The Cargoes and Ship Port Interface (CSPI) section's responsibilities cover a variety of programs regarding Marine Safety activities related to the following main operational subjects:
- Cargoes, safety related aspects for marine carriage of all types including bulk liquid and solid cargoes, dangerous goods, general cargoes, containers, as well as standards and operations concerning cargo lifting gear (Tackle).
- Operational and regulatory aspects of all the above
One of the main functions of the CSPI section is to serve as a contact point for the Marine Safety Regional offices and also the marine industry for questions and issues related to the application and interpretation of regulations and standards related to the above subjects.
This section is also responsible for the amendments and development of new regulations and standards related to these subjects. As a result of this the section also serves as one of the focal points for the consultative process related to the Navigation & Operations Standing Committee as well as the CMAC Transportation of Dangerous Goods Working Group. This section also serves as a focal point for the issues which fall under the purview of the International Maritime Organization(IMO) Sub Committees on Dangerous Goods, Bulk Cargoes and Containers( DSC) , Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG), and the Facilitation Committee (FAL).
Safe carriage of regulated cargoes and dangerous goods:
Under provisions of the Canada Shipping Act, ships when loading certain cargoes for export undergo mandatory inspections by Transport Canada Marine Safety Inspectors in the capacity of Port Wardens. (on average some 1800 vessels annually) These ensure that cargoes such as Grain, Mineral Concentrates and Timber Deck Cargoes are loaded in accordance with established safety practices, and Canadian and International requirements. Further more under Port State Control inspections vessels may be inspected for compliance with the IMO SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention CH VI and VII requirements for cargoes including stowage, segregation , packaging and documentation. Marine Safety Inspectors may further under appointments of the CSA and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Acts ensure compliance with those provisions and Regulations. Inspection programs which target certain containers are in place for major container ports to inspect containers for compliance with regulatory requirements in regards dangerous goods, documentation, stowage and securing.
Tackle, Lifting Appliances:
This section provides support for the departments' role in responsibilities under the Tackle Regulations, these also cover international obligations under the ILO ( International Labour Office, ILO 32 and 152) for safety involving tackle, and lifting appliances used in dock work on or near ships. Over the years Marine Safety has worked in cooperation with the industry concerned to develop relevant Standards for safe use of cargo gear, such as for Safe Wear Limits, Web Slings, Unitized Cargo. The Tackle Regulations have been under review for some time and a latest draft text is available on the CMAC web site.
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