A YEAR OF CHANGE FOR MARINE SAFETY

On December 12, 2003 all marine safety policy and regulatory responsibilities were consolidated under Transport Canada (TC), allowing the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to maintain its focus on operations and service delivery. This transfer of responsibilities means that policy related to pleasure craft safety, navigable waters protection, marine navigation, and pollution prevention and response now rests with Transport Canada, Marine Safety. 

Specifics about the transfer

• The Office of Boating Safety (OBS) was transferred to TC in its entirety to provide a single point of contact on issues related to policy and regulations and to ensure that it continues to efficiently focus its work on both regulations and public education programs.
  
  
• Transport Canada now oversees the pollution prevention aerial surveillance program; approves ship source pollution prevention and response plans on board large commercial vessels and oil handling facility response plans; certifies response organizations and monitors their activities and exercises; and, administers the Bulk Oil Cargo fee.
  
  
• Responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, including issuing permits, removing obstructions to navigation, acting as Receiver of Wreck, and conducting all related environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act now lies with TC.
  
  
• Operational/program responsibilities associated with policy responsibilities were also transferred to TC in those cases where it was not feasible or efficient to divide them.
  
  
• The Canadian Coast Guard continues to monitor the response to marine pollution accidents and, if required, take charge of the spill response in addition to maintaining an inventory of spill response equipment to respond to spills north of 60°N and spills in offshore waters.