Passenger Vessels Operators News

Passenger ferry and tour boat market segment has suddenly been revitalized and is on the verge of becoming hot. It is no secret: new vessel construction for the passenger vessel industry came to a virtual standstill in conjunction with the troubled economy. For many operators, just keeping the shingle hung, skilled crew at hand and something afloat at the other end of the mooring line has required the most scrupulous cost controls and strategy. With the results of the past election now set and several years of waiting and seeing under their belts…

Safety in Canada's marine sector has improved slightly, but complex and lengthy regulatory processes continue to hinder progress. Of the 19 outstanding marine recommendations assessed in 2012, two progressed to "fully satisfactory", two regressed and 13 remained unchanged. The remaining two recommendations were assessed for the first time in 2012. In 2000, the Board recommended that Transport Canada (TC) require small passenger vessels to provide pre–departure briefings, be equipped with deployable liferaft and accessible lifesaving equipment and have the means to immediately alert others during emergency situations (recommendation no. M01-03). Since then, TC has amended several regulations and shared safety guidance with small passenger vessel owners.