An Act respecting shipping and navigation and to amend the Shipping Conferences Exemption Act, 1987 and other ActsCanada Shipping Act, 2001Canada Shipping, 2001200111
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C-10.15262001Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:Short Title
Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
Interpretation
DefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Act.adjudicator[Repealed, 2001, c. 29, s. 72]authorized representative meansin respect of a Canadian vessel, the person referred to in subsection 14(1);in respect of a fleet registered under Part 2, the person referred to in subsection 75.03(5); andin respect of a foreign vessel, the master. (représentant autorisé)bare-boat charter means a vessel charter agreement under which the charterer has complete possession and control of the vessel, including the right to appoint its master and crew. (affrètement coque nue)Canadian maritime document means a licence, permit, certificate or other document that is issued by the Minister of Transport under Part 1 (General), 3 (Personnel), 4 (Safety), 9 (Pollution Prevention — Department of Transport) or 11 (Enforcement — Department of Transport) to verify that the person to whom or vessel to which it is issued has met requirements under that Part. (document maritime canadien)Canadian vessel means a vessel that is registered or listed under Part 2 (Registration, Listing and Recording) or that is exempted under the regulations from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1). (bâtiment canadien)foreign vessel means a vessel that is not a Canadian vessel or a pleasure craft. (bâtiment étranger)government vessel means a vessel that is owned by and is in the service of Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province or that is in the exclusive possession of Her Majesty in that right. (bâtiment d’État)gross tonnage means the volume of a vessel as determined by a tonnage measurer or calculated in accordance with the regulations made under paragraph 77(h). (jauge brute)hazardous and noxious substances handling facility means a facility that is used or that will be used in the loading or unloading of hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels. (installation de manutention de substances nocives et potentiellement dangereuses)master means the person in command and charge of a vessel. It does not include a licensed pilot, within the meaning of section 1.1 of the Pilotage Act, while the pilot is performing pilotage duties under that Act. (capitaine)oil handling facility means a facility, including an oil terminal, that is used or that will be used in the loading or unloading of petroleum in any form, including crude oil, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse and refined products, to or from vessels. (installation de manutention d’hydrocarbures)passenger means a person carried on a vessel by the owner or operator, other thana person carried on a Safety Convention vessel who isthe master, a member of the crew or a person employed or engaged in any capacity on board the vessel on the business of that vessel, orunder one year of age;a person carried on a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel who isthe master, a member of the crew or a person employed or engaged in any capacity on board the vessel on the business of that vessel, ora guest on board the vessel, if the vessel is used exclusively for pleasure and the guest is carried on it without remuneration or any object of profit;a person carried on a vessel in pursuance of the obligation on the master to carry shipwrecked, distressed or other persons or by reason of any circumstances that neither the master nor the owner could have prevented; ora person of a prescribed class. (passager)pleasure craft means a vessel that is used for pleasure and does not carry passengers, and includes a vessel of a prescribed class. (embarcation de plaisance)port authority has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Canada Marine Act. (administration portuaire)prescribed means prescribed by regulations made by the Governor in Council. (Version anglaise seulement)qualified person meansa Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; ora corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province. (personne qualifiée)Register means the Canadian Register of Vessels established under section 43. (Registre)Safety Convention vessel means a vessel in respect of which the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, listed in Schedule 1, applies. (bâtiment assujetti à la Convention sur la sécurité)Tribunal means the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada established by subsection 2(1) of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada Act. (Tribunal)vessel means a boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water, without regard to method or lack of propulsion, and includes such a vessel that is under construction. It does not include a floating object of a prescribed class. (bâtiment)wages includes emoluments. (gages)2001, c. 26, ss. 2, 323, c. 29, s. 72; 2011, c. 15, s. 37; 2014, c. 29, s. 582023, c. 26, s. 350
Descriptive cross-referencesIf, in any provision of this Act, a reference to another provision of this Act is followed by words in parentheses that are or purport to be descriptive of the subject-matter of the provision referred to, those words form no part of the provision in which they occur but are inserted for convenience of reference only.
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, make regulations prescribing anything that may be prescribed under section 2.2001, c. 26, s. 4; 2005, c. 29, s. 15
GeneralHer Majesty
Binding on Her MajestyExcept as otherwise provided, this Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province.
Objectives
Objectives of ActThe objectives of this Act are toprotect the health and well-being of individuals, including the crews of vessels, who participate in marine transportation and commerce;promote safety in marine transportation and recreational boating;protect the marine environment from damage due to navigation and shipping activities;develop a regulatory scheme that encourages viable, effective and economical marine transportation and commerce;promote an efficient marine transportation system;develop a regulatory scheme that encourages the viable, effective and economical use of Canadian waters by recreational boaters;ensure that Canada can meet its international obligations under bilateral and multilateral agreements with respect to navigation and shipping;encourage the harmonization of marine practices; andestablish an effective inspection and enforcement program.
Application
ExclusionNotwithstanding any other provision of this Act, this Act does not apply in respect of a vessel, facility or aircraft that belongs to the Canadian Forces or a foreign military force or in respect of any other vessel, facility or aircraft that is under the command, control or direction of the Canadian Forces.RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, make regulations varying or excluding the application, in respect of government vessels, of any provision of this Act.Conflicts with foreign rulesRegulations made under this Act do not, unless they expressly provide otherwise, apply in respect of a Canadian vessel in the waters of a country other than Canada if the regulations are inconsistent with a law of that country that, by its terms, applies in respect of the vessel when in the waters of that country.
Application of this PartThis Part applies in respect of Canadian vessels everywhere, in respect of foreign vessels in Canadian waters, and in respect of pleasure craft that are not Canadian vessels but that are in Canadian waters or in waters in the exclusive economic zone of Canada. Howeverregulations made under paragraph 35(1)(d) in respect of pollution also apply, if they so state, in respect of foreign vessels in waters in the exclusive economic zone of Canada; andsubsections 10(2.1) and 35.1(1) also apply in respect of foreign vessels in waters in the exclusive economic zone of Canada.2001, c. 26, s. 8; 2018, c. 27, s. 6882023, c. 26, s. 351
Ministerial Responsibility
Role of Minister of TransportExcept as otherwise provided in this Act, the Minister of Transport is responsible for the administration of this Act.
Powers of Ministers
GeneralThe Minister of Transport or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans may, with respect to that Minister’s responsibilities under this Act,establish consultative bodies;issue bulletins, guidelines and standards; andenter into agreements or arrangements respecting the administration or enforcement of any provision of this Act, the regulations or an interim order made under subsection 10.1(1) or (1.1) and authorize any person or organization — including a provincial government, a local authority and a government, council or other entity authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group — with whom or which an agreement or arrangement is entered into to exercise the powers or perform the duties and functions under this Act that are specified in the agreement or arrangement.Exemption power of MinistersThe Minister of Transport or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans may, with respect to that Minister’s responsibilities under this Act, exempt for a specified period any authorized representative, person, class of persons, master, vessel, class of vessels, operator of an oil handling facility, oil handling facility or class of oil handling facilities, operator of a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility, hazardous and noxious substances handling facility or class of hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities from the application of any provision of this Act, the regulations or an interim order made under subsection 10.1(1) or (1.1), subject to any conditions that that Minister considers appropriate, if that Minister is of the opinion that the exemption is in the interest of preventing damage to property or the environment or is in the public interest or interest of public health or safety.Exemption power of Minister of TransportThe Minister of Transport may, with respect to his or her responsibilities under this Act, exempt for a period of not more than three years any person or vessel or class of persons or vessels from the application of any provisions of this Act or the regulations, subject to any conditions that the Minister considers appropriate, if the exemption would allow the undertaking of research and development, including in respect of any type of vessels, technologies, systems, components or procedures and practices that may, in the Minister’s opinion, enhance marine safety or environmental protection.PublicationThe Minister of Transport shall publish, on the Department of Transport’s Internet site or by any other means that the Minister of Transport considers appropriate, a notice of every exemption granted under subsection (2.1), as soon as feasible after it is granted.ExemptionSubject to any conditions that the Minister of Transport considers appropriate, the Minister may exempt for a specified period any vessel, or class of vessels, that is en route through Canadian waters but is not en route to or departing from a port in Canada, from the application of any provision of Part 3 (Personnel), 4 (Safety) or 9 (Pollution Prevention — Department of Transport) if the Minister is of the opinion that the provision is substantially similar to a provision of the laws of another state to which the vessel or class of vessels is subject.Publication — Canada GazetteNotice of every exemption granted under subsection (2), (2.1) or (3) must be published in the Canada Gazette.AuthorizationThe Minister of Transport or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans may authorize any person employed in the federal public administration or any police officer, police constable, constable or other person employed for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace, or any class of any of those persons, that that Minister considers proper to exercise any of the powers and perform any of the duties and functions that may be or are required to be exercised or performed by that Minister under this Act.2001, c. 26, s. 10; 2003, c. 22, s. 224(E); 2018, c. 27, s. 6892023, c. 26, s. 352
Interim order — Minister of TransportThe Minister of Transport may make an interim order that contains any provision that may be contained in a regulation made, under this Act, on the recommendation of only that Minister, if he or she believes that immediate action is required to deal with a direct or indirect risk to marine safety or to the marine environment.Authorization to make interim orderThe Minister of Transport may, subject to any restrictions or conditions that the Minister may specify, authorize the Deputy Minister of Transport to make, for the purpose referred to in subsection (1), an interim order that contains any provision that may be contained in a regulation made, under this Act, on the recommendation of only that Minister.Cessation of effectAn interim order made under this section has effect from the time that it is made or from any later date that may be specified in the interim order, but ceases to have effect on the earliest ofthe day on which it is repealed;the day on which a regulation made under this Act that has the same effect as the interim order comes into force;one year after the effective date of the interim order or any shorter period that may be specified in the interim order, unless the effective period is extended by the Minister of Transport or the Governor in Council;the day that is specified in the order of the Minister of Transport extending the interim order, if the Minister extends the effective period of the interim order, unless the effective period is extended by the Governor in Council; andthe day that is specified in the order of the Governor in Council, if the Governor in Council extends the effective period of the interim order.Extension — Minister of TransportIf the period specified in the interim order is less than one year, the Minister of Transport may extend the effective period of the interim order for a period that ends no more than one year after the effective date.Extension — Governor in CouncilThe Governor in Council may extend the effective period of the interim order for a period of no more than two years after the end of the applicable period referred to in paragraph (2)(c) or after the day referred to in paragraph (2)(c.1).Compliance with interim orderEvery person or vessel subject to an interim order shall comply with it.Contravention of unpublished orderNo person or vessel may be found guilty of an offence consisting of a contravention of an interim order that, at the time of the alleged contravention, had not been published in the Canada Gazette unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention, the person or vessel had been notified of the interim order or reasonable steps had been taken to bring the purport of the interim order to the notice of those persons or vessels likely to be affected by it.Statutory Instruments ActThe Statutory Instruments Act does not apply to an interim order or an order extending the interim order. However, any such order must be published in the Canada Gazette within 23 days after it is made.Tabling of orderThe Minister of Transport shall ensure that a copy of each interim order is tabled in each House of Parliament within 15 days after it is made. The copy is to be sent to the Clerk of the House if the House is not sitting.2018, c. 27, s. 6902023, c. 26, s. 353
Inspections by Marine Safety Inspectors and Others
Appointment of marine safety inspectorsMarine safety inspectors are appointed or deployed under the Public Service Employment Act.AuthorizationsThe Minister of Transport may authorize a marine safety inspector to exercise any power or perform any duty or function of the Minister under this Act, including quasi-judicial powers and the administration of examinations referred to in subsection 16(2), or to carry out inspections under section 211, including the following:inspections of hulls;inspections of machinery;inspections of equipment;inspections respecting pollution prevention for the purpose of Part 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans);inspections respecting the protection of the marine environment for the purpose of Part 9 (Pollution Prevention — Department of Transport); andinspections of cargo.CertificateThe Minister of Transport must furnish every marine safety inspector with a certificate of designation authorizing the inspector to carry out inspections under section 211 or to exercise any power or perform any duty or function of the Minister under this Act, including any quasi-judicial powers.Duties and powersA marine safety inspector may exercise only those powers and perform only those duties and functions that are referred to in the inspector’s certificate of designation.ImmunityMarine safety inspectors are not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Act.2001, c. 26, s. 11; 2014, c. 29, s. 59
Authorizing others to inspectThe Minister of Transport may authorize any person, class of persons, classification society or other organization to issue any Canadian maritime document under this Act or to carry out inspections under section 211 if the Minister determines that the person, class of persons, classification society or other organization is qualified to issue the document or carry out the inspection.Certificate of authorizationThe Minister of Transport must furnish the person, classification society or other organization with a certificate of authorization specifying the documents they are authorized to issue, the inspections they are authorized to carry out and any limitations on the powers they may exercise under subsection 211(4).Inspection recordsA person, classification society or other organization authorized to carry out inspections must keep a record of each inspection in the form and manner specified by the Minister of Transport and, on request, provide the record to the Minister.Delivery of reportA person, classification society or other organization that does not, in respect of anything that they were authorized to inspect, issue a certificate because the requirements of the regulations have not been met must deliver their report in respect of that inspection to a marine safety inspector.ImmunityThe person, classification society or other organization is not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Act.2001, c. 26, s. 122023, c. 26, s. 354
AuditThe Minister of Transport may authorize any person or class of persons to audit inspections carried out under section 211. The auditor may exercise the powers under that section of the person, classification society or other organization whose inspections are being audited.
Authorized Representative
Authorized representativeEvery Canadian vessel must have a person — the authorized representative — who is responsible under this Act for acting with respect to all matters relating to the vessel that are not otherwise assigned by this Act to any other person.Qualified person, bare-boat charterer or ownerSubject to subsections (3) and (4), the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel isin the case of a vessel whose owner has entered into an arrangement with a qualified person, including an operator of the vessel, under which they are responsible for the matters referred to in subsection (1), the qualified person;in the case of a vessel described in section 48, the bare-boat charterer; orin any other case, the owner of the vessel.Representative if more than one ownerIn the case of a Canadian vessel that is owned by more than one person, the owners must appoint as the authorized representative one of themselves or, in accordance with paragraph (2)(a), a qualified person.Representative of foreign corporationIn the case of a Canadian vessel that is owned by a corporation incorporated under the laws of a state other than Canada, the authorized representative must bea subsidiary of the corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province;an employee or a director in Canada of a branch office of the corporation that is carrying on business in Canada; ora ship management company incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province.Acts or omissions of authorized representative bindingThe owner of a Canadian vessel is bound by the acts or omissions of their authorized representative with respect to the matters referred to in subsection (1).2001, c. 26, s. 142023, c. 26, s. 355
[Repealed, 2001, c. 29, s. 72]
Canadian Maritime Documents
ApplicationAn application for a Canadian maritime document must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister of Transport.Further evidenceIn addition to the specified information or documents, the Minister of Transport mayrequire that an applicant provide evidence, including declarations, that the Minister considers necessary to establish that the requirements for the issuance of the document have been met;if the Canadian maritime document is in respect of a person,set an examination that the person must undergo, andadminister the examination; andif the document is in respect of a vessel, require that the vessel or its machinery or equipment undergo any inspections that the Minister considers necessary to establish that the requirements for the issuance of the document have been met.CheatingNo person shall cheat on an examination referred to in paragraph (2)(b).Refusal to issueThe Minister of Transport may refuse to issue a Canadian maritime document ifthe applicant has not met the requirements for the issuance of the document;the applicant has acted fraudulently or improperly or has misrepresented a material fact;the Minister is of the opinion that the public interest and, in particular, the record of the applicant or of a principal of the applicant warrant it;the applicant has not paid a fee for services related to the document or has not paid a fine or penalty imposed on them under this Act; orin the case of a Canadian maritime document applied for under Part 3 (Personnel) by a master or crew member,the master or crew member was on board a vessel that contravened any of sections 5.3 to 5.5 of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act and knew, when the contravention occurred, that the vessel was committing the contravention, orthe master or crew member has been found guilty of an offence related to their duties on a vessel or has committed a violation in respect of which a notice of violation was issued under paragraph 229(1)(b).Notice after refusal to issueThe Minister of Transport must, immediately after refusing to issue a Canadian maritime document, give the applicant a noticeconfirming the refusal and providing all relevant information concerning the grounds on which the Minister has refused to issue the document; andindicating, in the case of a refusal to issue a document under Part 3 (Personnel) on the grounds set out in paragraph (4)(a), (b), (c) or (e), the address at which, and the date, being thirty days after the notice is given, on or before which, the applicant may file a request for a review of the Minister’s decision.[Repealed, 2001, c. 29, s. 72]2001, c. 26, s. 16, c. 29, s. 72; 2012, c. 31, s. 156
Request for reviewAn applicant who receives a notice under subsection 16(5) may, on or before the date specified in the notice or within any further time that the Tribunal on application allows, file a written request for a review of the decision ifthe request is in respect of a Canadian maritime document that is issued under Part 3 (Personnel); andthe grounds for refusing to issue the document are set out in paragraph 16(4)(a), (b), (c) or (e).Time and place for reviewOn receipt of a request filed under subsection (1), the Tribunal must appoint a time and place for the review and must notify the Minister of Transport and the applicant of the time and place in writing.Review procedureThe member of the Tribunal assigned to conduct the review must provide the Minister of Transport and the applicant with an opportunity consistent with procedural fairness and natural justice to present evidence and make representations.Person not compelled to testifyIn a review of a decision made under subparagraph 16(4)(e)(ii) on the ground that an applicant has committed a violation in respect of which a notice of violation has been issued to the applicant, the applicant is not required, and must not be compelled, to give any evidence or testimony in the matter before the matter that gave rise to the issue of the notice has been disposed of in accordance with sections 232 to 232.2.DeterminationThe member mayin the case of a decision made under paragraph 16(4)(e), confirm the decision or substitute his or her own determination; orin any other case, confirm the decision or refer the matter back to the Minister of Transport for reconsideration.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Period of validityEvery Canadian maritime document is valid for the period specified by the Minister of Transport. The Minister may, on application made before a document expires and in the form and manner specified by the Minister, extend the period if the Minister is satisfied that it is not feasible to issue a new document before the document expires.PossessionExcept as otherwise provided by this Act or the regulations, no person, other than the person to whom it was issued or their representative, shall possess a Canadian maritime document issued under Part 3 (Personnel).
Production of documentEvery holder of a Canadian maritime document shall produce it to the Minister of Transport on demand.
Lost documentsIf a Canadian maritime document is mislaid, lost or destroyed, the Minister of Transport may issue a replacement document on application made by the holder of the document in the form and manner and including the information and accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister.
Suspension, cancellation and refusal to renewSubject to section 20.1, the Minister of Transport may suspend, cancel or refuse to renew a Canadian maritime document if the Minister is satisfied thatthe requirements for the issuance of the document are no longer met;a term or condition attached to the document has been contravened;the document was obtained by any fraudulent or improper means or a misrepresentation of any material fact;the holder of the document has not paid a fine or penalty imposed on them under this Act;the holder of the document has contravened a provision of this Act or the regulations that the Minister is responsible for administering;in the case of a Canadian maritime document issued under Part 3 (Personnel) to a master or crew member,the master or crew member is incompetent or has committed an act of misconduct,the master or crew member was on board a vessel that contravened any of sections 5.3 to 5.5 of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act and knew, when the contravention occurred, that the vessel was committing the contravention, orthe master or crew member has been found guilty of an offence related to their duties on a vessel; orin the case of a refusal to renew,the applicant has not paid a fee for services related to the document, orthe Minister is of the opinion that the public interest and, in particular, the record of the applicant or of a principal of the applicant warrant it.Return of documentIf a Canadian maritime document is suspended or cancelled, the person who held it shall return it on demand to the Minister of Transport.2001, c. 26, s. 20, c. 29, s. 72; 2012, c. 31, s. 157
Notice before suspension or cancellationThe Minister of Transport must, before suspending or cancelling a Canadian maritime document issued under Part 3 (Personnel), give the holder 30 days notice of the proposed suspension or cancellation. The notice mustprovide the holder with all relevant information concerning the grounds on which the Minister proposes to suspend or cancel the document; andindicate, in the case of a proposed suspension or cancellation of a document on the grounds referred to in paragraph 20(1)(a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) or subparagraph 20(1)(g)(ii), the address at which, and the date, being 30 days after the notice is given, on or before which, the applicant may file a request for a review of the Minister’s decision.2001, c. 29, s. 72
ExceptionThe Minister of Transport may suspend or cancel a Canadian maritime document issued under Part 3 (Personnel) without complying with section 20.1 if, on ex parte application by the Minister, the Tribunal determines that compliance with that section is not in the interest of public safety.Decision within 24 hoursAn application by the Minister of Transport under subsection (1) must be heard by a member of the Tribunal, sitting alone, whose determination shall be made within 24 hours after the application is filed with the Tribunal.AppealThe Minister of Transport may, within 24 hours after the determination, appeal the determination to the Tribunal.Decision within 48 hoursThe appeal panel of the Tribunal assigned to hear the appeal shall make a decision within 48 hours after the appeal is filed with the Tribunal.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Notice after suspension, cancellation or refusal to renewExcept where notice of a proposed suspension or cancellation of a Canadian maritime document is given under section 20.1, the Minister of Transport must, immediately after suspending, cancelling or refusing to renew a Canadian maritime document, give the holder a notice thatconfirms the suspension, cancellation or refusal and provides all relevant information concerning the grounds on which the Minister suspended, cancelled or refused to renew the document; andindicates, in the case of the suspension or cancellation of, or the refusal to renew, a document on the grounds referred to in paragraph 20(1)(a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) or subparagraph 20(1)(g)(ii), the address at which, and the date, being 30 days after the notice is given, on or before which, the applicant may file a request for a review of the Minister’s decision.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Request for reviewSubject to subsection (2), the holder of a Canadian maritime document that is referred to in a notice under section 20.1 or 20.3 may, within the time specified in the notice or any further time that the Tribunal on application allows, file a written request for a review of the decision referred to in the notice.ExceptionA request for a review must not be filed with, or accepted by, the Tribunal if the grounds for suspending, cancelling or refusing to renew the document are set out in paragraph 20(1)(d) or subparagraph 20(1)(g)(i).Effect of requestThe filing of a request for a review in respect of a notice under section 20.1 operates as a stay of the proposed suspension or cancellation until the matter is finally disposed of in accordance with this section or section 20.5.Time and place for reviewOn receipt of a request filed under subsection (1), the Tribunal must appoint a time and place for the review and must notify the Minister of Transport and the holder of the time and place in writing.Review procedureThe member of the Tribunal assigned to conduct the review must provide the Minister of Transport and the holder with an opportunity consistent with procedural fairness and natural justice to present evidence and make representations.Person not compelled to testifyIn a review of a decision made under paragraph 20(1)(e), the holder is not required, and must not be compelled, to give any evidence or testimony in the matter.DeterminationThe member mayin the case of a decision made under paragraph 20(1)(e) or subparagraph 20(1)(f)(ii) or (iii), confirm the Minister of Transport’s decision or substitute his or her own determination; andin any other case, confirm the Minister of Transport’s decision or refer the matter back to the Minister for reconsideration.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Right of appealThe applicant for, or holder of, a Canadian maritime document may appeal to the Tribunal a determination made under subsection 16.1(5) or 20.4(7), and the Minister of Transport may appeal to the Tribunal a determination made under paragraph 16.1(5)(a) or 20.4(7)(a). The time limit for making an appeal is 30 days after the determination.Loss of right of appealA party that does not appear at a review hearing is not entitled to appeal a determination, unless they establish that there was sufficient reason to justify their absence.Disposition of appealThe appeal panel of the Tribunal assigned to hear the appeal mayin the case of a determination made under paragraph 16.1(5)(a) or 20.4(7)(a), dismiss the appeal, or allow the appeal and substitute its own decision; orin the case of a determination made under paragraph 16.1(5)(b) or 20.4(7)(b), dismiss the appeal or refer the matter back to the Minister of Transport for reconsideration.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Other Documents
Issuance of documents to foreign vesselsThe Minister of Transport may, at the request of the government of a state to which an international convention, protocol or resolution listed in Schedule 1 applies, issue in respect of a vessel registered in that state any document provided for by the convention, protocol or resolution, other than a Canadian maritime document, if the Minister is satisfied, in the same manner as in the case of a Canadian vessel, that the document may properly be issued. A document issued under this section must contain a statement that it has been issued at the request of that government.2001, c. 26, s. 212023, c. 26, s. 356
Foreign documentsThe Minister of Transport may refuse to accept a foreign document required for the operation of a foreign vessel if in the Minister’s opinion the conditions under which the document was issued do not comply with international agreements to which Canada is a signatory.
General Prohibitions
Destruction of documents, fraud, obstruction and movement of detained vesselNo person shallwilfully destroy a document that is required under this Act to be kept;make or cause to be made a false entry in a log book required under this Act to be kept with intent to mislead or wilfully omit to make an entry;wilfully obstruct any inspector or other person or classification society or other organization that is exercising powers or performing duties under this Act;knowingly provide false or misleading information or make a false or misleading statement, either orally or in writing, to a person, classification society or other organization that is exercising powers or performing duties under this Act; orexcept as authorized under this Act, wilfully move a vessel that has been detained under this Act.
Tonnage Measurers
Appointment of tonnage measurersThe Minister of Transport may appoint persons, to be known as tonnage measurers, to calculate vessels’ tonnage under this Act.
Fees and travel expensesA tonnage measurer may withhold the tonnage certificate in respect of a vessel until the person requesting it pays the tonnage measurer’s fees and travel expenses. The Minister of Transport may set limits on the fees and travel expenses that may be charged.
