Current status: OPEN
This engagement opportunity is currently open.
On this page
- About the meetings
- National CMAC standing committees and working groups
- When and where
- Recently published marine regulations and proposed marine regulations
- Contact the Canadian Marine Advisory Council Secretariat
About the meetings
Overview
The Canadian Marine Advisory Council Meetings are an excellent opportunity to share your views and to comment on upcoming and/or required changes to regulations related to marine safety and security. Attendance to the meetings is free and registration is open to all, whether government employees, marine industry, unions or general public. The CMAC serves those with an interest in shipping, navigation, marine environment, fishing, marine personnel, construction standards, seafarer wellness and more.
Five regional CMAC meetings take place in the Pacific, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic and Prairie and Northern regions. As for the national CMAC meeting, it is held once a year in Ottawa and consists of three days of standing committees and working groups on various topics related to marine safety and security.
- To learn more about the topics and issues discussed at meetings, read about our National CMAC standing committees and working groups.
- To learn more about changes to regulations that affect marine transportation, see Recently published marine regulations and proposed regulations.
How to participate
There are two ways to participate in this engagement opportunity.
Firstly, you can register and attend a CMAC meeting:
- Register using the When and where section below (information will be added closer to the meetings date).
- Send your proposed agenda items to the CMAC Secretariat by email or mail. The submission form will be distributed to the CMAC distribution list two (2) to three (3) months prior to the meeting.
- All agenda submissions must include the reason for your submission and a detailed explanation of the agenda item you would like to include.
- A call-out for proposals of agenda items will be sent out prior to the national CMAC meetings.
- Late submissions will be added in a future agenda.
Secondly, you may send a request to the CMAC Secretariat to receive updates on CMAC and to be added to the CMAC Secretariat stakeholder list to receive our communications.
Related information
To obtain a copy of the various National CMAC presentations, meeting documents and reports, you may consult the Google Drive site at the following link CMAC Google Drive or send an email to the National CMAC Secretariat at cmac-ccmc@tc.gc.ca with your request.
For the list of consultations currently underway, go to Transport Canada’s Let’s Talk Transportation webpage.
National CMAC standing committees and working groups
Standing Committee on Construction and Equipment
The Standing Committee on Construction and Equipment provides a forum for discussion and information-sharing through consultation on various facets involving lifesaving and fire equipment; load line, hull, structural and electrical requirements; and other related subject matters.
Standing Committee on Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight
The Standing Committee on Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight provides a forum for stakeholders to discuss and influence regulatory, policy, and operational initiatives related to the inspection, certification, compliance, and enforcement of Canadian non-pleasure vessels. The committee's day-long sessions are divided into morning and afternoon segments, focusing on large non-pleasure vessels and small vessels, respectively.
Standing Committee on the Environment
This committee ensures that industry, community partners and government bodies are kept abreast of the latest regulatory, scientific, and technological advances in pollution prevention, with a particular focus on Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security regulatory program.
Issues include:
- Air pollution prevention
- Environmental response
- Ballast water management
- Prevention of aquatic invasive species
- Impacts of climate change
Standing Committee on Fishing Vessel Safety
The Standing Committee on Fishing Vessel Safety provides a forum for discussion, sharing of information and consultation on various regulatory and operational matters affecting the safety of fishing vessels including vessel construction; operation; safety equipment; education and compliance matters and other related subjects with the goal of improving fishing vessel safety.
Standing Committee on Marine Security
This committee discusses the security of the marine transportation system at the national level. It advises the federal government through consultations on domestic and international maritime security initiatives.
Standing Committee on Navigation and Operations
The Standing Committee on Navigation and Operations serves a consultative role, providing updates and guidance. Its scope includes navigation safety and radio equipment standards, ensuring safety through various regulations, routing measures policies, ongoing files from IMO subcommittees, the Navigation Safety Assessment Process, and the implementation of the Places of Refuge National Contingency Plan. Additionally, the committee shares information on previous year statistics, outcomes, and updates regarding the inspection of foreign vessels for compliance with international maritime conventions, the marine carriage of various cargo types, and standards for cargo lifting gear.
