All of Canada's ports are currently operating with
accommodations being made because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada
recognizes that the marine transportation industry is vital to
provide food, medicine and other essential products to support the
well-being of its citizens.
Transport Canada has issued several Safety Bulletins changing
procedures in light of COVID-19 that are designed to allow cargo to
continue to move and to facilitate international crew
changes.
It has deemed deep-sea crew members to be essential international
travelers and has exempted them from restrictions on air travel by
foreigners entering the country, thus allowing regular crew changes
to take place as long as the seafarer has appropriate
documentation, and if required, a visa. It is allowing normal shore
leave for crew members unless the crew member shows signs of the
COVID-19 virus. Transport Canada has requested that ports and
terminals not impede shore leave.
To promote safety, foreign vessels have an obligation to report on
the health of their crews to Transport Canada 96 hours in advance
of arriving in Canada and then an ongoing obligation to report if
the health of their crews changes. The public health authorities
will then work with the vessel to assess the health of the seafarer
and whether COVID-19 might be indicated.
Transport Canada has also extended all Canadian marine personnel
certificates due to expire between now and September for six months
from the date of expiry. The individual seafarer does not need to
make any application, as the extension happens automatically.
On the West Coast, the Pacific Pilotage Authority has issued a
directive to industry concerning the steps ships must take to make
it safe for a pilot to board. The PPA and the BC Coast Pilots are
committed to keeping the marine supply chain moving notwithstanding
increasing difficulties in travelling to northern BC to meet
ships.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is requiring a separate launch
for its personnel going on board ships at anchor so that a
two-meter social distance may be maintained for its inspectors.
CFIA inspectors conduct required inspections of grain ships and
Asian gypsy moths inspections if the ship arrives
uncertified.
Ships are still bunkering in Vancouver, though for the moment there
is no requirement that the crew of the bunkering vessel board the
receiving vessel.
The situation is fluid but for the time being Canadian ports remain
open and committed to moving cargo and accommodating the well-being
and movement of international crew.
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