Marine Technical Review Board
EstablishmentFor the purpose of ensuring the safety of the marine industry, the Marine Technical Review Board is established to make decisions on applications for an exemption from, or the replacement of, any requirement under the regulations or an interim order made under subsection 10.1(1) or (1.1) in respect of a Canadian vessel or in respect of the issuance of a Canadian maritime document to a person, other than a requirement with respect to fees, charges, costs or expenses.Members of the BoardThe Board consists of a Chair, a National Vice-Chair and a maximum of five Regional Vice-Chairs.ChairThe Chair is appointed by the Minister of Transport and must be an employee of the Department of Transport who has expertise in marine matters.Vice-ChairsThe Vice-Chairs are appointed by the Chair and must be employees of the Department of Transport who have expertise in marine matters.DelegationThe Chair may delegate the Chair’s powers and duties to the National Vice-Chair.Absence or incapacityIn the event of the absence or incapacity of the Chair or if the office of Chair is vacant, the National Vice-Chair may exercise all the powers and perform all the duties of the Chair.2001, c. 26, s. 262023, c. 26, s. 357
Striking panelsWhen an application is made under subsection 28(1), the Chair must strike a panel of at least three persons.ConstitutionEach panel consists of the Chair and the persons appointed by the Chair.ExpertiseAny person to be appointed to a panel, other than a Vice-Chair, must have expertise in the matter in respect of which the panel is struck.Fee and expensesEach panellist may be paidan amount fixed by the Minister of Transport for each day or part of a day that the panellist is performing duties under section 28, unless they are employed in the federal public administration; andreasonable travel and living expenses incurred by the panellist in the course of their duties under section 28.Casting voteMatters before a panel are decided by a majority of the members of the panel. The Chair has a second vote in the case of a tie.Panel decisionsFor greater certainty, a decision of a panel is a decision of the Marine Technical Review Board.2001, c. 26, s. 27; 2003, c. 22, s. 224(E)
ApplicationAny person may, in respect of a requirement under the regulations or an interim order made under subsection 10.1(1) or (1.1) that applies in respect of a Canadian vessel or in respect of the issuance of a Canadian maritime document to a person, apply to the Marine Technical Review Board for a decision to exempt the applicant from the requirement or to replace it with another requirement.Form and mannerAn application must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Board.Further evidenceIn addition to the specified information and documents, the Board may require an applicant to provide evidence, including declarations, that the Board considers necessary.Grant of applicationIf the panel struck to decide the application is satisfied that the exemption or replacement is in the public interest and would not jeopardize marine safety or the marine environment and, in the case of an application to replace a requirement with respect to safety, the replacement would result in an equivalent or greater level of safety, the panel is to issue a decision granting the application, subject to any conditions and for the period that the panel considers appropriate.Applicant to be notifiedThe Chair is to notify the applicant of the decision to grant or deny the application.PublicationIf the decision is to grant the application, the Chair must publish the decision in the manner that the Chair considers appropriate.Duty to informIf a person has reason to believe that a decision to grant an application was based on false or misleading information or that the information provided with the application has changed, the person shall inform the Chair without delay.Decisions based on false or misleading informationIf the Chair has reason to believe that a decision to grant an application was based on false or misleading information or that the information provided with the application has changed, the Chair may strike a panel in accordance with section 27 and the panel may confirm, cancel or vary the decision.ContraventionA contravention of a requirement that is substituted for another requirement as a result of a panel decision under subsection (4) is deemed to be a contravention of the original requirement.RulesThe Board must make rules respecting its procedure, with the approval of the Minister of Transport.Annual reportAs soon as feasible after the end of each fiscal year, the Chair must submit to the Minister of Transport a report of the Board’s operations in that year.2001, c. 26, s. 282023, c. 26, s. 358
International Conventions, Protocols and Resolutions
Schedule 1Schedule 1 lists the international conventions, protocols and resolutions that Canada has signed that relate to matters that are within the scope of this Act and that the Minister of Transport has determined should be brought into force, in whole or in part, in Canada by regulation.Schedule 2Schedule 2 lists the international conventions, protocols and resolutions that Canada has signed that relate to matters that are within the scope of this Act and that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has determined should be brought into force, in whole or in part, in Canada by regulation.Codes and guidelinesA convention or protocol includes any code or guideline that is attached to it.
Additions to Schedule 1 or 2The Governor in Council may, by order, add international conventions, protocols and resolutions described in subsection 29(1) to Schedule 1 or described in subsection 29(2) to Schedule 2.Order to be tabled and referredThe Minister of Transport is to cause a copy of each order related to Schedule 1 and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is to cause a copy of each order related to Schedule 2, together with a description of the objectives of the convention, protocol or resolution, to be laid before each House of Parliament on any of the first 10 days on which that House is sitting after the order is made. The order stands referred to the appropriate standing committee of each House.
Deletions from Schedule 1 or 2The Governor in Council may, by order, delete an international convention, protocol or resolution from Schedule 1 or 2 or amend Schedule 1 or 2 if the amendment would not, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, result in a material substantive change.
Incorporation by Reference
Externally produced materialA regulation made under this Act may incorporate by reference material produced by a person or body other than the Minister who recommended to the Governor in Council that the regulation be made, including byan organization established for the purpose of writing standards, including an organization accredited by the Standards Council of Canada;an industrial or a trade organization; ora government, a government agency or an international body.Reproduced or translated materialA regulation made under this Act may incorporate by reference material that the Minister who recommended to the Governor in Council that the regulation be made reproduces or translates from material produced by a person or body other than that Ministerwith any adaptations of form and reference that will facilitate its incorporation into the regulation; orin a form that sets out only the parts of the material that apply for the purposes of the regulation.Jointly produced materialA regulation made under this Act may incorporate by reference material that the Minister who recommended to the Governor in Council that the regulation be made produces jointly with another government or government agency for the purpose of harmonizing the regulation with other laws.Internally produced standardsA regulation made under this Act may incorporate by reference technical or explanatory material that the Minister who recommended to the Governor in Council that the regulation be made produces, such asspecifications, classifications, illustrations, graphs and other information of a technical nature; andtest methods, procedures, operational standards, safety standards and performance standards of a technical nature.Material produced by Minister of TransportA regulation made under paragraph 35.1(1)(k), 120(1)(f) or (k), 136(1)(a), (f) or (g) or 190(1)(a) may incorporate by reference material that the Minister of Transport produces.Variations of externally produced materialA regulation made under this Act on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport or on the joint recommendation of that Minister and the Minister of Natural Resources may incorporate by reference material produced by the Minister of Transport that varies material incorporated by reference under subsection (1).Scope of incorporationMaterial referred to in subsections (1) to (4.01) may be incorporated by reference as amended from time to time or as it exists on a particular date. Material referred to in subsection (4.1) that is to be incorporated by reference must be incorporated as it exists on a particular date.Incorporated material is not a regulationMaterial that is incorporated by reference in a regulation made under this Act is not a regulation for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.For greater certaintySubsections (1) to (6) are for greater certainty and do not limit any authority to make regulations incorporating material by reference that exists apart from those subsections.2001, c. 26, s. 32; 2012, c. 31, s. 1582023, c. 26, s. 359
DefenceFor greater certainty, no person or vessel may be convicted of an offence or subjected to a penalty for the contravention of a provision of a regulation made under this Act that incorporates material by reference unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention,the material was reasonably accessible to the person or vessel;reasonable steps had been taken to ensure that the material was accessible to persons or vessels likely to be affected by the regulation; orthe material had been published in the Canada Gazette.
Orders and Directions
In writingIf this Act requires or authorizes an order or a direction to be given or made by the Minister of Transport to a person who is not an official of the Department of Transport, the order or direction must be given or made in writing.Statutory Instruments ActAn order or direction referred to in subsection (1) is not a statutory instrument as defined in the Statutory Instruments Act.2001, c. 26, s. 34; 2018, c. 27, s. 691
Regulations
Regulations — Minister of TransportThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, make regulations[Repealed, 2001, c. 29, s. 72]respecting the issuance, amendment, suspension, reinstatement, cancellation or renewal of Canadian maritime documents;[Repealed, 2001, c. 29, s. 72]implementing, in whole or in part, an international convention, protocol or resolution that is listed in Schedule 1, as amended from time to time, including regulationsimplementing it in respect of persons, vessels, oil handling facilities or hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities to which it does not apply,establishing stricter standards than it sets out, orestablishing additional or complementary standards to those it sets out if the Governor in Council is satisfied that the additional or complementary standards meet the objectives of the convention, protocol or resolution;respecting record keeping, information management and reporting for the purposes of this Part or Part 2 (Registration, Listing and Recording), 3 (Personnel), 4 (Safety), 6 (Incidents, Accidents and Casualties), 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans) to the extent that the Minister of Transport is responsible for that Part, 9 (Pollution Prevention — Department of Transport), 10 (Pleasure Craft) or 11 (Enforcement — Department of Transport) or the regulations made under subsection 136(1);respecting the form and manner of giving notice under this Part or Part 2 (Registration, Listing and Recording), 3 (Personnel), 4 (Safety), 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans) to the extent that the Minister of Transport is responsible for that Part, 9 (Pollution Prevention — Department of Transport), 10 (Pleasure Craft) or 11 (Enforcement — Department of Transport) or the regulations made under subsection 136(1);respecting fees, charges, costs and expenses to be paid in relation tothe administration of this Part or Part 2 (Registration, Listing and Recording), 3 (Personnel), 4 (Safety), 6 (Incidents, Accidents and Casualties), 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans) to the extent that the Minister of Transport is responsible for that Part, 9 (Pollution Prevention — Department of Transport), 10 (Pleasure Craft), 11 (Enforcement — Department of Transport) or 12 (Miscellaneous) to the extent that the Minister of Transport is responsible for that Part or the regulations made under any of those Parts or under subsection 136(1), including the development of those regulations, andthe enforcement of any of those Parts or regulations;specifying the services for the purposes of paragraph 36.1(1)(d); andspecifying the services to which section 36.1 does not apply or the circumstances in which that section does not apply.AircraftFor greater certainty, regulations made under paragraph (1)(d) in respect of preventing collisions may apply to aircraft on or over Canadian waters.Regulations — Minister of Fisheries and OceansThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, make regulationsimplementing, in whole or in part, an international convention, protocol or resolution that is listed in Schedule 2, as amended from time to time, including regulationsimplementing it in respect of persons or vessels to which it does not apply,establishing stricter standards than it sets out, orestablishing additional or complementary standards to those it sets out if the Governor in Council is satisfied that the additional or complementary standards meet the objectives of the convention, protocol or resolution;respecting record keeping, information management and reporting for the purposes of Part 5 (Navigation Services) or 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans), to the extent that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for those Parts;respecting the form and manner of giving notice under Part 5 (Navigation Services) or 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans), to the extent that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for those Parts; andrespecting the setting and payment of fees for services provided in the administration ofPart 5 (Navigation Services) or 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans), to the extent that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for those Parts, orregulations made under subsection 136(2).2001, c. 26, s. 35, c. 29, s. 72; 2005, c. 29, s. 16; 2012, c. 31, s. 1592019, c. 1, s. 1412023, c. 26, s. 360
Regulations — protection of marine environmentThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, make regulations respecting the protection of the marine environment from the impacts of navigation and shipping activities, including regulationsrespecting the design, construction, manufacture and maintenance of vessels or classes of vessels;specifying the machinery, equipment and supplies that are required or prohibited on board vessels or classes of vessels;respecting the design, construction, manufacture, maintenance, storage, testing, approval, arrangement and use of the machinery, equipment and supplies of vessels or classes of vessels;respecting the requirements that vessels, or classes of vessels, and their machinery and equipment are to meet;requiring the obtaining of certificates certifying that any of the requirements referred to in paragraph (d) are met;specifying the terms and conditions of certificates referred to in paragraph (e);respecting the inspections and testing of vessels, or classes of vessels, and their machinery, equipment and supplies;respecting procedures and practices that are to be followed;respecting the development, maintenance and implementation of a management system that sets out the manner in which marine environment protection measures are to be integrated into day-to-day navigation and shipping operations and the criteria to which that management system is to conform as well as the components that are to be included in the system;respecting compulsory routes and recommended routes;regulating or prohibiting the operation, navigation, anchoring, mooring or berthing of vessels or classes of vessels; andregulating or prohibiting the loading or unloading of a vessel or a class of vessels.Amendment by Minister of TransportA regulation made under any of paragraphs (1)(h), (j) and (k) mayauthorize the Minister of Transport to amend, by order, that regulation; andset out the terms and conditions under which the regulation may be amended by that order.Cessation of effect of orderAn order referred to in subsection (2) has effect from the time that it is made and ceases to have effect on the earliest ofthe day on which it is repealed; andone year after the order is made or any shorter period that may be specified in the order.Statutory Instruments ActThe Statutory Instruments Act does not apply to an order referred to in subsection (2).Publication of orderThe Minister of Transport shall publish, on the Department of Transport’s Internet site or by any other means that the Minister of Transport considers appropriate, a notice of every order referred to in subsection (2), as soon as feasible after it is made.2018, c. 27, s. 692
Fees, Charges, Costs and Expenses
Debt due to His MajestyAll fees, charges, costs and expenses imposed under paragraph 35(1)(g) or (3)(d) and interest payable on them constitute a debt due to His Majesty in right of Canada and may be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.PaymentIf a fee, charge, cost or expense is imposed under paragraph 35(1)(g) or (3)(d)in respect of a pleasure craft that is not a Canadian vessel, its owner is liable for payment of the fee, charge, cost or expense and any interest payable on it;in respect of a Canadian vessel, the authorized representative, the owner and the master are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for payment of the fee, charge, cost or expense and any interest payable on it; andin respect of a foreign vessel, its owner and the authorized representative are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for payment of the fee, charge, cost or expense and any interest payable on it.SeizureIf the amount of a fee, charge, cost or expense, or of interest due on it, owed by an authorized representative or owner of a Canadian vessel or by the owner of a foreign vessel, has not been paid, the Minister who recommended making the regulation under paragraph 35(1)(g) or (3)(d) may, in addition to any other remedy available for the collection of the amount and whether or not a judgment for the collection of the amount has been obtained, apply to the Federal Court for an order authorizing that Minister to seize, detain and sell any vessel belonging to the authorized representative or the owner, as the case may be. The Court may make the order on the terms that the Court considers appropriate.Release on securityA Minister who obtains an order under subsection (3) must release a seized vessel from detention if security in a form satisfactory to that Minister for the amount in respect of which the vessel was seized is deposited with the Minister.2001, c. 26, s. 36; 2012, c. 31, s. 160(F)2023, c. 26, s. 362
Agreement — cost recoveryThe Minister of Transport may enter into an agreement with any person or organization respecting any matter for which a regulation made under paragraph 35(1)(g) could prescribe a fee, charge, cost or expense.Regulations — exemptionIf both an agreement entered into under subsection (1) and a regulation made under paragraph 35(1)(g) relate to the same matter, the regulation does not apply to the person or organization that has entered into the agreement in respect of the matter for which payment is required under the agreement.RecoveryWhen the Minister of Transport enters into an undertaking in respect of a matter for which payment of an amount is required from the other party under the terms of an agreement entered into under subsection (1), the undertaking is deemed, for the purposes of recovering that amount, not to be a duty of the Minister under this Act.Debt due to Her MajestyAll amounts payable under an agreement entered into under subsection (1) and any interest payable on them constitute a debt due to Her Majesty in right of Canada and may be recovered as such in any court of competent jurisdiction.SpendingThe Minister of Transport may spend the amounts received under an agreement entered into under subsection (1) in the fiscal year in which they are received or in the next fiscal year.2017, c. 20, s. 3162023, c. 26, s. 363
Services provided by third partiesUnless otherwise provided in the regulations, any person or organization that provides, in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties under this Act in accordance with an agreement or arrangement entered into by the Minister of Transport under paragraph 10(1)(c), any of the following services may, if that person or organization is not part of the federal public administration, set the fees to be paid to it for those services:services related to a Canadian maritime document;services related to any approvals or certifications;the conduct or witnessing of tests; andservices specified in the regulations.Not public moneyUnless otherwise provided in the regulations, the fees referred to in subsection (1) are not public money within the meaning of the Financial Administration Act and the Service Fees Act does not apply in respect of them.Non-application of certain regulationsUnless otherwise provided in the regulations, the regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(g) do not apply in respect of any service referred to in any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (d) that is provided by any person or organization that is not part of the federal public administration in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties under this Act in accordance with an agreement or arrangement entered into by the Minister of Transport under paragraph 10(1)(c).2012, c. 31, s. 161; 2017, c. 20, s. 454
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of section 23Every person who contravenes section 23 (destruction of documents, fraud, obstruction, false or misleading information or statement, movement of detained vessel) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.
Contravention of regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(d) or (3)(a)Every person who, or vessel or oil handling facility that, contravenes a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(d) or (3)(a) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.ExceptionIf a court sentencing a person, vessel or oil handling facility under subsection (1) for contravening a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(d) or (3)(a) is of the opinion that the provision that the person, vessel or facility contravened is equivalent to a provision of the regulations made under another provision of this Act and if the punishment provided under this Act for contravening that provision of the regulations is less than the punishment provided under subsection (1), the person, vessel or oil handling facility is liable to that lesser punishment.
Contravention of ActEvery person commits an offence who contravenessubsection 17(2) (improper possession of a Canadian maritime document); orsubsection 28(7) (inform Chair without delay).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:subsection 16(3) (cheating on an exam);section 18 (failure to produce Canadian maritime document);subsection 20(2) (failure to return suspended or cancelled Canadian maritime document); anda provision of the regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(e) or (3)(b).PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.2001, c. 26, s. 40; 2017, c. 26, s. 402023, c. 26, s. 365
Contravention of interim order or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:subsection 10.1(4) (compliance with interim order); ora provision of a regulation made under subsection 35.1(1).PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.2018, c. 27, s. 693
Registration, Listing and RecordingInterpretation
Definition of MinisterIn this Part, Minister means the Minister of Transport.
Canadian Register of Vessels and Registrars
Appointment of Chief RegistrarAn officer, to be known as the Chief Registrar, is to be appointed or deployed under the Public Service Employment Act.
Duties and powers of Chief RegistrarThe Chief Registrar is responsible for establishing and maintaining a register to be known as the Canadian Register of Vessels. The Chief Registrar is to divide the Register into parts, including a small vessel register, for the classes of vessels that the Chief Registrar specifies.RecordsThe Register is to contain records of the information and documents specified by the Chief Registrar in respect of a Canadian vessel or a fleet that is registered under this Part, including its description, its official number, the name and address of its owner and, in the case of a vessel that is not registered in the small vessel register, details of all mortgages registered in respect of it.2001, c. 26, s. 43; 2011, c. 15, s. 38
RegistrarsThe Chief Registrar may appoint the registrars that the Chief Registrar considers necessary.Duties of registrarsA registrar is to perform the duties and fulfil the responsibilities that the Chief Registrar assigns to the registrar.
ImmunityThe Chief Registrar and the registrars are not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Act.
Registration, Listing and Recording
Mandatory registration of vesselsUnless it is exempted under the regulations, a vessel must be registered under this Part if itis not a pleasure craft;is wholly owned by qualified persons; andis not registered, listed or otherwise recorded in a foreign state.Owner’s obligationEvery owner of a vessel that is required by subsection (1) to be registered under this Part shall ensure that it is so registered.Mandatory registration — government vesselsEvery government vessel must be registered under this Part.2001, c. 26, s. 46; 2011, c. 15, s. 39
Optional registrationUnless they are registered, listed or otherwise recorded in a foreign state, the following vessels may be registered under this Part:a pleasure craft that is wholly owned by qualified persons;a vessel that is exempted under the regulations from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1) and that is wholly owned by qualified persons;a vessel that is owned by a corporation incorporated under the laws of a foreign state if one of the following is acting with respect to all matters relating to the vessel, namely,a subsidiary of the corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province,an employee or a director in Canada of a branch office of the corporation that is carrying on business in Canada, ora ship management company incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province; anda vessel that is in the exclusive possession of a qualified person under a financing agreement under which the person will acquire ownership on completion of the agreement.2001, c. 26, s. 47; 2011, c. 15, s. 40
Bare-boat chartered vesselsA vessel that is registered in a foreign state and that is bare-boat chartered exclusively to a qualified person may be listed under this Part as a bare-boat chartered vessel for the duration of the charter if, for the duration of the charter, the registration is suspended in respect of the right to fly the flag of that state.
Vessels under constructionA vessel that is about to be built or that is under construction in Canada may be temporarily recorded in the Register as a vessel being built in Canada.
Vessels built outside CanadaNotwithstanding sections 46 to 48, the Minister may direct the Chief Registrar to refuse to register or list a vessel built outside Canada.
Application
ApplicationAn application for the registration, listing or recording of a vessel must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Chief Registrar.Further evidenceIn addition to the specified information and documents, the Chief Registrar may require an applicant to provide evidence, including declarations, that the Chief Registrar considers necessary to establish that a vessel is required or entitled to be registered or is entitled to be listed or recorded.
Names of Vessels
Before registration or listingEvery vessel, other than one to be registered in the small vessel register, must be named in the form and manner specified by the Chief Registrar before it is registered or listed.Approval of namesThe Chief Registrar may, on application, approve the name of a vessel before it is registered or listed and approve a change in the name of a Canadian vessel.Disallowance of namesThe Chief Registrar must disallow a name ifit is the same as the name of a Canadian vessel;it is likely, in the opinion of the Chief Registrar, to be confused with the name of a Canadian vessel or with a distress signal;it is likely, in the opinion of the Chief Registrar, to be offensive to members of the public; orits use is prohibited under an Act of Parliament.Requiring renamingThe Minister may order that a Canadian vessel be renamed if the Minister considers that its name would prejudice the international reputation of Canada.
Ownership of Vessels
SharesFor the purposes of registration, the property in a vessel is divided into 64 shares.Registered ownersSubject to subsections (3) and (4), only owners or joint owners of a vessel or of one or more shares in a vessel may be registered in the Register as owners of the vessel or shares, as the case may be.Registered owners — financing agreementsIn the case of a vessel described in paragraph 47(c) (a vessel subject to a financing agreement), the persons referred to in that paragraph are to be registered in the Register as the owners of the vessel.Bare-boat charterersIn the case of a vessel described in section 48 (a bare-boat chartered vessel), no person may be registered in the Register as an owner of the vessel.Registration of joint ownersNo more than five persons may be registered in the Register as joint owners of a vessel or a share in a vessel.Disposition of registered joint interestsA registered jointly owned interest in a vessel or a share in a vessel may be disposed of only by the joint owners acting together.Registration of fractions prohibitedNo person may be registered as the owner of a fractional part of a share in a vessel.No effect on beneficial ownersThis section does not affect the beneficial interests of a person represented by or claiming through an owner of a vessel or a share in a vessel.Trusts not recognizedNo notice of a trust may be entered in the Register.
Certificates
Certificates of registryIf the Chief Registrar is satisfied that all of the requirements of registration or listing have been met with respect to a vessel, the Chief Registrar must register or list the vessel, as the case may be, in the Register and issue a certificate of registry.InformationEvery certificate of registry in respect of a vessel must contain the information specified by the Chief Registrar, includingits description;its official number; andthe name and address ofin the case of a vessel described in paragraph 47(b) (a vessel owned by a foreign corporation), the authorized representative,in the case of a vessel described in section 48 (a bare-boat chartered vessel), the bare-boat charterer, andin any other case, its owner and the authorized representative.Period of validityEvery certificate of registry is valid for the period specified by the Chief Registrar.
Provisional certificatesThe Chief Registrar may, on application, issue a provisional certificate in respect of a vessel that is required or entitled to be registered under this Part ifthe vessel is in a foreign port and a person intends to register it under this Part; orthe vessel is in a port in Canada and the Chief Registrar is satisfied that permission to operate the vessel should be granted before a certificate of registry can be issued.IssuanceThe Chief Registrar may, on application, issue a provisional certificate in respect of a vessel that is not required or entitled to be registered under this Part if the Chief Registrar is satisfied that the vessel needs to undergo sea trials.ValidityA provisional certificate is valid for the purpose and the period specified by the Chief Registrar.ApplicationAn application for a provisional certificate must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Chief Registrar.
Lost certificatesIf a certificate of registry or provisional certificate is mislaid, lost or destroyed, the Chief Registrar must issue a replacement certificate of registry or provisional certificate, as the case may be, on application made by the authorized representative or owner in the form and manner and including the information and accompanied by the documents specified by the Chief Registrar.2001, c. 26, s. 562023, c. 26, s. 366
Refusal to issue, renew or amend certificateDespite any other provision of this Act, the Chief Registrar may refuse to issue, in respect of a vessel, a certificate of registry, a provisional certificate or a replacement certificate of registry or provisional certificate, or to renew a certificate of registry or to amend one under paragraph 73(b), if the applicant for, or holder of, the certificate is in default of payment of a required fee, charge, cost or expense under this Act or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act in respect of that vessel.2023, c. 26, s. 366
Marking
MarkingThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel shall, in the form and manner specified by the Chief Registrar, mark the vessel with its official number and any other information that the Chief Registrar specifies.Validity of certificate of registryA vessel’s certificate of registry is not valid until the vessel has been marked in accordance with subsection (1).Maintenance of markingsThe authorized representative shall ensure that the vessel is kept marked.Defacing, etc., markingsNo person shall wilfully deface, alter, conceal or remove the markings of a Canadian vessel.
Notifying Chief Registrar
Notification of changesThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel shall notify the Chief Registrar within 30 days after any of the following occurs:the vessel is lost, wrecked or removed from service;there has been a change in the owner’s, the authorized representative’s or a registered mortgagee’s name or address;the information provided with the application under section 51 has changed; orin the case of a vessel described in section 48 (a bare-boat chartered vessel),the right to fly the flag of the foreign state is reinstated, orthe charterer ceases to have complete control and possession of the vessel.Notification of alterationsIf a Canadian vessel is altered to the extent that it no longer corresponds with its description or particulars set out on the certificate of registry, the authorized representative shall, within 30 days after the alteration, notify the Chief Registrar and provide the Chief Registrar with the relevant information and documents.Notification of changesIf for any reason a Canadian vessel does not have an authorized representative, its owner shallnotify the Chief Registrar of that fact as soon as possible in the circumstances; andnotify the Chief Registrar within 30 days after any event referred to in subsection (1) or (2) occurs.Notification of completion of constructionWithin 30 days after completion of the construction of a vessel that is recorded as being built in Canada, the person in whose name the vessel is recorded shall notify the Chief Registrar of that fact and of the name and address of its owner.2001, c. 26, s. 58; 2011, c. 15, s. 41(F)
Maintenance of Register
AmendmentsThe Chief Registrar may amend the Register or a certificate of registry to give effect to changes of which the Chief Registrar has been notified under section 58 or to correct any clerical errors or obvious mistakes.
Suspension, Cancellation and Reinstatement of Registration
Suspension and cancellationSubject to the regulations, the Chief Registrar may suspend or cancel the registration or listing of a Canadian vessel ifit is not marked in accordance with subsection 57(1);its certificate of registry has expired;it does not have an authorized representative; orsection 58 has not been complied with.CancellationSubject to the regulations, the Chief Registrar must cancel the registration or listing of a Canadian vessel ifit has been lost, wrecked or removed from service;it is no longer required or entitled to be registered or entitled to be listed under this Part; orin the case of a registered vessel, a tonnage certificate provided by a tonnage measurer indicates that the vessel should be re-registered.Notice before cancellationIf a Canadian vessel is not required or entitled to be registered under this Part after its ownership changes, the Chief Registrar must, before cancelling its registration under paragraph (2)(b), give the owners and registered mortgageesnotice of the change in ownership; andan opportunity that, in the opinion of the Chief Registrar, is sufficient to transfer the vessel or shares in the vessel to a qualified person or to make an application under section 74.Cancellation of registrationExcept in the case of a vessel described in paragraph 47(c) (a vessel subject to a financing agreement), the Chief Registrar must cancel the registration of a vessel if a person who acquires the vessel or a share in it does not, within the prescribed period, provide evidence that satisfies the Chief Registrar that the vessel is required or entitled to be registered under this Part.
