Canada Boosts Maritime Safety With Tenfold Increase In Shipping Violation Penalties

Pablo Rodriguez, the Minister of Transport (Canada), has announced a significant increase in monetary penalties for violations following the Canada Shipping Act 2001.

The maximum penalty is now $250,000, raised from $25,000.

The updated penalty structure, which has been segregated into minor, medium, and serious categories, is intended to reflect the gravity of the marine infringement.

Minor administrative violations that pose no direct threat to the environment or public safety may include a ship captain failing to notify the Minister of Transport before entering a shipping safety control zone.

Medium violations, where the pollution response regulations aren’t observed, may include cheating on an examination to secure a maritime document.

Severe breaches can involve activities ranging from the improper or unlawful storage of compressed gas to the discharge of cargo residues into polar waters under specific conditions—all of which endanger public health or threaten the environment.

The Canadian Oceans Protection Plan, a noble initiative involving Indigenous Peoples, communities, industry, scientists, and the government, is partly involved in the penalty adjustment process.

Rodriguez stated they are extremely particular regarding the safety of the country’s waters and the security and well-being of Canadians.

He added that this is the reason behind these amendments being introduced and the maximum penalty being raised.

This is another step they are taking via Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan to ensure that the waterways and coasts are safe now and for future generations.

The Canada Shipping Act of 2001 established administrative financial penalties to implement the Act and regulations.

The earlier maximum penalty of CAD 25,000 per infringement was set in 2008.

The revised amount highlights the Canadian Government’s continuous efforts to reinforce the country’s marine safety system and discourage violators.

Transport of Canada strives to monitor and inspect the marine shipping industry to ensure 100% compliance with legislation.

The enforcement toolbox covers some regulatory amendments, written warnings, possible cancellation or even suspension of permits and licenses, and criminal prosecution.

In contrast to criminal prosecution, which is reserved for the most severe non-compliance cases, the penalties are different and may result in a fine of up to CAD 1 million with or without an imprisonment term of up to 18 months.

Reference: newswire.ca

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