Policy 8.1 - Marine Operations

Effective Date: 31-Jul-97
Responsible Branch: Financial Management Branch

Management Services Volume Table of Contents | Amendment Log

Scope

This policy covers the operation and maintenance of all vessels (includes all water-born boats and craft) used in Ministry operations on tidal and non-tidal waters (including rivers).

Policy

All vessels will be operated only by certified staff in a safe and professional manner in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. All vessels will be maintained in a safe and reliable condition by qualified tradespeople.

All vessels will be inspected at least once a year by qualified staff and the inspection report maintained in Ministry files. Non-regulated vessels will be inspected in accordance with Ministry standards.

Operator Certifications

Operators of Ministry vessels must be certified as competent by authorized Ministry staff to Ministry standards or as required by federal regulations. Staff will not operate vessels in waters they are unfamiliar with unless accompanied by a person with local knowledge.

Regulated vessels contracted for Ministry business or operations must be under the direct command of an appropriately qualified person who holds a valid licence issued by the federal government for the size of vessel under the person's command. Non-regulated vessel operators chartered for Ministry use will be required to demonstrate competency to Ministry standards.

Operator certification records will be maintained and certificates issued.

All operators will have a Radiotelephone Operators Restricted Certificate-Marine, issued by Industry Canada if operating vessels with marine channels installed.

Inspections and Certifications

All vessels chartered by the Ministry over 20 registered tons will have a valid Canadian Steamship Inspection (CSI) before being chartered. Rented non-regulated vessels will be inspected by the Ministry before being used. All vessels will carry and display all licences and certificates required by federal or provincial acts and regulations for the size of vessel and tonnage or equipment carried.

Records

Every vessel larger than 4.3 metres will have log books maintained in accordance with federal and provincial regulations. Log books must be on board at all times when the vessel is in operation.

A Ministry file for each vessel will be maintained in accordance with the Administrative Records Classification System policy and provincial and federal regulations.

Crews

All vessels will carry qualified crews and adhere to watch-keeping regulations as required by the Canada Shipping Act for a vessel of the tonnage being operated.

Safety

All applicable safety regulations, procedures, and requirements will be followed at all times. Ministry safety policy and procedures will be considered as the minimum. No person will operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or any drug.

Weapons must not be carried unless authorized in accordance with Ministry policy 6.3, Firearms-Forestry Use.

• Accident Prevention Manual
• Canada Collision Regulation, Canadian Modifications, Industry Canada
• Canada Criminal Code, s. 249-1, 252, 253
• Canada Shipping Act and Regulation
• Canadian Coast Guard Safe Boating Guide
• Ministry Policy Manual, Management Services, 6.3, Firearms-Forestry Use
• Notice to Mariners
• Regional Operating Procedure
• Small Vessel Regulation
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulation
• Worker's Compensation Act and Regulation