Registration of mortgages not affectedThe cancellation of the registration of a vessel does not affect the registration of mortgages in respect of the vessel.
ReinstatementThe Chief Registrar may reinstate the registration or listing of a vessel if, in the Chief Registrar’s opinion, the registration or listing of the vessel should not have been cancelled.
Custody of Certificates of Registry and Provisional Certificates
Carrying on boardSubject to subsection (3), no person shall operate a vessel in respect of which a certificate of registry or provisional certificate has been issued unless the certificate is on board.Delivery of certificateA person who is in possession of a vessel’s certificate of registry or provisional certificate shall deliver it to the person who is entitled to operate the vessel.Delivery of certificateA person who is in possession of a certificate of registry or a provisional certificate issued under this Part shall deliver it to the Chief Registrar on request.Detention of certificateA certificate of registry or provisional certificate is not subject to detention because of any title to, lien on, charge on or interest in the vessel that is claimed by an owner, a mortgagee, a charterer or an operator of the vessel, or by any other person.
Rights and Obligations
Right to fly Canadian flagA Canadian vessel has the right to fly the Canadian flag.Obligation to fly flagThe master of a Canadian vessel, other than one registered in the small vessel register, shall ensure that it flies the Canadian flagwhen signalled to do so by a government vessel or a vessel under the command of the Canadian Forces; orwhen entering or leaving, or while moored at or anchored in, a port.ExceptionThe Chief Registrar may, on application, suspend the registration of a Canadian vessel in respect of the right to fly the Canadian flag while the vessel is shown on the registry of a foreign state as a bare-boat chartered vessel.
Mortgages
Mortgage of vessel or shareThe owner of a vessel registered under this Part other than in the small vessel register, of a share in such a vessel or of a vessel recorded as being built in Canada may give the vessel or share, as the case may be, as security for a mortgage to be registered under this Part.Filing of mortgageA mortgage is to be filed with the Chief Registrar in the form and manner specified by the Chief Registrar.Date and time of registrationA mortgage is to be registered in the order in which it is filed, indicating the date and time of registration.
Entry of discharge of mortgageOn receipt of satisfactory evidence that a mortgage has been discharged, the Chief Registrar is to enter the discharge in the Register.
Priority of mortgagesIf more than one mortgage is registered in respect of the same vessel or share in a vessel, a mortgage registered before another mortgage has priority over that other mortgage.Consent to change in priorityThe priority of mortgages may be changed if all of the mortgagees file their written consent with the Chief Registrar.
Mortgagee not treated as ownerA mortgage of a vessel or a share in a vessel does not have the effect of the mortgagee becoming, or the mortgagor ceasing to be, the owner of the vessel, except to the extent necessary to make the vessel or share available as security under the mortgage.
Mortgagee has power of saleA mortgagee of a vessel or a share in a vessel has the absolute power, subject to any limitation set out in the registered mortgage, to sell the vessel or the share.RestrictionIf there is more than one registered mortgage of the same vessel or share, a subsequent mortgagee may not, except under an order of the Federal Court or of a court of competent jurisdiction whose rules provide for in rem procedure in respect of vessels, sell the vessel or share without the agreement of every prior mortgagee.
Mortgage not affected by bankruptcyThe mortgage of a vessel or a share in a vessel is not affected by the bankruptcy of the mortgagor after the date of the registration of the mortgage, and the mortgage is to be preferred to any right, claim or interest in the vessel or share of the other creditors of the bankrupt or any trustee or assignee on their behalf.
Transfer of mortgagesA registered mortgage of a vessel or a share in a vessel may be transferred to any person, in which case the instrument effecting the transfer must be filed in the form and manner specified by the Chief Registrar.Entry of particularsThe Chief Registrar is to enter the particulars of the transfer in the Register.
Transmission of interest of mortgageeIf the interest of a mortgagee in a vessel or a share in a vessel is transmitted on death or bankruptcy, or by any lawful means other than by a transfer under section 71, the person to whom the interest is transmitted must file with the Chief Registrar the evidence of the transmission that the Chief Registrar specifies.Entry of particularsThe Chief Registrar is to enter the particulars of the transmission in the Register.
Transfers of Vessels or Shares in Vessels
TransferIf the ownership of a Canadian vessel or a share in one changes and the vessel is still required or entitled to be registered under this Part,the owner must provide the Chief Registrar with the evidence, including declarations, that the Chief Registrar considers necessary to establish that the vessel is required or entitled to be so registered; andthe Chief Registrar must amend the Register and the vessel’s certificate of registry to reflect the change.
Order for sale on acquisition by an unqualified personIf an unqualified person acquires a Canadian vessel, other than a vessel described in paragraph 47(b) (a vessel owned by a foreign corporation), a vessel described in paragraph 47(c) (a vessel subject to a financing agreement) or a vessel described in section 48 (a bare-boat chartered vessel), or a share in one, any interested person may apply to the Federal Court, or any court of competent jurisdiction whose rules provide for in rem procedure in respect of vessels, for an order that the vessel or share, as the case may be, be sold to a qualified person.
Power of court to prohibit transferOn the application of an interested person, the Federal Court, or any court of competent jurisdiction whose rules provide for in rem procedure in respect of vessels, may make an order prohibiting any dealing with a Canadian vessel or a share in one for a specified period.
Fleets
Application for fleetAn applicant may, instead of applying to have vessels individually registered in the small vessel register, apply to register a group of two or more vessels as a fleet in that register.Form and mannerThe application must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Chief Registrar.Further evidenceIn addition to the specified information and documents, the Chief Registrar may require an applicant to provide evidence, including declarations, that the Chief Registrar considers necessary to establish that the group of vessels may be registered as a fleet.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Registration — fleetThe Chief Registrar may register a group of two or more vessels as a fleet if he or she is satisfied thatall of the vessels are owned by the same owner;each vessel meets the requirements for registration in the small vessel register; andeach vessel meets any other requirement — including with respect to a vessel’s dimensions, usage or propulsion — that the Chief Registrar may establish for the vessels of a fleet.Small vessel registerA fleet that is accepted for registration must be registered in the small vessel register.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Certificate of registryThe Chief Registrar must issue a certificate of registry in respect of a fleet that he or she registers, and the certificate is valid for the period that he or she specifies.InformationA certificate of registry in respect of a fleet must contain the information specified by the Chief Registrar, includinga description of the fleet;the fleet’s official number; andthe name and address of the owner and the authorized representative of the fleet.Description — number of vesselsIn the fleet’s description, the Chief Registrar must specify either the number of vessels that are to be part of the fleet or the minimum and maximum numbers of vessels that can be part of it.Official numberThe fleet’s official number is also the official number of each vessel of that fleet.Authorized representative of fleetThe authorized representative of a fleet is the authorized representative, as determined under section 14, of the vessels of that fleet and must be the same authorized representative for all of the fleet’s vessels.[Repealed, 2023, c. 26, s. 367]Acts or omissions of authorized representative bindingThe owner of a fleet is bound by the acts or omissions of the authorized representative of the fleet with respect to all matters assigned by this Act to that representative.2011, c. 15, s. 422023, c. 26, s. 367
Refusal to issue, renew or amend certificateDespite any other provision of this Act, the Chief Registrar may refuse to issue or renew a certificate of registry in respect of a fleet, or to amend one under paragraph 75.14(b), if the applicant for, or holder of, the certificate is in default of payment of a required fee, charge, cost or expense in respect of that fleet or a vessel of that fleet under this Act or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.2023, c. 26, s. 368
Addition or removal of vesselsSubject to subsection 75.1(2), an owner of a fleet may, after the fleet is registered, add a vessel to the fleet or remove a vessel from it. However, any vessel that is to be added mustbe owned by the same owner as all of the other vessels of the fleet;satisfy the conditions set out in paragraphs 75.02(1)(b) and (c); andfit within the description or particulars set out in the fleet’s certificate of registry.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Vessels registeredSubject to subsection (2), a vessel that is or becomes part of a fleet is considered to be registered under this Part and, for greater certainty, is a Canadian vessel.No longer registeredUnless it becomes part of another fleet, such a vessel ceases to be registered under this Part ifthere is a change in its ownership; orit is altered to the extent that it no longer fits within the description or particulars set out in the fleet’s certificate of registry.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Cancellation of individual registrationThe Chief Registrar may cancel the registration of a Canadian vessel if the vessel becomes part of a fleet.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Non-application of provisionsThe following provisions do not apply in respect of a fleet or a vessel of a fleet:subsections 57(2) and (3);section 58;section 60;section 62;subsections 63(1) and (2);section 73.2011, c. 15, s. 42
For greater certaintyFor greater certainty, the following provisions apply in respect of a fleet or a vessel of a fleet:section 56;subsections 57(1) and (4);subsections 63(3) and (4).Section 59Section 59 applies in respect of a fleet, except that the reference to “section 58” is to be read as a reference to “section 75.1”.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Marking — validity of fleet’s certificate of registryA fleet’s certificate of registry is not valid unless each of the fleet’s vessels has been marked in accordance with subsection 57(1).Maintenance of markingsThe authorized representative of a fleet shall ensure that each of the fleet’s vessels is kept marked.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Notification of changes — name and addressThe authorized representative of a fleet shall notify the Chief Registrar within 30 days after there has been a change in the owner’s or authorized representative’s name or address.Notification of changes — number of vesselsIf the number of vessels in a fleet changes to the extent that the fleet no longer corresponds with its description set out on the certificate of registry, its authorized representative shall, within 30 days after the change in number, notify the Chief Registrar and provide him or her with the relevant information and documents.Notification of changes — ownerIf for any reason a fleet does not have an authorized representative, its owner shallnotify the Chief Registrar of that fact as soon as possible in the circumstances; andnotify the Chief Registrar within 30 days after any event referred to in subsection (1) or (2) occurs.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Suspension and cancellationSubject to the regulations, the Chief Registrar may suspend or cancel the registration of a fleet ifany one of the fleet’s vessels is not marked in accordance with subsection 57(1);the fleet’s certificate of registry has expired;the fleet does not have an authorized representative; orsection 75.1 has not been complied with.Cancellation — fleetSubject to the regulations, the Chief Registrar must cancel the registration of a fleet if it no longer qualifies for registration under this Part.EvidenceThe Chief Registrar must cancel the registration of a fleet if a person who acquires the fleet does not, within the prescribed period, provide evidence that satisfies the Chief Registrar that the fleet still qualifies for registration under this Part.2011, c. 15, s. 42
ReinstatementThe Chief Registrar may reinstate the registration of a fleet if, in his or her opinion, the registration of the fleet should not have been cancelled.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Delivery of certificateA person who is in possession of a fleet’s certificate of registry shall deliver it to the person who is entitled to operate the fleet.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Change of ownershipIf the ownership of a fleet changes and the fleet still qualifies to be registered under this Part,the owner must provide the Chief Registrar with the evidence, including declarations, that the Chief Registrar considers necessary to establish that the fleet still qualifies to be so registered; andthe Chief Registrar must amend the Register and the certificate of registry to reflect the change.2011, c. 15, s. 42
Entries
Copies of entriesA person may examine or obtain copies of any entries in the Register with respect to a vessel or fleet.2001, c. 26, s. 76; 2011, c. 15, s. 42
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Part, including regulationsrespecting the registration of vessels and fleets and the listing and recording of vessels;respecting the issuance and renewal of certificates of registry;respecting the suspension and cancellation of the registration of a Canadian vessel or a fleet, and the suspension and cancellation of the listing of a Canadian vessel;respecting the naming and marking of vessels;respecting the port of registration;respecting the form and manner of notifying the Chief Registrar under sections 58 and 75.1;respecting the evidence that owners of vessels previously registered in a foreign state must provide to prove that the vessels are no longer registered in the foreign state;respecting the calculation of the tonnage of vessels and the issuance of certificates of tonnage; andrespecting the exemption of vessels or classes of vessels from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1);authorizing the Minister to exempt, by order, vessels or classes of vessels from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1) for the period specified in the regulations and on any terms and conditions that he or she considers appropriate, if he or she is of the opinion that the exemption is not likely to adversely affect marine safety, and authorizing the Minister to amend or revoke an exemption;respecting an authorization under paragraph (h.2); andprescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part.2001, c. 26, s. 77; 2011, c. 15, s. 43
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenessubsection 57(4) (wilfully defacing, altering, concealing or removing markings); ora provision of the regulations made under paragraph 77(h).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenessubsection 46(2) (register vessel);an order made under subsection 52(4) (renaming of vessel);subsection 57(1) (mark vessel);subsection 57(3) (maintenance of markings);subsection 58(1) (notify of changes — authorized representative);subsection 58(2) (notify of alteration — authorized representative);subsection 58(3) (notify if no authorized representative — owner);subsection 58(4) (notify of completion of construction);subsection 63(1) (operation of vessel without a certificate on board);subsection 63(2) (deliver certificate to person entitled to operate vessel);subsection 63(3) (deliver certificate to Chief Registrar);subsection 64(2) (fly Canadian flag);subsection 75.09(2) (maintenance of markings);subsection 75.1(1) (notification of changes — name and address);subsection 75.1(2) (notification of changes — number of vessels);subsection 75.1(3) (notification of changes — owner);section 75.13 (delivery of certificate); ora provision of the regulations made under any of paragraphs 77(a) to (g).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.Continuing offenceIf an offence under paragraph (1)(a) or (c) is committed or continued on more than one day, the person who committed it is liable to be convicted for a separate offence for each day on which it is committed or continued.2001, c. 26, s. 79; 2011, c. 15, s. 442023, c. 26, s. 369
PersonnelInterpretation
Definition of MinisterIn this Part, Minister means the Minister of Transport.
Application
Canadian vesselsThis Part applies in respect of Canadian vessels, other than pleasure craft, everywhere. Subsections 86(2) to (4) also apply in respect of foreign vessels in Canadian waters.
Masters
Presentation of documentsThe master of a Canadian vessel shall ensure that every person who is employed in a position on board presents to the master all Canadian maritime documents that they are required under this Part to have for that position.Sufficient and competent staffNo master of a Canadian vessel shall operate it unless it is staffed with a crew that is sufficient and competent for the safe operation of the vessel on its intended voyage, and is kept so staffed during the voyage.Obstruction prohibitedNo crew member shall wilfully obstruct a master’s operation of a Canadian vessel unless the master is, without just cause, putting at risk the safety of the vessel or of any person on board.
Detention of personsThe master of a Canadian vessel may detain any person on board if the master has reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary to do so to maintain good order and discipline on the vessel or for the safety of the vessel or of persons or property on board. The detention may last only as long as necessary to maintain order and discipline or to ensure the safety of persons or property.CustodyThe master of a Canadian vessel on a voyage may take into custody without warrant any person on board who the master has reasonable grounds to believe has committed an offence under this Act or any other Act of Parliament, and must as soon as feasible deliver that person to a peace officer.Use of force on a voyageThe master of a Canadian vessel on a voyage is justified in using as much force as the master believes on reasonable grounds is necessary for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline on the vessel, but the master must not use force that is intended or is likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm unless the master believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary for self-preservation or the preservation of anyone on the vessel from death or grievous bodily harm.
Stowaways and Other Persons
Liable for disciplineEvery person whom the master of a Canadian vessel is compelled to take on board and convey, and every person who stows away on a Canadian vessel or hides in cargo that is subsequently loaded on a Canadian vessel, is, as long as the person remains on board, subject to the same rules and orders for preserving discipline, and to the same punishments for contravening the rules or orders constituting or tending to a breach of discipline, as are crew members.
Contract of Employment
Masters’ contractsIn every contract of employment between the authorized representative and the master of a Canadian vessel there is implied, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, an obligation on the authorized representative that the authorized representative and every agent charged with loading the vessel, preparing it for a voyage or sending it on a voyage use all reasonable means to ensure its seaworthiness for the voyage when the voyage commences and to keep the vessel in a seaworthy condition during the voyage.Crew members’ contractsIn every contract of employment between the authorized representative and a crew member of a Canadian vessel there is implied, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, an obligation on the authorized representative that the authorized representative, the master and every agent charged with loading the vessel, preparing it for a voyage or sending it on a voyage use all reasonable means to ensure its seaworthiness for the voyage when the voyage commences and to keep the vessel in a seaworthy condition during the voyage.ExceptionNothing in this section subjects the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel to any liability by reason of the vessel’s being sent to sea in an unseaworthy condition if sending the vessel to sea in that condition was reasonable and justifiable in order to mitigate unsafe circumstances.
Liens and Claims
LiensThe master, and each crew member, of a Canadian vessel has a maritime lien against the vessel for claims that arise in respect of their employment on the vessel, including in respect of wages and costs of repatriation that are payable to the master or crew member under any law or custom.Foreign liensThe master and each crew member of a vessel on whom a maritime lien against the vessel is conferred by a jurisdiction other than Canada in respect of employment on the vessel has a maritime lien against the vessel.Liens for necessariesThe master of a Canadian vessel has a maritime lien against the vessel for claims that arise in respect of disbursements made or liabilities incurred by the master for necessaries on account of the vessel.ClaimsThe master, and each crew member, of a vessel may maintain an action against the vessel in the Federal Court, or any court of competent jurisdiction whose rules provide for in rem procedure in respect of vessels, for claims in respect of which a lien is conferred by subsection (1), (2) or (2.1).PriorityLiens conferred by subsection (1) or (2) rank in priority to all other claims, secured or unsecured, against the vessel, other thanclaims for costs relating to the arrest and the judicial sale of the vessel; orany lien arising from a claim for salvage in respect of the vessel.Priority — liens for necessariesLiens conferred by subsection (2.1) rank in priority to all other claims, secured or unsecured, against the vessel, other thanliens conferred by subsection (1) or (2);claims for costs relating to the arrest and the judicial sale of the vessel; orany lien arising from a claim for salvage in respect of the vessel.
Certificates
Positions on board Canadian vesselsEvery person who is employed on board a Canadian vessel in a position in respect of which a certificate is required under this Part shall hold the certificate and comply with its terms and conditions.2001, c. 26, s. 87; 2017, c. 26, s. 41(F)
EligibilityOnly a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act may hold a certificate of competency that is issued under this Part.Foreign certificates of competencyThe Minister may, on application by a person described in subsection (1), issue a certificate of competency in respect of certain requirements under this Act to the holder of a certificate of competency that was issued under the laws of a foreign state if the Minister is satisfied that the requirements under those laws for the foreign certificate meet or exceed the requirements under this Act. Before issuing the certificate, the Minister may require that the holder take an examination set by the Minister.2001, c. 26, ss. 88, 323; 2017, c. 26, s. 41(F)
Acceptance of foreign certificatesIf the government of a foreign state has entered into a reciprocal arrangement with the Government of Canada to accept certificates of competency issued under this Part in lieu of certificates of competency of that state and if the Minister is satisfied that the requirements under the laws of the foreign state for a certificate of competency meet or exceed the requirements under this Act, the Minister may direct, subject to any conditions that the Minister specifies, that the foreign certificate may be accepted in lieu of a certificate of competency issued under this Part.Suspension or cancellationA foreign certificate that is accepted under subsection (1) may, in so far only as concerns its validity in Canada, be suspended or cancelled by the Minister as though it were a Canadian maritime document, and the holder of any certificate so suspended or cancelled must deliver it to the Minister, who must then return it to the authority that issued it.2001, c. 26, s. 89; 2017, c. 26, s. 41(F)
Medical or Optometric Information
Minister to be provided with informationIf a physician or an optometrist believes on reasonable grounds that the holder of a certificate issued under this Part has a medical or optometric condition that is likely to constitute a hazard to maritime safety, the physician or optometrist shall inform the Minister without delay of that opinion and the reasons for it.Patient to adviseThe holder of a certificate issued under this Part in respect of which standards of medical or optometric fitness are required shall, before being examined by a physician or an optometrist, advise the physician or optometrist that they hold the certificate.Use by MinisterThe Minister may use any information provided under subsection (1) for the purpose of determining whether the holder of a certificate meets the requirements in respect of that certificate.No proceedings shall lieNo legal, disciplinary or other proceedings lie against a physician or optometrist for anything they do in good faith in compliance with this section.Deemed consentThe holder of a certificate is deemed, for the purposes of this section, to have consented to the Minister being informed under subsection (1) in the circumstances referred to in that subsection.2001, c. 26, s. 90; 2017, c. 26, s. 42(F)
Articles of Agreement, Discharge and Record of Sea Service
Articles of agreementThe master of a vessel who is required by the regulations made under this Part to enter into articles of agreement shallensure that every crew member has entered into and received articles of agreement, in the form and manner specified by the Minister, with respect to their position on the vessel; anddisplay, in a location that is accessible to the crew, the provisions of the articles of agreement that are common to each crew member.InformationThe articles of agreement between the master and a crew member must state the surname and other names of the crew member, the respective rights and obligations of each of the parties and any other information required by the regulations made under this Part.
DischargeWhen a crew member of a Canadian vessel is discharged, the authorized representative shall provide the member with a certificate of discharge in the form and manner specified by the Minister.
Record of sea serviceThe authorized representative and every crew member of a Canadian vessel shall each maintain, in the form and manner and for the period specified by the Minister, a record of sea service of the member.Copies to the MinisterOn request, the authorized representative shall provide the Minister with a copy of, or an extract from, a crew member’s record of sea service.
Return of Crew Members
Return and payment of expensesSubject to the regulations and except in the case of desertion or mutual agreement, if a crew member is left behind when a Canadian vessel sails or is shipwrecked, the authorized representative shall ensure that arrangements are made to return the crew member to the place where they first came on board or to another place to which they have agreed, and pay the expenses of returning the crew member as well as all expenses, including medical expenses, that the crew member reasonably incurs before being returned.Exception if insuranceThe authorized representative is not responsible to pay any expenses covered by insurance for which the authorized representative paid.If authorized representative does not complyIf the authorized representative does not comply with subsection (1), the Minister may act in place of the authorized representative and any expenses incurred by the Minister constitute a debt due to Her Majesty in right of Canada by the authorized representative and may be recovered as such in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Desertion or serious violation of contractIf a crew member deserts a Canadian vessel or has committed a serious violation of their contract of employment, the authorized representative or, if the authorized representative entered into an agreement with another person to provide the crew member, that person may return the crew member to the place where they first came on board or to another place on which they and the authorized representative or the other person, as the case may be, have agreed. The expenses of returning the crew member may be deducted from any remuneration due to them.
Births and Deaths
Informing the MinisterThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel must, in the form and manner specified by the Minister, inform the Minister of every birth or death on board.
Death of crew memberSubject to any other law, if a crew member of a Canadian vessel dies, the master shallwithout delay inform the Minister or a diplomatic or consular officer of Canada of the circumstances surrounding the death; andat the option of the person, if any, whom the crew member identified as a contact in case of emergency, arrange to bury or cremate the body or, if the person and the master agree on a place to return the body to, return it to that place.Cremation or burialIf the contact person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) cannot be consulted within a reasonable period, the master shall, subject to any other law, bury or cremate the body, taking into account the deceased’s wishes if known.Exceptional circumstancesIf, in the opinion of the master, it is not feasible, because of the type of voyage or the lack of facilities, to follow the wishes of the contact person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or of the deceased crew member, the master shall, subject to any other law, bury or cremate the body.Property of a deceased crew memberThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel shall give any property that belonged to a deceased crew member and was on board to the contact person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or the deceased crew member’s estate or succession.
Obligation of Persons Who Provide Crew Members
If an agreement to provide crew membersIf the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel entered into an agreement with another person to provide crew members, that other person shall, in lieu of the authorized representative or the master with respect to those crew members, comply with the obligation of the authorized representative or master set out inparagraph 91(1)(a) (enter into articles);section 92 (provide certificate of discharge);subsection 93(1) (maintain record of sea service);subsection 93(2) (provide copy of record of sea service); andsubsection 94(1) (pay expenses), except in respect of any expenses covered by insurance for which that other person or the authorized representative paid.
Resolution of Disputes
Adjudication by MinisterThe Minister may, on the request of the authorized representative or a crew member of a Canadian vessel, adjudicate any dispute between the authorized representative and crew member that arises under this Part. The Minister’s decision is binding on the parties.2001, c. 26, s. 992023, c. 26, s. 370(E)
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Part, including regulationsspecifying the positions that shall be occupied on board Canadian vessels, or classes of Canadian vessels, their minimum number and the types and classes of Canadian maritime documents that persons in those positions shall hold;specifying the requirements in respect of any position on board Canadian vessels or classes of Canadian vessels;specifying the types and classes of certificates that may be issued in respect of positions on board Canadian vessels or classes of Canadian vessels;respecting the qualifications required of applicants for any type or class of certificate specified under paragraph (c), including their medical fitness, minimum age, degree of knowledge, skill, training and experience;respecting the manner of determining whether a person meets the requirements specified under paragraph (b) in respect of a position or the qualifications required under paragraph (d) for any type or class of certificate of competency or other Canadian maritime document;specifying the terms and conditions of certificates of competency or other Canadian maritime documents issued under this Part;specifying the circumstances in which ensuring arrangements for a crew member’s return and paying their expenses are not required for the purpose of subsection 94(1);respecting persons who enter into agreements to provide crew members, including requiring that those persons be licensed;specifying the Canadian vessels or classes of Canadian vessels in respect of which the master shall enter into articles of agreement with crew members;specifying the information that must be contained in articles of agreement;specifying what constitutes a serious violation of a contract of employment;respecting any occupational health or safety matter on board a vessel that is not regulated by the Canada Labour Code; andrespecting the payment and allotment of crew members’ wages.2001, c. 26, s. 100; 2017, c. 26, s. 43(F)
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenessubsection 82(2) (operating a vessel without sufficient and competent crew);subsection 82(3) (wilfully obstructing the operation of a vessel); ora provision of the regulations made under any of paragraphs 100(a) to (i) and (k) to (m).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.Continuing offenceIf an offence under subsection (1) is committed or continued on more than one day, the person who committed it is liable to be convicted for a separate offence for each day on which it is committed or continued.
Contravention of ActEvery person commits an offence who contravenessection 87 (hold certificate or document and comply with its terms and conditions);subsection 90(1) (inform Minister of medical opinion);subsection 90(2) (inform that holder of a certificate);subsection 94(1) (pay expenses);subsection 97(1), (2), (3) or (4) (take measures following a death); orparagraph 98(e) (failure to pay expenses).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenessubsection 82(1) (ensure employees present Canadian maritime documents);paragraph 91(1)(a) (enter into articles);paragraph 91(1)(b) (display articles);section 92 (provide certificate of discharge);subsection 93(1) (maintain record of sea service);subsection 93(2) (provide copy of record of sea service);paragraph 98(a) (enter into articles);paragraph 98(b) (provide certificate of discharge);paragraph 98(c) (maintain record of sea service);paragraph 98(d) (provide copy of record of sea service); ora provision of the regulations made under paragraph 100(j).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.2001, c. 26, s. 1032023, c. 26, s. 371
SafetyInterpretation
Definition of MinisterIn this Part, Minister means the Minister of Transport.
