OTTAWA, June 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Seafarers play a vital role in safely and efficiently moving Canada's maritime trade, which is critical to the success of our economy. In honour of the annual Day of the Seafarer, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, invites Canadians to show their support to all seafarers in Canada and around the world.
The theme for this year's Day of the Seafarer – an observance day organized by the International Maritime Organization – is well-being and mental health. Canada is a leader when it comes to international standards and the well-being of seafarers. As an example of this commitment, Transport Canada was a contributor to and adopter of the Maritime Labour Convention of the International Labour Organization, which ensures safe working conditions, appropriate accommodations, and financial protection for seafarers.
Transport Canada has put rigorous measures in place to ensure seafarers are treated fairly, have safe working conditions, and are in good health both mentally and physically. For example, the department's regulations aim to reduce the impacts of fatigue by imposing mandatory rest periods for a vessel's master and crew. In addition, under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, crew members must meet the criteria to obtain a marine medical certificate, which takes into account the unique nature of the seafaring environment and the impacts a medical condition may have on an individual's ability to perform safety-critical duties. Physicians must report any medical conditions that may constitute a hazard to marine safety to Transport Canada.
To further examine how the department can improve safety for all modes of transportation, a Fatigue in Transportation Forum will be hosted by Transport Canada on June 27 and 28, 2018, to bring together operators, health professionals and government officials
Quote
"Today we honour the hard work of seafarers, often under difficult circumstances, that plays a critical role in the global economy. I know firsthand that the life of a seafarer can be challenging and I am pleased to see the International Maritime Organization is highlighting well-being and mental health for this year's Day of the Seafarer."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick Facts
- The International Maritime Organization is the global, standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted, and universally implemented.
- As a founding member of the International Maritime Organization, Canada has a long history of working with this organization to advance standards that promote maritime safety and security, protect the environment and safeguard seafarers.
- Canada has the longest coastline in the world at 243,000 km, with large navigable waterways and many ports of call.
- In November 2016, the Government of Canada launched the Oceans Protection Plan, a national strategy to create a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and clean water for generations to come. The $1.5-billion strategy is delivering the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways.
Associated Links
International Maritime Organization's Day of the Seafarer 2018
Video Message from Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport
Fatigue in Transportation Forum
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SOURCE Transport Canada
Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]
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