020), making it one of the busiest seaplane bases in the world. The facility serves commercial operators such as Harbour Air, Seair Seaplanes, and others, providing connectivity between coastal cities, including popular routes to Victoria and Nanaimo. What makes VHFC stand out is its ability to operate in a port area that is also busy with cargo ships, ferries, and pleasure craft, without compromising safety or efficiency.
The VHFC’s success rests on four key pillars: dedicated waterfront infrastructure, a multi-agency regulatory framework (involving Transport Canada, Nav Canada, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority), advanced navigation and communications technology, and safety and financing protocols based on public-private collaboration. Through stakeholder synergy and precise technical planning, the VHFC has become a global leader in integrating waterborne air transport into urban transportation networks.
Indonesia, with its more than 17,000 islands and many remote, under-connected areas, has significant potential for developing the amphibious aviation sector. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, overlapping air and sea regulations, and safety risks remain major obstacles. Therefore, an in-depth study of best practices in VHFC is crucial for formulating an adaptive, integrated, and evidence-based national strategy. This analysis of Canadian practices is expected to provide a foundation for Indonesia in designing a safe, modern, and sustainable amphibious aircraft base.
1. Infrastructure and Water Platform Design
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) adopts a water aerodrome design that combines operational efficiency, navigational safety, and intermodal integration within a dense port environment. Its primary infrastructure is centered in the Coal Harbour area, which houses the primary water runway with an 08W/26W orientation, as outlined in the Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) and the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) (Nav Canada, n.d.; Wikipedia, 2025).
Runway 08W/26W does not have a physical surface like a conventional airport, but rather a coordinated water corridor marked with floating visual markers such as buoys and flags, as well as digital navigation information that pilots must refer to. This zone is designed to safely accommodate seaplane takeoffs and landings without disrupting commercial maritime traffic that also operates through the port of Vancouver.
As part of an integrated maritime and air traffic control system, this aviation exclusive zone is regulated by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in conjunction with Nav Canada. Aircraft movement is restricted to a predetermined perimeter, and entry/exit procedures are strictly regulated through two-way radio communications on the ATF 122.2 MHz frequency and visual traffic separation based on VFR ( Visual Flight Rules ). This arrangement prevents overlap between seaplanes and commercial vessels, which are required to avoid the runway zone under the port traffic scheme (Transport Canada, n.d.).
On the side On land , the VHFC features a modular floating pontoon that serves as a landing dock and aircraft parking area. This pontoon can adjust to fluctuating water levels caused by tides, ensuring stable access for passengers and crew. The passenger terminal built on this pier is designed to resemble a conventional airport terminal, complete with check-in facilities, waiting areas, security services, and direct access to downtown Vancouver via road and connections with public transportation modes such as buses and SkyTrain. This integration is part of the seamless connectivity approach that is characteristic of urban transportation in Vancouver.
Furthermore, the VHFC infrastructure design takes into account environmental factors such as noise control, marine habitat protection, and energy efficiency. Pontoons and terminal buildings are constructed using lightweight, seawater-resistant materials, while aircraft operations are regulated to comply with noise abatement procedures outlined in official aeronautical documents. Furthermore, the runway area is equipped with marine beacons and reflective nighttime signs, enhancing visibility for twilight and restricted weather operations.
The entire VHFC infrastructure reflects the high standards of a world-class urban seaplane base, capable of accommodating heavy traffic in a limited space while ensuring safety, operational efficiency and user comfort.
2. Multi-Agency Regulatory Framework
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) is a leading example of a seaplane base management model that involves close collaboration between various government agencies and relevant authorities. VHFC operations are harmoniously managed and overseen by three key agencies: Transport Canada, Nav Canada, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA). Each agency plays a complementary strategic role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth integration of air and sea transportation in a busy port area like Coal Harbour.
Transport Canada
As the national civil aviation regulator, Transport Canada is responsible for establishing safety standards for amphibious aviation operations, including certification of water landing facilities, operational procedures, and flight crew training. Transport Canada also issues regulations regarding airspace classification and water landing/takeoff procedures. In VHFC, all amphibious aircraft operations must comply with the requirements set out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), specifically those governing water aerodromes and controlled airspace (Transport Canada, n.d.-a).