Application
Canadian vessels and foreign vesselsThis Part applies in respect of Canadian vessels, other than pleasure craft, everywhere and in respect of foreign vessels in Canadian waters.
Authorized Representatives
General dutiesThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel shallensure that the vessel and its machinery and equipment meet the requirements of the regulations made under this Part;develop procedures for the safe operation of the vessel and for dealing with emergencies; andensure that the crew and passengers receive safety training.Duties re Canadian maritime documentsThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel shall ensure thatthe vessel and its machinery and equipment are inspected for the purpose of obtaining all of the Canadian maritime documents that are required under this Part; andevery term or condition attached to a Canadian maritime document issued in respect of the vessel or its machinery or equipment is met.
Masters
Obtaining Canadian maritime documentsThe master of a Canadian vessel shall, before the vessel embarks on a voyage from a port in Canada, ensure that all of the Canadian maritime documents required under this Part have been obtained.
ExemptionsIf the master of a Canadian vessel has had the vessel or its machinery or equipment inspected by an authority of a foreign state and that authority has issued a certificate that certifies that the vessel, machinery or equipment meets certain requirements of that state and the Minister is satisfied that those requirements meet or exceed the requirements for a Canadian maritime document required under this Part, the Minister may grant an exemption, for the period specified by the Minister, from the obligation to comply with subsection 106(2) and section 107 with respect to that certificate.Issuance of certificates by foreign statesThe Minister may request the government of a state that is a party to a convention, protocol or resolution listed in Schedule 1 respecting the safety of vessels or of persons who are on board or are loading or unloading vessels to issue in respect of a Canadian vessel any certificate provided for by the convention, protocol or resolution. A certificate issued as a result of such a request and containing a statement that it has been so issued has effect for the purposes of this Act as if it had been issued under this Part and may be suspended or cancelled as though it were a Canadian maritime document.
Safety of personsThe master of a vessel shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the vessel and of persons who are on board or are loading or unloading it while using equipment on it.Protection from hazardsIf the master of a vessel is informed of a safety hazard, the master shall, unless the master determines that the hazard does not exist, take reasonable measures to protect the vessel and persons on board from the hazard, including eliminating it if feasible. If it is not feasible to eliminate it, the master of a Canadian vessel shall notify the authorized representative.
Carrying excess number of personsThe master of a vessel must ensure that the number of persons carried on board is not more than the number of persons authorized to be on board under any certificate issued under this Part or under an international convention, protocol or resolution listed in Schedule 1.Submerging load linesThe master of a vessel shall ensure that the applicable load lines on the vessel are not submerged.Exception to subsection (1)Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a person carried on board a vessel in pursuance of the obligation on the master to carry shipwrecked or distressed persons.2001, c. 26, s. 1102023, c. 26, s. 372
Direction to cease — masterThe Minister may direct a master to cease any operation that, in the Minister’s opinion, poses an undue risk because of unsafe conditions.Direction to take measures — masterThe Minister may direct a master to take measures that, in the Minister’s opinion, are necessary to avoid an undue risk because of unsafe conditions, including a direction toprovide the Minister with any information that the Minister considers appropriate to assess or deal with risks to marine safety;proceed by the route and in the manner that the Minister specifies; andproceed to a place that the Minister selects, by the route and in the manner that the Minister specifies, andunload the vessel’s cargo, ormoor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the Minister specifies.Direction to authorize vesselThe Minister may direct a port authority or a person in charge of a port authority or place to authorize a vessel in respect of which a direction has been made under paragraph (2)(c) to proceed to the place selected by the Minister and tounload the cargo; ormoor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the Minister may specify.2001, c. 26, s. 1112023, c. 26, s. 373
Information to be sent respecting dangers to navigationIf the master of a Canadian vessel encounters dangerous ice, a dangerous derelict or other direct danger to navigation, a tropical storm, winds of a force of 10 or more on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received or subfreezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds and causing severe ice accretion on the superstructure of the vessel, the master shall give notice to all vessels in the vicinity and the prescribed authorities on shore of the danger.
Crew
Carrying out duties and reportingEvery crew member on board a vessel shallcarry out their duties and functions in a manner that does not jeopardize the safety of the vessel or of any person on board;report to the master any safety hazards of which they become aware;report to the master any change in their circumstances that could affect their ability to carry out their duties and functions safely; andcomply with lawful directions given by the master.
Direction to cease — crewThe Minister may direct a crew member on board a vessel to cease any operation that, in the Minister’s opinion, poses an undue risk because of unsafe conditions.Direction to take measures — crewThe Minister may direct a crew member on board a vessel to take measures that, in the Minister’s opinion, are necessary to avoid an undue risk because of unsafe conditions, including a direction to provide the Minister with any information that the Minister considers appropriate to support assessing or addressing risks to marine safety.2001, c. 26, s. 1142023, c. 26, s. 374
Passengers
Compliance with directionsEvery passenger on board a vessel shall comply with any direction that is given to them by the master or a crew member to carry out the provisions of this Act or the regulations.Compliance with direction to leave a vesselEvery passenger on board a vessel shall comply with a direction to leave the vessel that is given to them by the master before the vessel embarks on a voyage.
Authorized Representatives, Masters, Crew Members and Other Persons
When boarding a vessel prohibitedSubject to sections 135 (stopping and boarding a vessel), 175.1 (powers of pollution response officers — general), 196 and 198 (pleasure craft inspections), 200 (stopping and boarding a vessel) and 211 (inspections) and to any other Act of Parliament, no person shall go or attempt to go on board a vessel or to leave or attempt to leave onewithout the permission or against the orders of the master or the person in charge of embarkation or disembarkation; orif there is no safe means of embarkation or disembarkation or every such means has been blocked.2001, c. 26, s. 116; 2005, c. 29, s. 17
Tampering and vandalismNo person shall tamper with or vandalize a vessel or its machinery, equipment or notices or plans relating to emergency procedures, safety or navigation.
Jeopardizing safetyNo person shall take any action that might jeopardize the safety of a vessel or of persons on board.
Construction of Vessels
In accordance with plansSubject to the regulations, no person shall construct, manufacture or alter a vessel of a prescribed class otherwise than in accordance with plans approved by the Minister as having met the requirements of the regulations respecting the design and construction of vessels of that class.
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations respecting the safety of vessels or classes of vessels and of persons on board or loading or unloading a vessel, including regulationsrespecting the design, construction, manufacture and maintenance of vessels or classes of vessels;specifying the machinery, equipment and supplies that are required or prohibited on board vessels or classes of vessels;respecting the design, construction, manufacture, maintenance, storage, testing, approval, arrangement and use of a vessel’s or a class of vessels’ machinery, equipment and supplies;respecting the requirements that vessels, or classes of vessels, and their machinery and equipment must meet;requiring the obtaining of certificates certifying that any of the requirements referred to in paragraph (d) are met;specifying the terms and conditions of certificates issued under this Part;respecting the inspection and testing of vessels, or classes of vessels, and their machinery, equipment and supplies;respecting load lines and draught marks on vessels or classes of vessels;respecting procedures and practices that must be followed;respecting compulsory routes and recommended routes;regulating or prohibiting the operation of vessels for the purpose of protecting persons, vessels, artificial islands, installations, structures, works, shore areas or environmentally sensitive areas;respecting the prevention of collisions in Canadian waters or waters in the exclusive economic zone of Canada;respecting arrangements for ensuring communication between persons in different parts of a vessel and between persons on board and other persons;respecting information and documents that must be supplied to the master and kept on board vessels or classes of vessels;respecting the marking of vessels and the posting of notices, plans and Canadian maritime documents to show information relating to safety and to emergency procedures;respecting the number of passengers that may be on board a vessel and their safety;respecting the illumination of docks or wharfs at which vessels are berthed;respecting shore-based gangways;respecting cargo;respecting arrangements for emergency services, including requiring vessels or classes of vessels to enter into such arrangements; andprescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part.Application of regulationsRegulations made under this section apply in respect of vessels that are capable of engaging in the drilling for, or the production, conservation or processing of, oil or gas only if the regulations so state and were made on the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Minister of Natural Resources.AircraftDespite section 105, regulations referred to in paragraph (1)(k) or (l) may be made in respect of aircraft on or over Canadian waters.Pleasure craftDespite section 105, regulations referred to in paragraph (1)(j), (k) or (l) may be made in respect of pleasure craft that are in Canadian waters.Contraventions of regulationsDespite section 105, paragraph 121(1)(s) applies in respect of contraventions of regulations made under subsection (3) or (4).2001, c. 26, s. 120; 2018, c. 27, s. 694(E)2023, c. 26, s. 375
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:paragraph 106(1)(a) (ensure vessel meets requirements);paragraph 106(1)(b) (develop emergency procedures);paragraph 106(1)(c) (ensure training);paragraph 106(2)(a) (ensure vessel inspected);paragraph 106(2)(b) (ensure terms and conditions met);section 107 (obtain Canadian maritime documents);subsection 109(1) (ensure safety);subsection 109(2) (protect from hazards and notify authorized representative);subsection 110(1) (too many persons);a direction given under subsection 111(1) (direction to cease — master);a direction given under subsection 111(2) (direction to take measures — master);a direction given under subsection 111(3) (direction to authorize vessel);section 112 (inform of danger);paragraph 113(a) (carry out duties and functions safely);paragraph 113(b) (report safety hazards);paragraph 113(c) (report change in circumstances);paragraph 113(d) (comply with lawful direction given by master);a direction given under subsection 114(2) (direction to take measures — crew);section 117 (tampering or vandalism);section 118 (jeopardizing safety);section 119 (constructing, manufacturing or altering a vessel not in accordance with approved plans); anda provision of the regulations made under this Part.PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.2001, c. 26, s. 1212023, c. 26, s. 376
Contravention of subsection 110(2)Every person who contravenes subsection 110(2) (submerged load lines) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $500,000 in respect of each centimetre or part of a centimetre that the applicable load line is submerged or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.
Contravention of ActEvery person commits an offence who contravenesa direction given under subsection 114(1) (direction to cease — crew);subsection 115(1) (passenger to comply with direction);subsection 115(2) (passenger to comply with direction to leave vessel);paragraph 116(a) (boarding or attempting to board without permission); orparagraph 116(b) (boarding or attempting to board after safety barriers are in place).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.2001, c. 26, s. 1232023, c. 26, s. 377
When compliance agreement in effectIf an offence under any of sections 121 to 123 is committed while an agreement or arrangement is in effect between the Minister and the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel that provides that inspections of the vessel to ensure compliance with a provision referred to in subsection 121(1), section 122 or subsection 123(1) will be carried out by the authorized representative or a person or an organization acting on their behalf, the amount of any fine imposed under that section may be doubled.
Navigation ServicesInterpretation
DefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.aid to navigation means a buoy, beacon, lighthouse, landmark, radio aid to marine navigation or any other structure or device installed, built or maintained in or on water or on land for the purpose of assisting with marine navigation. (aide à la navigation)Minister means the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. (ministre)VTS Zone means a Vessel Traffic Services Zone established under paragraph 136(1)(a). (zone STM)
Vessel Traffic Services
Entering, leaving or proceeding within a VTS ZoneSubject to subsection (4), no vessel of a prescribed class shallenter, leave or proceed within a VTS Zone without having previously obtained a clearance under this section; orproceed within a VTS Zone unless able to maintain direct communication with a marine communications and traffic services officer in accordance with the regulations.Marine communications and traffic services officersThe Minister may designate as marine communications and traffic services officers persons in the federal public administration who meet the requirements specified by the Minister.Powers of officersSubject to any regulations made under section 136, to any other Act of Parliament governing ports or harbours and to the regulations or by-laws made under such an Act, for the purpose of promoting safe and efficient navigation or environmental protection, a marine communications and traffic services officer may, with respect to any vessel of a prescribed class that is about to enter or is within a VTS Zone,grant a clearance to the vessel to enter, leave or proceed within the VTS Zone;direct the master, pilot or person in charge of the deck watch of the vessel to provide, in the manner and at any time that may be specified in the direction, any pertinent information in respect of the vessel that may be specified in the direction;direct the vessel to use any radio frequencies in communications with coast stations or any other vessel that may be specified in the direction; anddirect the vessel, at the time, between the times or before or after any event that may be specified in the direction,to leave the VTS Zone,to leave or refrain from entering any area within the VTS Zone that may be specified in the direction, orto proceed to or remain at any location within the VTS Zone that may be specified in the direction.If vessel unable to communicateIf a vesselis unable to obtain a clearance required by subsection (1) because of an inability to establish direct communication with a marine communications and traffic services officer, orafter obtaining a clearance, is unable to maintain direct communication with a marine communications and traffic services officer,the vessel may, subject to subsection (6), nevertheless proceed on its route.Communication and obtaining clearanceThe master shallin the circumstances described in subsection (4), take all reasonable measures to communicate with a marine communications and traffic services officer as soon as possible; andin the circumstances described in paragraph (4)(a), obtain a clearance as soon as possible after direct communication is established.Equipment failureIn the circumstances described in subsection (4), if the master is unable to establish or maintain direct communication because of an equipment failure on the vessel, the vessel shallif it is in a port or anchorage where the equipment can be repaired, remain there until it is able to establish communication in accordance with the regulations; andif it is not in a port or anchorage where the equipment can be repaired, proceed to the nearest reasonably safe port or anchorage on its route when it is safe to do so and remain there until it is able to establish communication in accordance with the regulations.2001, c. 26, s. 126; 2003, c. 22, s. 224(E)2023, c. 26, s. 423(F)
Variations from requirements or conditionsThe Minister may, on request, vary in respect of a vessel a requirement or condition made under paragraph 136(1)(b) or (c) if the Minister is satisfied that the varied requirement or condition would result in an equivalent or greater level of safety.ContraventionA contravention of a requirement that is varied under subsection (1) is deemed to be a contravention of the original requirement.
Aids to Navigation
Aids to navigation vest in Her MajestyAll aids to navigation acquired, installed, built or maintained at the expense of a province before it became a part of Canada, or at the expense of the Government of Canada, and all buildings and other works relating to those aids, are vested in Her Majesty in right of Canada and are under the control and management of the Minister.
Obligation to report damageIf a vessel, or anything towed by a vessel, runs down, moves, damages or destroys an aid to navigation in Canadian waters, the person in charge of the vessel shall, without delay, make a report to a marine communications and traffic services officer or, if that is not feasible, to an officer of the Canadian Coast Guard.Obligation to report — navigation hazardA person in charge of a vessel in Canadian waters who discovers an uncharted hazard to navigation, or discovers that an aid to navigation is missing, out of position or malfunctioning, shall make a report without delay to a marine communications and traffic services officer or, if that is not feasible, to an officer of the Canadian Coast Guard.2001, c. 26, s. 1292023, c. 26, s. 378(F)
Search and Rescue
Designation — search and rescue mission coordinatorsThe Minister may designate persons as search and rescue mission coordinators to organize search and rescue operations.Powers — search and rescue mission coordinatorsOn being informed that a person, a vessel or an aircraft is in distress or is missing in Canadian waters, in the exclusive economic zone of Canada or on the high seas off any of the coasts of Canada under circumstances that indicate that they may be in distress, a search and rescue mission coordinator maydirect all vessels within an area that the search and rescue mission coordinator specifies to report their positions;direct any vessel to take part in a search for that person, vessel or aircraft or to otherwise render assistance;give any other directions that the search and rescue mission coordinator considers necessary to carry out search and rescue operations for that person, vessel or aircraft; anduse any lands if it is necessary to do so for the purpose of saving the life of a shipwrecked person.Duty to complyEvery vessel or person on board a vessel in Canadian waters and every vessel or person on board a vessel in any waters that has a master who is a qualified person shall comply with a direction given to it or them under subsection (2).2001, c. 26, s. 130; 2018, c. 27, s. 6952023, c. 26, s. 379
Answering distress signalSubject to this section, the master of a vessel in Canadian waters and every qualified person who is the master of a vessel in any waters, on receiving a signal from any source that a person, a vessel or an aircraft is in distress, shall proceed with all speed to render assistance and shall, if possible, inform the persons in distress or the sender of the signal.Distress signal — no assistanceIf the master is unable or, in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to proceed to the assistance of a person, a vessel or an aircraft in distress, the master is not required to proceed to their assistance and is to enter the reason in the official log book of the vessel.Ships requisitionedThe master of any vessel in distress may requisition one or more of any vessels that answer the distress call to render assistance. The master of a requisitioned vessel in Canadian waters and every qualified person who is the master of a requisitioned vessel in any waters shall continue to proceed with all speed to render assistance to the vessel in distress.Release from obligationThe master of a vessel shall be released from the obligation imposed by subsection (1) when the master learns that another vessel is complying with a requisition referred to in subsection (3).Further releaseThe master of a vessel shall be released from an obligation imposed by subsection (1) or (3) if the master is informed by the persons in distress or by the master of another vessel that has reached those persons that assistance is no longer necessary.
AssistanceThe master of a vessel in Canadian waters and every qualified person who is the master of a vessel in any waters shall render assistance to every person who is found at sea and in danger of being lost.
Aircraft treated as if vesselSections 130 to 132 apply in respect of aircraft on or over Canadian waters as they apply in respect of vessels in Canadian waters, with any modifications that the circumstances require.
[Repealed, 2013, c. 28, s. 9]
Enforcement
DesignationThe Minister may designate any person or class of persons for the purposes of enforcing this Part.Designation — Minister of TransportThe Minister of Transport may designate any person or class of persons for the purposes of enforcing a provision of this Part or of a regulation made under this Part that the Minister of Transport is responsible for administering.Stopping and boarding vesselA person, or a member of a class of persons, designated under subsection (1) or (1.1) who has reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed or is about to be committed under this Part by a vessel or any person on board a vessel may stop and board the vessel and take any reasonable action to ensure public safety or protect the public interest.2001, c. 26, s. 1352023, c. 26, s. 380
Regulations
Regulations — Minister of TransportThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, make regulationsestablishing VTS Zones within Canadian waters or in a shipping safety control zone prescribed under the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act;respecting the information to be provided and the procedures and practices to be followed by vessels that are about to enter, leave or proceed within a VTS Zone;respecting the conditions under which a clearance under section 126 is to be granted;defining the expression about to enter for the purpose of this Part;respecting aids to navigation in Canadian waters;regulating or prohibiting the navigation, anchoring, mooring or berthing of vessels for the purposes of promoting the safe and efficient navigation of vessels and protecting the public interest and the environment;respecting the safety of persons on Canadian waters for the purposes of sporting, recreational or public events or activities;specifying classes of persons, or appointing persons, to ensure compliance with regulations made under any of paragraphs (b) and (e) to (g) and specifying their powers and duties; andprescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part.Regulations — MinisterThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations[Repealed, 2013, c. 28, s. 10]respecting maritime search and rescue.Order — Minister of TransportThe Minister of Transport may, by order, suspend or modify the operation of regulations made under paragraph (1)(f) or (g).Cessation of effect of orderAn order made under subsection (3) has effect from the time that it is made or from any later date that may be specified in the order but ceases to have effect on the earliest ofthe day on which it is repealed;the day on which a regulation made under this Act that has the same effect as the order comes into force; andtwo years after the effective date of the order or any shorter period that may be specified in the order.Statutory Instruments ActThe Statutory Instruments Act does not apply to an order made under subsection (3). However, the order must be published in the Canada Gazette within 23 days after it is made.2001, c. 26, s. 136; 2005, c. 29, s. 18; 2013, c. 28, s. 102023, c. 26, s. 381
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of ActEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:subsection 131(1) (assist persons in distress);subsection 131(3) (comply with requisition to assist person in distress); orsection 132 (assist a person found at sea).PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.DefenceNo person on board a vessel may be convicted of an offence under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) if they had reasonable grounds to believe that compliance with subsection 131(1) or (3) or section 132, as the case may be, would have imperilled life, the vessel or another vessel.
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:paragraph 126(1)(a) (entering, leaving or proceeding within a VTS Zone without a clearance);paragraph 126(1)(b) (proceeding within a VTS Zone when unable to maintain direct communication);a direction given under paragraph 126(3)(b), (c) or (d) (to provide information, to use radio frequencies or to leave, refrain from entering, proceed to or remain in a VTS Zone);paragraph 126(5)(a) (take all reasonable measures to communicate);paragraph 126(5)(b) (obtain clearance);subsection 126(6) (remain at port or proceed to safe port);subsection 129(1) (report disturbance of aid to navigation);subsection 129(2) (report navigation hazard);subsection 130(3) (comply with direction of search and rescue mission coordinator); ora provision of the regulations made under this Part.PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.Defence available in certain casesNo vessel or person on board a vessel may be convicted of contravening subsection 126(1) (entering, leaving or proceeding within a VTS Zone) or a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 136(1)(b) if they had reasonable grounds to believe that compliance with that provision would have imperilled life, the vessel, another vessel or any property.Vessel may be detainedIf the Minister or a person authorized by the Minister for the purpose of this subsection believes on reasonable grounds that an offence referred to in subsection (1) has been committed by or in respect of a vessel, the Minister or that person may make a detention order in respect of the vessel, and section 222 (detention of vessels) applies to the detention order, with any modifications that the circumstances require.2001, c. 26, s. 138; 2018, c. 27, s. 696
[Repealed, 2013, c. 28, s. 11]
Incidents, Accidents and CasualtiesInterpretation
Definition of MinisterIn this Part, Minister means the Minister of Transport.2001, c. 26, s. 1402019, c. 1, s. 143
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 143]
Obligations in Case of Collisions
Duty of masters in collisionIf vessels collide, the master or person in charge of each vessel shall, if and in so far as they can to do so without endangering their vessel, crew or passengers,render to the other vessel, its master, crew and passengers the assistance that may be necessary to save them from any danger caused by the collision, and to stay by the other vessel until the master or person has determined that it has no need of further assistance; andgive the name of their vessel, if any, the name and address of its authorized representative, if any, and any other prescribed information to the master or person in charge of the other vessel.
Inquiry into Causes of Death
Inquiry into cause of death on boardIf a person dies on board a Canadian vessel, on the vessel’s arrival at a port in Canada, the Minister is to endeavour to ascertain the cause of death and, for that purpose, may hold an inquiry.Powers of MinisterFor the purpose of the inquiry, the Minister has the powers of a commissioner under Part I of the Inquiries Act and may, if it appears to the Minister to be necessary for the purpose of the inquiry,go on board any vessel and inspect it or any part of it, or any of its machinery, equipment or cargo, while not detaining the vessel for longer than necessary from proceeding on a voyage; andenter and inspect any premises at any reasonable time.Warrant required to enter living quartersLiving quarters may not be entered under subsection (2) unless they are entered with the consent of the occupant or under the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (4).Authority to issue warrantOn ex parte application, a justice, within the meaning of section 2 of the Criminal Code, may issue a warrant authorizing the Minister to enter living quarters, subject to any conditions that may be specified in the warrant, if the justice is satisfied by information on oath that entry to the living quartersis necessary for the purpose of an inquiry; andhas been refused or there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will be refused.Use of forceIn executing a warrant, the Minister may not use force unless the Minister is accompanied by a peace officer and the use of force has been specifically authorized in the warrant.
