2024-May-16
What's on Deck for Transport Canada
As boating evolves year after year, Transport Canada (TC) considers creating or changing regulations to reflect the new realities of our waterways. TC engages in public consultation in this process and taking the views of stakeholders into account plays a critical part in a transparent, modern, and streamlined regulatory regime.
Developing and approving new regulations is a three-step process:
- the stakeholders are asked for comments to shape and define the issue and through the Let’s Talk Transporation portal.
- proposed legislation is published in Canada Gazette 1 where the public can comment on proposed legislation.
- the legislation is published in Canada Gazette 2 where the final details of the legislation are spelled. Once legislation is published in Gazette 2, it is the law.
What’s on Deck for Transport Canada?
- Mandatory Life Jacket Wear – a Let’s Talk Transportation public consultation about mandatory PFDs is expected any week now. This is a regulation change with the potential to impact everyone, so, if you have an opinion make sure you comment. GBA will let you know when the consultation period opens and let you know how to share your opinions with Transport Canada.
- Flare Funding – Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons applied to Transport Canada for continued funding for their Vessel Courtesy Check and Safety and Flare Disposal Program. GBA wrote in support of the program and asked for the funding to continue. An answer is expected by the end of May. This excellent program is often the only way to dispose of your expired flares safely and legally.
To be published in Canada Gazette 1 targeted for this summer
- VORRs 2022 Modernization – Transport Canada wants to modernize the VORR to make it faster, easier, and more effective for local authorities to implement restrictions. The proposed intended changes would allow the Minister of Transport to:
- Use “Incorporation by Reference” to modify the VORR schedules more quickly.
- Issue Ministerial Orders for implementing restrictions on pleasure craft activities not currently listed in the VORR, before going through the full regulatory process.
Legislation expected for Canada Gazette 2 this Fall
Pleasure Craft Licensing – The proposed changes to a Pleasure Craft License (PCL) for all motorized vessels over 10hp will include:
- a PCL will be good for only 5 years now and will have a $24 fee
- Licenses will be required for all wind-powered vessels above 6 metres in length
- The new owner of a pleasure craft will be required to apply for a license within 30 days of purchase
- The proposed amendments would allow the Minister to cancel a license
To be published in Canada Gazette 1 – targeted for 2025
- Decibel Limits – TC is looking to introduce noise limits for manufacturers and importers of new and existing pleasure craft including decibel limits for standing at the dock and pass-by operation that will be set in line with international standards.
- Propellor Powered Surfboards – TC is proposing to lift the long-standing ban, creating definitions for them and setting manufacturing standards and required safety equipment.
- Engine Cut Off Switches – Currently Canada only requires engine cut-off switches be installed and used on PWCs. TC is proposing that all vessels with 3hp or more that are less than 8 metres and have a primary helm that isn’t enclosed in a cabin have and use a cut-off switch. This will bring Canadian regulations in line with US regulations.
- Long Term Anchoring – Having vessels anchored long-term for recreation has raised concerns about the environment, safety, and public access. As such, Transport Canada wants to know when and where it would make sense to regulate long-term anchoring.
GBA will keep you posted as relevant consultations open, so if you have an opinion, you can share it. We’ll show you how.
More information on recent Transport Canada consultations can be found here.
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