The Nauticapedia

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The Nauticapedia’s mission is to serve as a comprehensive database of the maritime heritage of western and northern Canada, and Canada’s naval forces. It provides a vast amount of information for enthusiasts, genealogists, researchers, historians and for anyone who may have any level of interest. The Nauticapedia‘s resources have been developed as the online maritime library of the West Coast. .

The project has developed into Western Canada’s most comprehensive maritime heritage resource and is available in both print and online. The Nauticapedia. has been developed by a small group of volunteers who have strong professional backgrounds in maritime heritage. Each is the author of books, articles and papers related to this body of knowledge as well as career links to active marine agencies in Canada. They are doing this work as enthusiasts for the love of our shared maritime heritage. Each of the site’s many contributors have similar backgrounds and volunteers their time and expertise when contributing to The Nauticapedia.

The Nauticapedia interprets raw data into stories and narratives with the intent of bringing paper records, dusty collections, and libraries to life, sharing the personal experiences of mariners and their families who have witnessed the events of history first hand. The coast of British Columbia is an obvious geographical focus but there is a considerable maritime heritage elsewhere included in The Nauticapedia‘s database including: the Yukon rivers and Arctic Ocean; the Northwest Territories rivers and Arctic Ocean; Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba lakes and rivers; Southern interior BC rivers and lakes; northern BC rivers and lakes; and adjacent Washington State and Alaska where there are overlapping subject areas of interest or subjects (vessels, people, wrecks) that relate to western Canada.

The Nauticapedia in Print

The four volumes of the print version of The Nauticapedia can be purchased online at Munroe’s Books

The Nauticapedia List of British Columbia’s Floating Heritage (Volume One 1892–1959)

01/04/2014 Published in April 2014, Volume One is 240 pages, lists the histories of 1,170 of British Columbia ships and boats built before 1960 – that are still afloat – some over 120 years old! These are the most comprehensive histories of ships afloat published in British Columbia and are an ideal handy reference to information that can only otherwise be accessed by detailed research in museums and archives. Carry it in the boat, in the car or use as a handy reference at home. It also fills the gap left when the Canada List of Shipping ceased printing hard copies. ISBN # 978-0-9936954-0-7

The Nauticapedia List of British Columbia’s Floating Heritage (Volume Two 1960–1965)

01/06/2014 Published in July 2014, Volume Two is 240 pages, and lists the histories of 1,150 of British Columbia ships and boats built between 1960 and 1965 – that are still afloat. The history and pedigree of each vessel provides a fascinating snapshot of the nautical and industrial history of British Columbia. Each vessel is an exemplar of the builder’s craftsmanship, the designer’s vision, and the activities of the owners over the years. The books are interesting handy references for ship watchers, historians, armchair explorers and family genealogists. ISBN # 978-0-9936954-1-4

The Nauticapedia List of British Columbia’s Floating Heritage (Volume Three 1966–1970)

15/08/2014 Published in August 2014 Volume Three in 212 pages, and lists 1,200 of British Columbia ships and boats built between 1966 and 1970 – that are still afloat. About 85 of the vessels are illustrated with photographs. The ships are great representatives of working vessels, fishing vessels and yachts and provide the answer to the question “what’s the story on that boat over there!” ISBN # 978-0-9936954-2-1

The Nauticapedia List of British Columbia’s Floating Heritage (Volume Four 1971–1975)

Published in November 2014 Volume Four is 284 pages, and lists 1,750 of British Columbia ships and boats built between 1971 and 1975 – that are still afloat. About 125 of the vessels are illustrated with photographs. The ships are great representatives of working vessels, fishing vessels and yachts. This is a great reference book and enjoyable reading for all ship buffs – it includes the names of more than 15,000 boat owners. ISBN # 978-0-9936954-3-8