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Marine transportation safety recommendations

As part of its mandate, the TSB makes recommendations to eliminate or reduce safety deficiencies that pose significant risks to the transportation system and warrant the attention of regulators and industry.

Under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act, federal ministers must formally respond to TSB recommendations within 90 days and explain how they have addressed or will address the safety deficiencies. The Act does not require other stakeholders to respond to the TSB's recommendations, but they usually do.

Using the Assessment rating guide, the Board assesses responses to recommendations according to the extent to which the safety deficiency has been or is being addressed. Once recommendations have been assessed as Fully satisfactory, they are closed. The TSB continually monitors the progress being made on its recommendations.


Number The TSB has recommended that Source report Current assessment Status Watchlist
M23-09 the Department of Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Social Development and the territorial governments, review the occupational health and safety oversight of fishing vessels registered in the territories to ensure effective workplace safety oversight. M21C0214 Not Yet Assessed Active  
M23-08 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans ensure that policies, procedures, and practices include comprehensive identification of hazards and assessment of associated risks to fish harvesters when fisheries resource management decisions are being made and integrate independent safety expertise into these processes. M21A0065 Not Yet Assessed Active  
M23-07 the Department of Transport require that planned modifications to small fishing vessels and other small commercial vessels be assessed by a competent person, that all records of modifications to these vessels be maintained, and that the records be made available to the Department. M21A0065 Not Yet Assessed Active  
M23-06 the Department of Transport introduce objective criteria to define major modifications to small fishing vessels and other small commercial vessels. M21A0065 Not Yet Assessed Active  
M23-05 the Department of Transport ensure that each inspection of a commercial fishing vessel verifies that each required written safety procedure is available to the crew and that the crew are knowledgeable of these procedures. M20A0434 Satisfactory Intent Active
M23-04 the Pacific Pilotage Authority implement a process to verify ongoing compliance with waiver conditions by companies operating tugs in compulsory pilotage areas. M21P0030 Satisfactory Intent Active
M23-03 the Pacific Pilotage Authority verify that eligibility requirements are met before issuing pilotage waivers to companies operating tugs in compulsory pilotage areas. M21P0030 Satisfactory Intent Active
M23-02 the Department of Transport require authorized representatives of tugs of 15 gross tonnage (GT) or less to assess the risks present in their operations, including the suitability of their tugs for the specific towing operations they are undertaking. M21P0030 Satisfactory Intent Active
M23-01 the Department of Transport expand its surveillance program to include regular inspections of tugs of 15 gross tonnage (GT) or less to verify that these vessels are complying with regulatory requirements. M21P0030 Satisfactory in Part Active
M22-01 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans require that any Canadian vessel that is used to commercially harvest marine resources have a current and accurate Transport Canada registration. M20A0160 Satisfactory intent Active  
M21-01 the Department of Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, develops and implements mandatory risk mitigation measures for all passenger vessels operating in Canadian Arctic coastal waters. M18C0225 Satisfactory Intent Active  
M18-02 the Department of Transport require vessel owners whose watchkeepers' work and rest periods are regulated by the Marine Personnel Regulations to implement a comprehensive fatigue management plan tailored specifically for their operation, to reduce the risk of fatigue. M16P0378 Unsatisfactory Active
M18-01 the Department of Transport require that watchkeepers whose work and rest periods are regulated by the Marine Personnel Regulations receive practical fatigue education and awareness training in order to help identify and prevent the risks of fatigue M16P0378 Satisfactory intent Active
M17-04 the government of New Brunswick and WorkSafeNB require persons to wear suitable personal flotation devices at all times when on the deck of a commercial fishing vessel or on board a commercial fishing vessel without a deck or deck structure and that WorkSafeNB ensure that programs are developed to confirm compliance. M16A0140 Satisfactory intent Active
M17-03 the Department of Transport expedite the proposed changes to the Navigation Safety Regulations and expand its current emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) carriage requirements to require that all commercial passenger vessels operating beyond sheltered waters carry an EPIRB, or other appropriate equipment that floats free, automatically activates, alerts search-and-rescue resources, and provides continuous position updates and homing-in capabilities. M15P0347 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M17-02 the Department of Transport require commercial passenger vessel operators to adopt explicit risk management processes, and develop comprehensive guidelines to be used by vessel operators and Transport Canada inspectors to assist them in the implementation and oversight of those processes. M15P0347 Satisfactory intent Active
M17-01 the Department of Transport ensure that commercial passenger vessel operators on the west coast of Vancouver Island identify areas and conditions conducive to the formation of hazardous waves and adopt practical risk mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood that a passenger vessel will encounter such conditions. M15P0347 Satisfactory Intent Active
M16-05 the Department of Transport require persons to wear suitable personal flotation devices at all times when on the deck of a commercial fishing vessel or when on board a commercial fishing vessel without a deck or deck structure and that the Department of Transport ensure programs are developed to confirm compliance. M15P0286 Satisfactory in Part Active
