GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES LONG-RANGE VESSEL TRACKING MEASURES WILL
FURTHER IMPROVE SAFETY AND SECURITY AT SEA

OTTAWA, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced new regulations to further improve marine safety and security. The Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Vessels Regulations enable Canada to better track vessels bound for Canadian ports and to monitor Canadian vessels internationally.

"These regulations will better protect Canada from potential threats at sea, while enhancing our ability to move people and goods safely and efficiently," said Minister Strahl. "By using long-range tracking systems on Canadian vessels, we also strengthen our competitiveness and increase our trading partners' confidence by meeting our international obligations."

The new regulations allow Canada to track certain types of Canadian vessels making international trips, in order to locate them and come to their aid in case of distress. The regulations also allow Canada to better monitor foreign vessels up to 1,000 nautical miles off its coasts, as the information transmitted at sea will help authorities take preventive action in case of a security threat.

The Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Vessels Regulations apply to Canadian passenger vessels with more than 12 passengers and to Canadian cargo vessels, including high-speed craft and tugs, of 300 gross tonnes or more that travel in international waters. As of November 10, 2010, these vessels must have on board long-range identification and tracking systems that transmit the identity and position of the vessels to coastal authorities of other countries that also require this equipment on their vessels.

The Canadian shipping industry supports the new regulatory requirements, which stem from the International Maritime Organization's initiative to help improve security of international shipping, enhance safety and protect the marine environment through more effective tracking of vessels. Transport Canada is working with stakeholders to ensure they fully understand the regulations and are aware of their individual responsibilities.

The Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Vessels Regulations were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on September 19, 2009. After consideration of the comments received, the regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 10, 2010, and are now in effect.

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For further information:

Contacts:

John Babcock Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa 613-991-0700

Media Relations Transport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055