Standing Committee on Personnel
The Personnel standing committee is a forum where Transport Canada and stakeholders from the marine industry and marine recognized institutions discuss items of mutual interest such as regulatory and policy changes, training for marine personnel, examination, certification and medical examination requirements of seafarers.
Standing Committee on Recreational Boating
The Standing Committee on Recreational Boating provides a forum for discussion, sharing of information and consultation on specific facets of recreational boating.
Standing Committee on Marine Occupational Health and Safety
The Marine Occupational Health and Safety (MOHS) standing committee is a forum where Transport Canada discusses the rights and responsibilities of seafarers in the workplace, and where they can learn about health and wellness, workplace hazards and injury prevention. The goal of MOHS is to prevent accidents and illnesses to create a safe and healthy work environment.
Standing Committee on Pilotage
The Pilotage standing committee is a forum where Transport Canada and the Pilotage Authorities can discuss topics of mutual interest. Transport Canada updates the Pilotage Authorities on upcoming regulatory or policy changes and the Pilotage Authorities discuss issues affecting their activities and how Transport Canada, as a regulator, can help alleviate certain concerns.
Working Groups
Working groups on topical issues are sometimes added to the list of sessions held during CMAC meetings. For example, at the 2024 National CMAC Meeting, the Small Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations Working Group met following the Equipment and Construction Standing Committee.
Seafarer Welfare Board Working Group
The Seafarer Welfare Board working group reports to the Personnel standing committee and focuses on issues related to the welfare and well-being of searers, while also enhancing and improving welfare facilities in Canada. The National Seafarers’ Welfare Board is comprised of ship owners, seafarers’ welfare and labour representatives, port representatives and government.
Small Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations Working Group (SVCER)
The SVCER Working Group discusses the proposed Small Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations which would set out construction and equipment requirements for most of the Canadian inspected small vessel fleet, including: all types of commercial vessels (excluding fishing vessels) that are more than 15 gross tonnage (GT) and less than 24 metres in length, or not more than 15 GT and carrying more than 12 passengers, as well as tugs equal to or greater than five GT and less than 24 metres in length. The proposed Regulations would fill in the regulatory gap for vessels not subject to the Small Vessel Regulations or the Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations.
Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations Working Group
The FVSR Working Group discusses the proposed amendments to the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations which would update the design and construction requirements for small fishing vessels (not more than 24.4 metres in length and 150 gross tonnage) that are constructed, manufactured or rebuilt in, or imported into, Canada.
When and where
| Date | Province/ Territory | City | Details | Participate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
British Columbia |
Vancouver |
Pacific Regional CMAC Meeting 9 am to 4 pm |
Registering: Open Register online at: 2026 Pacific Regional Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) Registration You may submit agenda items for consideration by Friday, January 2, 2026, to TC.PacificCMAC-CCMCPacifique.TC@tc.gc.ca |
Recently published marine regulations and proposed regulations
Read about changes to marine safety and security related regulations published recently in the Canada Gazette.
