Feds implementing vessel reporting system to protect Arctic waters

OTTAWA, Ont. — Beginning July 1, the Government of Canada is requiring foreign and domestic vessels of a certain size to report to the Canadian Coast Guard if travelling through Canada’s Arctic waters. The new mandatory requirement will ensure vessels report information such as identity, position and destination to the Canadian Coast Guard.

“This government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has taken unprecedented action to protect Canada’s North, and today’s announcement will allow the Canadian Coast Guard to keep closer watch on our Arctic waters,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Coast Guard. “With mandatory reporting, the Canadian Coast Guard will be able to promote the safe navigation of vessels, keep watch on vessels carrying pollutants, fuel oil and dangerous goods, and respond quickly in the event of an accident.”

The announcement follows new legislation passed in June 2009 that expanded the area within Arctic waters over which the government could enforce Canadian pollution regulations, from 100 nautical miles from shore to 200 nautical miles. The announcement complements the Government of Canada’s Northern Strategy, which focuses on strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, protecting the fragile northern environment, and promoting economic and social development while giving northerners more control over their economic and political destiny.

“Our government is committed to keeping Canada’s North clean and green,” said Senator Claude Carignan. “Today’s announcement will help conserve and protect Canada’s oceans for generations. We developed a robust Northern Strategy to ensure Canada’s best expertise strengthens and sustains this precious environment.”

The regulations will require vessels of a certain size to submit reports in three stages: a pre-arrival information report prior to entering the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services (NORDREG) Zone; while navigating within the NORDREG Zone; and upon exiting the NORDREG Zone. These affected vessels include:

– vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more;

– vessels towing or pushing a vessel if the combined gross tonnage of the vessels is 500 gross tonnage;

– vessels carrying a pollutant or dangerous goods as cargo; or

– vessels towing or pushing a vessel carrying a pollutant or dangerous goods as cargo.

For more information about these regulations or the Shipping Safety Control Zones Order, go to http://canadagazette.gc.ca.