Proposed Amendments to the Navigation Safety Regulations | Let's Talk Transportation

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Proposed Amendments to the Navigation Safety Regulations

Consultation has concluded

Transport Canada is proposing that a new regulatory package be introduced to amend its Navigation Safety Regulations. Specifically, the proposed regulatory amendments would:

  • Consolidate 10 existing regulations related to navigation safety and radiocommunications into one comprehensive regulation;
  • Expand navigation safety and radiocommunication equipment carriage requirements, including Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), Bridge Navigational Watch Alarms System (BNWAS), Very-High-Frequency Digital Selective Calling (VHF-DSC) and two-way radiocommunications; and
  • Expand Automatic Identification System (AIS) carriage requirements to passenger vessels that are certified to carry more than twelve passengers OR passenger vessels that are eight metres or more in length and are certified to carry passengers, with the exception of passenger vessels that are operating in sheltered waters.
    • Note: the proposed regulatory amendment will require that a Class B AIS or a Class A AIS be fitted onboard these affected passenger vessels.

These changes are proposed as part of a broader plan to:

  • Reduce the risk of loss of life or serious injury at sea;
  • Reduce the number of marine incidents resulting in potential oil spills and/or damage to property;
  • Reduce the time for environmental response teams to respond to oil spills;
  • Respond to recommendations made by the Transportation Safety Board, the Chief Coroner of British Columbia regarding the Leviathan II marine incident, and the Auditor General of Canada; and
  • Assist in collection of aggregate data relating to the impact of vessel disturbances on endangered marine mammals and critical habitats.

As part of these proposed regulatory changes, we are asking for your feedback. Share your ideas!

  • Click on “Register” at the top of the page or sign in
  • Respond to the questions below in the forum via the “Have Your Say” tab
  • Send a written submission via the “Submissions” tab

Transport Canada is proposing that a new regulatory package be introduced to amend its Navigation Safety Regulations. Specifically, the proposed regulatory amendments would:

  • Consolidate 10 existing regulations related to navigation safety and radiocommunications into one comprehensive regulation;
  • Expand navigation safety and radiocommunication equipment carriage requirements, including Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), Bridge Navigational Watch Alarms System (BNWAS), Very-High-Frequency Digital Selective Calling (VHF-DSC) and two-way radiocommunications; and
  • Expand Automatic Identification System (AIS) carriage requirements to passenger vessels that are certified to carry more than twelve passengers OR passenger vessels that are eight metres or more in length and are certified to carry passengers, with the exception of passenger vessels that are operating in sheltered waters.
    • Note: the proposed regulatory amendment will require that a Class B AIS or a Class A AIS be fitted onboard these affected passenger vessels.

These changes are proposed as part of a broader plan to:

  • Reduce the risk of loss of life or serious injury at sea;
  • Reduce the number of marine incidents resulting in potential oil spills and/or damage to property;
  • Reduce the time for environmental response teams to respond to oil spills;
  • Respond to recommendations made by the Transportation Safety Board, the Chief Coroner of British Columbia regarding the Leviathan II marine incident, and the Auditor General of Canada; and
  • Assist in collection of aggregate data relating to the impact of vessel disturbances on endangered marine mammals and critical habitats.

As part of these proposed regulatory changes, we are asking for your feedback. Share your ideas!

  • Click on “Register” at the top of the page or sign in
  • Respond to the questions below in the forum via the “Have Your Say” tab
  • Send a written submission via the “Submissions” tab