Canada Gazette – Part I
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations(2022 Submission) - September 14, 2024
- Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations – June 1, 2024
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (2021 Submission) – June 17, 2023
- Regulations Amending the Administrative Monetary Penalties and Notices (CSA 2001) Regulations – June 10, 2023
- Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations – May 13, 2023
- Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations – October 29, 2022
- Marine Safety Management System Regulations – June 25, 2022
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations - February 12, 2022
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – June 12, 2021
- Regulations Amending the Life Saving Equipment Regulations - June 12, 2021
- Regulations Amending Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations– May 22, 2021
- Marine Safety Fees Regulations– November 14, 2020
- Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 – November 14, 2020
- Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations – October 31, 2020
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – March 7, 2020
- Navigation Safety Regulations, 2019 – June 15, 2019
- Ballast Water Regulations – June 8, 2019
- Regulations Amending the Navigation Safety Regulations (Automatic Identification Systems) – February 9, 2019
- Environmental Response Regulations – December 22, 2018
- Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations – December 22, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Administrative Monetary Penalties and Notices (CSA 2001)Regulations - October 14, 2017
- Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations – July 1, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – July 1, 2017
- Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made under the Canada Labour Code – June 10, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Marine Provisions) – April 1, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Great Lakes Pilotage Tariff Regulations – March 11, 2017
- Amendments to the Pacific Pilotage Tariff Regulations– February 18, 2017
- Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code – December 24, 2016
- Regulations Respecting Compulsory Insurance for Ships Carrying Passengers – December 24, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Atlantic Pilotage Tariff Regulations, 1996 – December 3, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations– April 2, 2016
Canada Gazette – Part II
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations– August 13, 2025
- Regulations Repealing the Sable Island Regulations (Miscellaneous Program) – December 4, 2024
- Marine Safety Management System Regulations– July 3, 2024
- Regulations Amending the Marine Safety Fees Regulations (Vessel Registry Fees) – February 19, 2024
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restrictions Regulations (2021 Submission) – December 20, 2023
- Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations – December 20, 2023
- Regulations Amending Certain Department of Transport Regulations (Miscellaneous Program) – June 7, 2023
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations - November 23, 2022
- Regulations Repealing the Great Lakes Pilotage Tariff Regulations (Miscellaneous Program) - November 23, 2022
- Regulation Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations - August 3, 2022
- Regulations Amending the Life Saving Equipment Regulations – June 22, 2022
- Regulations Amending the General Pilotage Regulations – June 8, 2022
- Regulations Amending the Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations – March 2, 2022
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – March 2, 2022
- Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations – June 23, 2021
- Ballast Water Regulations – June 23, 2021
- Regulations Repealing Certain Regulations Made Under the Pilotage Act (Tariff Regulations — Miscellaneous Program)– June 9, 2021
- Marine Safety Fees Regulations– April 14, 2021
- Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 – April 14, 2021
- Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations – December 23, 2020
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations - December 9, 2020
- Navigation Safety Regulations, 2020 – October 28, 2020
- Regulations Maintaining the Safety of Persons in Ports and the Seaway– April 1, 2020
- Environmental Response Regulations - July 10, 2019
- Regulations Amending the Navigation Safety Regulations (Automatic Identification Systems) – May 1, 2019
- Regulations Amending the Marine Personnel Regulations and Repealing the Tariff of Fees of Shipping Masters – March 20, 2019
- Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code – December 12, 2018
- Regulations Amending the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations – November 14, 2018
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – October 31, 2018
- Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations – May 30, 2018
- Regulations Amending the Administrative Monetary Penalties and Notices (CSA 2001) Regulations – May 2, 2018
- Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations – January 10, 2018
- Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code – June 10, 2017
- The Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations – January 10, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – June 28, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Schedule to the Canada Marine Act– May 3, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Laurentian Pilotage Tariff Regulations – April 29, 2017
- Vessel Fire Safety Regulations – February 22, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations – February 22, 2017
- Regulations Amending the Pacific Pilotage Tariff Regulations – December 28, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations – October 19, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Small Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations – July 13, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Atlantic Pilotage Tariff Regulations – Newfoundland and Labrador Non-Compulsory Areas – July 13, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Great Lakes Pilotage Tariff Regulations and Making a Related Amendment – May 18, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Atlantic Pilotage Authority Regulations – March 23, 2016
- Regulations Amending the Atlantic Pilotage Tariff Regulations, 1996 – March 23, 2016
Contact the Canadian Marine Advisory Council Secretariat
Mailing address:
Transport Canada, Marine Safety and Security
330 Sparks Street
Tower C, 11th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8
Email: cmac-ccmc@tc.gc.ca
To be added or removed from the National CMAC distribution list, please send an email to cmac-ccmc@tc.gc.ca.