The Cargo Services division in Transport Canada, Marine Safety is tasked with ensuring compliance by vessels, with all applicable regulations dealing with loading, stowage, securing, carriage and unloading of cargoes. It deals primarily with the three regulated cargoes, grain, timber and concentrates. The division also carries out inspection and certification of shore-based cargo loading equipment.

Regulated Cargoes: All vessels intending to load any of the regulated cargoes are inspected, prior to loading, for compliance with the applicable regulations. The vessel’s stowage plan and calculations are checked for compliance, as well as the condition of the vessel. A ‘certificate of readiness’ to load is issued, which allows the vessel to proceed with the loading. On completion of loading, the vessel is inspected, to confirm that it has loaded as planned and is in compliance. A ‘certificate of fitness to proceed to sea’ is issued which allows the vessel to sail.

Canada Labour Code: The division carries out the enforcement of the provisions of the Canada Labour Code Part II and the regulations, as applicable to longshoremen & stevedoring.

Marine Accidents: The division investigates all marine accidents involving casualties and fatalities both under the Canada Shipping Act and the Canada Labour Code.

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