Date (Y-M-D) : 2025-12-29
This Ship Safety Bulletin (SSB) replaces SSB 02/2020 issued on February 21, 2023.
Scope
This bulletin applies to the following entities,
- Foreign vessels transiting Canadian waters, excluding the waters of the Great Lakes Basin
- Pilotage Authorities, and
- shipowners, charterers, cargo interests
Note: Canadian-registered vessels are not subject to this bulletin as they are subject to a different marine technical review process under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 when seeking exemptions to requirements.
Purpose
This bulletin repeals SSB No 02/2020 and advises that Transport Canada has developed Tier I – Policy – Risk Management in case of limited bridge visibility. It explains how the Government of Canada views and handles exemptions from Foreign Flag Sates under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 3.2. It will help you understand the expectations regarding mitigation measures that must be implemented following a risk assessment, prior to a foreign vessel, subject to an exemption from bridge visibility requirements under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 22, transiting in Canadian waters, other than those of the Great Lakes basin.
Background
The increasing marine transportation of wind turbines has led to more instances of deck cargo obstructing visibility from the navigation bridge.
This has led to situations where deck cargo block visibility from a vessel’s navigation bridge, which violates the requirements of Chapter V of SOLAS and Canada’s Navigation Safety Regulations, 2020.
What you need to know
Even if a Foreign vessel has a flag state exemption from bridge visibility requirements it must meet Canada’s requirements as outlined in Tier I – Policy – Risk Management in case of limited bridge visibility.
To meet Canada’s requirements for foreign vessels:
- Prepare a risk assessment
- Identify key factors: Consider expected navigational hazards, expected marine traffic, the chance of encountering marine life, the use of navigational aids, and expected weather conditions
- Follow the policy
- Include mitigation measures: Explain how you will make sure you have an equivalent level of safety. These measures should meet the performance expectations outlined in the policy
- Submit your risk assessment
- Send your risk assessment and mitigation measures to TC regional office for the area you’re planning to travelling to and the relevant Pilotage Authorities as much in advance as possible
- Wait for the review and outcomes from Transport Canada and the Pilotage Authority
- Regional review: Transport Canada’s regional office will work with the relevant Pilotage Authorities to review your risk assessment and mitigation measures
- Other considerations: If needed, Transport Canada may contact you for more information or to ask you to modify your risk assessment and suggested mitigating measures
Contact
If you have questions about this bulletin, please contact your nearest Transport Canada office.
- Atlantic Region Service Centres
- Quebec Region Service Centres
- Ontario Region Service Centres
- Prairie and Northern Region Service Centres
- Pacific Region Service Centres
Related links
Keywords:
1. Bridge visibility
2. SOLAS Chapter V regulation 22
3. Deck cargo
4. Wind turbines
Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:
AMSEC
Navigation Safety and Radiocommunications
Transport Canada
Marine Safety and Security
Tower C, Place de Ville
11th Floor, 330 Sparks Street
Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).
