The Regulations Amending Certain Department of Transport Regulations (Miscellaneous Program), known as SOR/2023-105. These amendments apply to the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. The regulations aim to address various technical and administrative issues identified in maritime regulations. These changes were proposed by the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Natural Resources to improve maritime safety protocols, particularly in Arctic waters.

Key changes include adjustments to the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations, particularly in the classifications of ice-strengthening standards for ships. For instance, the names of ice classes have been updated to reflect the current nomenclature used by classification societies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and DNV. This ensures that stakeholders have the correct information regarding ship classifications, reducing the potential for misinterpretation. The regulations also clarify the classifications in a new footnote, emphasizing that Type E vessels include those without assigned ice strengthening.

In the Collision Regulations, the term “Notice to Shipping” has been replaced with “Navigational Warnings,” reflecting a more current terminology used by the Canadian Coast Guard since 2019. This change is aimed at ensuring mariners have access to up-to-date information regarding navigational hazards. Furthermore, provisions requiring vessels to navigate with caution during hazardous conditions are reinforced, underscoring the importance of compliance with navigational warnings.

The Load Line Regulations have also been revised to correct references to non-existent provisions, thereby removing any ambiguity. Additionally, amendments to the Special-purpose Vessels Regulations address inconsistencies between the English and French texts, ensuring that terminology is aligned and clear. For example, specific terms have been adjusted to avoid confusion, particularly in relation to safety equipment requirements for vessels operating in colder waters.

Overall, the objectives of these amendments include correcting discrepancies between English and French versions of regulations, improving clarity for interpretation, and ensuring that references are current and accurate. The changes are largely administrative, designed to improve the operational safety and environmental protection of Canadian maritime activities without imposing additional costs or burdens on stakeholders.

Canada (SOR/2023-105) June 7, 2023