The World Maritime University (WMU), and Transport Canada signed two Memoranda of Understanding,strengthening partnership in support of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan initiative.
In a meeting in London, on 29 November, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the WMU, and Mr. Donald Roussel, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety and Security, Transport Canada, signed the MoUs to set out the framework under which WMU will undertake two comparative studies:
- An examination of best practices in the regulation of (salmonid) aquaculture service support vessels within the European Union and other significant salmon-producing states;
- An examination of how the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code has been implemented within the EU and certain other states.
These two studies follow an earlier announced comparative study of marine medical certificate issuance that supports Transport Canada’s review of related regulations and policy framework under the OPP.
The Oceans Protection Plan, initiated one year ago, is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways, aiming to create a world-leading marine safety system, while preserving ecosystems, creating strong Indigenous partnerships and engaging coastal communities, and investing in research to ensure decisions are evidence based.
Under the Plan, the Canadian government has so far announced several measures to upgrade safety and environmental compliance in regional waters, including the introduction of Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) in Parliament, funds to reduce local marine traffic issues and to assess potential cumulative effects of marine shipping on the environment.
“The research by the World Maritime University, which is under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, will benefit Transport Canada’s work to enhance marine safety under the Oceans Protection Plan,” noted Mr. Roussel.