Nav Canada
Nav Canada, as the non-governmental agency that manages the civil air traffic system in Canada, plays a vital role in providing air traffic control services ( Air Traffic Services ), including the Flight Service Station (FSS) in Vancouver Harbour. Nav Canada also publishes important aeronautical navigation publications such as the Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) and the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS), which serve as primary references for pilots in accessing technical information, procedures, and communication frequencies. In VHFC, air communications are conducted via the Aerodrome Traffic Frequency (ATF) 122.2 MHz, which is the mandatory channel for all aircraft within the operational radius to report position, flight intent, and visual coordination (Nav Canada, n.d.).
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA)
The VFPA acts as the public port authority covering the waters of Vancouver Harbour, including the low-lying airspace used for seaplane operations. The VFPA is responsible for regulating maritime traffic, enforcing Marine Traffic Control Zones, and providing guidance to vessel operators regarding the location of aircraft landing/takeoff zones. Under this scheme, vessels are required to comply with communication rules via VHF Marine Channel 12, which is monitored by the port authority to maintain the separation of maritime and air traffic (Transport Canada, n.d.-b).
Collaboration and Integrated Operational Procedures
This inter-agency synergy results in a multi-modal and integrated regulatory system. All aircraft operating in the VHFC region are required to communicate on ATF 122.2 MHz for position and intent reporting, while vessels in the waters are required to follow guidance on VHF Channel 12. Operational zones have also been established with strict geographic and procedural boundaries, as published in official documents such as the CWAS and Transport Canada’s public port procedures.
For example, the public traffic scheme for Victoria Harbour (which has similar characteristics to VHFC) has demonstrated the effectiveness of zoning and time -based separation procedures , as well as sequential position reporting at designated visual reference points (Transport Canada, n.d.-b). This strengthens the basis for the implementation of dynamic regulation based on cross-agency collaboration.
3. Navigation, Surveillance, and Communication Systems
The restricted airspace and seaspace management at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) is a leading model for implementing an integrated Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) system for amphibious aviation operations. Since the VHFC operates in an active harbor area that also experiences heavy commercial and recreational vessel traffic, the CNS system at this location is designed to ensure the safety, orderliness, and efficiency of both amphibious aircraft and vessels.
Communication
All aircraft taking off or landing in VHFC are required to maintain two-way communication with a Flight Service Station (FSS) operated by Nav Canada. Communication is conducted using the ATF frequency of 122.2 MHz and is mandatory for all aircraft traffic within the specified operational radius. Services provided by the FSS include Seaplane Traffic Advisories, local weather information, and the latest NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) which can be accessed either via radio communication or digital platforms provided by Nav Canada (Nav Canada, n.d.-a).
Meanwhile, in the maritime sector, communication between ships and port authorities is conducted via VHF Marine Channel 12, which also serves as a coordination tool to avoid conflicts with aircraft during critical phases such as takeoff or landing. This cross-modal communication is part of a multi-modal situational awareness framework that is crucial in a busy port like Coal Harbour.
Navigation
Navigation information is provided in detail through two main publications, namely the Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) and the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS). These documents contain complete data on entry/exit procedures, coordinates of the operating zone, visual checkpoints, and the direction of use of the water runway used in VHFC, namely 08W/26W. Navigation procedures rely heavily on the visual flight rules (VFR) method due to the characteristics of the airspace which is not fully controlled by radar (non-radar environment), but are supplemented by entry and exit guidance based on visual landmarks and buoy signs in the water (Nav Canada, nd-b).
Surveillance
Although VHFCs do not operate in airspace with full radar surveillance like large airports, surveillance is conducted in an integrated manner through a combination of information from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for vessels and aircraft position reporting via ATF by pilots. AIS allows real-time tracking of vessels operating in the same waterway as the aircraft’s approach or departure path. This data is used by port officials and traffic managers to avoid potential cross-modal conflicts, particularly in conditions of low visibility or heavy vessel traffic.
Overall, the CNS system implemented in VHFC reflects a low-tech but high-coordination approach, where reliable voice communications and adherence to visual operating procedures are key safety pillars. Operational oversight is more about tactical situational awareness based on collaboration and real-time information than radar-based and automated instrument-based control. This model is particularly relevant in an archipelagic nation like Indonesia, which has limited radar capabilities but great potential for developing amphibious maritime transport.
