Modernizing vessel traffic services

Canada tracks and manages marine traffic via three different regulations. Transport Canada wants your feedback on creating a new regulation to replace these three existing regulations.

Creating a new regulation will make reporting more consistent and complete. The new regulation will also be flexible enough so it can be used as technology evolves over time.

We want to:

• combine and update the Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations, the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations and the Eastern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations
• make sure that applications are consistent between all three regulations
• make the regulations more flexible so they can be used as technology evolves
• streamline reporting requirements so they are consistent through Vessel Traffic Services zones
• add new mandatory reporting requirements which are already included in the Canadian Coast Guard’s Radio Aids to Marine Navigation

The new, single regulation will:

• reduce the reporting threshold from 500 to 300 gross tonnage for Eastern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations and 24 hours report for Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations
• maintain the requirements for vessels 20 meters in length from the Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations, this includes pleasure yachts and fishing vessels
• bring Canada’s reporting requirements in line with the International Maritime Organization’s Resolution A.851(20)
• use the common designators listed in the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations
• add and update all reporting requirements from the Coast Guard’s Radio Aids to Marine Navigation
• maintain the same geographic areas (zones), but we may add new zones in the future
• include references to the Canadian Coast Guard’s Radio Aids to Marine Navigation so the regulations can be used as technology evolves
• include a clear and streamlined format for reporting accidents and pollution

Transport Canada may also add fines for anyone who violates the new regulation.

We want to hear from you

Choose “Register” at the top of the page, and join the discussion under the “Have Your Say” tab

You can also submit your comments in a Word or PDF document through the “Submissions” tab (one or more documents can be uploaded)