M16-04 WorkSafeBC require persons to wear suitable personal flotation devices at all times when on the deck of a commercial fishing vessel or when on board a commercial fishing vessel without a deck or deck structure and that WorkSafeBC ensure programs are developed to confirm compliance. M15P0286 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M16-03 the Department of Transport require that all small fishing vessels undergo a stability assessment and establish standards to ensure that the stability information is adequate and readily available to the crew. M15P0286 Unsatisfactory Active
M16-02 the Department of Transport establish standards for all small fishing vessels that have had a stability assessment to ensure their stability information is adequate and readily available to the crew. M15P0286 Satisfactory in part Active
M16-01 the Department of Transport establish standards for all new and existing large fishing vessels to ensure that the stability information is adequate and readily available to the crew. M15P0286 Satisfactory in part Active
M11-02 the Department of Transport undertake initiatives leading to the adoption of international standards for sail training vessels on the provision of stability guidance to assist officers in assessing the risk of a knockdown and capsize, and for the training of officers in the use of this information. M10F0003 Satisfactory in part Dormant  
M11-01 the Department of Transport ensure that those officers to whom it issues sailing vessel endorsements are trained to use the stability guidance information that it requires to be on board sailing vessels. M10F0003 Satisfactory in part Active  
M09-01 the Department of Transport advocate at the International Maritime Organization IMO effective measures to ensure that maintenance and failure records remain on board throughout a vessel's life.  M07L0040 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M08-05 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans develops comprehensive safe towing policies, procedures, and practices that take into account all safety risks associated with towing small vessels in ice-infested waters.  M08M0010 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M08-04 the Department of Transport include in the proposed Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations adequate measures to ensure that all fishing vessels operating in ice-including those participating in the seal hunt-are structurally suited for their operating environment.  M08M0010 Satisfactory in Part Active
M08-03 the Department of Transport extend the requirement for the carriage of voyage data recorders/simplified voyage data recorders to large passenger vessels over 500 gross tonnage and all other commercial vessels on an equivalent basis to those trading internationally.  M06W0052 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M08-02 the Department of Transport establish criteria, including the requirement for realistic exercises, against which operators of passenger vessels can evaluate the preparedness of their crews to effectively manage passengers during an emergency.  M06W0052 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M08-01 the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Canadian Ferry Operators Association and the Canadian Coast Guard, develop, through a risk-based approach, a framework that ferry operators can use to develop effective passenger accounting for each vessel and route.  M06W0052 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M05-06 the Department of Transport require Canadian passenger vessels over 500 gross tonnage to meet a standard of structural fire protection that ensures a level of safety equivalent to SOLAS-compliant vessels.  M03W0073 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M05-05 the Department of Transport, in conjunction with other stakeholders, review Canadian and international marine regulations respecting fixed fire-extinguishing systems to ensure that their design, maintenance, inspection, and testing regimes effectively demonstrate continued structural and functional integrity.  M03W0073 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M05-04 the Department of Transport ensure that the Board's previous recommendations M03-05 and M03-06 are immediately implemented.  M04N0086 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M05-03 the Department of Transport develop and implement performance-based standards to ensure that all liferafts deployed on Canadian vessels are capable of operating in severe marine conditions and, further, encourage the International Maritime Organization to adopt a parallel approach internationally.  M03M0077 Satisfactory in part Active  
M05-02 the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the manufacturer, ensure that all present and future owners of Ovatek liferafts receive information that will allow users to properly de-water and right a swamped liferaft and encourage all users to practice these procedures.  M03M0077 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M05-01 the Department of Transport submit a paper to the International Maritime Organization requesting a review of requirements for structural fire protection and fire-extinguishing systems to ensure that the fire risks associated with compartments containing high levels of electrical energy are adequately assessed, and that the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea SOLAS dealing with structural fire protection and fixed fire-extinguishing systems are addressed.  M02W0135 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M04-04 the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, in collaboration with local authorities and organizations, promote the establishment of a system to monitor distress calls and to effectively coordinate Search and Rescue responses to vessel emergency situations on the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Carillon.  M02C0030 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M04-03 the Department of Transport ensure that small passenger vessels incorporate sufficient inherent buoyancy and/or other design features to permit safe, timely and unimpeded evacuation of passengers and crew in the event of an emergency.  M02C0030 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M04-02 the Department of Transport expedite the development of a regulatory framework that is easily understood and applicable to all small passenger vessels and their operation.  M02C0030 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M04-01 the Department of Transport take steps to ensure that small passenger vessel enterprises have a safety management system.  M02C0030 Satisfactory intent Active