4. Management of Aircraft, Ships, and Other Traffic
The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) is a prime example of complex and precise multi-modal traffic management in an active port area. Unlike conventional airports, VHFCs must manage interactions between seaplanes, ships, and other waterborne activities, including ferries, private boats, and recreational vehicles. Therefore, traffic management at the VHFC is conducted using a collaborative, interagency, safety-oriented approach based on dynamic functional zoning.
Operational Zoning
The Port of Vancouver (Vancouver Harbour) is divided into several operational zones defined by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and approved by Transport Canada, which include:
- Seaplane take-off and landing zone (08W/26W).
- Main commercial shipping lanes.
- Tourist and recreational boat zone.
- Buffer and exclusion zones.
Each zone has operational limitations and safety rules outlined in official documents such as the Practices and Procedures for Public Ports (Transport Canada, n.d.-a) and the Public Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme which is used in parallel in the context of a similar port in Victoria (Transport Canada, n.d.-b).
Cross-Modal Coordination
Aircraft and ship traffic management is carried out in real-time through coordination between:
- Nav Canada Flight Service Station (FSS) for aircraft, uses the ATF frequency 122.2 MHz.
- Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) for ships, using VHF radio channel Channel 12.
- The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Port Operations Centre monitors water conditions and provides notifications to port users.
The FSS provides pilots with aircraft traffic information based on visual traffic reports and coordination with port radar. Meanwhile, vessels are required to use the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and comply with aircraft zone avoidance procedures as per port navigation instructions.
Priority System and Traffic Separation
Amphibious aircraft have operational priority during critical phases (takeoff and landing), and ships are required to provide clear space in the active airstrip zone. This system is supported by:
- Visual Markers and navigation buoys to mark the airstrip zone.
- Arrival/departure procedures are described in the CWAS and CFS (Nav Canada, nd).
- Port notifications and radio announcements for ships, including active exclusion zones.
Traffic separation is performed visually with the aid of pilot reports, port control, and AIS information from vessels. In heavy traffic conditions or limited visibility, pilots and shipmasters must suspend operations or adjust course to avoid operational conflicts. This is reinforced by accident investigations by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), which recommends time-based separation as a best practice (TSB, 2019).
Risk Mitigation and Rule Enforcement
To reduce the risk of collision, VHFCs enforce:
- Operating hours are limited according to light conditions (visual daylight hours only).
- Check weather and traffic conditions before departure.
- Administrative sanctions for operators who violate zones or procedures.
In addition, Traffic Management Procedures are periodically updated based on operational evaluations and recommendations from the TSB and Transport Canada. This makes VHFC a pilot port in managing a Shared-Use Harbour Traffic System that bridges air and sea needs. In a way, simultaneous.
5. Safety, Security, Certification, and Quality Assurance Protocols
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) operations demonstrate high standards of safety, security, and quality assurance, particularly given the complexity of its operational environment, which includes intensive interaction between seaplanes and commercial maritime traffic in a busy port. This successful management is due in part to a rigorous training structure, a multinational oversight system, and procedures based on risk assessment and regular audits.
Pilot Training and Operational Certification
All pilots operating to and from VHFCs are required to undergo a specific training program developed based on the characteristics of mixed -use harbor operations . This training focuses on:
- Visual Approach and Departure procedures,
- Marine traffic awareness and avoidance,
- Navigation in restricted airspace and congested port areas,
- Compliance with the traffic routes established in the Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) and the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) ,
- Use of appropriate communication channels (ATF 122.2 MHz for aircraft and VHF Marine Channel 12 for ships).
In addition, aircraft operators and air service companies must have certification issued by Transport Canada, including an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and other technical qualifications listed in Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Subparts 703 and 704 (Transport Canada, n.d.).
Noise Abatement Procedures
The VHFC implements Noise Abatement Procedures designed to minimize the impact of aircraft noise on the surrounding environment, particularly the densely populated residential areas along the shores of Coal Harbour. These procedures address:
- Approach and departure paths that avoid sensitive areas,
- Throttle restriction at critical points during takeoff,
- Prohibition of training or flight practice activities during rush hour or at night,
- Determination of minimum altitude when crossing residential areas.
Compliance with this policy is not only monitored by port management, but is also an indicator of operational quality audits by Transport Canada.
Incident Evaluation and Safety Monitoring
Any safety incident or event involving a VHFC is subject to a thorough evaluation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). This independent body investigates civil aviation incidents to identify the causes and propose mitigation measures.
