Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1486)

Population of Fishing Vessels

Marginal note:Request to Minister — group of authorized representatives

• 3.63 (1) A group of authorized representatives of fishing vessels may request to the Minister that a population of fishing vessels not be required to undergo a stability assessment if it demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Minister that

  • (a) each vessel in the population is similar to a vessel representative of the population that has successfully undergone a full stability assessment; and

  • (b) not requiring a stability assessment for each vessel will not decrease the level of safety of the population.

• Marginal note:Factors — similar vessels

  (2) A fishing vessel in a population of fishing vessels is similar to the vessel representative of the population if

  • (a) it is operated or is to be operated in the same fishery, in the same environmental conditions and with the same fishing gear as the representative vessel;

  • (b) its physical characteristics are similar to those of the representative vessel; and

  • (c) its stability characteristics are equivalent to those set out in the stability booklet of the representative vessel.

Marginal note:Content of request

3.64 The request referred to in section 3.63 shall be submitted in the form and manner established by the Minister, and shall include the following documents and information in order to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Minister that the conditions set out in paragraphs 3.63(1)(a) and (b) are met:

• (a) data relating to any accidents and incidents that have been reported under the Transportation Safety Board Regulations in respect of each vessel in the population and in respect of any other fishing vessel similar to the representative vessel;

• (b) a copy of the stability booklet of the representative vessel;

• (c) an analysis of the likelihood that a stability-related accident or incident will occur if a stability assessment is not conducted for each vessel in the population, which analysis shall be based on

  • (i) the similarity of each vessel in the population to the representative vessel,

  • (ii) the nature of the risks to which the vessels in the population and persons on board are exposed,

  • (iii) the accident and incident history of the vessels in the population and any other similar vessels,

  • (iv) the operating parameters of each vessel in the population, and

  • (v) the information contained in the stability booklet of the representative vessel; and

• (d) a description of the measures that are proposed in order to decrease the likelihood, or mitigate the consequences, of a stability-related accident or incident identified in the analysis.

Marginal note:Minister — assessment of request

• 3.65 (1) To determine whether the fishing vessels in a population of fishing vessels are not required to undergo a stability assessment, the Minister must be satisfied, on the basis of the documents and information submitted in the request, and the extent to which the operating parameters of each vessel in the population are equivalent to those of the representative vessel, that the conditions set out in paragraphs 3.63(1)(a) and (b) are met.

• Marginal note:Decision of Minister

  (2) If the Minister determines that the conditions set out in paragraphs 3.63(1)(a) and (b) are met, the Minister shall send to the authorized representative of each fishing vessel in the population of fishing vessels a document informing the authorized representative of the decision.

Marginal note:Conditions and exemption

3.66 None of the fishing vessels in a population of fishing vessels are required to undergo a stability assessment referred to in section 3.48 or to meet the related requirements set out in sections 3.49 to 3.62 if each vessel in the population

• (a) carries on board the document referred to in subsection 3.65(2);

• (b) is operated within the operating parameters referred to in subparagraph 3.64(c)(iv); and

• (c) is operated in accordance with the proposed measures referred to in paragraph 3.64(d).

Marginal note:Operating parameters

• 3.67 (1) The authorized representative of each fishing vessel in a population of fishing vessels that is not subject to the requirement referred to in section 3.66 shall establish written procedures, in plain language, and in English or French or in both, according to the needs of the crew, for the operation of the vessel in accordance with the operating parameters referred to in subparagraph 3.64(c)(iv) and the proposed measures referred to in paragraph 3.64(d).

• Marginal note:Written procedures carried on board

  (2) The written procedures shall be carried on board the fishing vessel, and the crew shall be familiar with their content.

4 [Repealed, SOR/99-215, s. 5]

PART IFishing Vessels Exceeding 15 Tons, Gross Tonnage

Application

• 5 (1) This Part applies in respect of a fishing vessel of more than 15 gross tonnage.

• (2) Sections 9 and 11 to 28 apply only to a new fishing vessel.

6 [Repealed, SOR/2016-163, s. 3]

7 [Repealed, SOR/2016-163, s. 3]

8 [Repealed, SOR/2016-163, s. 3]

Bilge Pumping Arrangements

• 9 (1) Every fishing vessel not exceeding 15.2 m in length shall be provided with one bilge power or hand pump having a capacity of not less than 1.14 L/s.

• (2) Every fishing vessel exceeding 15.2 m and not exceeding 19.8 m in length shall be provided with two bilge pumps, each having a capacity of not less than 1.14 L/s, one of which shall be a power pump and the other either a power pump or a hand pump, but where two power pumps are provided, they are not to be driven by the same engine.

