Canadian Coast Guard Issues Fine For Hazardous Vessel

Wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous boats can pose significant threats to the environment, local communities, and economies. In line with the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is committed to addressing problem vessels and ensuring owner accountability, says an article published on news wire website.

Summary

• Canadian Coast Guard enforces the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act to address problematic vessels
• Recently imposed fine on the owner of a 25-foot fiberglass pleasure craft in British Columbia
• Vessel posed a hazard to the marine environment and public safety by causing structural damage to a public dock
• Owner fined $12,000 for non-compliance with directives to remove the vessel from the marine environment
• Owner given a 30-day deadline to pay or request a review hearing with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
• Coast Guard collaborates with owners on cleanup and remediation efforts before resorting to penalties

Enforcement Action Under the Wrecked, Abandoned Or Hazardous Vessels Act

Recently, the Canadian Coast Guard utilized its authority under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act to levy a fine, in the form of an administrative monetary penalty, against a vessel owner in British Columbia.

Fine Imposed On Vessel Owner

On January 23, 2024, the Canadian Coast Guard issued a fine to the owner of a 25-foot fiberglass pleasure craft, located in Masset on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. The vessel was deemed to pose a hazard to the marine environment and public safety due to causing structural damage to a public dock in Masset Harbour, rendering it unsafe for use.

The owner of the vessel has been fined $12,000 and was given a 30-day deadline to pay or to request a review hearing with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada. The fine was imposed after the vessel owner failed to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard’s directives to remove the vessel from the marine environment by January 15, 2024.

Owner Responsibility And Coast Guard Intervention

Owners are held accountable for addressing the issues with their problem vessels, including cleanup, repairs, and any remediation actions carried out by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Coast Guard collaborates with vessel owners to address these concerns, resorting to issuing penalties only when all other options have been exhausted. As per the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the Canadian Coast Guard is mandated to publicly disclose the penalties imposed on vessel owners on its official website.

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Source: news wire

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