The TSB (2018) investigation report into the incident at Vancouver Harbour highlighted two important points:
- The importance of lateral and vertical separation between aircraft and vessels, especially during low visibility operations.
- The need for integration of port radar systems and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) technology to improve situational awareness for both pilots and port supervisors.
The recommendations from the TSB have led to the strengthening of traffic control procedures, the addition of monitoring facilities, and improvement interoperability intermodal .
Quality Assurance System and Periodic Audit
VHFC operates a continuous operational quality assurance system that includes:
- Annual audits by Transport Canada of infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness,
- Periodic emergency response drills to prepare all stakeholders for incident scenarios,
- Periodic evaluation of Noise Abatement Performance, including citizen surveys and examination of flight data.
Quality assurance also involves incident reporting by operators, user feedback systems, and the preparation of internal VHFC reports that are used as a basis for strategic decision making.
Through a combination of training, risk assessments, audits, and technical procedures based on national and local regulations, VHFCs have become some of the safest and most efficient floating airports in the world. Canada’s experience demonstrates that interagency synergy and a systematic approach are crucial in building public confidence in amphibious air transportation in congested maritime environments.
6. Human Resource Management (HR), Capacity Development and Continuous Training
The operational success of Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) is determined not only by its advanced technology and infrastructure systems, but also by its professional, structured, and standardized human resources (HR) management. HR working at VHFC—including operational personnel, maintenance technicians, traffic information officers (FSS), and port management—must meet qualifications established by national agencies such as Transport Canada and Nav Canada.
Personnel Qualification and Certification
All VHFC operational personnel are required to hold competency certifications as regulated by the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and the Aeronautics Act. Some of the key certifications include:
- Flight Service Specialist Certification: Issued by Nav Canada to FSS officers, includes training in aviation communications, visual traffic management, and operation of CNS (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance) equipment.
- Maintenance Personnel Licensing (MPL): Certification of aircraft and air facility maintenance technicians, including the ability to handle emergency equipment and emergency safety procedures.
- Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Certification: Required for port personnel involved in the coordination of ship and seaplane traffic, issued by the Canadian Coast Guard .
In addition, facility managers, ground operations officers, security and environmental management personnel also undergo separate training and certification according to their respective scope of duties, as stipulated in the VHFC operational documents and guidelines from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority .
Capacity Development and Continuous Training
One of the key strengths of VHFC’s human resource management is its system of continuous training and professional capacity development. Training is conducted periodically in the following forms:
- Refresher Training related to changes in aviation safety procedures and regulations.
- Emergency Preparedness Drills, namely integrated emergency response exercises between air, port and SAR (Search and Rescue) service personnel.
- Simulation of sea-air traffic conflict scenarios, to improve coordination and rapid decision-making capabilities.
- Environmental Awareness Training as part of compliance with environmental impact reduction and noise management policies.
This training is also supported by a digital-based Learning Management System (LMS) developed by Nav Canada and certified training partners, allowing for rapid and field-data-driven updates of training modules.
Professional Ethics and Code of Ethics
All VHFC personnel are required to adhere to a professional code of ethics that refers to the core safety principles of Canadian civil aviation, namely:
- “Safety First and Always”
- “Integrated Teamwork between Modes”
- “Accountability through Certification and Audit”
This code of ethics is not only declarative but is also internalized through safety performance indicator-based assessments (Safety Performance Indicators) and personal audits by management and external institutions.
Inter-Agency Collaboration and Human Resource Integration
VHFC’s HR management places a strong emphasis on interagency collaboration, including operational integration with HR from Nav Canada, Transport Canada, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. This allows for command cohesion, communications interoperability, and mutual understanding in operational decision-making.
For example, VHFC personnel have a job rotation and desk-sharing system with Nav Canada officers in the Harbor Control Zone, enabling cross-functional understanding and resource efficiency. The implementation of the Just Culture system also encourages fearless incident reporting, which is essential for systemic improvement and enhanced safety.
The Relationship between Human Resource Management and Operational Quality Assurance
By integrating human resource management into the quality assurance system, VHFC ensures that the human factor is not a weakness, but rather a key element of operational excellence. All human resource performance reporting is part of annual internal and external audits and is directly linked to safety and user satisfaction data.