• (3) Subject to subsection (4), every fishing vessel exceeding 19.8 m and not exceeding 24.4 m in length shall be provided with at least two bilge pumps, each having a capacity of not less than 2.28 L/s, one of which shall be a power pump and the other either a power pump or a hand pump, but where two power pumps are provided, they are not to be driven by the same engine.

• (4) Two or more pumps, each with a capacity of not less than 1.14 L/s, may, if they can be used simultaneously, be provided on a fishing vessel in lieu of one only of the pumps required by subsection (3); if the pumps provided under this subsection are power pumps, they may be driven from the one engine, but not from the engine that is used to drive the mandatory power pump.

• (5) Subject to subsection (6), bilge piping arrangements on a fishing vessel shall be such that each of the bilge pumps required by subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) can draw water from each of the bilge suctions required by subsection (7) or (8).

• (6) Bilge piping and pumping arrangements that provide a piping and pumping system at least as efficient as those described in subsection (5) may be provided on a fishing vessel.

• (7) Bilge suctions and means for drainage on a fishing vessel that is divided into watertight compartments shall be so arranged that any water that enters any main watertight compartment can be pumped out, through at least one bilge suction situated in that compartment, and all compartments within each main division shall be arranged to drain to that bilge suction.

• (8) Bilge suctions and means for drainage on a fishing vessel that is not divided into watertight compartments shall be so arranged that any water that enters the vessel is able to drain to at least one bilge suction.

• (9) Bilge piping on a fishing vessel shall have an internal diameter of not less than 38 mm except in the case of bilge piping on a fishing vessel not exceeding 15.2 m in length in which fish sludge, scale or offal is not usually pumped, in which case the bilge piping shall have an internal diameter of not less than 25 mm.

• (10) Hand bilge pumps on a fishing vessel shall be capable of being worked from a position above the load water line.

• (11) Each bilge branch suction line on a fishing vessel, except hand pumps with only one suction, shall be fitted with a stop valve that is readily accessible at all times.

• (12) Where a bilge pump on a fishing vessel is fitted with a connection to the sea, a non-return valve or swing check valve that is readily accessible shall be fitted between the sea connection and the bilge main so that sea water cannot flow into the bilges when sea connection and bilge valves are open.

• (13) Bilge suctions that lead into crew spaces or engine rooms of a fishing vessel shall be fitted with strainers and the area of the openings of such strainers shall not be less than twice the cross-sectional area of the bilge pipe.

• (14) Subject to subsection (15), the piping for bilge pumps on a fishing vessel shall be of steel, bronze or other material that is suitable for the purpose, and the joints for such piping shall be flanged or screwed.

• (15) Where it is necessary to reduce the effect of vibration, short lengths of rubber or plastic hose may be installed and shall

  • (a) be clearly visible at all times;

  • (b) be of sufficient strength to withstand collapsing due to suction; and

  • (c) have joints made with clamps suitable for the purpose.

Fuel Systems Including Ventilating Arrangements

• 10 (1) A fuel tank on a fishing vessel that is separate from the hull shall comply with the following rules:

  • (a) it shall be made of steel or other suitable material the strength of which is equivalent to that of steel;

  • (b) where a fuel tank is made of material other than steel and the vessel is a steel vessel, the fuel tank shall be efficiently isolated from the steel structure of the vessel;

  • (c) where a fuel tank is made of steel, the steel plating shall have a minimum thickness calculated in accordance with the following table:

    Capacity of tank in litres	Minimum thickness of steel plating in millimetres
    More than 114 and not more than 1 364	3
    More than 1 364 and not more than 4 550	5
    More than 4 550	6

  • (c.1) where a fuel tank is made of material other than steel, the material used for plating shall be of such thickness as to provide a strength equal to or greater than the strength of the steel plating required in accordance with paragraph (c);

  • (c.2) subject to paragraph (c.3), where the capacity of a fuel tank is more than 114 L, the tank is made of steel and the thickness of the plating is the thickness set out in Column I of an item of the table to this paragraph, the tank shall be fitted with stiffeners so that the unsupported flat surfaces of the tank do not exceed, in square metres, the area set out in Column II of that item:

    	Column 1	Column 2
    Item	Thickness of steel plating in millimetres	Unsupported flat surface area in square metres
    1	3	0.28
    2	5	0.56
    3	6	0.84

  • (c.3) where the thickness of the tank plating is intermediate to any set out in the table to paragraph (c.2), the unsupported flat surface area shall be calculated by interpolation and, where such thickness exceeds 6 mm, the unsupported flat surface shall be calculated in accordance with that table by extrapolation;

