Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) say downward trend in marine accident statistics continues
In all, 322 total marine accidents (Shipping accidents and Accidents aboard ship) were reported to the TSB in 2011, a 9% decrease from the 2010 total of 354 and a 23% decrease from the 2006–2010 average of 420.
Twenty-two vessels were reported lost in 2011, down from the 2010 total of 27 and down from the five–year average of 31. Marine fatalities totaled 15 in 2011, down from the 2010 total of 18 and down from the five-year average of 19. Fatalities occurring during commercial fishing activity totaled 10 in 2011, unchanged from 2010, and down from the five–year average of 11. All fatalities involving fishing vessels totaled 12 in 2011, down from 11 in 2010, and down from the five–year average of 11.
In 2011, there were 221 marine incidents reported in accordance with theTSB mandatory reporting requirements, down from 235 in 2010 and down from the five–year average of 251.
Shipping accidents, which comprised 89% of marine accidents, decreased to 285 in 2011 from 299 in 2010 and from the five–year average of 364. Fishing vessels comprised 43% of all Canadian–flag vessels involved in shipping accidents.
Marine activity for Canadian commercial non-fishing vessels over 15 gross tons (grt) (excluding passenger vessels and cruise ships) decreased by 7% from the 2006–2010 average, This yields an accident rate of 4.1 accidents per 1000 movements, up from the five–year average of 3.9. Marine activity for foreign commercial non-fishing vessels decreased by 1% from the 2006–2010 average while the accident rate decreased to 1.4 accidents per 1000 movements from the five–year average of 1.8.