No. H 001/03For release - January 9, 2003
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today acknowledged the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's (TSB) report and recommendation on the collision between the Windoc, a bulk carrier loaded with grain, and the Allanburg lift bridge in the Welland Canal on August 11, 2001.
The collision occurred as a result of the inadvertent lowering of the lift bridge, and resulted in a fire on board the vessel. The fire was extinguished by the vessel crew and municipal firefighters. There were no serious injuries.
The TSB has recommended that Transport Canada "ensure that overall preparedness is appropriate for responding to vessel-related emergencies within the Seaway."
"I would like to recognize the importance of the work done by the Transportation Safety Board in investigating this incident," said Mr. Collenette. "The department will carefully review the Board's recommendation and report, and will take appropriate action."
Emergency preparedness for responding to vessel-related emergencies within the Seaway is a shared responsibility between the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and federal, provincial and municipal governments, including Transport Canada, port authorities and municipalities.
Over the past few years, Transport Canada has fully supported the SLSMC, Canada Port Authorities and municipalities in their efforts to further enhance the safety of their operations. For example, Transport Canada has offered awareness sessions to municipal firefighters and emergency responders that emphasize the importance of planning and training for firefighting on board vessels. The department has also encouraged port officials to invite local fire departments to familiarize themselves with port facilities and the ships using them.
In addition, Transport Canada is working together with federal, provincial and municipal agencies to identify ways to further improve firefighting services near port and seaway facilities.
The TSB has also identified two safety concerns regarding the accessibility of ship fire control plans and the installation of sprinkler systems on ships.
Transport Canada, under the Canada Shipping Act, has established internationally recognized standards and regulations for commercial vessel operations in Canada that require vessels to be seaworthy, environmentally sound, appropriately certified, properly equipped and operated by individuals who have specified credentials and training. These standards and regulations include equipment and training requirements for crew members to be prepared in the event of an emergency such as a fire.
In terms of ship fire control plans, Transport Canada's regulations require commercial vessels to carry and display in a convenient location for all crew members: a firefighting plan showing the location of all firefighting equipment, a lifesaving plan showing the location of all lifesaving devices, and a muster list showing the emergency and firefighting stations of each crew member. Large commercial vessels that operate internationally must also carry an emergency procedures plan on the outside of the vessel, in a watertight container accessible to shore-side emergency personnel. Transport Canada is currently reviewing its existing regulations, as part of a regulatory reform initiative, and will consider expanding this requirement to all commercial vessels.
With respect to sprinkler systems on ships, the TSB has expressed a specific concern that the Windoc's systems were inadequately installed. Transport Canada will look at options to address this concern.
"Marine safety is a shared responsibility," said Mr. Collenette. "Canada has one of the safest marine transportation systems in the world, and Transport Canada will continue to work with the TSB and other partners to enhance the safety of our marine transportation system."
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Contacts:
Amy ButcherPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister(613) 991-0700
Peter CoylesCommunications(613) 993-0055
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