New Regulations Set Fines for Marine Safety Violations

New Regulations Set Fines for Marine Safety Violations

Ottawa April 16, 2008 - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the coming into force of the new Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations. The regulations establish a comprehensive and consistent method outside of the courts for penalizing marine safety violations across Canada.

"The new regulations demonstrate our government's continuing commitment to modernize and improve the way the marine sector is regulated in Canada," said Minister Cannon. "They will facilitate the effective enforcement of marine safety and environmental protection requirements, benefiting all members of the marine community."

The Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations provide a new way to enforce marine safety requirements without using the criminal court system. Maximum penalties of up to $25,000 for a serious violation such as defective lifesaving equipment may now be imposed.

The new regulations promote consistency of enforcement under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001), which came into effect on July 1, 2007. The CSA 2001 is the principal legislation governing safety in marine transportation and recreational boating, as well as protection of the marine environment. The Act and its supporting regulations apply to Canadian vessels operating in all waters and to foreign vessels operating in Canadian waters, ranging from canoes and kayaks to cruise ships and tankers.

The Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations were first published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on November 3, 2007. A 60-day comment period followed, during which interested parties were encouraged to provide their views to Transport Canada. The department has now finalized the regulations and today published them in the Canada Gazette, Part II. This marks their official coming into force.