Regulations
Regulations — MinisterThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulationsrespecting the reporting of accidents or dangerous occurrences happening to or on board vessels, whether or not attended with loss of life;[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 144]respecting the use of photographs, film, video recordings or electronic images of the human remains of victims of accidents involving a wrecked vessel or an aircraft wrecked in waters; andprescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part.[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 144]2001, c. 26, s. 150; 2005, c. 2, s. 82019, c. 1, s. 144
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of paragraph 148(a) or the regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenesparagraph 148(a) (render assistance after a collision); ora provision of the regulations made under paragraph 150(1)(a).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenesparagraph 148(b) (failure to provide information after a collision); ora provision of the regulations made under paragraph 150(1)(c).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.2001, c. 26, s. 1522019, c. 1, s. 1452023, c. 26, s. 382
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 146]
Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and OceansInterpretation
DefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.discharge means a discharge of a pollutant from a vessel, or a discharge of oil from an oil handling facility or of a hazardous and noxious substance from a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility if the facility is engaged in loading to or unloading from a vessel, that directly or indirectly results in the pollutant entering the water, and includes spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, throwing and dumping. (rejet)hazardous and noxious substance means a substance other than oil that, if introduced into the marine environment, is likely to create hazards to human health, harm living resources and marine life, damage amenities or interfere with legitimate uses of the marine environment. (substance nocive et potentiellement dangereuse)hazardous and noxious substances pollution incident means any occurrence or series of occurrences having the same origin, including fire or explosion, that results or may result in a discharge of hazardous and noxious substances. (événement de pollution par les substances nocives et potentiellement dangereuses)Minister means the Minister of Transport. (ministre)oil means petroleum in any form, including crude oil, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse and refined products. (hydrocarbures)oil pollution incident means an occurrence, or a series of occurrences having the same origin, that results or may result in a discharge of oil. (événement de pollution par les hydrocarbures)pollutant meansa substance that, if added to any waters, would degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of the waters to an extent that is detrimental to their use by humans or by an animal or a plant that is useful to humans; andany water that contains a substance in such a quantity or concentration, or that has been so treated, processed or changed, by heat or other means, from a natural state, that it would, if added to any waters, degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of the waters to an extent that is detrimental to their use by humans or by an animal or a plant that is useful to humans.It includes oil, hazardous and noxious substances and any substance or class of substances that is prescribed for the purpose of this Part to be a pollutant. (polluant)pollution damage in relation to a vessel, an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances facility, means loss or damage outside the vessel or facility caused by contamination resulting from a discharge from the vessel or facility. (dommages dus à la pollution)response organization means a qualified person to whom the Minister issues a certificate of designation under subsection 169(1). (organisme d’intervention)2001, c. 26, s. 165; 2005, c. 29, s. 21; 2018, c. 27, s. 6982023, c. 26, s. 383
Application
ApplicationExcept as otherwise provided in this Part, this Part applies in respect of vessels in Canadian waters or waters in the exclusive economic zone of Canada and in respect of oil handling facilities and hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities that are in Canada.ExclusionThis Part does not apply in respect of a vessel that is on location and engaged in the exploration or drilling for, or the production, conservation or processing of, oil or gas in an area described in paragraph 3(a) or (b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.Definition of oil and gasIn subsection (2), oil and gas have the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.2001, c. 26, s. 1662023, c. 26, s. 384
Discharges of Oil
Vessels — requirementsSubject to subsection (2), every prescribed vessel or vessel of a prescribed class shallhave an arrangement with a response organization in respect of a quantity of oil that is at least equal to the total amount of oil that the vessel carries, both as cargo and as fuel, to a prescribed maximum quantity, and in respect of waters where the vessel navigates or engages in a marine activity; andhave on board a declaration, in the form specified by the Minister, thatidentifies the name and address of the vessel’s insurer or, in the case of a subscription policy, the name and address of the lead insurer who provides pollution insurance coverage in respect of the vessel,confirms that the arrangement has been made, andidentifies every person who is authorized to implement the arrangement.Certain provisions do not apply to certain vesselsParagraph (1)(a) and subparagraphs (1)(b)(ii) and (iii) do not apply in respect of a vessel that is in prescribed waters.ExemptionThe Minister may exempt, subject to any conditions that the Minister considers appropriate, for a specified period any vessel, or class of vessels, that is en route through waters referred to in subsection 166(1), from the application of any provision of this Part if the Minister is of the opinion that the vessel or class of vessels is subject to a provision of the laws of another state that provides for standards that are equivalent to or stricter than the standards provided for in the provision of this Part.PublicationNotice of every exemption must be published in the Canada Gazette.2001, c. 26, s. 167; 2005, c. 29, s. 22
Oil Handling Facilities
Notification of proposed operationsSubject to the regulations, a person who proposes to operate an oil handling facility of a class established by the regulations shall, within the prescribed time, notify the Minister of the proposed operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil to or from vessels and shall submit to the Minister any information or documents required by the regulations and, within the time specified by the Minister, any information or documents requested by the Minister.2014, c. 29, s. 60
Submission of plansSubject to the regulations, a person who proposes to operate an oil handling facility of a class established by the regulations shall, at least 90 days before the day on which the oil handling facility’s operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil to or from vessels will begin — or within any other time specified by the Minister — submit to the Ministeran oil pollution prevention plan to prevent a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel, which meets the requirements set out in the regulations; andan oil pollution emergency plan to respond to a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel, which meets the requirements set out in the regulations.Submission of information or documentsA person referred to in subsection (1) shall submit to the Minister any information or documents requested by the Minister, within the time specified by the Minister.Prohibition against beginning operationsA person referred to in subsection (1) shall not begin operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil to or from vessels unless the plans submitted under subsection (1) meet the requirements set out in the regulations.2014, c. 29, s. 60
Notification of operationsSubject to the regulations, the operator of an oil handling facility of a class established by the regulations shall notify the Minister of the oil handling facility’s operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil to or from vessels within 90 days after the day on which this section comes into force and shall submit to the Minister any information or documents required by the regulations and, within the time specified by the Minister, any information or documents requested by the Minister.2014, c. 29, s. 60
Submission of plansSubject to the regulations, unless the plans have already been submitted under subsection 167.2(1), the operator of an oil handling facility of a class established by the regulations shall submit to the Minister, within the time set out in the regulations, an oil pollution prevention plan to prevent a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel and an oil pollution emergency plan to respond to a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel — which meet the requirements set out in the regulations — and shall submit to the Minister any information or documents requested by the Minister, within the time specified by the Minister.2014, c. 29, s. 60
Oil handling facilities — requirementsSubject to the regulations, the operator of an oil handling facility of a class established by the regulations shallhave an arrangement with a response organization in respect of any quantity of oil that is, at any time, involved in being loaded or unloaded to or from a vessel at the oil handling facility, to a prescribed maximum quantity;have on site a declaration in the form specified by the Minister thatdescribes the manner in which the operator will comply with the regulations made under paragraph 182(1)(a),confirms that the arrangement has been made, andidentifies every person who is authorized to implement the arrangement and the oil pollution emergency plan referred to in paragraph (d);have on site an up-to-date oil pollution prevention plan to prevent a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel, which meets the requirements set out in the regulations;submit the up-to-date oil pollution prevention plan to the Minister within the time and in the circumstances set out in the regulations;have on site an up-to-date oil pollution emergency plan to respond to a discharge or possible discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel, which meets the requirements set out in the regulations;submit the up-to-date oil pollution emergency plan to the Minister within the time and in the circumstances set out in the regulations; andhave the procedures, equipment and resources required by the regulations available for immediate use in the event of a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel.[Repealed, 2014, c. 29, s. 61]Duty to take reasonable measures — oil handling facilitiesThe operator of an oil handling facility referred to in subsection (1) shall take reasonable measures to implementthe oil pollution prevention plan referred to in paragraph (1)(c); andin respect of an oil pollution incident, the oil pollution emergency plan referred to in paragraph (1)(d).2001, c. 26, s. 1682014, c. 29, s. 612023, c. 26, s. 389
Notification of proposed change to operationsSubject to the regulations, an operator of an oil handling facility of a class established by the regulations that proposes to make a change, or permit a change to be made, to the oil handling facility’s operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil to or from vessels shall — at least 180 days before the day on which it makes the change or permits the change to be made — notify the Minister of the change, including any of the following changes:a change in the oil handling facility’s transfer rate, if the change would result in the oil handling facility becoming part of a different class established by the regulations;a change in the design of the oil handling facility, or a change in the oil handling facility’s equipment; ora change in the type or composition of oil that is loaded or unloaded to or from vessels.Submission of information or documentsThe operator referred to in subsection (1) shall submit to the Minister any information or documents required by the regulations and, within the time specified by the Minister, any information or documents requested by the Minister.Revise plansThe operator referred to in subsection (1) shall revise the oil pollution prevention plan and the oil pollution emergency plan and submit the revised plans to the Minister at least 90 days before making the change or permitting the change to be made, or within any other time specified by the Minister.Prohibition against making changesAn operator shall not make a change referred to in subsection (1) or permit one to be made unless the plans submitted under subsection (3) meet the requirements set out in the regulations.2014, c. 29, s. 62
Update or revise plansDespite any other provision of this Part or the regulations, the Minister may direct the operator of an oil handling facility to update or revise an oil pollution prevention plan or an oil pollution emergency plan and to submit the up-to-date or revised plan to the Minister within the time specified by the Minister.2014, c. 29, s. 63
Provide informationA marine safety inspector may direct any person to provide the inspector with any information that the inspector reasonably requires in the administration of this Part.2014, c. 29, s. 63
Minister may take measuresIf the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that an oil handling facility has discharged, is discharging or may discharge oil, that the oil pollution prevention plan or the oil pollution emergency plan for an oil handling facility does not meet the requirements set out in the regulations or that the operator of an oil handling facility does not have the procedures, equipment and resources required by the regulations available for immediate use in the event of a discharge of oil during the loading or unloading of a vessel, the Minister maymonitor the measures taken by any person to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from the oil handling facility; orif he or she considers it necessary, direct the operator of the oil handling facility to take the measures that the Minister considers necessary to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from the oil handling facility, including to stop loading or unloading oil to or from vessels.2014, c. 29, s. 63; 2018, c. 27, s. 699
Response Organizations
Certificate of designationThe Minister may, in respect of any geographic area and in respect of a prescribed quantity of oil, issue a certificate of designation as a response organization to a qualified person who makes an application.ApplicationAn application for a certificate must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister.Further evidenceIn addition to the specified information and documents, the Minister may require that an applicantprovide evidence, including declarations, that the Minister considers necessary to establish that the requirements for the issuance of the certificate have been met; andundergo any examinations and have its installations undergo any inspections that the Minister considers necessary to establish that the requirements for the issuance of the certificate have been met.Period of validityEvery certificate is valid for the period specified by the Minister.Refusal to issue or renewThe Minister may refuse to issue or renew a certificate if the Minister is of the opinion that the public interest and, in particular, the record of the applicant or of a principal of the applicant warrant it.Suspension and cancellationThe Minister may suspend or cancel a certificate in the circumstances and on the grounds set out in the regulations.
Statement of feesA response organization, or a qualified person who makes an application under subsection 169(1), must notify the Minister, in the form and manner and including the information and accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister, of the fees that they propose to charge in relation to an arrangement referred to in paragraph 167(1)(a) or 168(1)(a).NoticeA response organization, or a qualified person who makes an application under subsection 169(1), must give notice of the proposed fees in the prescribed manner.Charging feesA response organization may not charge the fees before the expiry of 30 days after the notice is given.Fee reviewOn the application of any interested person in the prescribed manner within 30 days after the notice is given, the Minister is to review the reasonableness of the proposed fees.AssistanceThe Minister may appoint a person to assist in the review. The person has all the powers of a commissioner under Part I of the Inquiries Act.Order to amend or eliminate feeThe Minister may, by order, amend or eliminate a fee reviewed under subsection (4). The order comes into effect on the first day that the fee is charged.Notice of orderThe response organization affected by the order must give notice of it in the prescribed manner.
Prescribed procedures, equipment and resourcesEvery response organization shallhave a response plan that meets the prescribed requirements;have the prescribed equipment and resources at the site set out in the response plan;provide or arrange for prescribed training to prescribed classes of persons;undertake and participate in prescribed activities to evaluate the response plan or its implementation;on the request of a vessel or the operator of an oil handling facility with which the response organization has an arrangement referred to in paragraph 167(1)(a) or 168(1)(a), as the case may be, implement a response consistent with the response plan; andon the request of the Minister or an advisory council established under section 172, provide information regarding any of the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) to (e).
Provide documentsA marine safety inspector may direct a response organization to provide the inspector with any document that the organization is required to have under this Part.2014, c. 29, s. 64
Advisory Councils
Advisory councilsThe Minister may establish an advisory council in respect of any geographic area for the purpose of advising the Minister with respect to this Part.MembersEach advisory council is to be composed of no more than seven members who are appointed to the council by the Minister and who, in the Minister’s opinion, can represent the communities and interests potentially affected by an oil spill in that area.TermEach member of an advisory council is to be appointed for a term of not more than three years and is eligible for reappointment.PresidentAn advisory council must elect one of its members to be its president.Honoraria and expensesThe members of an advisory council may be paid the honoraria that the Minister considers appropriate and may be paid any reasonable travel, living and child care expenses incurred by them when engaged on the business of the council while absent from their ordinary place of residence.RecommendationsAn advisory council is to advise and may make recommendations to the Minister.Meetings in publicAdvisory council meetings must be open to the public unless the council is satisfied that a public meeting would not be in the public interest, in which case the meeting or any part of it may be held in private.
Report to Parliament
Review and report by MinisterEvery five years, the Minister must review the operation of sections 167 to 172 and have laid before each House of Parliament a report setting out the results of the review.
Pollution Response Officers
[Repealed, 2014, c. 29, s. 65]
Designation of pollution response officerThe Minister of Fisheries and Oceans may designate any persons or classes of persons as pollution response officers in respect of discharges or threats of discharges and may limit in any manner that he or she considers appropriate the powers that the officers may exercise under this Part.Certificate of designationThe Minister of Fisheries and Oceans must furnish every pollution response officer with a certificate of designation and, if the officer’s powers are limited under subsection (1), the certificate must specify the powers that the officer may exercise.[Repealed, 2018, c. 27, s. 700]2005, c. 29, s. 23; 2018, c. 27, s. 700
[Repealed, 2014, c. 29, s. 66]
Powers of pollution response officers — generalA pollution response officer maydirect a vessel, if it is about to enter or is within waters in respect of which this Part applies, to provide him or her with any information that he or she considers appropriate for the administration of this Part;direct any vessel that is within or about to enter waters in respect of which this Part applies and that he or she believes on reasonable grounds to be carrying a pollutant to proceed through those waters by the route, and at a speed not in excess of the speed, that he or she may specify;direct a vessel that is required to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan under the regulations to provide information concerning it and its implementation;direct the operator of an oil handling facility to provide any document that the operator is required to have on site under this Part; anddirect a response organization to provide any document that the organization is required to have under this Part.Powers — discharge of pollutantIf the pollution response officer believes on reasonable grounds that a vessel has discharged, is discharging or may discharge a pollutant, he or she maydirect a vessel that is within or about to enter waters in respect of which this Part applies to proceed through those waters by the route, and at a speed not in excess of the speed, that he or she may specify;go on board and take samples of any substance that he or she believes to be the pollutant;if the vessel is within or about to enter waters in respect of which this Part applies, direct the vessel toproceed to the place within waters in respect of which this Part applies that he or she may specify, by the route and in the manner that he or she may specify, and to moor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that he or she may specify,proceed out of waters in respect of which this Part applies, by the route and in the manner that he or she may specify, orremain outside waters in respect of which this Part applies; andif he or she is informed that a substantial quantity of a pollutant has entered or been discharged in waters in respect of which this Part applies, or if on reasonable grounds he or she is satisfied that a grave and imminent danger of a substantial discharge of a pollutant in those waters exists, declare an emergency zone, the size of which is reasonable with regard to the seriousness of the situation, anddirect any vessel within that emergency zone to report its position to him or her,direct any vessel not to enter or not to leave the emergency zone, anddirect any vessel within the emergency zone in respect of routes, speed limits and pilotage and equipment requirements.Disposition of samplesAn officer who takes a sample under paragraph (2)(b) may dispose of it in any manner that he or she considers appropriate or may submit it for analysis or examination to a person designated by the Minister.Certificate or reportA person who has made an analysis or examination may issue a certificate or report that sets out the results of the analysis or examination.CertificateSubject to subsections (6) and (7), the certificate or report is admissible in evidence in any proceeding related to an offence under this Part and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, is proof of the statements contained in the certificate or report without proof of the signature or the official character of the person appearing to have signed it.Attendance of personThe party against whom the certificate or report is produced may, with leave of the court, require for the purposes of cross-examination the attendance of the person who issued it.NoticeThe certificate or report may be admitted in evidence only if the party who intends to produce it has given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report.2005, c. 29, s. 23; 2018, c. 27, s. 701
Powers of pollution response officerFor the purpose of exercising his or her powers under this Part, a pollution response officer mayboard any vessel or enter any premises or other place at any reasonable time;direct any person to provide reasonable assistance or put into operation or cease operating any machinery or equipment;direct any person to provide any information that the officer may reasonably require in the administration of this Part;direct any person to produce for inspection, or for the purpose of making copies or taking extracts, any log book or other document;take photographs and make video recordings and sketches;use or cause to be used any computer system or data processing system at the place to examine any data contained in, or available to, the system;reproduce or cause to be reproduced any record from the data in the form of a print-out or other intelligible output;take any document or other thing from the place where the inspection is being carried out for examination or, in the case of a document, copying; anduse or cause to be used any copying equipment in the place where the inspection is being carried out to make copies of any documents.LimitationLiving quarters may not be entered under subsection (1) unless they are entered with the consent of the occupant or under the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (3).Authority to issue warrantOn ex parte application, a justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a pollution response officer to enter living quarters, subject to any conditions that may be specified in the warrant, if the justice is satisfied by information on oath that entry to the living quartersis necessary for any purpose related to the carrying out of the officer’s powers under this Part; andhas been refused or there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will be refused.Use of forceNo officer executing a warrant may use force unless they are accompanied by a peace officer and the use of force is specifically authorized in the warrant.Return of documents and thingsDocuments or other things taken under paragraph (1)(h) must be returned as soon as feasible after they are no longer required for the inspection or for any proceedings that may result from it.2001, c. 26, s. 176; 2005, c. 29, s. 24; 2014, c. 29, s. 67
Detention of Vessels
DetentionIf a pollution response officer believes on reasonable grounds that an offence under this Part has been committed by or in respect of a vessel, he or she may make a detention order in respect of the vessel.Order to be in writingA detention order made under this section must be in writing and be addressed to every person empowered to grant clearance in respect of the vessel.Detention order to be served on masterNotice of a detention order made under this section in respect of a vessel must be served on the masterby delivering a copy of the notice personally to the master; orif service cannot reasonably be effected in the manner provided in paragraph (a), by leaving a copy of the notice with the person who is, or appears to be, in charge of the vessel or, if there is no such person, by fixing a copy of the notice to a prominent part of the vessel.Contents of noticeThe notice mustindicate the measures to ensure compliance with this Part that must be taken for the detention order to be rescinded; andif an indictment has been preferred in respect of the offence, indicate the amount and form of security that, pending the outcome of any proceedings related to the indictment, must be deposited with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for the detention order to be rescinded.Foreign state to be notifiedIf a vessel in respect of which a detention order is made under this section is registered in a foreign state, that state is to be notified that the order was made.Rescission of ordersA pollution response officer mustrescind a detention order made under this section if he or she is satisfied that the measures indicated in the notice referred to in subsection (4) have been taken and, if applicable, security in the amount and form indicated in the notice referred to in that subsection has been deposited with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; andnotify, in the form and manner specified by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the master and the persons referred to in subsection (2) of the rescission.Duty of persons empowered to give clearanceNo person to whom a detention order made under this section is addressed shall, after notice of the order is received by them, grant clearance to the vessel in respect of which the order was made unless they have been notified that the order has been rescinded under subsection (6).Movement of vessel prohibitedSubject to section 179, no person shall move a vessel that is subject to a detention order made under this section.Liability for expensesThe authorized representative or, if there is no authorized representative, the owner of a vessel that is detained under this section is liable for all expenses incurred in respect of the detained vessel.Return of securityThe Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, after proceedings in respect of which security was deposited are concluded,may apply the security to reimburse Her Majesty in right of Canada, either fully or partially, if any of the expenses or any fine has not been paid; andis to return the security, or any part of it that remains if it is applied under paragraph (a), if all expenses and any fine imposed have been paid.2001, c. 26, s. 177; 2005, c. 29, s. 25
Interference with serviceNo person shall wilfully interfere with the service of a notice of a detention order.
Direction to move a detained vesselThe Minister of Fisheries and Oceans mayon application made by the authorized representative or, if there is no authorized representative, the owner of a detained vessel, in the form and manner specified by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, permit the master to move it in accordance with the directions of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans;on application made by the owner of a dock or wharf, or by the person in charge of a harbour, at which a detained vessel is situated, in the form and manner specified by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, direct the person who is, or appears to be, in charge of the vessel to move the vessel in accordance with the directions of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; andif a person to whom a direction is given under paragraph (b) does not comply with it and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is satisfied that the applicant for the direction has sufficient insurance in place to cover any incident that may arise from the moving of the vessel, authorize the applicant to move the vessel in accordance with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans’ directions and at the expense of the authorized representative or, if there is no authorized representative, the owner.2001, c. 26, s. 179; 2005, c. 29, s. 26
Response Measures
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans — measuresIf the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans believes on reasonable grounds that a vessel, an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility has discharged, is discharging or may discharge a pollutant, that Minister maytake the measures that that Minister considers necessary to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from the vessel or facility, including, in the case of a vessel, by removing — or by selling, dismantling, destroying or otherwise disposing of — the vessel or its contents;monitor the measures taken by any person or vessel to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from the vessel or facility; orif that Minister considers it necessary to do so, direct any person or vessel to take measures referred to in paragraph (a) or to refrain from doing so.Clear titleWhen a vessel or its contents are disposed of under paragraph 180(1)(a), the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans may give the person acquiring them a valid title to the vessel or its contents free from any mortgage, hypothec, maritime lien or other interest or right that is in existence at the time of the disposition.At risk and expense of ownerThe disposition is at the risk, cost and expense of the owner of the vessel or its contents.Payment of proceedsWhen a vessel or its contents are disposed of under paragraph 180(1)(a), any surplus remaining from the proceeds of the disposition after deducting the costs and expenses incurred in respect of the disposition shall be paid to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, in respect of all costs and expenses incurred in taking any other measures under this Part, and to the holders, if known at the time of the disposition, of any mortgages, hypothecs, maritime liens or other interests or rights that are in existence at the time of the disposition, and any amount that remains after paying the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the holders shall be paid to the owner of the vessel or the contents.Federal Court directionsThe Minister of Fisheries and Oceans may apply to the Federal Court for directions as to the allocation of the surplus referred to in subsection (2.2).CompensationCompensation must be paid by His Majesty in right of Canada for the services of any person or vessel, other than the operator of a vessel, an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility that had discharged, was discharging or may have discharged a pollutant, that has complied with a direction issued under paragraph (1)(c).PriorityA direction made by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans under paragraph (1)(c) prevails over an order or direction made under any Act of Parliament, to the extent of any inconsistency.2001, c. 26, s. 180; 2005, c. 29, s. 27; 2018, c. 27, s. 7022023, c. 26, s. 394
Entry on private propertyThe Minister of Fisheries and Oceans or a pollution response officer may enter private property – other than a dwelling-house – and pass through it, including with vehicles and equipment, for the purposes of exercising their powers or performing their duties or functions under this Part.Accompanying personsIf the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans or a pollution response officer enters private property and passes through it, they may be accompanied by any person who they believe is necessary to help them in exercising their powers or performing their duties or functions under this Part.Use of propertyIf required, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans or the pollution response officer may use property adjacent to or in the vicinity of a vessel, oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility — other than a dwelling-house — for the purposes of exercising their powers or performing their duties or functions under this Part, and any person accompanying that Minister or the pollution response officer may use such property to help that Minister or officer exercise their powers or perform their duties or functions under this Part.CompensationHer Majesty in right of Canada may compensate the owner of the property referred to in subsection (3), or any person that has, either by law or by contract, the rights of the owner of that property in respect of its possession and use, for any loss or damage caused by the use of that property under subsection (3) that exceeds the value of the benefit derived by the owner or person from that use.2018, c. 27, s. 7032023, c. 26, s. 395
Statutory Instruments ActAn order or direction given under this Part by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans or a pollution response officer is not a statutory instrument as defined in the Statutory Instruments Act.2018, c. 27, s. 703
Immunity — taking or refraining from taking measuresA person who, or vessel that, is directed to take or refrain from taking measures under paragraph 180(1)(c) is not personally liable, either civilly or criminally, for anything they do or omit to do in the course of complying with the direction, unless it is established that the act or omission was not reasonable in the circumstances.Immunity — providing assistanceA person who provides assistance or advice in taking or refraining from taking any measure under section 180 is not personally liable, either civilly or criminally, for anything that they do or omit to do in the course of providing the assistance or advice, unless it is established that the act or omission was not reasonable in the circumstances.Immunity — accompanying Minister or officerA person who accompanies the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans or a pollution response officer under subsection 180.1(2) or (3) is not personally liable, either civilly or criminally, for anything that they do or omit to do in the exercise of their powers under that subsection in accompanying the Minister or officer, unless it is established that the act or omission was not reasonable in the circumstances.Civil or criminal liabilityResponse organizations, their agents or mandataries, and persons who have been designated in writing by the Minister as approved responders, are not personally liable, either civilly or criminally, in respect of any act or omission occurring or arising during the course of a response operation unless it is shown that the act or omission was committed with the intent to cause loss or damage, or recklessly and with the knowledge that loss or damage would probably result.ExceptionNothing in subsection (1) affects the liability of the owner of a vessel, or of the vessel, that had discharged, was discharging or may have discharged a pollutant in respect ofthe occurrence that resulted in the taking of the measures referred to in subsection 180(1); andany act or omission in the course of complying with a direction given under paragraph 180(1)(c).Definition of response operationIn this section, response operation means the activities undertaken following a discharge, or a grave and imminent threat of a discharge, from a vessel or an oil handling facility, including activities related to or connected with surveillance of and assessing areas of pollution, mobilizing and demobilizing response equipment and resources, protective booming, containment, recovery, dispersal or destruction of the pollutant, shoreline mitigation and restoration, transporting and disposing of recovered pollutant or waste materials and planning and supervising activities related to the response operation.2001, c. 26, s. 181; 2014, c. 29, s. 68; 2018, c. 27, s. 704
Immunity — civil liabilityThe following persons are not civilly liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Part:a servant of the Crown, as those terms are defined in section 2 of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act; anda pollution response officer.2018, c. 27, s. 705
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Part, including regulationsrespecting the circumstances in which operators of oil handling facilities shall report discharges or anticipated discharges of pollutants, the manner of making the reports and the persons to whom the reports shall be made;respecting the issuance, amendment, suspension, reinstatement, cancellation or renewal of certificates referred to in section 169;respecting the purposes for which fees may be charged in relation to an arrangement referred to in paragraph 167(1)(a) or 168(1)(a) and the manner in which response organizations and persons who make an application under subsection 169(1) must calculate proposed fees before notifying the Minister of the fees under subsection 170(1);respecting the establishment by response organizations of committees of persons who have arrangements with them and the provision to the committees of information regarding fees and proposed fees;establishing classes of oil handling facilities and determining which of the requirements set out in sections 167.1 to 168.01 apply to the operators of, or to persons who propose to operate, oil handling facilities of each class;respecting oil pollution prevention plans and oil pollution emergency plans, including the time within which the plans shall be submitted to the Minister and the circumstances in which up-to-date plans shall be submitted to the Minister;respecting the procedures, equipment and resources referred to in paragraph 168(1)(e) and section 168.3;respecting the information and documents referred to in sections 167.1 and 167.3 and subsection 168.01(2), including the time within which the information and documents shall be submitted to the Minister; andprescribing anything that by this Part is to be prescribed.DesignationDespite the regulations, the Minister may designate an oil handling facility that is part of a class established by the regulations to be part of a different class established by the regulations or an oil handling facility that is not part of a class established by the regulations to be part of one of those classes.NotificationThe Minister shall notify the operator of an oil handling facility of any designation made in respect of it under subsection (2).2001, c. 26, s. 1822014, c. 29, s. 69
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of ActEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:paragraph 167(1)(a) (have an arrangement);subsection 167.2(1) (submission of oil pollution prevention plan and oil pollution emergency plan);subsection 167.2(3) (prohibition against beginning operations);section 167.4 (submission of plans);paragraph 168(1)(a) (have an arrangement);paragraph 168(1)(c.1) (submission of up-to-date oil pollution prevention plan);paragraph 168(1)(d.1) (submission of up-to-date oil pollution emergency plan);paragraph 168(1)(e) (have procedures, equipment and resources available for immediate use);paragraph 168(3)(a) (implement oil pollution prevention plan);paragraph 168(3)(b) (implement oil pollution emergency plan);subsection 168.01(3) (revise plans);subsection 168.01(4) (prohibition against making changes);a direction given under section 168.1 (to update or revise plans);a direction given under paragraph 168.3(b) (to take measures);paragraph 171(b) (have equipment and resources at the site);paragraph 171(e) (implement response plan);a direction given under paragraph 175.1(2)(a), (c) or (d) (direction resulting from a discharge or possible discharge of a pollutant);subsection 177(7) (giving clearance to detained vessel);subsection 177(8) (moving detained vessel);section 178 (wilfully interfering with service of notice); ora direction given under paragraph 180(1)(c) (to take measures or refrain from doing so).PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than eighteen months, or to both.2001, c. 26, s. 183; 2005, c. 29, s. 28; 2014, c. 29, s. 70
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:paragraph 167(1)(b) (have a declaration on board);section 167.1 (notification of proposed operations);subsection 167.2(2) (submission of information or documents);section 167.3 (notification of operations);paragraph 168(1)(b) (have a declaration on site);paragraph 168(1)(c) (have oil pollution prevention plan on site);paragraph 168(1)(d) (have oil pollution emergency plan on site);subsection 168.01(1) (notification of proposed change to operations);subsection 168.01(2) (submission of information or documents);a direction given under section 168.2 (to provide information);paragraph 171(a) (have a response plan);paragraph 171(c) (provide or arrange for training);paragraph 171(d) (undertake and participate in activities to evaluate response plan);paragraph 171(f) (provide information);a direction given under section 171.1 (to provide documents);a direction given under paragraph 175.1(1)(a) (to provide information officer considers appropriate);a direction given under paragraph 175.1(1)(b) (to proceed by a route and not in excess of a speed);a direction given under paragraph 175.1(1)(c) (to provide information relating to pollution plan);a direction given under paragraph 175.1(1)(d) or (e) (to provide documents);a direction given under paragraph 176(1)(b) (to provide reasonable assistance);a direction given under paragraph 176(1)(c) or (d) (to provide information or to produce documents for inspection); anda provision of the regulations made under this Part.PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.2001, c. 26, s. 184; 2014, c. 29, s. 71
Pollution Prevention — Department of TransportInterpretation
DefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.discharge means a discharge of a pollutant that directly or indirectly results in the pollutant entering waters, and includes spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, throwing and dumping. (rejet)hazardous and noxious substance means a substance other than oil that, if introduced into the marine environment, is likely to create hazards to human health, harm living resources and marine life, damage amenities or interfere with legitimate uses of the marine environment. (substance nocive et potentiellement dangereuse)hazardous and noxious substances pollution incident means any occurrence or series of occurrences having the same origin, including fire or explosion, that results or may result in a discharge of hazardous and noxious substances. (événement de pollution par les substances nocives et potentiellement dangereuses)Minister means the Minister of Transport. (ministre)oil pollution incident means an occurrence, or a series of occurrences having the same origin, that results or may result in a discharge of oil. (événement de pollution par les hydrocarbures)pollutant meansa substance that, if added to any waters, would degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of the waters to an extent that is detrimental to their use by humans or by an animal or a plant that is useful to humans; andany water that contains a substance in such a quantity or concentration, or that has been so treated, processed or changed, by heat or other means, from a natural state, that it would, if added to any waters, degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of the waters to an extent that is detrimental to their use by humans or by an animal or a plant that is useful to humans.It includes oil, hazardous and noxious substances and any substance or class of substances that is prescribed for the purpose of Part 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans) to be a pollutant. (polluant)2001, c. 26, s. 185; 2005, c. 29, s. 29; 2018, c. 27, s. 7062023, c. 26, s. 399
Application
ApplicationSubject to subsection (2), this Part applies in respect of vessels in Canadian waters or waters in the exclusive economic zone of Canada.ExclusionThis Part does not apply in respect of a discharge of oil or gas from a vessel that is on location and engaged in the exploration or drilling for, or the production, conservation or processing of, oil or gas in an area described in paragraph 3(a) or (b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act, in so far as the discharge emanates from those activities.Definition of oil and gasIn subsection (2), oil and gas have the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.
