FERRY SAFETY
In Canada, the total passenger ferry traffic was estimated at 38.9 million
passengers and 16.3 million vehicles in 2003. This represents approximately 15
per cent of total worldwide ferry traffic.
Transport Canada has a comprehensive framework in place to oversee and enhance
the safety of ferries and their passengers. This includes developing and
enforcing regulations and standards, as well as other initiatives such as
research and development projects.
All commercial passenger vessels operating in Canada must comply with
regulations under the Canada Shipping Act. Ferries, in particular, are required
to:
- be constructed to applicable Canadian and international standards for
seaworthiness, buoyancy and stability in the event of damage to the vessel;
- carry specific navigating, firefighting and lifesaving equipment;
- have the required equipment to facilitate the evacuation of passengers in an
emergency (marine evacuation systems, lifeboats and liferafts);
- be operated by a sufficient number of crew members trained in emergency
duties;
- provide safety briefings to passengers prior to the vessel’s departure; and
- plan and undertake drills for efficient emergency evacuations.
Transport Canada inspectors regularly monitor and inspect passenger ferries
for compliance with regulations. If a vessel has safety deficiencies, Transport
Canada may take enforcement action such as detaining the vessel until the
deficiencies have been addressed and possibly laying charges against the
operator in the event of a serious violation.
Transport Canada is currently reviewing regulations that fall under the Canada Shipping Act
as part of a regulatory reform initiative that will modernize the existing
regulatory framework. The new Canada Shipping Act, 2001, is scheduled to come
into force in early 2007. Marine industry stakeholders and the general public
continue to participate in this important initiative.
Updated regulations will harmonize Canadian passenger ferry construction
standards and stability requirements with international SOLAS (Saving of Life at
Sea) standards, where appropriate.
Safety is a shared responsibility. Transport Canada is committed to working
with its Canadian and international partners, as well as with the marine
community and ferry operators to continue to enhance the safety of all passenger
vessel operations in Canada, and to maintain the place of Canada’s ferries
amongst the safest and most efficient in the world.
November 2006
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