What it is
SeaVectors continuously checks your position against charted restricted areas and regulatory fishing closures, and warns you when you enter one. Three instrument widgets carry these alerts: Restricted Area, Fishing Restriction, and Dangers.
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- Not ready to install? Open the lightweight web chart for a quick preview.
Why it matters on the water
It's easy to drift into a naval exercise zone, a cable area, or a fishery closure without noticing on a busy chart. These alerts turn a passive chart symbol into an active "you are now inside X" warning — useful for staying legal and safe, and especially valuable for anglers on the Canada West Coast.
The three alerts
Restricted Area (RESARE)
The Restricted Area widget turns red when your position falls inside a charted Restricted Area (RESARE) — regulated zones such as naval areas, cable/pipeline zones, and other controlled waters. Tap the area on the chart for its details (category and restriction).
Fishing Restriction (DFO closures — Canada West Coast)
The Fishing widget alerts you when you're inside a DFO closure on the Canada West Coast — including Rockfish Conservation Areas, reef closures, and marine refuges. Tap any closure area for the specifics of the rule.
Dangers
The Dangers widget flags proximity to charted dangers/hazards, complementing the Hazards layer.
How to use them
- Add the Restricted Area, Fishing, and Dangers widgets to your instrument panel (they're on by default — see module 05).
- As you navigate, a widget changes state / turns red when you enter the relevant zone.
- Tap the area on the chart to open its info sheet and read the exact regulation or hazard detail.
- Combine with Layers (module 03): keep the Restricted and Fishery groups on so you can see the zones before you reach them.
Tips
- Keep the Fishery and Restricted layers visible when planning a fishing day so you route around closures in advance, not just get alerted at the boundary.
- Alerts are position‑based — they reflect where the boat is now. Use the chart layers to look ahead.
- Tap first, assume nothing: the info sheet gives the actual category/restriction from the chart rather than a generic "restricted" label.
Troubleshooting
- Widget never triggers → The relevant widget may be removed from the panel, or there simply isn't a zone at your position. Confirm the widget is present and the layer shows zones nearby.
- No fishing closures shown → DFO closures cover the Canada West Coast; outside that region there's no closure data to alert on.
- Not sure why it's red → Tap the highlighted area on the chart to read the specific rule.
Safety & legal note
Alerts are an aid based on charted data and published closures; regulations change. Always confirm current restrictions and fishery openings with the official authority (e.g. DFO) before relying on them.