Authorized Representatives
General dutiesThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel mustensure that the vessel and its machinery and equipment meet the requirements of the regulations made under this Part;develop procedures for preventing the discharge of a pollutant and for dealing with emergencies;ensure that the crew receives training in emergency procedures; andensure that the crew and passengers receive training in environmental protection.Duties — Canadian maritime documents inspectionThe authorized representative of a Canadian vessel must ensure thatthe vessel and its machinery and equipment are inspected for the purpose of obtaining all of the Canadian maritime documents that are required under this Part; andevery term or condition attached to a Canadian maritime document issued in respect of the vessel or its machinery or equipment is met.2023, c. 26, s. 400
Masters
Masters obtaining Canadian maritime documentsThe master of a Canadian vessel must, before the vessel embarks on a voyage from a port in Canada, ensure that all of the Canadian maritime documents required under this Part have been obtained.2023, c. 26, s. 400
Protection of marine environmentThe master of a vessel must take all reasonable measures to ensure the protection of the marine environment.Duty to take reasonable measuresIf the master of a vessel is informed that the vessel may have discharged, has discharged, is discharging or may discharge a pollutant, the master must take reasonable measures to protect the marine environment from the discharge or risk of discharge, including eliminating the risk if feasible. The master of a Canadian vessel must notify the authorized representative of the discharge or risk, unless the risk has been eliminated.2023, c. 26, s. 400
Pollution Incidents
Discharge of pollutant prohibitedNo person or vessel shall discharge a prescribed pollutant, except in accordance with the regulations made under this Part or a permit granted under Division 3 of Part 7 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Implementation of oil pollution emergency planIf a vessel is required by the regulations to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan, the vessel shall take reasonable measures to implement the plan in respect of an oil pollution incident.
Directions to Vessels
Powers in case of dischargeIf the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that a vessel may discharge, or may have discharged, a prescribed pollutant, the Minister maydirect a vessel, if it is about to enter or is within waters to which this Part applies, to provide the Minister with any information that the Minister considers appropriate for the administration of this Part;direct a vessel that is required to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan under the regulations to provide him or her with any information concerning it and its implementation;direct a vessel that is required to have on board a declaration described in paragraph 167(1)(b) to provide information concerning it;direct a vessel that is within or about to enter waters in respect of which this Part applies to proceed through those waters by the route and in the manner that the Minister may specify; anddirect the vessel to proceed to the place that the Minister may select, by the route and in the manner that the Minister may specify, and tounload the pollutant, ormoor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the Minister may specify.Direction to authorize vesselThe Minister may direct a port authority or a person in charge of a port authority or place to authorize a vessel in respect of which a direction has been made under paragraph (1)(d) to proceed to the place selected by the Minister and tounload the pollutant; ormoor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the Minister may specify.2001, c. 26, s. 189; 2005, c. 29, s. 302023, c. 26, s. 402
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations respecting the protection of the marine environment, including regulationsprescribing pollutants for the purpose of section 187 and subsection 189(1) and respecting the circumstances in which such pollutants may be discharged;respecting the circumstances in which persons on board vessels shall report discharges or anticipated discharges, the manner of making the reports and the persons to whom the reports shall be made;respecting the carrying of pollutants on board a vessel, whether as cargo or fuel;respecting the control and prevention of pollution of the air by vessels;respecting reception facilities for oily residues, chemical residues, garbage and sewage;respecting the control and management of ballast water;for preventing or reducing the release by vessels into waters of aquatic organisms or pathogens that, if released into those waters, could create hazards to human health, harm organisms, damage amenities, impair biological diversity or interfere with legitimate uses of the waters;respecting the design, construction, manufacture and maintenance of vessels or classes of vessels;specifying the machinery, equipment and supplies that must be on board vessels or classes of vessels;respecting the design, construction, manufacture, maintenance, storage, testing, arrangement and use of vessels’ or classes of vessels’ machinery, equipment and supplies;respecting the requirements that vessels, or classes of vessels, and their machinery and equipment must meet;requiring the obtaining of certificates certifying that any of the requirements referred to in paragraph (k) are met;respecting the inspection and testing of vessels, or classes of vessels, and their machinery, equipment and supplies; andrespecting shipboard hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plans.Application of regulationsRegulations made under subsection (1) apply in respect of vessels that are capable of engaging in the drilling for, or the production, conservation or processing of, oil or gas only if the regulations so state and were made on the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Minister of Natural Resources.2001, c. 26, s. 190; 2018, c. 27, s. 707(E)2023, c. 26, s. 403
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:paragraph 186.1(1)(a) (ensure vessel meets requirements);paragraph 186.1(1)(b) (develop procedures);paragraph 186.1(1)(c) (ensure emergency procedures training);paragraph 186.1(1)(d) (ensure environmental protection training);paragraph 186.1(2)(a) (ensure vessel inspected);paragraph 186.1(2)(b) (ensure terms and conditions met);section 186.2 (obtain Canadian maritime documents);subsection 186.3(1) (protection of marine environment);subsection 186.3(2) (take reasonable measures);section 187 (discharge of a pollutant);section 188 (implement shipboard oil pollution emergency plan);a direction given under subparagraph 189(1)(d)(i) (direction to proceed to a place and unload a pollutant);a direction given under subsection 189(2) (direction to authorize a vessel); anda provision of the regulations made under this Part.PunishmentEvery person or vessel that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.Continuing offenceIf an offence under paragraph (1)(a) is committed or continued on more than one day, the person or vessel that committed it is liable to be convicted for a separate offence for each day on which it is committed or continued.Factors to be consideredIn determining the punishment under subsection (2), the court may have regard to the following factors:the harm or risk of harm caused by the offence;an estimate of the total costs of clean-up, of harm caused, and of the best available mitigation measures;the remedial action taken, or proposed to be taken, by the offender to mitigate the harm;whether the discharge or anticipated discharge was reported in accordance with the regulations made under paragraph 190(1)(b);any economic benefits accruing to the offender that, but for the offence, the offender would not have received; andany evidence from which the court may reasonably conclude that the offender has a history of non-compliance with legislation designed to prevent or to minimize pollution.2001, c. 26, s. 1912023, c. 26, s. 404
Contravention of directionsEvery vessel commits an offence that contravenesa direction given under paragraph 189(1)(a) or (b) (direction to provide information);a direction given under paragraph 189(1)(a.1) (direction to provide information — shipboard oil pollution emergency plan);a direction given under paragraph 189(1)(c) (direction to proceed by a specified route); ora direction given under subparagraph 189(1)(d)(ii) (direction to proceed to a place and remain there).PunishmentEvery vessel that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000.2001, c. 26, s. 1922023, c. 26, s. 405
Court ordersIf an offender is convicted of an offence under this Part, in addition to imposing any other punishment that may be imposed under this Act, the court may, having regard to the nature of the offence and the circumstances surrounding its commission, make an order having any or all of the following effects:prohibiting the offender from performing any act or engaging in any activity that may result in the continuation or repetition of the offence;directing the offender to publish the facts relating to the conviction;directing the offender to submit to the Minister, on application by the Minister made within three years after the date of the conviction, any information with respect to the offender’s activities that the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances;in the case of a discharge, directing the offender to pay an amount for the purpose of conducting research into the ecological use and disposal of the pollutant in respect of which the offence was committed; andrequiring the offender to comply with any other reasonable conditions that the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances for securing the offender’s good conduct and preventing the offender from repeating the same offence or committing other offences.
Pleasure CraftInterpretation
DefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.enforcement officer meansa member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;a member of any harbour or river police force;a member of any provincial, county or municipal police force; andany person, or member of a class of persons, designated under subsection 196(1). (agent de l’autorité)inspector means a pleasure craft safety inspector designated under subsection 195(1). (inspecteur)licence means a licence issued for a pleasure craft under this Part. (permis)Minister means the Minister of Transport. (ministre)pollutant meansa substance that, if added to any waters, would degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of the waters to an extent that is detrimental to their use by humans or by an animal or a plant that is useful to humans; andany water that contains a substance in such a quantity or concentration, or that has been so treated, processed or changed, by heat or other means, from a natural state, that it would, if added to any waters, degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of the waters to an extent that is detrimental to their use by humans or by an animal or a plant that is useful to humans.It includes oil, hazardous and noxious substances and any substance or class of substances that is prescribed for the purpose of Part 8 (Pollution Prevention and Response — Department of Transport and Department of Fisheries and Oceans) to be a pollutant. (polluant)2001, c. 26, s. 194; 2005, c. 29, s. 312023, c. 26, s. 406
Inspections
DesignationThe Minister may designate persons or classes of persons as pleasure craft safety inspectors.CertificateThe Minister must furnish every inspector with a certificate of designation as a pleasure craft safety inspector authorizing the inspector to carry out inspections under sections 196 and 198.ImmunityInspectors are not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Part.
DesignationThe Minister may designate persons or classes of persons as enforcement officers.Inspections — generalAn enforcement officer may inspect a pleasure craft or any of its machinery or equipment for the purpose of ensuring compliance with any provision of this Part, other than section 197, or the regulations made under this Part, other than the regulations made under paragraph 207(1)(f), (g), (i) or (j).Inspections — structural integrityAn inspector may inspect a pleasure craft or any of its machinery or equipment for structural integrity or compliance with the regulations made under any of paragraphs 207(1)(f) to (m).PowersEnforcement officers acting under subsection (2) and inspectors acting under subsection (3) maystop or board the craft at any reasonable time;direct any person to put into operation or cease operating any machinery or equipment on the craft;direct that the craft not be moved until the inspection is completed;direct any person to move the craft to a safe place if the officer or inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that it does not meet the requirements of this Part or the regulations made under this Part or exposes any person to serious danger, and direct that it not be operated until it meets those requirements or no longer exposes any person to serious danger; anddirect any person to move the craft to a safe place if the officer or inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that the operator does not meet the requirements of the regulations made under this Part, and direct that the operator not operate it until the operator meets those requirements.Duty to assistThe owner or person in charge of a pleasure craft and every person on board shallgive an officer or inspector all reasonable assistance to enable them to carry out an inspection and exercise any power conferred by this section; andproduce to an officer or inspector any document, or provide them with any information, that the officer or inspector may reasonably require, for the administration of this Part or Part 5 (Navigation Services) or the regulations made under either of those Parts.
Manufacturers and importersEvery manufacturer, builder or importer of a pleasure craft shall ensure that it is constructed in accordance with the regulations.VendorsNo person shall, in the course of a commercial enterprise, sell a pleasure craft that does not display a plate or label if required to do so by the regulations made under paragraph 207(1)(h).
PowersAn inspector may, for the purpose of ensuring that a manufacturer, importer or vendor is in compliance with section 197,enter any place, other than a dwelling-house, where the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe a pleasure craft is located;examine anything that the inspector finds and take samples of it;conduct any tests or analyses and take any measurements;inspect any books, records, electronic data or other documents that the inspector believes may contain information that is relevant to the inspection;use or cause to be used any computer system in the place where the inspection is being carried out to examine any data contained in or available to the computer system;reproduce or cause to be reproduced any record from the data in the form of a print-out or other intelligible output;take any document or other thing from the place where the inspection is being carried out for examination or, in the case of a document, copying; anduse or cause to be used any copying equipment in the place where the inspection is being carried out to make copies of any documents.Duty to assistWhen an inspector carries out an inspection under subsection (1), the importer, manufacturer or vendor of the pleasure craft, or the owner or person in control of a place where the pleasure craft is located, shallgive the inspector all reasonable assistance to enable them to carry out the inspection and exercise any power conferred by this section; andproduce to the inspector any document, or provide them with any information, that the inspector may reasonably require for the administration of this Part or the regulations made under this Part.Return of documents and thingsDocuments or other things obtained or taken under paragraph (1)(g) must be returned as soon as feasible after they are no longer required for the inspection or for any proceedings that may result from it.Disposition of samplesAn inspector who takes a sample under paragraph (1)(b) may dispose of it in any manner that they consider appropriate.
Operation prohibitedIf an inspector considers that a pleasure craft does not meet the requirements of this Part or the regulations made under this Part, the inspector may direct any person not to operate it until it meets those requirements.
Investigations
Stopping and boarding vesselsAn enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed or is about to be committed under this Part by a pleasure craft or any person on board a vessel may stop and board the craft or vessel and take any reasonable action to ensure public safety or protect the public interest.
Safe Operation of Pleasure Craft
DutyEvery operator of a pleasure craft shall ensure that it meets the requirements of the regulations made under this Part.
Pleasure Craft Licences
Licensing of pleasure craftSubject to the regulations, if a pleasure craft is required by regulations made under this Part to be licensed, the owner of the craft must not operate it, or permit it to be operated, unless it is licensed.Transfer of licenceSubject to the regulations, when the ownership of a pleasure craft referred to in subsection (1) changes, the new owner must not operate the craft, or permit it to be operated, until the licence for that craft is transferred to the new owner in accordance with the regulations.2001, c. 26, s. 2022023, c. 26, s. 407
ApplicationAn application for a licence or for the transfer of a licence must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister.Issuance of licenceThe Minister may issue or transfer a licence to an applicant if the Minister is satisfied that all the requirements under subsection (1) have been met.
Refusal to issue or transfer licenceDespite any other provision of this Act, the Minister may refuse to issue — including by way of renewal — or transfer a licence for a pleasure craft or may refuse to issue a replacement licence if the applicant for, or holder of, the licence is in default of payment of a required fee, charge, cost or expense in respect of that pleasure craft under this Act or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.2023, c. 26, s. 408
Licence numberNo owner of a pleasure craft in respect of which a pleasure craft licence has been issued shall operate it or allow it to be operated unless the licence number is marked on the craft and maintained in the form and manner specified by the Minister.
Defacing, etc., licence numberNo person shall deface, alter, conceal or remove the licence number that is marked on a pleasure craft.
Lost documentsIf a pleasure craft licence is mislaid, lost or destroyed, the Minister, on application made by the holder of the licence in the form and manner and including the information and accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister, may issue a replacement licence.
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations respecting pleasure craft licensing and the safety of pleasure craft or classes of pleasure craft and of persons on board, including regulationsrespecting the issuance, cancellation or transfer of pleasure craft licences;respecting qualifications, including medical fitness, minimum age, degree of knowledge, skill, training and experience, for operators of pleasure craft or classes of pleasure craft, and the evidence required to prove compliance with those qualifications;respecting the operation of pleasure craft or classes of pleasure craft;respecting training courses and examinations for pleasure craft operators, including the designation and accreditation of persons or organizations that provide them;respecting the issuance, cancellation or suspension of documents that demonstrate compliance with any regulations made under paragraph (b) or (d);respecting the design, construction or manufacture of pleasure craft or classes of pleasure craft;respecting the issuance or cancellation of plates or labels in respect of pleasure craft that comply with regulations made under paragraph (f);requiring that plates or labels referred to in paragraph (g) be displayed and specifying the manner in which they must be displayed;prohibiting the construction, manufacture, sale, lease, importation or operation of pleasure craft that do not meet the requirements of regulations made under paragraph (f);requiring owners, builders, manufacturers, importers or vendors of pleasure craft to modify their pleasure craft, at their own expense, in order to comply with regulations made under paragraph (f);respecting hull identification or serial numbers that identify pleasure craft;specifying the machinery and equipment that are required or prohibited on pleasure craft or classes of pleasure craft;respecting the design, construction, manufacture, maintenance, storage, testing, approval, arrangement and use of a pleasure craft’s or a class of pleasure craft’s machinery and equipment;respecting the requirements that pleasure craft, or classes of pleasure craft, and their machinery and equipment must meet;respecting documents that must be kept on board pleasure craft or classes of pleasure craft; andrespecting the reporting of accidents involving pleasure craft.Regulations — pollutionThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulationsregulating or prohibiting the discharge of pollutants from pleasure craft; andregulating noise emissions from pleasure craft engines.2001, c. 26, s. 207; 2015, c. 3, s. 24(F)2023, c. 26, s. 409(F)
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of ActEvery person commits an offence who contravenessubsection 197(1) (ensure a pleasure craft is constructed in accordance with the regulations); orsubsection 197(2) (selling a pleasure craft without a plate or label).PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person commits an offence who contravenesa direction given under any of paragraphs 196(4)(b) to (e) (to operate or cease operating machinery or equipment, to not move a pleasure craft or to move a pleasure craft to a safe place);subsection 196(5) (give reasonable assistance, produce documents or provide information);subsection 198(2) (give reasonable assistance, produce documents or provide information);a direction given under section 199 (not to operate a pleasure craft);section 201 (ensure that a pleasure craft meets the requirements of the regulations);section 202 (obtain a licence for a pleasure craft);section 204 (operating pleasure craft without licence number marked);section 205 (defacing, altering, concealing or removing licence number); ora provision of the regulations made under this Part.PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.2001, c. 26, s. 2092023, c. 26, s. 410
Enforcement — Department of TransportInterpretation
DefinitionsThe definitions in this section apply in this Part.Minister means the Minister of Transport. (ministre)relevant provision means a provision of this Act or the regulations that the Minister is responsible for administering. (disposition visée)2001, c. 26, s. 210; 2005, c. 29, s. 32; 2014, c. 29, s. 722019, c. 1, s. 1472023, c. 26, s. 411
Inspections
Authorized persons and organizationsA marine safety inspector referred to in section 11 or a person, classification society or other organization authorized to carry out inspections under section 12 may, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with a relevant provision, board any vessel or enter any premises or other place at any reasonable time and carry out any inspection that the inspector, person, classification society or other organization considers necessary and that the Minister has authorized them to carry out.Living quartersLiving quarters may not be entered under subsection (1) unless they are entered with the consent of the occupant, under the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (2.1) or for the purpose of ensuring that a vessel complies with a relevant provision.Authority to issue warrantOn ex parte application, a justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorizing a marine safety inspector to enter living quarters, subject to any conditions specified in the warrant, if the justice is satisfied by information on oath that entry to the living quartersis necessary for any purpose related to the administration of a relevant provision of Part 8; andhas been refused or there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will be refused.Use of forceA marine safety inspector executing a warrant must not use force unless they are accompanied by a peace officer and the use of force is specifically authorized in the warrant.Stopping a vesselFor the purpose of carrying out an inspection, a marine safety inspector may direct the master of a vessel to stop the vessel or proceed to the place that the inspector may select, and to moor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the inspector may specify.Direction to authorize vesselA marine safety inspector may direct a port authority or a person in charge of a port authority or place to authorize a vessel in respect of which a direction has been made under subsection (3) to proceed to the place selected by the inspector and moor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the inspector may specify.InspectionsIn carrying out an inspection, a marine safety inspector or, subject to any limitations set out under subsection 12(2) in their certificate of authorization, a person, classification society or other organization authorized to carry out inspections maydirect any person to answer reasonable questions, provide reasonable assistance or put into operation or cease operating any machinery or equipment being inspected;direct the master of a vessel to prohibit or limit access to any part of the vessel for as long as specified;direct the master of a vessel not to move the vessel until the inspection is completed;direct the master of a vessel to muster the crew or to carry out any emergency or safety procedure required by the regulations;direct the operator of an oil handling facility, or a person who proposes to operate an oil handling facility, to carry out any emergency or safety procedure that is required by the regulations or that is described in an oil pollution prevention plan or an oil pollution emergency plan referred to in Part 8;direct any person who is at the place where the inspection is being carried out to produce for inspection, or for the purpose of making copies or taking extracts, any document that they are required to have, or that the operator of an oil handling facility is required to have on site, under a relevant provision;take photographs and make video recordings and sketches;take or remove for analysis samples of any material or substance or any biological, chemical or physical agents or substances;use or cause to be used any computer system or data processing system at the place where the inspection is being carried out to examine any data contained in, or available to, the system;reproduce or cause to be reproduced any record from the data in the form of a print-out or other intelligible output;take any document or other thing from the place where the inspection is being carried out for examination or, in the case of a document, copying; anduse or cause to be used any copying equipment in the place where the inspection is being carried out to make copies of any documents.Disposition of samplesA person who, or organization that, takes a sample under paragraph (4)(g) may dispose of it in any manner that the person or organization considers appropriate.Return of documents and thingsDocuments or other things taken under paragraph (4)(j) must be returned as soon as feasible after they are no longer required for the purpose for which they were taken.2001, c. 26, s. 211; 2014, c. 29, s. 732023, c. 26, s. 412
SeizureDuring an inspection, a marine safety inspector may seize and detain anythingby means of which or in relation to which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a relevant provision has been contravened; orthat the inspector believes on reasonable grounds will afford evidence in respect of a contravention of a relevant provision.Storage or removalAn inspector may direct the person in charge of the place where something was seized to store it in that place or may remove it to any other place.Return of things or forfeitureAny thing seized must be returned as soon as feasible after it is no longer needed for any proceedings unless it cannot be brought into compliance with the relevant provisions and the Minister directs that it not be returned, in which case it is forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada after it is no longer needed for any proceedings and may be disposed of at the expense of the person from whom it was seized.
Clearance
No departure without clearanceSubject to the regulations, no vessel shall depart from a port in Canada unless clearance has been granted.
Granting clearanceAny person who is authorized under an Act of Parliament to grant clearance of a vessel at a port in Canada is not to grant it unless satisfied that the master has all of the documents required under this Act for the clearance.
Voyage with a Person on Board without Their Consent
ProhibitionNo master shall proceed on a voyage with a person on board who is exercising powers or performing duties relating to the administration or enforcement of a relevant provision unless the person consents.
Reporting of Alleged Contraventions
Reasonable groundsAn individual who has reasonable grounds to believe that a person or vessel has contravened or intends to contravene a relevant provision may notify the Minister of the particulars of the matter and may request that their identity be kept confidential with respect to the notification.ConfidentialityThe identity of an individual to whom the Minister has provided an assurance of confidentiality may be disclosed by the Minister only in accordance with the Privacy Act.
InspectionOn being notified under subsection 216(1), the Minister is to determine whether an inspection should be carried out by a marine safety inspector.CostsIf a marine safety inspector determines that the individual who notified the Minister did not have reasonable grounds to believe that a person or vessel had contravened or had intended to contravene a relevant provision, the individual is liable to pay the costs of the inspection.
ProhibitionNo employer shall dismiss, suspend, demote, discipline, harass or otherwise disadvantage an employee, or deny an employee a benefit of employment, by reason thatthe employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, disclosed to the Minister that the employer or any other person had contravened or had intended to contravene a relevant provision;the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, refused or stated an intention of refusing to do anything that is a contravention of a relevant provision;the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, did or stated an intention of doing anything that is required to be done in order that a contravention of a relevant provision not be committed; orthe employer believes that the employee will do anything referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).SavingNothing in this section impairs any right of an employee either at law or under an employment contract or collective agreement.DefinitionsIn this section, employee includes an independent contractor and employer has a corresponding meaning.
Investigations
InvestigationsThe Minister may appoint any person to investigate a shipping casualty or an alleged contravention of a relevant provision.LimitationA person appointed under subsection (1) may not make findings as to the causes and contributing factors of a shipping casualty that has been or is being investigated by the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board or that that Board has informed the Minister they propose to investigate.Definition of shipping casualtyIn this section, shipping casualty meansany accident or incident associated with a vessel; andany situation or condition that the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe could, if left unattended, induce an accident or incident described in paragraph (a).
Search and seizure without warrantIf the conditions for obtaining a warrant under section 487 of the Criminal Code exist in respect of the contravention of a relevant provision but by reason of exigent circumstances it would not be feasible to obtain one, a marine safety inspector may exercise the powers of search and seizure provided in that section without a warrant.Living quartersA marine safety inspector may not search living quarters without a warrant unless the inspector first obtains the consent of the occupant.Additional powersIn the course of a search under subsection (1) or section 487 of the Criminal Code, a marine safety inspector has all the powers referred to in subsection 211(4) (inspections).
