Bulletin No.: 01/2007

RDIMS No.: 1403345
Date (Y-M-D): 2007-03-27

 

Subject: Marine Emergency Duties Training for Personnel on Small Fishing and Small Commercial Vessels

This Bulletin has been replaced by Bulletin No. 11/2007.

Purpose

This bulletin explains Transport Canada’s ( TC ) policy with respect to basic Marine Emergency Duties ( MED ) and safety training for Masters and crewmembers working on small commercial vessels and small fishing vessels as stipulated in Section 21 of the Crewing Regulations.  Through this Bulletin, TC is granting an enforcement extension past the deadline of April 1, 2007 for Masters and crewmembers who have not taken the mandatory basic safety training related to their duties on board small vessels.

Scope

This policy applies to Masters and crewmembers working on small fishing vessels of not more than 150 gross tonnage and small commercial vessels not more than 150 gross tonnage on Home Trade IV and Minor Waters voyages.

Background

In 1997, TC amended the Canada Shipping Act to make MED courses mandatory for fish harvesters by July 30, 2000.  In recognition of the scope of implementation, TC initially extended this date to July 30, 2002.  As a result of concerns expressed by fish harvesters and training institutions in meeting this deadline, on November 6, 2002, TC further extended the deadline to require all fish harvesters to register for their course before July 30, 2003, with all training to be completed by April 1, 2007.

It is recognized that the fishing industry has put considerable effort in trying to get fish harvesters trained in the past number of years.

To allow those remaining to receive the mandatory training, the industry has asked TC to consider granting an extension on the basis that those who have not received the training would be allowed to work on ships if they are registered for the mandatory training at an approved institution by April 1, 2008.

The MED training is designed to enhance the basic safety awareness of a ship’s complement.  These courses train seafarers in the principles of basic safety at sea such as emergency response to first aid, fire, and abandon ship situations.  Every member of the complement is required to take the appropriate MED training with respect to basic safety.  MED training has been required on large commercial vessels since the late 1970’s.

TC Policy

Through this bulletin, TC is adopting the following policy:

• TC is providing a grace period of one (1) year and will not take enforcement action if a crewmember can show a proof of registration on a MED course prior to April 1, 2008.
• In cases where the Master cannot provide evidence that crewmembers have either taken the course or are enrolled in a MED course, the attending TC, Marine Safety Inspector will issue a defects notice (SI7) making the Master responsible to ensure corrective action.

If TC becomes aware that a crewmember on board a vessel does not have the appropriate training, TC will notify the Master.  The Master of a vessel is responsible for complying with all applicable safety standards and regulations when operating the vessel.

MED requirements for vessels not exceeding 150 gross tonnage

MED A3 is allowed in lieu of MED A1 for crewmembers on fishing vessels not more than 150 GT operating not more than 25 nautical miles offshore and, small commercial vessels not more than 150 GT.

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card ( PCOC ) will be allowed in lieu of MED A4 for crewmembers on board fishing vessels and non-passenger carrying vessels not more than 15 GT operating in sheltered waters not more than 2 miles from shore.

Summary of acceptable Basic Safety Training for crew or non-certificated operators to comply with subsection 21(1) of the Crewing Regulations by the Vessel Type and area of operation.

¹PCOC is recognized as replacing the MED A4
² MED B1 plus B2 or old MED 1 or old MED 2 (Parts A plus B) are acceptable in lieu of MED A1

Recognition of MED A3 for Operator or Master Qualifications

MED A3 will be allowed in lieu of MED A1/A2 for Master Limited certificates valid on vessels not more than 15GT on Minor Waters, Home Trade III and Inland II voyages.

Additional information with respect to MED training can be found in TP 4957.

Information with respect to TC approved courses and locations can be found in TP10655.

The following document is available for downloading or viewing:

Marine Emergency Duties Training for Personnel on Small Fishing and Small Commercial Vessels (36 KB) 

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