Canada Gazette News

The entry into force of new regulations to strengthen the prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Canadian waters was announced today by Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea. The Government of Canada, which spends more than $14 million on AIS issues annually, worked with provincial and territorial governments to develop the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. The regulations provide tools for both the Department and provinces to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS…

The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), announced changes that will allow the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority to maintain safer and more efficient pilotage services on the Great Lakes. The updated regulations allow the authority to ensure that officers have the local knowledge required to navigate their vessels in the region. "These regulatory changes will improve the safety of people and goods crossing the Great Lakes," said Minister Fletcher. Under the changes to the Great Lakes Pilotage Regulations, and in compliance with thePilotage Act, all Canadian ship officers who operate within the Great Lakes region will be required to hold a valid pilotage certificate.

Canada's Transport Minister John Baird announced proposed regulations to improve security for domestic ferry services. Under the proposed regulations, operators would be required to have security plans in place to help detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting domestic ferries and facilities. These measures are designed to safeguard ferry operators and their employees, adjacent communities, ferry workers and the Canadian public. The new security requirements would affect eight domestic ferry operators, 20 ferry routes and 32 ferry facilities, most of which are already voluntarily complying with the proposed regulations.

Transport Canada has strengthened its security requirements for vessels, marine facilities and ports by establishing the Marine Transportation Security Regulations. "The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining the safety and security of Canadian ports," said Transport Minister Tony Valeri. These regulations, which have been approved by the Governor in Council for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II on June 2, 2004, will implement the requirements of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, as well as amendments to its Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1974. The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations which focuses on improving safety at sea and preventing pollution from vessels.

Transport Canada published its proposed requirements for ballast water management starting at page 2129 of the Canada Gazette dated June 11. Ships would be required to exchange their ballast water at least 200 miles from shore in waters having a depth of at least 2,000 meters. Ships would also be required to have ballast water management plans and to maintain various records. The comment period lasts for 75 days. (HK Law)

Transport Minister David Collenette announced that Transport Canada has given the Transportation Safety Board its third update on action taken to further improve the safety of small passenger vessels since the sinking of the True North II on June 16, 2000, in Tobermory, Ontario. “Transport Canada has made considerable changes to its regulations, inspection and certification of small passenger vessels following the sinking of the True North II,” said Collenette. Since its first and second updates in February and August 2002, Transport Canada has drafted proposed amendments to small passenger vessel regulations to require the stowage of lifesaving equipment in a readily accessible manner…