Analysis and Examination
SubmissionA marine safety inspector may submit to a person designated by the Minister, for analysis or examination, anything seized or any sample taken under this Part.Certificate or reportA person who has made an analysis or examination may issue a certificate or report that sets out the results of the analysis or examination.CertificateSubject to subsections (4) and (5), the certificate or report is admissible in evidence in any proceeding related to the contravention of a relevant provision and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, is proof of the statements contained in the certificate or report without proof of the signature or the official character of the person appearing to have signed it.Attendance of analystThe party against whom the certificate or report is produced may, with leave of the court, require for the purposes of cross-examination the attendance of the person who issued it.NoticeThe certificate or report may be admitted in evidence only if the party who intends to produce it has given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report.
Detention of Vessels
Optional detentionIf a marine safety inspector believes on reasonable grounds that a contravention of a relevant provision has been committed by or in respect of a vessel or that the vessel is not seaworthy, the inspector may make a detention order in respect of the vessel.Mandatory detention — unsafe vesselsThe inspector must make a detention order if the contravention is a contravention of section 110 (too many passengers) or the inspector also believes on reasonable grounds that the vessel is unsafe, that it is unfit to carry passengers or crew members or that its machinery or equipment is defective in any way so as to expose persons on board to serious danger.Mandatory detention — foreign vesselsIf an information has been laid, an indictment has been preferred or a notice of violation has been issued or an assurance of compliance has been entered into under section 229 in respect of a contravention of a relevant provision that is alleged to have been committed by or in respect of a foreign vessel, a marine safety inspector must make a detention order in respect of the vessel.Order to be in writingA detention order made under this section must be in writing and be addressed to every person empowered to grant clearance in respect of the vessel.Detention order to be served on masterNotice of a detention order made under this section in respect of a vessel must be served on the masterby delivering a copy of the notice personally to the master; orif service cannot reasonably be effected in the manner provided in paragraph (a), by leaving a copy of the notice with the person who is, or appears to be, in charge of the vessel or, if there is no such person, by fixing a copy of the notice to a prominent part of the vessel.Contents of noticeThe notice mustindicate the measures to ensure compliance with the relevant provision or to render the vessel seaworthy that must be taken for the detention order to be rescinded;in the case of a foreign vessel, if an information has been laid, an indictment has been preferred or a notice of violation has been issued or an assurance of compliance has been entered into under section 229 in respect of a contravention of a relevant provision, indicate the amount and form of security that, pending the outcome of any proceedings related to the information, indictment or notice, must be deposited with the Minister for the detention order to be rescinded; andin the case of a Canadian vessel, if an indictment has been preferred in respect of a contravention of a relevant provision, indicate the amount and form of security that, pending the outcome of any proceedings related to the indictment, must be deposited with the Minister for the detention order to be rescinded.Foreign state to be notifiedIf a vessel in respect of which a detention order is made under this section is registered in a foreign state, that state is to be notified that the order was made.Rescission of ordersA marine safety inspector mustrescind a detention order made under this section if the inspector is satisfied that the measures indicated in the notice referred to in subsection (6) have been taken and, if applicable, security in the amount and form indicated in the notice referred to in that subsection has been deposited with the Minister; andnotify, in the form and manner specified by the Minister, the master and the persons referred to in subsection (4) of the rescission.Duty of persons empowered to give clearanceNo person to whom a detention order made under this section is addressed shall, after notice of the order is received by them, grant clearance to the vessel in respect of which the order was made unless they have been notified that the order has been rescinded under subsection (8).Movement of vessel prohibitedSubject to section 224, no person shall move a vessel that is subject to a detention order made under this section.Liability for expensesThe authorized representative and the owner of a vessel that is detained under this section are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for all expenses incurred in respect of the detained vessel.Return of securityThe Minister, after proceedings in respect of which security was deposited are concluded,may apply the security to reimburse Her Majesty in right of Canada, either fully or partially, if any of the expenses or any fine or penalty has not been paid; andis to return the security, or any part of it that remains if it is applied under paragraph (a), if all expenses and any fine or penalty imposed have been paid.2001, c. 26, s. 2222023, c. 26, s. 413
Interference with serviceNo person shall wilfully interfere with the service of a notice of a detention order.
Direction to move a detained vesselThe Minister mayon application made by the authorized representative of a detained vessel in the form and manner specified by the Minister, permit the master to move it in accordance with the directions of the Minister;on application made by the owner of a dock or wharf or by the person in charge of a harbour at which a detained vessel is situated in the form and manner specified by the Minister, direct the person who is, or appears to be, in charge of the vessel to move the vessel in accordance with the directions of the Minister; andif a person to whom a direction is given under paragraph (b) does not comply with it and the Minister is satisfied that the applicant for the direction has sufficient insurance in place to cover any incident that may arise from the moving of the vessel, authorize the applicant to move the vessel in accordance with the Minister’s directions and at the expense of the authorized representative and the owner of the vessel, for which the authorized representative and the owner are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for the expense of moving the vessel.2001, c. 26, s. 2242023, c. 26, s. 414
Sale of Vessels
Distress on vessel for sums ordered to be paidA court, justice of the peace or provincial court judge that orders the authorized representative of a vessel to pay any fine, crew member’s wages or other sum of money may, if payment is not made in accordance with the order, order the seizure and sale of the vessel or its machinery or equipment.
[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 148]Vessel may be seized and sold if fine or penalty not paidAt any time after a fine is imposed under a relevant provision against, or a certificate is registered in the Federal Court under subsection 235(2) in respect of, a vessel, its authorized representative or its owner, the Minister may, while the fine or debt remains unpaid, seize the vessel and, after giving notice to the authorized representative or owner, sell it and, by bill of sale, give the purchaser a valid title to the vessel free from any mortgage or other claim on the vessel that exists at the time of the sale.Proceeds of saleAny surplus remaining from the proceeds of a sale is to be distributed in accordance with the regulations after satisfying the following claims in the following order:the cost of the seizure and sale;any claim for salvage in respect of the vessel;the claims of masters and crew members for wages;the claims of masters for disbursements made or liabilities incurred for necessaries on account of the vessel;the amount of any fine imposed or debt due under a relevant provision; andthe cost of returning masters and crew members to the place where they first came on board or to another place to which they and the Minister have agreed.If proceeds insufficientIf the proceeds of sale of a vessel are insufficient to satisfy the claims described in subsection (3), the Minister may proceed for the balance owing againstthe authorized representative and the owner, jointly and severally, or solidarily, in the case of a Canadian vessel; andthe owner, in the case of a foreign vessel.2001, c. 26, s. 2262019, c. 1, s. 1482023, c. 26, s. 415
Foreign Vessels in Contravention of International Conventions
Minister’s powersIf the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a foreign vessel is in contravention of an international convention, protocol or resolution listed in Schedule 1, the Minister mayif the vessel has not entered Canadian waters, direct the vessel not to enter Canadian waters;if the vessel has entered Canadian waters but is not in a port in Canada, direct the vessel to leave Canadian waters; andif the vessel is in a port in Canada, direct the vessel to leave Canadian waters, subject to any terms and conditions that the Minister may specify.LimitationThe Minister may not give a direction under subsection (1) if, in the Minister’s opinion, doing so would put the safety of the vessel, any person on board or the environment at imminent risk.NotificationIf the Minister gives a direction under subsection (1) in respect of a vessel, the Minister must notify the state where the vessel is registered of the direction given and the reason for it.2001, c. 26, s. 2272023, c. 26, s. 416
Administrative PenaltiesInterpretation
Definition of violationIn sections 229 to 244, violation means a contravention of a relevant provision, or a contravention of a direction given under a relevant provision, that is designated as a violation by the regulations made under this Part.2001, c. 26, s. 228; 2014, c. 29, s. 74
Assurances of Compliance and Notices of Violation
If reasonable grounds to believe a violationIf the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person or vessel has committed a violation, the Minister mayenter into an assurance of compliance with the person or vessel thatidentifies the violation and provides that the person or vessel will comply with the provision to which the violation relates within the period, and be subject to the terms and conditions, specified in the assurance,sets out the amount and form of any security that, pending compliance with the assurance, must be deposited with the Minister, andsets out the penalty, fixed by or within the range fixed by the regulations made under this Part, for the violation that the person or vessel would have been liable to pay if the assurance had not been entered into; orissue, and cause to be served on the person or vessel, a notice of violation that names the person or vessel, identifies the violation and sets outthe penalty, fixed by or within the range fixed by the regulations made under this Part, for the violation that the person or vessel is liable to pay,the period, being thirty days after the notice is served, within which the penalty must be paid or a review of the notice requested, andparticulars of the manner in which, and the address at which, the penalty must be paid or a review requested.Extension of periodThe Minister may extend the period specified under subparagraph (1)(a)(i) if the Minister is satisfied that the person with whom or vessel with which the assurance of compliance was entered into is unable to comply with it because of reasons beyond the person’s or vessel’s control.Short-form descriptions in notices of violationThe Minister may establish, in respect of each violation, a short-form description to be used in notices of violation.2001, c. 26, s. 229, c. 29, s. 72
Deemed violationA person who, or vessel that, enters into an assurance of compliance is, unless a review is requested under subsection (2), deemed to have committed the violation in respect of which the assurance was entered into.Request for reviewA person who, or vessel that, enters into an assurance of compliance may, within 48 hours after the assurance is signed, unless a notice of default is served within that period under section 231.1, request a review of the facts of the violation, in which case the assurance is deemed to be a notice of violation and a review under paragraph 232(1)(b) of the facts of the violation and the amount of the penalty is deemed to have been requested.2001, c. 26, s. 230, c. 29, s. 72
When assurance of compliance complied withIf the Minister is satisfied that an assurance of compliance has been complied with, the Minister must cause a notice to that effect to be served on the person or vessel and, on the service of the notice,no further proceedings may be taken against the person or vessel with respect to the violation in respect of which the assurance was entered into; andany security deposited under subparagraph 229(1)(a)(ii) must be returned to the person or vessel.2001, c. 26, s. 231, c. 29, s. 72
When assurance of compliance not complied withIf the Minister is of the opinion that a person who, or vessel that, has entered into an assurance of compliance has not complied with it, the Minister may cause a notice of default to be served on the person or vessel to the effect that, unless a member determines under section 231.2, or an appeal panel decides under section 232.2, that the assurance has been complied with,the person or vessel is liable to pay double the amount of the penalty set out in the assurance; orthe security deposited under subparagraph 229(1)(a)(ii) is forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada.Contents of noticeA notice under subsection (1) must include the address at which, and the date, being 30 days after the notice is served, on or before which, a request for a review may be filed.No set-offOn the service of a notice of default, the person or vessel served has no right of set-off against any amount spent by the person or vessel under the assurance of compliance.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Request for reviewA person or vessel served with a notice under subsection 231.1(1) may, on or before the date specified in the notice or within any further time that the Tribunal on application allows, file a written request for a review.Time and place for reviewOn receipt of a request filed under subsection (1), the Tribunal must appoint a time and place for the review and must notify the Minister and the person who, or vessel that, filed the request of the time and place in writing.Review procedureThe member of the Tribunal assigned to conduct the review must provide the Minister and the person or vessel with an opportunity consistent with procedural fairness and natural justice to present evidence and make representations.Burden of proofThe burden is on the Minister to establish that the person or vessel did not comply with the assurance of compliance referred to in the notice. The person is not required, and must not be compelled, to give any evidence or testimony in the matter.Certain defences not availableA person or vessel named in a notice of default does not have a defence by reason that the person or vessel exercised due diligence to comply with the assurance of compliance.DeterminationThe member may confirm the Minister’s decision or determine that the person or vessel has complied with the assurance of compliance.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Return of securityAny security deposited under subparagraph 229(1)(a)(ii) must be returned to the person or vessel ifthe person or vessel pays double the amount of the penalty set out in the assurance of compliance in accordance with a notice of default under section 231.1; ora member determines under section 231.2, or an appeal panel decides under section 232.2, that the assurance of compliance has been complied with.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Notice of violationA person or vessel served with a notice of violation under paragraph 229(1)(b) mustpay the amount of the penalty; orwithin thirty days after being served or any further time that the Tribunal on application allows, file with the Tribunal a written request for a review of the facts of the violation or the amount of the penalty.When review not requestedIf a review of the facts of the violation is not requested, the person or vessel is deemed to have committed the violation in respect of which the notice was served.2001, c. 26, s. 232, c. 29, s. 72
Time and place for reviewOn receipt of a request filed under paragraph 232(1)(b), the Tribunal must appoint a time and place for the review and must notify the Minister and the person who, or vessel that, filed the request of the time and place in writing.Review procedureThe member of the Tribunal assigned to conduct the review must provide the Minister and the person or vessel with an opportunity consistent with procedural fairness and natural justice to present evidence and make representations.Burden of proofThe burden is on the Minister to establish that the person or vessel committed the violation referred to in the notice. The person is not required, and must not be compelled, to give any evidence or testimony in the matter.DeterminationThe member may confirm the Minister’s decision or, subject to any regulations made under paragraph 244(h), substitute his or her own determination.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Right of appealThe Minister or the person who, or vessel that, requested the review may, within 30 days after the determination, appeal a determination made under subsection 231.2(6) or 232.1(4) to the Tribunal.Loss of right of appealA party that does not appear at a review hearing is not entitled to appeal a determination, unless they establish that there was sufficient reason to justify their absence.Disposition of appealThe appeal panel of the Tribunal assigned to hear the appeal mayin the case of a determination made under subsection 231.2(6), dismiss the appeal or allow the appeal and substitute its own decision; orin the case of a determination made under subsection 232.1(4), dismiss the appeal, or allow the appeal and, subject to regulations made under paragraph 244(h), substitute its own decision.2001, c. 29, s. 72
Choice of Proceedings
How contravention may be proceeded withIf a contravention can be proceeded with as a violation or as an offence, the Minister may commence proceedings in respect of that contravention as a violation or recommend that it be proceeded with as an offence, but it may be proceeded with only as one or the other.
Recovery of Debts
Debts due to Her MajestyThe following amounts constitute debts due to Her Majesty in right of Canada that may be recovered in a court of competent jurisdiction:unless a review of the amount of the penalty is requested under paragraph 232(1)(b), the amount of a penalty set out in a notice of violation, from the time the notice is served;the amount that a notice of default served under subsection 231.1(1) provides that a person is liable to pay, from the time the notice is served;the amount of a penalty determined by a member after a review under section 232.1, or decided by an appeal panel after an appeal under section 232.2, from the time of the respective determination or decision; andthe amount of any reasonable expenses incurred in attempting to recover an amount referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c).2001, c. 26, s. 234, c. 29, s. 72
CertificateAll or part of a debt referred to in section 234 in respect of which there is a default of payment may be certified by the Minister or the Tribunal, as the case may be.JudgmentsOn production to the Federal Court, a certificate made under subsection (1) is to be registered in that Court and, when registered, has the same force and effect, and all proceedings may be taken on it, as if it were a judgment obtained in that Court for a debt of the amount specified in it and all reasonable costs and charges attendant in its registration.2001, c. 26, s. 235, c. 29, s. 72
Rules of Law about Violations
Violations are not offencesFor greater certainty, a violation is not an offence and, accordingly, section 126 of the Criminal Code does not apply.
Common law principlesEvery rule and principle of the common law that renders any circumstance a justification or an excuse in relation to a charge for an offence under a relevant provision applies in respect of a violation to the extent that it is not inconsistent with this Act.
Vicarious liability — Canadian maritime document holdersThe holder of a Canadian maritime document is liable for a violation that is committed in respect of any matter that relates to an activity or a requirement under that document, whether or not the person or vessel that actually committed the violation is identified or proceeded against in accordance with this Act.Vicarious liability — acts of employees and agentsA person or vessel is liable for a violation that is committed by an employee or agent of the person or vessel acting in the course of the employee’s employment or within the scope of the agent’s authority, whether or not the employee or agent who actually committed the violation is identified or proceeded against in accordance with this Act.
General Provisions
Notations removedUnless the Minister is of the opinion that it is not in the public interest to do so, five years after the last day on which any of the following events occurs the Minister is to remove every notation of violation or default, and every suspension or cancellation of or refusal to issue or renew a Canadian maritime document on prescribed grounds, from any records that the Minister may keep respecting a person or vessel:the person or vessel pays every penalty that the person or vessel is liable to pay after a notice of violation, a notice of default, a determination of a member of the Tribunal on review or a decision of an appeal panel of the Tribunal;a suspension on prescribed grounds of a Canadian maritime document issued to the person or vessel ends;the Minister cancels, on prescribed grounds, a Canadian maritime document issued to the person or vessel; andthe Minister refuses, on prescribed grounds, to issue a Canadian maritime document to the person or vessel or to renew a Canadian maritime document issued to the person or vessel.Duty to notifyThe Minister is to give a person or vessel notice of a decision not to remove a notation in respect of the person or vessel and providing all relevant information concerning the grounds on which the Minister has refused to remove it.Contents of noticeA notice under subsection (2) must include the address at which, and the date, being thirty days after the notice is served, on or before which, a request for a review may be filed.Request for reviewThe person or vessel may, on or before the date specified in the notice or within any further time that the Tribunal on application allows, file a written request for a review.Time and place for reviewOn receipt of a request filed under subsection (4), the Tribunal must appoint a time and place for the review and must notify the Minister and the person who, or vessel that, filed the request of the time and place in writing.Review procedureThe member of the Tribunal assigned to conduct the review must provide the Minister and the person who, or vessel that, filed the request with an opportunity consistent with procedural fairness and natural justice to present evidence and make representations.DeterminationThe member may confirm the Minister’s decision or refer the matter back to the Minister for reconsideration.Right of appealThe person who, or vessel that, requested the review may, within 30 days after the determination, appeal a determination made under subsection (7) to the Tribunal.Loss of right of appealIf the person or vessel does not appear at the review hearing, the person or vessel is not entitled to appeal a determination unless the person or vessel establishes that there was sufficient reason to justify the absence.Disposition of appealThe appeal panel assigned to hear the appeal may dismiss the appeal or refer the matter back to the Minister for reconsideration.2001, c. 26, s. 239, c. 29, s. 72
Disclosure of notations of violationsThe Minister shall keep a public record of notations of violations or default kept on any record that the Minister may keep respecting the person or vessel.2001, c. 26, s. 2402023, c. 26, s. 417(F)
Limitation periodNo notice of violation may be issued more than two years after the day on which the Minister becomes aware of the contravention.
Certificate of MinisterA document that purports to have been issued by the Minister and certifies the day on which the Minister became aware of a violation is evidence, without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the document, that the Minister became aware of the violation on that day.
When compliance agreement in effectIf a violation arising out of the contravention of any provision of Part 4, 8 or 9 or the regulations made under those Parts is committed while an agreement or arrangement is in effect between the Minister and the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel that provides that inspections of the vessel to ensure compliance with that provision will be carried out by the authorized representative or a person or an organization acting on their behalf, the penalty or range of penalties fixed under paragraph 244(h) in respect of the violation is doubled.2001, c. 26, s. 243; 2018, c. 27, s. 708
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Part, including regulationsrespecting clearances for departure from a port in Canada;respecting the investigation of shipping casualties, the alleged contravention of a relevant provision or an incident that involved a vessel and that, in the opinion of the Minister, jeopardized the safety of persons;respecting the detention of vessels, including the review of detention orders;[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 149]respecting the sale of a vessel under section 226, including measures that must be taken before the vessel is sold and the manner of establishing, and the priority of payment of, claims against the vessel;designating as a violation that may be proceeded with in accordance with sections 229 to 242 the contravention of a relevant provision, or the contravention of a direction given under a relevant provision, that is an offence under this Act;designating violations that, if continued on more than one day, constitute a separate violation for each day on which they are continued;designating violations that may be proceeded with by issuing notices of violation and fixing a penalty or a range of penalties in respect of each such violation, up to a maximum of $250,000 but in any event not greater than the maximum fine if the violation were proceeded with by way of summary conviction;respecting emergency and safety procedures for the purpose of paragraph 211(4)(d.1);respecting the service of documents required or authorized to be served under this Part, including the manner of serving them, the proof of their service and the circumstances under which they are deemed to have been served; andprescribing anything that by this Part is to be prescribed.2001, c. 26, s. 244, c. 29, s. 72; 2014, c. 29, s. 75; 2018, c. 27, s. 7092019, c. 1, s. 149
Offences and Punishment
Contravention of ActEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:a direction given under subsection 211(3) (to stop a vessel or proceed as specified);a direction given under subsection 211(3.1) (direction to authorize a vessel);a direction given under any of paragraphs 211(4)(a) to (e) (to answer reasonable questions, to provide reasonable assistance, to prohibit or limit access to part of a vessel, to operate or cease operating machinery or equipment, to not move a vessel, to muster crew or carry out emergency or safety procedures or to produce documents);section 215 (proceed to sea with a person without their consent);subsection 218(1) (disciplining employee);subsection 222(9) (giving clearance to detained vessel);subsection 222(10) (moving detained vessel);section 223 (wilfully interfering with service of notice); ora direction given under subsection 227(1) (not to enter or to leave Canadian waters).PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.2001, c. 26, s. 2452023, c. 26, s. 418
Contravention of Act or regulationsEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:a direction given under subsection 212(2) (to store something);section 213 (departing without clearance); anda provision of the regulations made under this Part.PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.2001, c. 26, s. 246; 2015, c. 3, s. 25(F)
MiscellaneousGoods
Definition of carrierIn sections 248 and 250, carrier means a person with whom a shipper of goods enters into a contract of carriage of the goods by water.
Carrier’s lienA carrier has, on goods carried under a contract of carriage, a lien for any amount that is due to the carrier under the contract for freight or costs of storing, disposing of or preserving the goods.Notice of lien to owner of goodsBefore exercising a lien, a carrier must give notice of it to the owner of the goods, specifying the amount claimed and the particulars of the claim.Notice of lien to third partiesIf the carrier places the goods in the custody of a third party and gives the third party notice of the lien and the third party does not retain them until notified by the carrier that the lien is discharged or does not return them to the carrier, the third party is liable to the carrier. The third party may charge the carrier for storing the goods or for any reasonable action taken to preserve them or to protect property or human life from damage they may cause.Third party’s protectionA third party who retains goods until notified by the carrier that the lien is discharged or who returns them to the carrier is not liable to the owner of the goods, regardless of whether the lien claimed by the carrier is valid.
Sale or other disposition of goodsIf an owner of goods does not take delivery of the goods after notice of delivery has been given or fails to discharge a lien after it is exercised, the carrier maysell them by public auction at any time that is 90 days after the notice of delivery is given and 10 days after giving notice of the time and place of the auction in a newspaper that is circulated in the vicinity of the auction; orif the goods are perishable or pose a threat to public health or safety, sell or otherwise dispose of them in the manner and for the price that is reasonable in the circumstances after giving notice of the sale or other disposition to the owner of the goods.Application of proceeds of dispositionThe proceeds of the disposition must be credited toward payment of the amounts due or payable under the contract of carriage or any other amounts reasonably incurred for storing, disposing of or preserving the goods. Any surplus must be paid to the owner of the goods.
Responsibility for goodsSubject to Part 5 of the Marine Liability Act, carriers must use due care and diligence in the safe-keeping and punctual conveyance of goods delivered to them for carriage by water.2001, c. 26, ss. 250, 324
Stevedoring
Actions in remA person who has contracted with the authorized representative or a bare-boat charterer of a vessel in Canada to provide stevedoring may maintain an action in rem in the Federal Court, or any court of competent jurisdiction whose rules provide for in rem procedure in respect of vessels, for a claim in respect of the stevedoring.LimitationThe right of action in rem referred to in subsection (1) may be exercised only while the vessel is chartered to the bare-boat charterer and only if the bare-boat charterer is joined as a defendant.Does not affect other rightsFor greater certainty, nothing in this section limits the right of a person to maintain an action in rem for stevedoring under Canadian maritime law, within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Federal Courts Act.Definition of stevedoringIn this section, stevedoring includes trimming, lighterage and the supply of any goods or services in relation to stevedoring.2001, c. 26, s. 251; 2002, c. 8, s. 195
Proof of Offences by Vessels
Proof of offenceIn a prosecution of a vessel for an offence under this Act, it is sufficient proof that the vessel has committed the offence to establish that the act or omission that constitutes the offence was committed by the master or any person on board, other than a person carrying out an inspection under this Act or a pollution response officer, whether or not the person on board has been identified.DirectionsFor the purpose of prosecuting a vessel for contravening a direction given under this Act, a direction given to the master, a crew member or any person on board who is, or appears to be, in charge of the vessel, is deemed to have been given to the vessel.2001, c. 26, s. 252; 2005, c. 29, s. 33; 2014, c. 29, s. 76
Offences
Damage to environment and risk of death or harm to personsEvery person is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years, or to both, who, in committing an offence under this Act,intentionally or recklessly causes a disaster that results in the loss of life or serious damage to the environment; orshows wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of other persons and thereby causes a risk of death or bodily harm to another person.Criminal negligenceEvery person who, in committing an offence under this Act, shows wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of other persons and thereby causes death or bodily harm to another person is subject to prosecution and punishment under section 220 or 221 of the Criminal Code.
Due Diligence
PersonsNo person may be found guilty of an offence under this Act if the person establishes that they exercised due diligence to prevent its commission.VesselsNo vessel may be found guilty of an offence under this Act if the person who committed the act or omission that constitutes the offence establishes that they exercised due diligence to prevent its commission.
Prohibitions on Conviction
Court orderIf a person is convicted of an offence under this Act, the court may, in addition to any other punishment it may impose, make an orderif the person is the holder of a Canadian maritime document, prohibiting the person from doing any act or thing authorized by the document at all times while the document is in force or for the period or at the times and places that may be specified in the order; orprohibiting the person from operating a vessel or providing services essential to the operation of a vessel for the period or at the times and places that may be specified in the order.
Summary Conviction Proceedings
Limitation periodProceedings by way of summary conviction under this Act may be instituted within two years after the day on which the Minister of Transport or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, as the case may be, becomes aware of the subject-matter of the proceedings.Certificate of MinisterA document that purports to have been issued by the Minister referred to in subsection (1), and that certifies the day on which that Minister became aware of the subject-matter of the proceedings, is admissible in evidence without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the document and is evidence that the Minister became aware of the subject-matter on that day.Defendant outside CanadaIf the proceedings cannot be commenced within two years because the proposed defendant is outside Canada, the proceedings may be commenced not later than two months after they arrive in Canada.
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction in case of offencesFor the purpose of giving jurisdiction under this Act, every offence is deemed to have been committed and every cause of complaint to have arisen either in the place where the offence actually was committed or arose, or in any place where the offender or person or vessel complained against may be.Presumption of jurisdictionIf, in a legal proceeding under this Act, a question arises as to whether a vessel or person is within any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations, the vessel or person is deemed to be within those provisions unless the contrary is proved.
Jurisdiction over vessels lying off coastsIf a district within which a court, justice of the peace or provincial court judge has jurisdiction either under this Act or under any other Act or at common law, for any purpose whatever, is situated on the coast of a sea, or abuts on or projects into navigable waters, the court, justice or provincial court judge has jurisdiction over any vessel on, or lying or passing off, that coast or in or near those navigable waters, and over all persons on board, in the same manner as if the vessel or persons were within the limits of the original jurisdiction of the court, justice or provincial court judge.Added power of courtsThe jurisdiction under this section is in addition to and not in derogation of any jurisdiction or power of a court under the Criminal Code.
