Navigation Safety Assessment Process - SSB No.: 28/2024

Purpose

This bulletin gives an overview and update on Transport Canada’s progress on the Navigation Safety Assessment Process (NSAP). The NSAP is replacing the current TERMPOL voluntary review process.

Background

TERMPOL was a voluntary safety review of proposed marine terminals and transshipment sites, driven by the proponents of these sites. It applied to marine projects where vessels handled bulk shipments of oil, chemicals, liquefied gas, and other possibly harmful substances. TERMPOL was a voluntary process and not a regulatory requirement. It was meant to improve navigation safety and find possible regulatory compliance concerns.

We reviewed the TERMPOL process as part of the Oceans Protection Plan. This review found ways Transport Canada and the maritime organizations involved in TERMPOLs could improve marine safety reviews of proposed marine terminals and transshipment sites. This included making reviews a part of Canada’s Impact Assessment regime.

TERMPOL reviews were independent of the federal environmental assessment process. They were conducted alongside this process for marine terminals and transshipment sites.

The NSAP is integrated into the impact assessment of marine projects under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). Where it applies, it will provide a fair, predictable, and efficient process. It will promote greater communication and coordination with Indigenous peoples and allow for public participation.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will make decisions about integrated NSAP reviews on a project-by-project basis. The Agency will determine if a NSAP review would be integrated into an impact assessment during a marine project’s Impact Assessment Planning Phase. Integrating a NSAP into the impact assessment process does not reduce the regulatory requirements of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 or other legislation.

Requests for navigation safety assessments

The transition from TERMPOL to NSAP is now complete. Requests for navigation safety assessments where a marine project is not subject to the IAA but is subject to a provincial or territorial environmental assessment will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If the Agency decides to not integrate a NSAP into an impact assessment process of a marine project or the project does not require an impact assessment under the IAA, proponents of the project can refer to the NSAP national guidelines for general guidance and support. This will help proponents better understand and comply with best practices. If the marine project receives all necessary approvals and goes ahead, it will be subject to Canada's marine safety and security regime.

We remain committed to keeping marine operations and seafarers safe in Canada while protecting our coasts.

Contact

For all questions related to the NSAP process, please contact your regional Transport Canada representatives.

Related links

• Tier I – Policy – Navigation Safety Assessment Process
• Tier II – Procedure – Navigation Safety Assessment Process
• TP 15577 Navigation Safety Assessment Process National Guidelines

Keywords:

1. Navigation Safety Assessment Process
2. Impact Assessment Act
3. TERMPOL

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).