7. Investment Financing and Financial Management Model
The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) is a concrete example of how amphibious transportation infrastructure can be developed through a diversified and sustainability-oriented financing and financial management model. The VHFC project was not built as a purely public infrastructure project, but rather as a collaboration between the private sector and the port authority through a structured, risk-based Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Ownership and Investment Structure
The VHFC is being developed and operated by a private consortium consisting of Harbour Flight Centre Ltd. and seaplane operator partners Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes. The project utilizes a long-term leasehold of the port’s land and waters from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), which retains jurisdiction over the port zone.
The initial investment in the construction of the terminal, pontoons, floating docks, and safety facilities reportedly cost approximately CAD $22 million, funded largely by private investors and commercial loans (CBC News, 2011). The VFPA does not inject capital directly, but provides regulatory support, environmental permits, and logistical coordination, which indirectly reduces investment risk.
Financing Model: Mix of Direct Revenue and Ancillary Services
The VHFC financing model is based on income diversification from various sources, including:
- User fees: Charged to airlines and passengers for use of terminals, boarding facilities and port services.
- Terminal and hangar rental: Rental of office space, operator lounges, and technical space to airlines or ground service providers.
- Additional income from supporting services: Including cafes, retail, connecting transportation services (shuttles), and logistics support.
- Coordination fees and operating licenses: Imposed by the VFPA on port entities that use integrated waters with VHFCs.
This approach provides stable cash flow to cover operational and maintenance costs and a reasonable return on investment (ROI) to private investors.
Financial Governance: Transparency and Accountability
VHFC implements a financial management system based on activity-based costing (ABC) principles, which separates operational costs, capital expenditures, and long-term maintenance reserves. Cash and budget management is carried out by the operating entity, but is periodically monitored by an independent auditor and submits annual financial reports to the VFPA.
The internal control system includes:
- Cost tracking per service activity (e.g.: boarding, check-in, refueling),
- Evaluation of workload and operational efficiency,
- Reinvestment plan for port facilities and infrastructure.
This transparency is a crucial element in maintaining investor and regulatory confidence, as well as in adjusting rates according to cost requirements and market demand.
Tariff System: Cost-Based-Service Principle
VHFC implements a progressive tariff system based on user category and service type. Tariffs apply to:
- Amphibious airline operators (landing fees, terminal use fees),
- Passenger (passenger service charges),
- Commercial tenants (rental space, retail, lounge operators).
Tariff determination takes several factors into account:
- Direct and indirect operating costs,
- Initial investment and expected return on investment ( ROI ),
- Traffic volume and seasonal demand trends,
- Environmental policies (e.g. incentives for low-emission fleets).
The VFPA and VHFC periodically adjust rates through consultative mechanisms with operators and stakeholders, as set out in Nav Canada’s Cost Recovery Policy and related port regulations (Nav Canada, n.d.; Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, n.d.).
Revenue Streams: Diversification of Sources
VHFC’s revenue sources can be categorized into two main types:
Core Income:
- Costs for using flight facilities (landing fees, aprons, water taxis),
- Passenger service charges (PSC),
- Terminal and boarding area usage fees.
Additional Income (Ancillary Revenues):
- Rental of commercial space in the terminal (retail, food & beverage),
- Supporting services such as shuttle buses, baggage and logistics,
- Long-term commercial cooperation fees (strategic partnership contracts).
This revenue diversification is crucial to ensure operational sustainability, particularly during low seasons or service disruptions. Additional revenue also supports asset maintenance programs and the development of environmentally friendly technologies.
8. Environmental and Community Dimensions
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC), one of the world’s busiest seaplane ports located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, offers a prime example of how a modern water transportation port can be managed while integrating ecological and social concerns. Operating in the dense and ecologically sensitive urban environment surrounding Burrard Inlet, VHFC faces significant challenges in minimizing its environmental impact while maintaining the quality of its air transportation services. To this end, VHFC implements a sustainability-based approach that encompasses environmental protection, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Best Practices in Environmental Management
Integrated Noise Management
VHFCs face significant noise challenges due to their proximity to the city center, business districts, and tourist areas. Therefore, the port has established strict Noise Abatement Procedures for all seaplane operators. All aircraft are required to follow approach procedures with reduced throttle and routes designed to avoid residential areas and city parks.
Flights are controlled within time slots, limiting operations to specific times to avoid disruption to community activities (Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, 2022). Additionally, operators such as Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes are involved in monitoring compliance with these procedures through regular reporting and audits.