Damage Occasioned by Foreign Vessels
Power to detain foreign vessel that has caused damageIf the Federal Court is satisfied that damage or loss has in any part of the world been caused to property that belongs to Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province or to a qualified person by the fault, in whole or in part, of a foreign vessel that is at the time of the application in Canadian waters, on ex parte application the Federal Court may issue an order requiring any person named by the Court to detain the vessel until the applicant has been compensated for the damage or loss or until security, in the form and amount approved by the Court, is deposited with the Court.2001, c. 26, s. 259; 2015, c. 3, s. 26(E)
Defence
Defence available in certain casesIt is a defence in proceedings under this Act for contravening a direction that the vessel to which or person to whom the direction was givenbelieved on reasonable grounds that complying with the direction would have imperilled life, the environment or any vessel or property; andnotified the person who gave the direction, as soon as feasible, of the contravention and of the reasons for it.
Depositions in Legal Proceedings
Depositions received when witness cannot be producedA deposition of a witness is admissible in evidence in the course of a proceeding under this Act ifthe testimony of the witness is required in relation to the subject-matter of the proceeding and the witness cannot be found in Canada;the deposition was made on oath outside Canada in relation to the same subject-matter before a justice or magistrate of another state or before a diplomatic or consular officer of Canada or a person recognized by Her Majesty in right of Canada as a diplomatic or consular officer of another state, and the deposition is signed by the justice, magistrate or officer; andin the case of a criminal proceeding, the deposition was made in the presence of the person accused and that fact is certified by the justice, magistrate or officer.Certificate as evidenceIt is not necessary in any case to prove the signature or official character of the person who appears to have signed the deposition, and in a criminal proceeding a certificate under this section is, unless the contrary is proved, sufficient evidence that the deposition was made in the presence of the person accused.Certified copiesA copy of the deposition or an extract from one is admissible in evidence if it purports to be signed and certified as a true copy or extract by the justice, magistrate or officer.
Procedure
Examination of persons before trialA crew member who is likely to be obliged to leave the province in which an offence under this Act is prosecuted, or a witness who is sick, infirm or about to leave the province, may be examined before a commissioner for oaths or other proper authority in the same manner that a deposition is taken in a civil case.Use of examinationAn examination under subsection (1) may be used at the trial or proceeding in respect of which it was taken if the crew member or witness is unable to attend or cannot be produced.
No stay of proceedings without orderThe proceedings on a conviction or an order may not be stayed by reason of an application to remove the conviction or order to a superior court or of a notice of such an application unless the court or judge to whom the application is made or is to be made orders a stay of proceedings on special cause being shown.
JurisdictionIf there is no judge having jurisdiction in respect of writs of certiorari resident at or near the place where a conviction or an order is made, in Ontario, a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, in Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, a judge of the Supreme Court, in Newfoundland and Labrador, a judge of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court, or, in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta, a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench has power to hear and determine an application for a stay of proceedings on the conviction or order.2001, c. 26, s. 264; 2015, c. 3, s. 27
Documents admissible in evidenceA document made, given or issued under this Act and appearing to be signed by the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Chief Registrar or a registrar, a marine safety inspector, the Chair of the Marine Technical Review Board, a marine communications and traffic services officer, a person exercising powers under subsection 135(2), a pleasure craft safety inspector or an enforcement officer is admissible in evidence and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the statements contained in the document without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the document.Copies or extractsA copy of or an extract from any record or other document that is made, given or issued under this Act by a person referred to in subsection (1) and that appears to have been certified under the signature of that person as a true copy or extract is admissible in evidence without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed it and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, has the same probative force as the original would have if it were proved in the ordinary way.2001, c. 26, s. 2652023, c. 26, s. 423(F)
Admissibility of documents in evidenceA document that this Act declares to be admissible in evidence is, on its production from the proper custody, admissible in evidence in any court or before any person having by law or consent of the parties authority to receive evidence, and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, is proof of the matters stated in the document without proof of the signature or the official character of the person appearing to have signed it.
Document entries as proofIn an action or proceeding under this Act, an entry in a record required under this Act to be kept is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof of the matters stated as against the person who made the entry or was required to keep the record or, if the record was kept in respect of a vessel, against the authorized representative or master.
Application of Fines
Paid to Receiver GeneralSubject to subsection (2), all fines imposed under this Act must, despite any other Act, be paid to the Receiver General and deposited to the credit of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.Application of finesA court, justice of the peace or provincial court judge who imposes a fine under this Act may direct that the whole or a portion of it maybe applied in compensating a person for any wrong or damage that may have been caused by the act or default in respect of which the fine was imposed;be applied in or toward payment of the expenses of the proceedings; orbe paid to the provincial, municipal or local authority bearing in whole or in part the expense of prosecuting the contravention of this Act in respect of which the fine was imposed.
Crown Liability
Crown not relievedSubsections 11(5) and 12(5), section 45, paragraph 181.1(a) and subsection 195(3) do not, by reason of section 10 of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, relieve the Crown of liability in respect of a tort or extracontractual civil liability to which the Crown would otherwise be subject.2001, c. 26, s. 268.1; 2014, c. 29, s. 772018, c. 27, ss. 710, 7122019, c. 1, s. 150
State of War or Armed Conflict
Prohibition of shipment of articles of warNo person shall, during a prescribed period,discharge from a Canadian vessel a prescribed article in any prescribed territory or within the territorial waters adjacent to the territory;tranship in Canadian waters, in the exclusive economic zone of Canada or on the high seas such an article from a Canadian vessel to any vessel bound for such a territory;take on board or carry on a Canadian vessel such an article consigned to or destined for a place in such a territory; ortake on board or carry on any other vessel in Canadian waters such an article consigned to or destined for a place in such a territory.Powers if contravention suspectedAny person, or member of a class of persons, designated by the Minister of Transport or the Minister of National Defence for the purposes of this section, who has reason to suspect that a vessel is contravening or has contravened subsection (1) maydirect the master to stop the vessel or proceed to the place that the person may select, and to moor, anchor or remain there for any reasonable period that the person may specify;board the vessel;direct the master to produce any documents relating to any cargo that is being carried or has been carried on the vessel;search the vessel, examine the cargo and direct the master or a member of the crew to open any package or parcel that the person suspects contains articles prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1); andmake any other examination or inquiry that the person considers necessary to determine whether subsection (1) is being or has been contravened.Power to take vesselIf the person has reasonable grounds to believe that subsection (1) is being or has been contravened, the person may take the vessel to the nearest or most convenient port in order that the alleged contravention may be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction.RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, make regulationsprescribing any territory in which there is a state of war or armed conflict;prescribing anything else that may be prescribed under this section;exempting, in the case of any territory prescribed under paragraph (a), an article or class of articles from the application of this section; andfor carrying out the purposes and provisions of this section.ContraventionsEvery person who contravenes subsection (1) or a direction made under paragraph (2)(a) or (c) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.Authorized representative or masterIf a person on a vessel commits an offence under this section and the authorized representative or master authorized or acquiesced in the offence, the authorized representative or master is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to the penalty provided for by this Act in respect of the offence committed by the person whether or not the person has been prosecuted.2001, c. 26, s. 2692023, c. 26, s. 419
Transitional
Decisions that cease to have effectDecisions of the Board of Steamship Inspection that were made under the Canada Shipping Act, chapter S-9 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, cease to have effect five years after section 26 comes into force.
Acquired rights — registered vesselsEvery vessel registered in Canada when Part 2 comes into force is deemed to be registered under that Part until its ownership changes.[Repealed before coming into force, 2008, c. 20, s. 3]Grace periodA vessel that was not required to be registered under the Canada Shipping Act, chapter S-9 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, and that is required by subsection 46(1) to be registered under Part 2 has two years after that Part comes into force to comply with that requirement.
Acquired rights — licensed vesselsEvery vessel, other than a pleasure craft, licensed under section 108 of the Canada Shipping Act, chapter S-9 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, when Part 2 comes into force is deemed to be registered in the small vessel register referred to in subsection 43(1) untilthe earlier of the date the vessel’s ownership changes and five years after Part 2 comes into force; orin the case of a vessel that was issued a licence under that Act, the expiry date of the licence.2001, c. 26, s. 272; 2015, c. 3, s. 28(F)2023, c. 26, s. 420(F)
Certificates remain in forceSubject to the provisions of this Act or the regulations respecting the suspension or cancellation of Canadian maritime documents, certificates issued under Part II, III or V of the Canada Shipping Act, chapter S-9 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, remain in force for the purpose for which they were issued.
Regulations remain in forceRegulations made under the Canada Shipping Act, chapter S-9 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, other than under any of the provisions listed in section 332 of this Act, remain in force and are deemed to have been made under this Act, in so far as they are not inconsistent with this Act, until they are repealed.RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport or the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, repeal any regulations referred to in subsection (1).Validity periods of certificatesAny certificate’s period of validity that is provided for in a regulation referred to in subsection (1) is deemed to have been specified by the Minister under subsection 17(1).Canadian shipsEvery reference to “Canadian ship” or “Canadian ships” in the regulations referred to in subsection (1) shall be read as a reference to “Canadian vessel” or “Canadian vessels”, respectively.Pleasure craftEvery vessel that, immediately before the coming into force of Part 10, was a pleasure craft within the meaning of section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, chapter S-9 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985 (“that Act”), is deemed to be a pleasure craft within the meaning of section 2 of this Act until the Small Vessel Regulations made under that Act are repealed or the vessel is no longer a pleasure craft within the meaning of section 2 of that Act, whichever occurs first.OffenceEvery person who, or vessel that, contravenes a regulation that is in force under subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.
Consequential and Coordinating Amendments
[Amendments]
Amendments to the Shipping Conferences Exemption Act, 1987
[Amendments]
Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
[Amendments]
Repeals and Coming into ForceRepeals
[Amendment]
[Repeal]
Coming into Force
Coming into forceThe provisions of this Act, other than sections 319 and 322 to 332, come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.Shipping Conferences Exemption Act, 1987Sections 325 to 330 come into force on the ninetieth day after this Act is assented to.[Note: Sections 319, 322 to 324, 331 and 332 in force on assent November 1, 2001; sections 325 to 330 in force January 30, 2002; sections 1 to 270, subsections 271(1) and (3) and sections 272 to 318, 321 and 333, in force July 1, 2007, see SI/2007-65; subsection 271(2) and section 320 repealed before coming into force, see 2008, c. 20, s. 3.]
(Sections 2 and 21, subsection 29(1), sections 30 and 31, paragraph 35(1)(d) and subsections 108(2), 110(1) and 227(1))International Conventions, Protocols and Resolutions — Minister of TransportMinimum Age (Sea) Convention, 1920Unemployment Indemnity (Shipwreck) Convention, 1920Medical Examination of Young Persons (Sea) Convention, 1921Minimum Age (Trimmers and Stokers), 1921Marking of Weight (Packages Transported by Vessels) Convention, 1926Seaman’s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1926Protection of Accidents (Dockers) Convention (revised), 1932Minimum Age (Sea) Convention (Revised), 1936Certification of Able Seamen Convention, 1946Certification of Ships’ Cooks Convention, 1946Food and Catering (Ship’s Crews) Convention, 1946Medical Examination (Seafarers) Convention, 1946Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 1958Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965International Convention on Load Lines, 1966International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea of 1974Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT), 1976Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ShipsProtocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea of 1974Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, 1978Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Act Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea of 1974Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms located on the Continental ShelfProtocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation, 1990International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995Protocol of 1997 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ShipsInternational Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004Maritime Labour Convention, 20062001, c. 26, Sch. 1; SOR/2007-109; SOR/2009-154SOR/2019-136, s. 12023, c. 26, s. 421(Subsection 29(2), sections 30 and 31 and paragraph 35(3))International Conventions, Protocols and Resolutions — Minister of Fisheries and OceansInternational Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation, 19902001, c. 26, Sch. 22023, c. 26, s. 422[Repealed, 2019, c. 1, s. 151]RELATED PROVISIONS — 2012, c. 31, s. 162
Setting of fees — Canada Shipping Act, 2001A classification society that provides, during the period beginning on July 1, 2007 and ending on the day before the day on which this Act receives royal assent, any of the following services in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 in accordance with an agreement or arrangement entered into by the Minister of Transport under paragraph 10(1)(c) of that Act may set the fees to be paid to it for those services:services related to a Canadian maritime document;services related to any approvals or certifications; andthe conduct or witnessing of tests.Not public moneyThe fees referred to in subsection (1) are not public money within the meaning of the Financial Administration Act and the User Fees Act does not apply in respect of them.Non-application of certain regulationsThe regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(g) of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 do not apply in respect of any service referred to in any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (c) that is provided, during the period beginning on July 1, 2007 and ending on the day before the day on which this Act receives royal assent, by a classification society in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties under that Act in accordance with an agreement or arrangement entered into by the Minister of Transport under paragraph 10(1)(c) of that Act.
 — 2012, c. 31, s. 163
Setting of fees — Canada Shipping ActA classification society that provides, during the period beginning on January 1, 1999 and ending on June 30, 2007, any of the following services in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties under the Canada Shipping Act in accordance with an agreement or arrangement entered into by the Minister of Transport under paragraph 8(1)(c) of that Act may set the fees to be paid to it for those services:services related to an inspection certificate;services related to any approvals or certifications; andthe conduct or witnessing of tests.Not public moneyThe fees referred to in subsection (1) are not public money within the meaning of the Financial Administration Act and are not subject to subsection 408(2) of the Canada Shipping Act.User Fees ActThe User Fees Act does not apply in respect of the fees referred to in subsection (1).
 — 2012, c. 31, s. 164
Non-application of certain regulationsThe regulations made under paragraph 231(1)(d), subsections 408(1) or (4) or paragraphs 657(1)(l) or (m) of the Canada Shipping Act do not apply in respect of any service referred to in any of paragraphs 163(1)(a) to (c) that is provided, during the period beginning on January 1, 1999 and ending on June 30, 2007, by a classification society in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties under that Act.
 — 2018, c. 27, s. 711
Deemed violationA contravention of subsection 10.1(4) of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (in this section referred to as “the Act”), as enacted by section 690 of this Act, is deemed to be a violation for the purposes of sections 229 to 243 of the Act and the provisions of any regulations made under section 244 of the Act.Range of penaltiesThe range of penalties in respect of a violation referred to in subsection (1) is $250 to $250,000.Continued violationA violation referred to in subsection (1) constitutes a separate violation for each day on which it is continued.RepealThis section is repealed on the day on which a regulation under section 244 of the Act that designates a contravention of subsection 10.1(4) of the Act, as enacted by section 690 of this Act, as a violation for the purposes of section 228 of the Act comes into force.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 424
Definition of ActIn this section and sections 425 and 426, Act means the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.Words and expressionsWords and expressions used in sections 425 and 426 have the same meaning as in the Act.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 425
Information with respect to authorized representativeIf, during the period beginning on the day on which this section comes into force and ending on the day on which an application for the renewal of a vessel’s certificate of registry is made for the first time after that day, the owner enters into an arrangement referred to in paragraph 14(2)(a) of the Act, the authorized representative must, despite subsection 58(1) of the Act, notify the Chief Registrar of their name and address no later than the day on which that application is made.ContraventionEvery person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 426
Definition of transition periodIn this section, transition period means the period beginning on the day on which this section comes into force and ending on the day on which a regulation made under section 244 of the Act that designates a contravention of any of the provisions of the Act or regulations or directions referred to in subsection (2) as a violation for the purposes of section 228 of the Act comes into force.Deemed violationDuring the transition period, a contravention of any of the following is deemed to be a violation for the purposes of sections 229 to 243 of the Act and the provisions of any regulations made under section 244 of the Act:a direction given under subsection 111(1), (2) or (3) of the Act;a direction given under subsection 114(1) or (2) of the Act;a provision of the regulations made under subsection 136(1) of the Act;paragraph 186.1(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) or (2)(a) or (b), section 186.2 or subsection 186.3(1) or (2) of the Act;a direction given under paragraph 189(1)(a), (a.1), (b), (c) or (d) of the Act;a direction given under subsection 189(2) of the Act;subsection 197(1) or (2) or 198(2) of the Act; anda direction given under subsection 211(3.1) of the Act.Range of penaltiesThe range of penalties in respect of a violation referred to in subsection (2) is $250 to $250,000.Continued violationA violation referred to in subsection (2) constitutes a separate violation for each day on which it is continued.
AMENDMENTS NOT IN FORCE — 2023, c. 26, s. 364
Section 38 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Contravention of regulationsEvery person who, or vessel, oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility that, contravenes a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(d) or (3)(a) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.ExceptionIf a court sentencing a person, vessel, oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility under subsection (1) for contravening a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 35(1)(d) or (3)(a) is of the opinion that the provision that the person, vessel or facility contravened is equivalent to a provision of the regulations made under another provision of this Act and if the punishment provided under this Act for contravening that provision of the regulations is less than the punishment provided under subsection (1), the person, vessel, oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility is liable to that lesser punishment.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 385
Section 167.1 of the Act and the heading before it are replaced by the following:Oil Handling Facilities and Hazardous and Noxious Substances Handling Facilities
Notification of proposed operationsSubject to the regulations, a person who proposes to operate an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility of a class established by the regulations must, within the prescribed time, notify the Minister of the proposed operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil or hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels and must submit to the Minister any information or documents required by the regulations and, within the time specified by the Minister, any information or documents requested by the Minister.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 386
Subsection 167.2(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Submission of plansSubject to the regulations, a person who proposes to operate an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility of a class established by the regulations must, at least 90 days before the day on which the facility’s operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil or hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels will begin — or within any other time specified by the Minister — submit to the Ministeran oil pollution prevention plan or hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan that meets the requirements set out in the regulations to prevent a discharge of oil or hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel; andan oil pollution emergency plan or hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan that meets the requirements set out in the regulations to respond to a discharge or possible discharge of oil or hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel.
Subsection 167.2(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:Prohibition against beginning operationsA person referred to in subsection (1) must not begin operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil or hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels unless the plans submitted under subsection (1) meet the requirements set out in the regulations.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 387
The Act is amended by adding the following after section 167.3:
Notification — hazardous and noxious substances handling facilitiesSubject to the regulations, the operator of a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility of a class established by the regulations must notify the Minister of the facility’s operations relating to the loading or unloading of hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels within 90 days after the day on which this section comes into force and must submit to the Minister any information or documents required by the regulations and, within the time specified by the Minister, any information or documents requested by the Minister.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 388
Section 167.4 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Submission of plansSubject to the regulations, unless the plans have already been submitted under subsection 167.2(1), the operator of an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility of a class established by the regulations must submit to the Minister, within the time set out in the regulations, an oil pollution prevention plan or hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan to prevent a discharge of oil or hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel and an oil pollution emergency plan or hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan to respond to a discharge or possible discharge of oil or hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel — which meet the requirements set out in the regulations — and must submit to the Minister any information or documents requested by the Minister, within the time specified by the Minister.
 — 2023, c. 26, ss. 389(2), (3)
Section 168 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (1):Hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities — requirementsSubject to the regulations, the operator of a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility of a class established by the regulations musthave on site a declaration in the form specified by the Minister that describes the manner in which the operator will comply with the regulations made under paragraph 182(1)(a);have on site an up-to-date hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan to prevent a discharge of hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel, which meets the requirements set out in the regulations;submit the up-to-date hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan to the Minister within the time and in the circumstances set out in the regulations;have on site an up-to-date hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan to respond to a discharge or possible discharge of hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel, which meets the requirements set out in the regulations;submit the up-to-date hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan to the Minister within the time and in the circumstances set out in the regulations; andhave the procedures, equipment and resources required by the regulations available for immediate use in the event of a discharge of hazardous and noxious substances during the loading or unloading of a vessel.Section 168 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (3):Reasonable measures — hazardous and noxious substances handling facilitiesThe operator of a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility referred to in subsection (2) must take reasonable measures to implementthe hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan referred to in paragraph (2)(a); andin respect of a hazardous and noxious substances pollution incident, the hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan referred to in paragraph (2)(b).
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 390
Subsection 168.01(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:Notification of proposed change to operationsSubject to the regulations, an operator of an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility of a class established by the regulations that proposes to make a change, or permit a change to be made, to the facility’s operations relating to the loading or unloading of oil or hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels must — at least 180 days before the day on which it makes the change or permits the change to be made — notify the Minister of the change, including any of the following changes:a change in the facility’s transfer rate, if the change would result in the facility becoming part of a different class established by the regulations;a change in the design of the facility or a change in the facility’s equipment; ora change in the type or composition of oil that is, or hazardous and noxious substances that are, loaded or unloaded to or from vessels.Subsection 168.01(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:Revise plansThe operator referred to in subsection (1) must revise the oil pollution prevention plan and the oil pollution emergency plan, or the hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan and the hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan, and submit the revised plans to the Minister at least 90 days before making the change or permitting the change to be made, or within any other time specified by the Minister.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 391
Section 168.1 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Update or revise plansDespite any other provision of this Part or the regulations, the Minister may direct the operator of an oil handling facility to update or revise an oil pollution prevention plan or an oil pollution emergency plan, or the operator of a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility to update or revise a hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan or a hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan, and to submit the up-to-date or revised plan to the Minister within the time specified by the Minister.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 392
Section 168.3 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Minister may take measuresIf the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that an oil handling facility has discharged, is discharging or may discharge oil or that the oil pollution prevention plan or the oil pollution emergency plan for the facility does not meet the requirements set out in the regulations, that a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility has discharged, is discharging or may discharge hazardous and noxious substances or that the hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan or the hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan for the facility does not meet the requirements set out in the regulations or that the operator of any of those facilities does not have the procedures, equipment and resources required by the regulations available for immediate use in the event of a discharge during the loading or unloading of a vessel, the Minister maymonitor the measures taken by any person to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from the facility; orif the Minister considers it necessary, direct the operator of the facility to take the measures that the Minister considers necessary to repair, remedy, minimize or prevent pollution damage from the facility, including to stop loading or unloading oil or hazardous and noxious substances to or from vessels.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 393
Paragraphs 175.1(1)(c) and (d) of the Act are replaced by the following:direct a vessel that is required to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan or shipboard hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan under the regulations to provide information concerning it and its implementation;direct the operator of an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility to provide any document that the operator is required to have on site under this Part; and
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 396
Paragraph 182(1)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:respecting the circumstances in which operators of oil handling facilities or hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities must report discharges or anticipated discharges of pollutants, the manner of making the reports and the persons to whom the reports must be made;Paragraphs 182(1)(d.1) and (d.2) of the Act are replaced by the following:establishing classes of oil handling facilities or hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities and determining which of the requirements set out in sections 167.1 to 168.01 apply to the operators of, or to persons who propose to operate, oil handling facilities or hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities of each class;respecting oil pollution prevention plans, oil pollution emergency plans, hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plans and hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plans, including the time within which the plans must be submitted to the Minister and the circumstances in which up-to-date plans must be submitted to the Minister;Paragraph 182(1)(d.4) of the Act is replaced by the following:respecting the information and documents referred to in sections 167.1, 167.3 and 167.31 and subsection 168.01(2), including the time within which the information and documents must be submitted to the Minister;respecting the inclusion of the hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan of a facility that is both an oil handling facility and a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility within any other plan required under this Act; andSubsection 182(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:DesignationDespite the regulations, the Minister may designate an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility that is part of a class established by the regulations to be part of a different class established by the regulations or an oil handling facility or a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility that is not part of a class established by the regulations to be part of one of those classes.Subsection 182(3) of the English version of the Act is replaced by the following:NotificationThe Minister must notify the operator of a facility of any designation made in respect of it under subsection (2).
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 397
Paragraph 183(1)(a.1) of the English version of the Act is replaced by the following:subsection 167.2(1) (submission of prevention plan and emergency plan);Subsection 183(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (c):paragraph 168(2)(c) (submission of up-to-date date hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan);paragraph 168(2)(e) (submission of up-to-date date hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan);paragraph 168(2)(f) (have procedures, equipment and resources available for immediate use — hazardous and noxious substances);Subsection 183(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (e):paragraph 168(4)(a) (implement hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan);paragraph 168(4)(b) (implement hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan);Subsection 183(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:Contravention of regulations under paragraph 182(1)(a)Every operator of an oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility who contravenes a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 182(1)(a) commits an offence.PunishmentEvery person who, or vessel that, commits an offence under subsection (1) or (1.1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, or to both.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 398
Subsection 184(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (a.3):section 167.31 (notification — hazardous and noxious substances handling facilities);Subsection 184(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (d):paragraph 168(2)(a) (have a declaration on site — hazardous and noxious substances);paragraph 168(2)(b) (have on site an up-to-date hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan);paragraph 168(2)(d) (have on site an up-to-date hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan);Paragraph 184(1)(o) of the Act is replaced by the following:a provision of the regulations made under this Part other than a regulation made under paragraph 182(1)(a).
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 401
Section 188 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Implementation of pollution emergency planIf a vessel is required by the regulations to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan or shipboard hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan, the vessel must take reasonable measures to implement the plan in respect of an oil pollution incident or hazardous and noxious substances pollution incident.Notice to MinisterIf a vessel is required by the regulations to have a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan or shipboard hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan, the owner or authorized representative of the vessel must notify the Minister, in the form and manner that the Minister specifies, of the identity of the person who, in accordance with the regulations, is responsible for implementing the vessel’s plan.
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 402(2)
Subsection 189(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (a.1):direct a vessel that is required to have a shipboard hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan under the regulations to provide him or her with any information concerning it and its implementation;
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 404(2)
Paragraph 191(1)(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:subsection 188(1) (implement shipboard emergency plan);subsection 188(2) (notice to Minister — identity of qualified person);
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 405(2)
Subsection 192(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (a.1):a direction given under paragraph 189(1)(a.2) (direction to provide information — shipboard hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan);
 — 2023, c. 26, s. 412(3)
Paragraphs 211(4)(d.1) and (e) of the Act are replaced by the following:direct the operator of an oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility, or a person who proposes to operate such a facility, to carry out any emergency or safety procedure that is required by the regulations or that is described in an oil pollution prevention plan, an oil pollution emergency plan, a hazardous and noxious substances pollution prevention plan or a hazardous and noxious substances pollution emergency plan referred to in Part 8;direct any person who is at the place where the inspection is being carried out to produce for inspection, or for the purpose of making copies or taking extracts, any document that they are required to have, or that the operator of an oil handling facility or hazardous and noxious substances handling facility is required to have on site, under a relevant provision;
2023, c. 262023-06-222018, c. 27, ss. 712(1), (4)2019-07-302019, c. 12019-07-302014, c. 29, s. 612019-06-22SOR/2019-1362019-05-10