M03-07 the Department of Transport, in collaboration with the fishing community, reduce unsafe practices by means of a code of best practices for small fishing vessels, including loading and stability, and that its adoption be encouraged through effective education and awareness programs.  M02W0147 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M03-06 the Department of Transport require all existing inspected small fishing vessels currently without any approved stability data be subjected to a roll period test and a corresponding freeboard verification not later than their next scheduled quadrennial inspection.  M02W0147 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M03-05 the Department of Transport require all new inspected small fishing vessels of closed construction to submit stability data for approval.  M02W0147 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M03-03 the Department of Transport, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Canadian pilotage authorities, in consultation with marine interests, develop, implement, and exercise contingency plans to ensure that risks associated with navigation-related emergencies are adequately addressed.  M99L0126 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M03-02 transport Canada, in coordination with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, fisher associations and training institutions, develop a national strategy for establishing, maintaining and promoting a safety culture within the fishing industry.  M01L0112 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M02-04 the Department of Transport ensure that overall preparedness is appropriate for responding to vessel-related emergencies within the Seaway.  M01C0054 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M02-02 the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation establish programs and policies which are pro-active and promote early detection of impairment and safety risk of employees occupying safety-sensitive positions by management, supervisors or peers and which provide an effective mechanism for remedial action. M01C0054 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M02-01 the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation reassess and clearly identify safety sensitive positions in their organization in which incapacity due to impairment could result in direct and significant risk of injury to the employee, others or the environment. M01C0054 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M01-03 the Department of Transport require small passenger vessels to provide pre-departure briefings, and to be equipped with a liferaft that is readily deployable, lifesaving equipment that is easily accessible, and the means to immediately alert others of an emergency situation.  M00C0033 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M00-09 the Department of Transport require small fishing vessels engaging in coastal voyages to carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon or other appropriate equipment that floats free, automatically activates, alerts the search and rescue system, and provides position updates and homing-in capabilities.  M98L0149 Fully satisfactory Closed
M00-08 the Department of Transport examine the effectiveness of life raft automatic release mechanisms to prevent premature activation of these mechanisms on small fishing vessels in rough sea conditions. M98L0149 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M00-07 the Department of Transport alert builders and owners of fishing vessels to the need for the life rafts on all vessels to be stowed with a launching system fitted with a release mechanism that allows the inflatable liferaft to be easily released when the vessels sinks. M98L0149 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M00-06 the fishing industry and the Department of Transport give increased attention to small fishing vessel hatch covers to help ensure that these covers are watertight and can be effectively secured.  M98L0149 Fully satisfactory Closed
M99-04 the Department of Transport and the Canadian pilotage authorities develop and implement an awareness program to provide guidance to operational employees, including pilots, on reducing the adverse effects of fatigue on job performance. M97W0197 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M99-03 Canadian pilotage authorities adopt pilotage assignment policies and practices that both reflect the workload associated with the seasonal fluctuation in demand for pilotage services and help ensure pilots are well rested between assignments, so as to minimize the adverse effects of short-term and/or chronic fatigue on their performance. M97W0197 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M99-02 the provinces review their workplace legislation with a view to presenting it in a manner that will be readily understood by those to whom it applies, to help ensure that the enforcement mechanism and the regulatory regime complement each other. M96M0144 Fully Satisfactory Closed
