ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS BY TC
BACKGROUND
On March 9, 2023, Transport Canada (TC) published the Transport Canada 2023-2024 Departmental Plan, explained that the existing Safety Management Regulations (SMR) was going to be replaced with the proposed Marine Safety Management System Regulations (MSMR). The aim was to align Canada’s regulations with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and the Maritime Labour Convention.
On July 3, 2024, the Marine Safety Management System Regulations came into effect via Canada Gazette Part II: Vol. 158 (2024), repealing the SMR, as described in sections 607 and 608 of the regulation.
On March 15, 2024, TC published the Transport Canada 2024-2025 Departmental Plan, reiterating that TC “will oversee the gradual coming into force of the MSMR, which were introduced in 2023-24 to replace the Safety Management Regulations. The new regulations require more companies and vessels to develop and implement safety management systems.”
Impact on the industry
Most Marine Companies shall develop, implement and maintain a specific SMS that complies with all the relevant regulations (e.g. Canada Shipping Act, CLC II, BC WCA). TC will enforce this requirement through a series of inspections as discussed in previous CMACs.
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Our expertise in Canadian regulatory framework and extensive experience in the Canadian Marine Industry and Safety Management Systems makes us your perfect partner to achieve compliance with this requirement.