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6. Part F - Additional Canadian Provisions

Part F - Additional Canadian Provisions

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RULE 39 - Special Signals for Dangerous Goods

In the Canadian waters of a roadstead, harbour, river, lake or inland waterway, a vessel that is taking in, discharging or carrying dangerous goods shall,

1. when not underway, exhibit where it can best be seen, an all-round red light or the International Code flag “B”; and
2. when underway, exhibit where it can best be seen, the International Code flag “B” but not an all-round red light.

RULE 40 - Radar Reflectors

1. Subject to paragraph (b), a vessel that is less than 20 metres in length or is constructed primarily of non-metallic materials shall, if practicable, be equipped with a radar reflector or other means to enable the vessel’s detection by other vessels navigating by radar at 3 GHz or 9 GHz.
2. Paragraph (a) does not apply where
   1. a vessel operates in limited traffic conditions, daylight, and favourable environmental conditions and where compliance is not essential for the safety of the vessel, or
   2. the small size of the vessel or its operation away from radar navigation makes compliance impracticable.
3. The radar reflector or other means to enable detection prescribed in paragraph (a) shall, to the extent practicable, meet the requirements of:
   1. sections 3 to 5 of the Annex to Resolution A.384 (X), made by the Organization and as amended from time to time, if fitted before July 1, 2005;
   2. sections 3 to 5 of the Annex to Resolution MSC.164 (78), made by the Organization and as amended from time to time, if fitted on or after July 1, 2005; or
   3. other performance standards that the Minister determines provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or higher than that of those standards.
4. For the purpose of interpreting a document incorporated by reference into this Rule, “should” shall be read to mean “shall” and recommendations shall be mandatory.

RULE 41 - Transponders

1. No vessel, except a vessel in distress, shall use a transponder that can transmit radar responder signals or radar beacon signals in the 3- or 10-centimetre marine radar bands.
2. Notwithstanding paragraph (a), an exploration or exploitation vessel may use such a transponder if authorized to do so under this Rule and the transponder is used in a manner that does not compromise the safety of navigation.
3. The Minister shall authorize the use of a transponder if it will be used in a manner that will not interfere with or degrade the use of radar in navigation, having regard to factors such as:
   1. the proximity of other transponders and the distinctiveness of their signals;
   2. the frequency, range and power of the transponder; and
   3. the marine band to be used.

RULE 42 - Additional Requirements for Exploration or Exploitation Vessels

1. An exploration or exploitation vessel shall display identification panels bearing the name, identification letters or numerals of the vessel so that at least one panel is visible in any direction.
2. The name, identification letters or numerals referred to in paragraph (a) shall be:
   1. black;
   2. not less than 1 metre in height;
   3. displayed on a yellow background; and
   4. easily visible in daylight and at night by the use of illumination or retro-reflecting material.
3. Subject to paragraph (h), an exploration or exploitation vessel, when stationary and engaged in drilling or production operations, shall, in lieu of the lights or shapes required by these Rules, exhibit where it can best be seen from any direction a white light or a series of white lights located at an equal height above the water and operating in unison, which light or lights shall:
   1. flash the morse letter “U” at intervals of not more than 15 seconds;
   2. be installed at a height above the water of not less than 6 metres and not more than 30 metres so that at least one light shall remain visible to within 15 metres of the vessel;
   3. be visible all round the horizon at a nominal range of 15 miles;
   4. be powered by a reliable power source;
   5. be equipped with an auxiliary power source; and
   6. be exhibited from 15 minutes before sunset until sunrise and at all times when the visibility in any direction is 2 miles or less.
4. The horizontal and vertical extremities of an exploration or exploitation vessel that is stationary and engaged in drilling or production operations shall be adequately marked in compliance with the requirements set out in Transport Canada Standards Obstruction Markings (2^nd ed.), 1987, TP 382, as amended from time to time.
5. An exploration or exploitation vessel, when stationary and engaged in drilling or production operations, shall be equipped with a sound-signalling appliance that:
   1. is powered by a reliable power source;
   2. is provided with an auxiliary power source;
   3. when operating, emits a rhythmic blast corresponding to the Morse letter “U” every 30 seconds;
   4. has its maximum intensity at a frequency between 100 and 1 000 Hertz;
   5. has a usual range of at least 2 miles;
   6. is installed at a height above the water of not less than 6 metres and not more than 30 metres; and
   7. is so placed that the sound emitted is audible, when there is no wind, throughout the required range in all directions in a horizontal plane from the vessel.
6. An exploration or exploitation vessel, when stationary and engaged in drilling or production operations, shall, whenever the visibility in any direction is 2 miles or less, operate the sound-signalling appliance described in paragraph (e) in lieu of the sound signal described in Rule 35.
7. An exploration or exploitation vessel shall comply with the relevant technical requirements set out in sections 2.3 and 2.4 of, and in Appendix 1 to, the IALA’s publication, Recommendations for the marking of offshore structures, as amended from time to time, and the nominal range of lights shall be computed in accordance with Appendix II of the IALA’s 1967 publication, Recommendation for the Notation of Luminous Intensity and Range of Lights.
8. For the purposes of this Rule, wherever the word “Authority” appears in a document incorporated by reference, it shall be read as “Minister”.
9. In the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes Basin, the white light or series of white lights exhibited by an exploration or exploitation vessel when stationary and engaged in drilling or production operations shall have a range of visibility of between eight and fifteen miles.

