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FOREWORD

    An interdepartmental committee reviewing marine pollution issues identified the need for a means of precisely and reliably measuring the navigational risks associated with the location and operation of marine terminals for large oil tankers. The objectives set by that committee led to the publication, in 1977, of the first edition of the TERMPOL Code. This publication was made possible with the cooperation, expertise and editorial assistance of representatives from the Departments of the Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Transport, and Public Works. Representatives from other departments and agencies as well as elements of the marine industry also contributed to the content of the Code.

    In 1982, following the successful conclusion of a number of TERMPOL assessments, an interdepartmental committee concluded that a second edition of the TERMPOL Code should be produced and that its applicability should be expanded to include, on a voluntary basis, proposals for marine terminals designed to handle bulk shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and chemicals. The production of the second edition was also made possible by the continued cooperation and the technical expertise of representatives of the listed departments.

    In 1995 the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act entered into force making parts of the existing Code irrelevant to respond fully to the requirements of the new Act.

    The same year, the Canadian Coast Guard joined the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and in 1999 it was decided that navigation assessments under the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) would be made by the Department according to the newly developed codes.

    After considering different avenues Transport Canada Marine Safety has now decided to issue a third edition, for the guidance of proponents, covering operational safety aspects of dedicated ships transporting pollutants or hazardous cargoes in bulk.

    Although highly technical in nature, we hope it will be useful for those studying the prospects of a new trade in Canadian waters.

Bud Streeter
Director General
Transport Canada
Marine Safety

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