File Number: 4203-60
Temporary extension of the validity period of Transportation Security Clearances (TSC) and Restricted Area Passes (R1 and R2) due to COVID-19
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Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to notify regulated Canadian marine entities of the temporary extension of the validity of Transportation Security Clearances in the marine mode and Restricted Area Passes (R1 and R2) that expire between April 6 and July 6 2020, in light of the current Coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic.
Background
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and public health authorities of local jurisdiction are leading the response to the current Coronavirus COVID-19 public health event. Transport Canada is supporting the response in the marine transportation mode.
Transport Canada Marine Security Operations is supporting the promotion of social distancing efforts to reduce the amount of close personal interactions required at Canadian Marine Facilities and Ports to process and issue Restricted Area Passes and Transportation Security Clearances.
Guidance
Considering the current exceptional circumstances brought on by the global pandemic caused by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the imperative need to promote social distancing in the workplace, Transport Canada Marine Security Operations is providing regulatory relief (exemption) to holders of a TSC who meet certain conditions, and whose clearance expires between April 06, 2020 and July 06, 2020 inclusively. Holders of a TSC in the marine mode which expires between April 06, 2020 and July 06, 2020 inclusively are granted an exemption from sections 503 and 512 of the MTSR for a period of 90 days from the date of expiry, and are deemed to have a transportation security clearance for the purposes of the Marine Transportation Security Regulation (MTSR) for the same period. TSC holders are not covered by the exemption if:
- The TSC is under review by Transport Canada Security Screening Program;
- The TSC is subject to a sanction including suspension or cancellation; and
- The holder of the TSC has been served with a notice under subsection 515(1) of the PTSR prior to the expiry date mentioned on the TSC.
Transport Canada Marine Security Operations is also providing regulatory relief to the operators of Canadian Marine Facilities and Ports as well as holders of Restricted Area Passes whose passes expire between April 06, 2020 and July 06, 2020 inclusively, and are granted an extended validity of 90 days from the date of expiry. The restricted area passes include:
- Restricted area passes;
- Restricted are two passes
Transport Canada Marine Security Operations may extend the terms of the exemptions beyond October 06, 2020. Should this be necessary, regulated Canadian marine stakeholders will be informed of such an action prior to the expiry of the 90 day extension.
Any comments, suggestions or concerns can be addressed to the Director, Marine Security Operations by e-mail at: dirops.marsec-sumar@tc.gc.ca
Original Signed by:
Malick Sidibé
Director
Marine Security Operations
Date: April 06, 2020