Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Government of Canada announced updated measures concerning cruise ships and passenger vessels sailing in Canadian waters.
Specifically, Canada decided to ban cruise ships’ arrival until 31st of October 2020, in order to keep Canadians and transportation workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, the region informed that cruise ships with more than 100 persons onboard, are not allowed to berth in Canadian waters.
In case that someone does not comply with the prohibitions, could be subject to a penalty of $5.000 per day for an individual and $25.000 per day for a corporation.
At the same time, from the 1st of July 2020, all other passenger vessels must be in line with provincial, territorial, local and regional health authority requirements for timelines and processes in order to resume their operations.
What is more, passenger vessels will be allowed to operate in inland rivers and lakes in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon from 1st of July 2020.
In light of the outbreak situation, Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau noted:
“Our Government is committed to protecting Canadians, particularly during these challenging times. It is for that reason I am announcing updated measures for cruise ships and other passenger vessels in Canada, which includes prohibiting larger cruise ships from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020. Our Government continues to work with other levels of government, transportation industry stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to re-examine measures and to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe and secure during this time. We are all in this together”.
