Transport Canada
Canadian Tour Boat Sinks
Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette released the following statement concerning the sinking of the tour boat Lady Duck, which resulted in the deaths of four passengers. The accident happened in the late afternoon of June 23, 2002, on the Ottawa River. “I would like to convey my condolences to the families and friends of those who died in this tragic accident. “We are cooperating fully with the Transportation Safety Board’s (TSB) investigation. A Transport Canada marine safety inspector is on the scene to keep me informed of the investigation’s progress and a Ministerial Observer will be appointed. Should safety deficiencies be identified, Transport Canada will take immediate action. “Safety is Transport Canada’s top priority and we are committed to doing all we can to maintain and enhance the safety of Canada’s marine sector.” Transport Canada has ordered Amphibus-Lady Dive Inc., operator of the Lady Duck, to suspend operations of their tour boats until further notice.
Transport Canada Confirms Chute Evac System
Transport Canada has assessed the safety of both types of vertical chute Marine Evacuation Systems used by BC Ferries and has confirmed that both systems are safe for use by all passengers, including infants (babies-in-arms). Extensive testing of BC Ferries’ chute systems was conducted following possible concerns raised by the Union about the suitability of the systems for infants, elderly and severely disabled passengers
Marine Polluter Gets Fined
A Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court judge has ordered the Motor Vessel (MV) Project Europa to pay a $70,000 penalty for violations of the Canada Shipping Act associated with the unlawful discharge of an oily substance into Canadian waters. On August 23, 2003, a Government of Canada marine pollution surveillance flight detected a slick in the wake of MV Project Europa, a cargo ship registered in the Netherlands and owned by Biglift Goedkoop B.V.of Amsterdam
$70,000 Fine for Marine Polluter
A Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court judge has ordered the Motor Vessel (MV) Project Europa to pay a $70,000 penalty for violations of the Canada Shipping Act associated with the unlawful discharge of an oily substance into Canadian waters. On August 23, 2003, a Government of Canada marine pollution surveillance flight detected a slick in the wake of MV Project Europa, a cargo ship registered in the Netherlands and owned by Biglift Goedkoop B.V.of Amsterdam
Canada to get Tough on Marine Polluters
Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre announced the purchase of new marine pollution aerial surveillance equipment that will significantly strengthen Transport Canada's National Aerial Surveillance Program. The $2.3 million contract will cover the purchase of the equipment, as well as the on-board crew training. "The Government of Canada is committed to preventing pollution from ships and to continuously enhancing the protection of our marine environment," said Mr. Lapierre
CanShip Ugland’s Shuttle Tanker First To Be Certified
ABS has been authorized to conduct inspections and issue approvals and certificates to convention ships registered in Canada. ABS acts on behalf of over 100 administrations around the world to issue statutory certificates on their behalf. Transport Canada’s Marine Safety Executive branch issued the authorization under its Delegated Statutory Inspection Programme. According to ABS Regulatory Affairs Manager Gregory Shark the class society successfully documented and demonstrated its
Detroit River Barge Runs Aground
The U.S. Coast Guard and local salvage companies safely removed a barge that ran aground Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., on the Detroit River. The 115-meter barge, which contains approximately 3.7 million gallons of gasoline, was freed Monday at approximately 2 p.m. The 41-meter tug William J. Moore and the barge were leaving Sarnia, Ontario, bound for Montreal when the barge ran aground approximately 100 yards northwest of the Detroit River Light.
Canada Commissions Maritime Pollution Risk Study
Harper government announces pan-Canadian risk assessment study on marine safety. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that Transport Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment Canada, is commissioning a pan-Canadian risk assessment study on readiness to respond to ship-source spills in Canadian waters. “Our government is working to protect the safety of Canadians and the environment
Canada Further Protects Arctic Waters
Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird, today introduced legislation in the House of Commons to enhance Canada’s sovereignty over Arctic waters and protect them from pollution. This coverage will give Canada greater and more effective control over marine activity in the Canadian Arctic while enhancing environmental protection in Canada's North. This marks an important step forward in the federal government's integrated Northern Strategy.
CA Protects Sovereignty & Safeguards Arctic
Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, introduced legislation in the House of Commons on Jan. 28 to enhance Canada's sovereignty over Arctic waters and protect them from pollution. This coverage will give Canada greater and more effective control over marine activity in the Canadian Arctic while enhancing environmental protection in Canada's North. This marks an important step forward in the federal government's integrated Northern Strategy.