M99-01 the Department of Transport coordinate with appropriate provincial authorities to conduct a review of existing safety regulations administered by both levels of government to help ensure that the regulatory provisions pertaining to workplace safety on fishing vessels and overall operational safety are harmonized and enforced to achieve their intended objectives.  M96M0144 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M97-01 the Department of Transport implement procedures to verify that liferafts on all vessels including fishing vessels are serviced as required by the Life Saving Equipment Regulations.  M95W0013 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-18 the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority develop and implement an awareness program to provide guidance to dispatching staff and pilots on reducing the adverse effects of fatigue on job performance. M93C0003 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-17 the Department of Transport and the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority implement a policy and procedures for allocating pilotage assignments, such that pilots receive sufficient rest to minimize the adverse effects of fatigue on performance. M93C0003 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-13 the Department of Transport, in conjunction with other government departments, agencies, and organizations, immediately undertake a national safety promotion program for operators and crews of small fishing vessels to increase their awareness of the effects of unsafe practices on vessel stability.  M95W0005 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-10 the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the appropriate authorities in the United States, seek harmonization in the requirements for fire detection and extinguishing systems on Great Lakes self-unloading vessels.  M94M0057 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-09 the Department of Transport review the requirements for fire protection systems for tunnel areas on Canadian self-unloaders, with a view to ensuring a capability for suppressing large fires.  M94M0057 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-07 the Department of Transport, in collaboration with ports and harbour authorities, take measures to ensure that shore-based fire brigades expected to support on-board fire-fighting, receive appropriate training. M94M0057 Satisfactory in part Closed  
M96-06 the Department of Transport conduct a special audit of fire-fighting facilities at Canadian ports and harbours under its jurisdiction to ensure that an adequate year-round capability exists to contain shipboard fires. M94M0057 Satisfactory in part Closed  
M96-04 the Department of Transport require all small boats that carry fare-paying passengers to undergo safety inspections to ensure their seaworthiness and operational safety.  M93L0003 and M93L0004 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M96-02 the Department of Transport amend the regulations to require sight-seeing boats that carry fare-paying passengers to be fitted with adequate radio equipment and to report to the VTC, before departure, the number of persons on board.  M93L0003 and M93L0004 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M95-10 the Department of Transport require that all ship officers demonstrate skills in Bridge Resource Management before being issued Continued Proficiency Certificates.  MS9501 Unsatisfactory Active  
M95-09 the Department of Transport require that the initial training syllabus for all ship officers be modified to include demonstration of skills in Bridge Resource Management.  MS9501 Satisfactory in part Active  
M94-34 the Department of Transport require that the pilotage authorities publish official passage plans for compulsory pilotage waters and make them available to masters to facilitate monitoring of the pilot's actions by the vessel's bridge team. M91L3012 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-33 the Department of Transport establish guidelines for stability booklets so that the information they contain is presented in a simple, clear and practicable format for end-users.  M90L3033 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-28 the Department of Transport establish guidelines for the operation of high-speed passenger craft taking into account local operating conditions and the overall navigational infrastructure.  M92W1012 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-27 the Department of Transport establish specific training requirements and qualifications for the certification of personnel to operate high-speed passenger vessels.  M92W1012 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-24 the Department of Transport require that procedures be in place to secure luggage, equipment and other potentially hazardous objects in passenger areas of high-speed craft.  M92W1012 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-23 the Department of Transport establish safety standards for the furnishing and finishing of the passenger areas on high-speed craft.  M92W1012 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-21 the Department of Transport extend the role of Canadian Coast Guard port wardens to include the survey of the stowage and securing arrangements of under-deck cargo, as well as all types of deck cargo, on vessels departing Canadian ports. M91L3033 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M94-06 the Department of Transport require the installation of water level detectors in all compartments below the waterline on large fishing vessels.  M90L3034

Fully Satisfactory.

Closed
M94-05 the Department of Transport initiate research and development into ways of ensuring the accessibility of all emergency equipment, including in capsizing situations.  M92C2007* and M92W1031* Fully satisfactory Closed  
M93-04 the Department of Transport ensure that federally inspected passenger ferries maintain an accurate passenger count and that such count is communicated to both the master and a designated person ashore before departure. M90M4025* Fully satisfactory Closed  
M93-03 the Department of Transport ensure that liferafts on all federally approved or inspected vessels are stowed in such a manner as to permit easy manual launching under any conditions likely to be encountered by that vessel. M93M4004 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M93-02 the Department of Transport evaluate the effectiveness of its distribution practices for all marine safety information aimed at fishing masters and fishermen.  M90L3034 Fully satisfactory Closed  
M92-07 the Department of Transport expedite its revision of the Small Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations which will require the carriage of anti-exposure worksuits or survival suits by fishermen. M90N5017 Fully satisfactory Closed
M92-05 the Department of Transport amend the pertinent regulations to ensure that bilge drainage systems are effective for all watertight compartments, including refrigerated spaces on fishing vessels, where below freezing temperatures may occur. M90M4020 Fully satisfactory Closed  

*These older reports are not available on the website. For more information, contact us.