Transport Minister Tony Valeri announced a call for tender for contractors to review
vessel security assessments and plans for large Canadian flagged vessels that navigate international waters, and the ports that serve them.
Transport Canada is implementing International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements concerning security plans for commercial vessels that operate internationally, as well as for the ports they visit.
The IMO, through its International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), imposes a number of security requirements on maritime operators, including a requirement that all vessels of more than 500 gross registered tons that operate internationally and their ports of call have security plans in place by July 1, 2004.
In addition, Transport Canada is extending these requirements to include any ship weighing more than 100 gross registered tons and their ports. The department is requiring that affected vessels and ports submit their plans by January 31, 2004, to allow for a full assessment and approval before the IMO deadline.
"This call for tender is the latest step in Transport Canada's drive to enhance the nation's marine security environment," said Mr. Valeri. "It embodies the Government of Canada's firm commitment to meet - or exceed - international marine security requirements while facilitating Canada's international trading abilities."
Transport Canada continues to develop Canadian marine security regulations in order to implement all requirements of the ISPS Code. Transport Canada has already engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country. These consultations will enable Transport Canada to create the best possible standards to meet, or exceed, IMO requirements and also facilitate transborder trade by harmonizing standards with the United States.
The tender was posted today on MERX, Canada's official public sector electronic tendering service. To view the call for tender, please visit the MERX website at www.merx.com and enter reference number PW-$$ZG-406-11249.