Canadian Tugboat Industry Conference Judged a Success
The 20th BC Tugboat Industry Conference was held May 23-25, 2013 in Victoria, BC. According to BC Shipping News, in addition to a retrospective of the industry – including presentations from Allan Fowlis (retired, Seaspan) who gave personal insights into the industry in its characters
Port of Montreal Open to post-Panamax Ships
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) authorizes the passage of vessels up to 44 metres wide in the Quebec-Montreal section of the St. Lawrence navigation channel. The previous authorized width was 32.1 metres without restrictions. The CCG has made the provisions following a study commissioned by
TSB Canada Release Ferry Accident Report
The BC ferry 'Coastal Inspiration' struck the berth in late 2011, causing extensive damage to the vessel and the ferry terminal. The double-ended 21,777 gt roll-on/roll-off ferry owned by British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., Victoria, was operating on the route from Duke Point (where the
Great Lakes Seaway Ballast Water Management
The Great Lakes Ballast Water Working Group (BWWG) has released its 2012 Summary of Great Lakes Seaway Ballast Water Management. The mission of the BWWG is to harmonize ballast water management efforts between: the U.S. Coast Guard; Transport Canada; the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development
CIGI's New Man to Lead Arctic Governance Project
The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) appoints John Higginbotham as senior fellow. At CIGI, an independent, non-partisan think tank on international governance, Mr. Higginbotham will play a key role in leading CIGI’s global security project on Arctic governance.
Cruise Ship Hulk Set Adrift in N. Atlantic
Cruise ship 'Lyubov Orlova' broke free while on tow from St. John's NL, Canada for scrap in the Dominican Republic. In bad weather on 24, January the towline parted, and the Canadian authority Transport Canada ordered the tugboat Charlene Hunt to return to port a few days later.
Vancouver TransLink Seabus Ferry Ordered
A new SeaBus ordered from Damen Shipyards to replace 'MV Burrard Beaver' serving the city of Vancouver & the North Shore communities. MV Burrard Beaver, which was built in 1976 and has reached the end of its useful life, is safe for service but no longer complies with all of Transport
Dredging Contract Will Aid Fraser River BC Communities
Vital access channels in the Fraser River in Steveston & Ladner will be kept navigable by a US$ 10-million joint dredging contract. Economic activity in the area will be facilitated as a result of unprecedented collaborative work bringing together a $10 million joint commitment by Port
Arctic Policy Brief Issued by CIGI
‘Great Melt’ in the Arctic calls for increased co-operation between Canada and United States, policy brief argues. The “great melt,” an unprecedented geophysical change, in the Arctic is cause for heightened leadership
Safety Agency Lays Off More Workers
Government safety agency Transport Canada advise another 157 they may lose their jobs bringing the grand total to 370 employees affected Amongst those receiving notices today are technical inspectors responsible for marine safety and security, as well as civil aviation airworthiness inspector
Boaters Should Get 'Ticket' Before Setting Sail
Canadian boaters can get help to qualify for a Transport Canada 'Pleasure Craft Operator Card' with help from BOATERexam.com Every year more than 100 Canadians die while boating, with the period between May and August accounting for the majority of drowning fatalities
TSB Canada Reassess Marine Safety Recommendations
Transportation Safety Board of Canada says safety in marine sector improved slightly, but progress hindered by complexity of regulations Safety in Canada's marine sector has improved slightly, but complex and lengthy regulatory processes continue to hinder progress
Tugboat Fire on Lake Ontario – Incident Classed as 'Major Marine Casualty'
USCG & Canadian safety agency begins investigation of tug fire. Chief engineer has now died in hospital. The U.S. Coast Guard and marine safety agencies from Canada have begun their investigations into the fire aboard the towing vessel Patrice McAllister near Prince Edward Point, Ontario.
UPDATE: OMB Declares USCG BWT Standard as "Final"
Draft USCG ballast water rule now finalized, according to OMB. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completed its review of the Coast Guard's Ballast Water Discharge Standard regulations in accordance with Executive Order 12866
BWT: Good News / Bad News
Good news from New york on their local ballast water standard is tempered by more of nothing from Washington. On the same day that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issued a press release stating that it will pursue a uniform national ballast water standard