Water Quality Monitoring and Protection
As a port that shares space with marine habitats, VHFC collaborates with the Port of Vancouver and Environment and Climate Change Canada to monitor water quality and manage potential pollution. Standard operating procedures govern fuel handling, aircraft cleaning, and emergency chemical spill response.
Environmental audits are conducted regularly to ensure there is no fuel or oil pollution in the waters of Burrard Inlet. VHFC also implements a stormwater and wastewater separation system on the floating dock to prevent polluted runoff from entering the ocean (Port of Vancouver, 2022).
Decarbonization and Electric Vehicle Initiatives
One of the most progressive practices in VHFC is supporting the conversion of aircraft fleets to electric power. Harbour Air, a major VHFC operator, has developed and tested the eBeaver —the world’s first all-electric amphibious aircraft. VHFC is providing battery charging infrastructure and expanding environmentally friendly dock capacity as part of its long-term strategy towards zero-emission transportation (Harbour Air, 2023).
This step not only reduces carbon emissions but also contributes significantly to lowering noise levels, making VHFC a pioneer in sustainable amphibious aviation.
Best Practices in Community Engagement
Collaboration with Local and Indigenous Communities
VHFC actively collaborates with local communities and Indigenous communities, particularly the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose traditional territories encompass the port. Through public consultation mechanisms and face-to-face forums, port management hears community concerns regarding environmental management, social impacts, and potential economic benefits.
This reflects the principle of Reconciliation, which is part of Canadian government policy, by integrating the voices of Indigenous communities in governance processes (City of Vancouver, 2023).
Transparency and Public Reporting
The VHFC, in conjunction with the Port of Vancouver, implements a transparent reporting system for all safety and environmental audit results. These reports are available on a public website and are regularly reviewed by the Harbor Users Committee, which includes representatives from the operator, community, and local government. This approach creates high levels of social accountability and strengthens public trust (Port of Vancouver, 2022).
Environmental Education and Sustainable Tourism
As part of a popular tourist area, VHFC leverages its location to support environmental education. Tourists and residents can participate in educational programs on marine conservation, the history of amphibious aviation, and zero-emission initiatives. This strengthens public awareness.
VHFC demonstrates that operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and community participation are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing. By implementing progressive environmental policies and fostering collaborative relationships with the community, VHFC is a model for a modern seaplane port worthy of reference in the development of the maritime sector. flight in Indonesian waters.
Closing
A case study of the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) in Canada demonstrates that managing a modern seaplane base requires an integrated, adaptive, regulatory-based approach, state-of-the-art navigation technology, and professional governance that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
In terms of infrastructure, VHFC has successfully demonstrated that water runways can be managed on a par with conventional airports through the separation of operating zones, the use of visual and digital signage, and the provision of standardized terminal facilities. The implementation of dedicated water runways such as 08W/26W marks a successful approach to shared water space planning between aviation and shipping.
On the navigation side, VHFC implements an integrated Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) system. Active communication between pilots and Nav Canada’s Flight Service Station (FSS), the use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for ships, and the integration of marine radar and ADS-B provide concrete examples of how aircraft and ship traffic can be managed simultaneously in confined spaces.
The success of VHFC also lies in its mixed traffic management system based on standard procedures and visual separation, where aircraft and vessels are regulated through official documentation such as the Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) and the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS). This sets a precedent for island nations like Indonesia, which face similar complexities in many coastal tourist areas.
From a safety and security perspective, VHFCs set high standards through mandatory pilot training, a Noise Abatement policy, and safety evaluations by independent agencies such as the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). Incident reporting is an integral part of the quality assurance system and continuous learning.
Meanwhile, in terms of human resource and financial governance, VHFC operations demonstrate that professionalization of human resources, coupled with incentives, periodic training, and an internal quality management system, supports operational sustainability. A public-private partnership (PPP) financing model, an activity-based tariff system, and revenue diversification provide a stable financial foundation.
Overall, the best practices implemented at the VHFC can serve as a reference model for designing and managing amphibious aircraft bases in Indonesia, particularly in marine tourism areas such as Raja Ampat, Labuan Bajo, Wakatobi, and Lake Toba. Safe and efficient integration of airspace and seaspaces, supported by data-driven policies, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and modern technology, is key to building a reliable and globally competitive national amphibious transportation system.
