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perchance · 13-01-2009, 17:01

So who does own the northwest passage?

delmarrey · 13-01-2009, 17:07

The Alaska State Ferry.

TaoJones · 13-01-2009, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by perchance

So who does own the northwest passage?

From Wikipedia:

"The Canadian government considers the Northwestern Passages part of Canadian Internal Waters,[4] but various countries maintain they are an international strait or transit passage, allowing free and unencumbered passage.[5][6]"

Here's the link:

Northwest Passage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TaoJones

perchance · 13-01-2009, 17:44

This was never an issue until global warming threatens an ice free passage. Now it seems everyone wants in on the action. Lets hope it freezes up and everyone goes away.

**knottybuoyz** · 13-01-2009, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by perchance

This was never an issue until global warming threatens an ice free passage. Now it seems everyone wants in on the action. Lets hope it freezes up and everyone goes away.

Not likely that'll happen. Massive amounts of money & resources are going into hydrography and infrastructure planning for arctic vessel traffic control, marine communications, aids to navigation, search & rescue and environmental response capabilities. I saw a presentation the other day from two Captains from our icebreaker fleet, can't remember the exact number but there were over 100 commercial vessel transits this past summer and more expected next year.

I think GW Bush just announces that they (US) consider it an international waterway in no uncertain terms.

Bush asserts U.S. sea power over Arctic straits

perchance · 13-01-2009, 18:02

How about we plant sea mines and not tell anyone.

**s/v Beth** · 13-01-2009, 20:24

Hey come on now- We gave the Panama canal away, let's not even get involved with this iced can of worms...Besides our neighbors to the north can be the police in that part of the world. I don't think we need the extra trouble.

highseas · 14-01-2009, 06:27

International waters or not,it is still under CANADA'S control!People need to stand up for once and learn to protect what little natural environment we have left.

Grasshopper · 21-01-2009, 22:22

Perhaps Oboma will be a bit more mindful of sovereignty. It would be nice to stay off our Canadian cousins toes.

Chief Engineer · 22-01-2009, 00:18

I am sure they will be out there checking for PFDs and Fire Extinguishers.......

anyhow Russia is closer, isn't it?

perchance · 22-01-2009, 07:25

We could ask Sarah Palin. Isn't she the resident expert on Russia?

Lodesman · 22-01-2009, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

anyhow Russia is closer, isn't it?

It's through a Canadian archipelago (ie. Canadian islands on either side).

SabreKai · 25-01-2009, 17:07

As mentioned, its within our territory with canadian islands on both sides. Free passage may be acceptable to us but I doubt we will give up the mineral and oil rights to anyone.

Course how do we enforce our soverignty up there? Good Question.

It has occured to me lately that since I am PNG in the US, and I want to get to the Pacific that it may be a heck of a lot shorter to go that way. I have to go NE to get to the Atlantic, so I may as well head north and then back over the top. I'm going to research that some more.

Sabre

Artful Dodger · 25-01-2009, 17:22

Here is a chap who sailed through last year and he had to report to Canada when he went through and the US when he left his boat in Alaska. If one is interested to go through at best you get a good 25 days, and prety much have to motor the whole way. Here is a link to hs site Tyhina