No. H 147/09
For release - October 23, 2009

The Government of Canada introduces proposed new regulations to protect passengers and crew aboard vessels

OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister John Baird today introduced proposed new Fire and Boat Drills Regulations to enhance safety and better ensure that passengers and crew of vessels understand what to do during emergencies.

"Safety is the motivating factor in our commitment to modernizing these regulations," said Baird. "Being prepared and having the right information is critical when emergencies occur on board vessels – it can save lives and prevent serious injuries."

The proposed regulations will enhance safety by meeting Transportation Safety Board recommendations for better accounting of passengers and improved emergency preparedness on vessels. These regulations require that an accurate account of persons on board the vessel be available for search and rescue workers and that passengers and crew know what procedures to follow, including when to abandon a vessel, and how to react safely and efficiently to an onboard emergency.

These regulations would replace the existing Boat and Fire Drill and Means of Exit Regulations and conform to the new regulatory regime under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazettes, Part I, on October 10, 2009. A 30-day comment period began on that date, during which interested parties may provide their views to Transport Canada. After consideration of all comments received, Transport Canada will make any necessary changes before final approval and publication in the Canada Gazettes, Part II.

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