Transport Canada's role in marine accidents
In the event of a marine accident, Transport Canada may send inspectors to
the accident site to determine if an investigation (under the Canada Shipping
Act) is required. An investigation is undertaken if it is believed that any
Transport Canada safety regulations were broken and therefore contributed to or
caused the accident. The department may also conduct an investigation (under the
Canada Labour Code Part
II) to determine if the working conditions of the
marine operation’s employees were a factor in the accident.
Transport Canada inspectors can also investigate pollution incidents to
determine the cause of the pollution and will, if necessary, lay appropriate
charges.
In the case of major accidents, the Minister of Transport can appoint a Minister’s Observer.
The Observer’s role is to gather information about the accident,
co-ordinate activities to support the accident’s investigation, advise the
Minister of any regulatory responsibilities the department may have, and
identify areas where immediate improvements to safety can be made.
As part of its mandate to promote transportation safety, the Transportation
Safety Board (TSB) may choose to investigate the accident and release a
report. Transport Canada co-operates with the TSB in its investigations by
providing information and advice. When the TSB report is released, Transport
Canada takes appropriate action based on the report’s findings and
recommendations.
Other major players
Transportation Safety Board
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) promotes transportation safety through
independent investigations and, in some cases, public inquiries into rail, air
and marine accidents. These investigations and inquiries help the TSB to
determine why an accident happened, and how safety can be improved to help
prevent similar accidents.
The TSB also maintains an accident reporting system for all modes of
transportation. This information is used by the Board, and by Transport Canada,
to analyze and improve the safety of Canada’s transportation system.
Coroner
If a transportation accident involves fatalities, a representative of the
provincial or territorial coroner or a medical examiner is sent to the site. The
coroner’s responsibilities include conducting autopsies where necessary and
determining the cause of death. The coroner may decide to hold a coroner’s
inquest into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This inquest is normally
held two to six months after the accident.
Police
The police, whether local, provincial or RCMP, are normally among the first
officials to arrive at the site. Their initial responsibilities are to ensure
the safety of persons and property at the site. They also secure the site,
document evidence, assist the coroner in his/her duties, and may act as the
coroner’s agent, especially in remote locations.
Others
On occasion, there may be other organizations present at accident sites. For
example, officials from Environment
Canada and their provincial counterparts may
be on hand to help determine the presence of or to contain any environmental
damage.
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