Update: Virtual Meeting of Transport Canada’s CMAC

The CMAC represents parties with an interest in shipping, navigation and marine pollution concerns. They advise the government on issues and opportunities related to marine safety and security, and release reports each year based on findings.

The meeting documentation can be found at this link.

• E-Navigation
• MCTS Initiatives
• Emergency Towing
• Bligh Island Shipwreck: Incident Management
• Transport Canada Regulator Projects Update
• Pilotage Program Update
• Canada’s review of Exhaust Gast Cleaning Systems Update
• Overview of TC’s Transformation Agenda for the Marine Sector
• Ocean Protection Plan Update
• Update on the Feasibility Study on moving the traffic lanes in the Salish Sea
• Southern Resident Killer Whales Update
• Regional Marine Safety and Security Update
• Traffic Flow in Race and Current Passages
• Regulatory Compliance Floating Accommodation Vessels
• Port State Control Inspections

Marine Personnel Regulations
Drafting of the Marine Personnel Regulations has continued despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. Conclusion of drafting is anticipated by spring 2021. An updated discussion document will be shared for virtual consultations this spring. There are no changes to hours of work and rest requirements. However, clarification that transit time is to be counted as hours of rest will be proposed.

• Publication in Canada Gazette, Part 1, is anticipated for December 2021.
• Publication in Canada Gazette, Part 2, is anticipated for summer 2022.

E-Navigation
Among the many implications of e-Navigation, from the new S-100 ECDIS chart standard to policy regarding the use of autonomous vessels, the subject that stood out the most was the use of virtual AIS Aids to Navigation. These are being employed where there is not physical aid present; for example, to mark Southern Resident Killer Whale sanctuary zones in the Gulf Islands and on Swiftsure Bank.

MCTS Initiatives
Of greatest interest is the addition of 6 new MCTS radar sites to include Wright Sound, Douglas Channel, Lama Passage, Queen Charlotte Sound, Queen Charlotte Strait, western Johnston Strait, Seymour Narrow and the northern Strait of Georgia.

Bligh Island Shipwreck: Incident Management
A fascinating presentation describing the challenges of dealing with a 50-year-old shipwreck which has recently begun leaking heavy bunker oil in Nootka Sound.

Transport Canada Regulatory Projects Update
An informative presentation on Transport Canada Regulatory Projects. Note: Publication in Canada Gazette Part 1 means that it is published as a proposed regulation. Publication in Canada Gazette Part 2 makes the regulation official and enforceable.

Pilotage Program Update
Under this program, Transport Canada is recovering the authority to make regulations from the pilotage authorities.

Overview of TC’s Transformation Agenda for the Marine Sector
TC is committed to fee modernization, digital modernization and ensuring a high level of transparency and public trust.

Oceans Protection Plan Update
Update on the Feasibility Study on moving the traffic lanes in the Salish Sea: In order to move traffic away from Southern Resident Killer Whale sanctuary zones TC is proposing to modify the existing Traffic Separation Scheme in the Salish Sea. Stakeholders are encouraged to visit https://engage.mysocialpinpoint.ca/tctss

Southern Resident Killer Whales Update
It appears that the strategy for protecting SRKW this year will not be substantially different from the 2020 strategy.

Traffic Flow in Race and Current Passages
The Pacific Pilotage Authority is suggesting changes to the Traffic Separation Scheme in Race Passage and Current Passage in Johnstone Strait. Anyone with concerns or comments should contact the Pacific Pilotage Authority.