Bulletin No.: 09/1998

Date (Y-M-D): 1998-08-05
 

Subject: Arrangements with response organizations ( ROs )

Subsection 660.2 (2) of the Canada Shipping Act ( CSA ) requires certain ships to have arrangements with one or more ROs that have been designated by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Although this provision has been in effect since 1995, it has not been enforced due to the fact that the fees payable to the ROs for the arrangement have been under review by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. As the Minister has rendered his decision on the fees in an Order published on page 893 of the Canada Gazette Part I issued April 18, 1998, the government now intends to proceed with the enforcement of this provision.

Ship operators who have not already done so should ensure that necessary arrangements are in place and that declarations, as referred to in section 45.3 of the Oil Pollution Prevention Regulations, are carried on board all applicable ships as soon as possible, but no later than September 15, 1998. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in detention and/or a fine of up to $250, 000 (reference CSA section 665.1 and 672).

Information concerning the requirements for arrangements is contained in sub-sections 660.2 (1), 660.2 (2) and 660.2 (3) of the CSA (available on the internet at http://www.tc.gc.ca/actsregs/csa/jan98/english/part-xv.html) ; information concerning geographic areas covered and RO fees is contained in the April 18, 1998 Order published in the Canada Gazette Part I (available on the internet at http://canada.gc.ca/gazette/homepar1_e.html).

To add or change your address, contact us at: marinesafety@tc.gc.ca

Owners of commercial vessels, registered and licensed, automatically receive Bulletins.