RULE 43 - Safety Zones Around Exploration or Exploitation Vessels

1. For the purpose of this Rule, with respect to an exploration or exploitation vessel that is in position for the purpose of exploring or exploiting the non-living natural resources of the sea bed, a safety zone is the area that extends from the outer extremities of the exploration or exploitation vessel to the greater of:
   1. 500 metres in all directions; and
   2. 50 metres beyond the boundaries of the anchor pattern of the vessel.
2. The Minister may establish a safety zone greater than the safety zone referred to in paragraph (a), if it is reasonably related to the nature and function of the exploration or exploitation vessel and is necessary to ensure navigational safety.
3. No vessel shall navigate within a safety zone.
4. Paragraph (c) does not apply to a vessel that:
   1. is in distress;
   2. is attempting to save life or provide assistance to a vessel in distress;
   3. is operated by or on behalf of the state having jurisdiction over the exploration or exploitation operations; or
   4. has received permission from the person in charge of the exploration or exploitation vessel to enter the safety zone around that vessel.

RULE 44 - Ocean Data Acquisition Systems (ODAS)

1. Every Canadian ODAS shall clearly display its identification number on an exterior surface where it can be clearly seen and, if practicable, shall display the name and address of the owner of the ODAS.
2. Subject to paragraph (f), every ODAS shall be constructed or fitted with a radar reflector, or other means, that has a radar response that at least meets the requirements set out in Rule 40.
3. Every ODAS that is designed to operate while floating with part of its structure extending above the water shall:
   1. be coloured yellow,
   2. have a shape that cannot be confused with the shape of a navigational mark, and
   3. where technically practicable,
      1. have a topmark consisting of a yellow “X” shape,
      2. exhibit a yellow light visible at a minimum range of five miles that gives a group of five flashes every 20 seconds, and
      3. be equipped with an appliance that emits a sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes, which sound signal cannot be confused with any other signal prescribed by these Rules or with the sound signal of any aid to navigation in the vicinity of the ODAS.
4. Subject to paragraph (f), every ODAS designed to operate under water, other than ODAS referred to in paragraph (e), shall
   1. be escorted by a surface vessel that gives warning of the presence of the ODAS in accordance with Rule 27, or
   2. have tethered to it a surface float that is marked, provides the radar response, is lighted and sounds the signal specified in paragraphs (a) to (c).
5. Every ODAS designed to operate when resting on the bottom of a sea, lake or river with part of its structure extending above the water shall be marked, exhibit lights and shapes, and sound signals in the manner as an exploration or exploitation vessel.
6. Paragraphs (b) and (d) do not apply to an ODAS where:
   1. the Minister has determined that the ODAS does not constitute a potential danger to navigation by reason of:
      1. its size, material, construction, area or method of operation,
      2. the nature and condition of the waters in the area of operation of the ODAS, and
      3. the use that is or might reasonably be expected to be made of those waters, and
      4. the Minister has given the owner of the ODAS notice in writing of that determination.

RULE 45 - Blue Flashing Light

1. Any government vessel or any vessel that is owned or operated by a harbour, river, county or municipal police force may exhibit as an identification signal a blue flashing light when the vessel:
   1. is providing assistance in any waters to any vessel or other craft, aircraft or person that is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance, or
   2. is engaged in law enforcement duties in Canadian waters.
2. Any vessel operated by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary may exhibit a blue flashing light as an identification signal when the vessel participates, at the request of the Canadian Coast Guard, in search and rescue operations.
3. A vessel referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) that exhibits a blue flashing light as an identification signal is not relieved from the obligation to comply with the Steering and Sailing Rules set out in Part B.

RULE 46 - Alternate System of Navigation Lights

1. For the purpose of this Rule, “alternate system of navigation lights” means a backup system that includes masthead lights, sidelights, a sternlight and the lights prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor.
2. This rule does not apply to:
   1. vessels that are less than 15 metres in length,
   2. cable ferries, or
   3. pleasure craft.
3. A Canadian vessel required by Part C to exhibit lights shall be fitted with an alternate system of navigation lights.
4. In the case of vessels built before January 1, 1991 that have a gross tonnage of less than 500, the alternate system of navigation lights may consist of oil or electronic lanterns.
5. If it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed or pushed to comply with paragraph (c), spare lights shall be readily available so that the vessel or object maintains compliance with Part C.
6. The alternate system of navigation lights shall be supplied by the main source of electric power and the emergency source of electric power that are referred to in section 15 of Annex I, unless otherwise provided by paragraph (g).
7. In the case of vessels built before January 1, 1991 having a gross tonnage of less than 500, the alternate system of navigation lights shall be supplied by:
   1. the vessel’s emergency source of electric power, or
   2. in the case of oil or electronic lanterns, power of a capacity sufficient for the duration of the intended voyage.
8. Lights using a flame shall not be used as the alternate system of navigation lights on any vessel carrying, towing or pushing cargo that is volatile or explosive.

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Date modified:

2012-02-24

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