Roles and responsibilities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for safety at sea in areas of fisheries management regulations, policies, plans and processes, in accordance to the Fisheries Act and associated regulations. While stability and lifesaving equipment are among the top safety issues in the fishing industry, fisheries resource management also takes into consideration the importance of other safety issues. In this regard, DFO considers safety in the development and use of its fisheries resource measures, from policy to practice, as an important factor in the reduction of risk to harvesters when they are out on the water, as reflected in key documentation such as Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMP). In recognizing the interrelationships between fishing safety issues and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in building a strong safety culture, DFO also actively promotes and supports fishing safety awareness, education, and collaboration with our partners in the many areas that contribute to fishing safety.

DFO’s Canadian Coast Guard is also responsible for the search and rescue of fishing and other vessels and Marine Communications and Traffic Services, in accordance to the Oceans Act. The Coast Guard leads, coordinates and delivers on-water search and rescue services with the support of multiple partners, including the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, and vessels of opportunity. The Coast Guard also leads prevention initiatives, including public education and assistance to mariners in distress through their Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB). Further, the Coast Guard Auxiliary trains volunteers in search and rescue and boating safety initiatives.

Transport Canada (TC) is responsible, under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, for regulations and enforcement related to the safety of all vessels and marine personnel. TC’s priority is to help reduce deaths and injuries as well as loss or damage to commercial fishing vessels. TC is now advancing the second phase of changes to the new Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations which came into force in 2017. These new regulations include new requirements to reflect industry best practice and new technology which can further enhance safety on the water.

Industry, other government organizations and educational groups also play an important role in safeguarding the health and safety of harvesters and ensuring the safe operation of fishing vessels. In particular, DFO also collaborates and shares information with the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), an independent agency that advances transportation safety by investigating transportation occurrences including those related to fishing.