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Conventions

IMO conventions provide the means for international uniformity after they are adopted by international conferences. Governments undertake to enable the provisions of conventions to which they accede or ratify by promulgating their own domestic laws, decrees, orders or regulations. Canadian accessions respecting IMO conventions are generally, but not exclusively, enabled by Canada Shipping Act legislation which includes Governor-in-Council regulations.

Canadian implementations of IMO conventions generally require enabling legislation plus new or amended Governor-in-Council regulations. (Canadian flag shipping engaged in international trade is limited because Canadian shipowners generally register their ships in foreign registers; however, much of it is applicable to or modified for the domestic fleet).

Public consultation respecting IMO matters including proposed accessions to particular IMO Conventions is subject to the procedures associated with the Government's regulatory plan. Consultation is also accomplished by means of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC), which is co-chaired by the ADM of Safety and Security at Transport Canada and The Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Delegates should ensure that stakeholders receive information and notice of issues being addressed by IMO through CMAC and CMAC's mailing list.

Date modified:
2010-01-14