  • (c.4) subject to paragraphs (c.5) and (c.6), where the capacity of a fuel tank is more than 114 L, the tank is made of material other than steel and the thickness of the tank’s plating is such as to provide a strength equal to or greater than the strength of steel plating having a thickness set out in Column I of an item of the table to paragraph (c.2), the tank shall be fitted with stiffeners so that the unsupported flat surfaces of the tank do not exceed, in square metres, the area set out in Column II of that item;

  • (c.5) where the thickness of the tank plating made of material other than steel is such as to provide a strength equal to the strength of steel plating referred to in the table to paragraph (c.2) and is intermediate to any set out in that table, the unsupported flat surface area shall be calculated by interpolation;

  • (c.6) where the thickness of the tank plating made of material other than steel is such as to provide a strength that exceeds the strength of 6 mm of steel, the unsupported flat surface area shall be calculated in accordance with the table to paragraph (c.2) by extrapolation;

  • (d) where the length or breadth of a fuel tank is greater than 1.22 m, baffle plates shall be fitted inside the tank in sufficient numbers that the distance between baffle plates or between a baffle plate and a side plate is not greater than 1.22 m;

  • (e) a fuel tank having a capacity exceeding 1 364 L and not exceeding 4 550 L shall be fitted with a suitable clean-out door, and a fuel tank having a capacity of more than 4 550 L shall be fitted with a manhole door;

  • (f) where the capacity does not exceed 114 L it may be constructed of material that is less than 3 mm in thickness, but when such tank is to be used for gasoline and has a capacity exceeding 23 L and is made of material of less than 3 mm in thickness that is not corrosion resistant, it shall be galvanized inside and outside by the hot-dipped process after construction is completed;

  • (g) mass produced cylindrical gasoline drums having a capacity exceeding 23 L and not exceeding 227 L may be used as fuel tanks without alteration if they

    • (i) have been galvanized inside and out and are constructed of steel plate having a thickness of not less than 1.5 mm, corrugated to give extra strength, and

    • (ii) do not weigh less than 32 kg when empty if they have a capacity of approximately 205 L;

  • (h) a fuel tank having a capacity exceeding 114 L shall be tested hydrostatically, on completion of its construction, to a head of at least 2.44 m above the crown or to the maximum head to which the tank will be subjected, whichever is the greater, and a written statement from the manufacturer shall be provided to the Minister certifying that the hydrostatic test described in this paragraph has been carried out and that no defects were revealed; and

  • (i) seams shall be welded, brazed or double riveted, but soldered joints may be used on a tank having a capacity of not over 114 L if the solder has a melting point of not less than 427°C.

• (2) A fuel tank that is not separate from the hull of a fishing vessel shall be considered as part of the hull, taking into consideration the strength requirements of the vessel and the possibility of contamination of oil fuel with water, but the standards of construction and testing shall not be less than those set out in this section for a fuel tank that is separate from the hull.

• (3) Where the capacity of a fuel tank exceeds 114 L, it shall be provided with the following:

  • (a) a filling pipe that

    • (i) is at least 38 mm inch in internal diameter,

    • (ii) leads from the top of the tank to the weatherdeck, the connection through the deck being watertight,

    • (iii) is fitted with a screwed brass plug or cap, and

    • (iv) is made sufficiently flexible to absorb any vibration or sinkage of the tank; and

  • (b) a vent or breather pipe that

    • (i) leads from the top of the tank to a safe height and location above the weather deck and is clear of all openings into the hull or deck house,

    • (ii) has the end covered with wire gauze and turned down through an angle of 180 degrees,

    • (iii) has a weathertight deck connection,

    • (iv) may have two or more vent pipes branching off from the pipe leading to the deck if that pipe is increased in diameter to maintain the required cross sectional area, and

    • (v) shall, for each tank, be,

      • (A) where the only exit for overflow is the vent pipe, not less in internal diameter than the filling pipe, and

      • (B) where the overflow can take place from the filling pipe and the arrangements are such that supply nozzles cannot plug the filling pipe, not less in internal diameter than one-fifth of the internal diameter of the filling pipe.

• (4) Glass tubing shall not, on a fishing vessel, be used as a gauge glass on a fuel tank that has a capacity of more than 114 L or on any fuel tank that contains fuel having a flashpoint of less than 52°‍C (Pensky-Marten closed cup), but flat glass gauges of a type approved by a product certification body or a marine classification society may be used on any fuel tank if they are fitted with self-closing cocks or valves.

• (5) Where glass tubing is used as a gauge on a fuel tank on a fishing vessel, the gauge shall be fitted with a cock or valve at the top and at the bottom.

• (6) Where a drain valve or cock is provided on a fuel tank on a fishing vessel, it shall have a standard screwed outlet that shall be kept plugged with a screwed plug whenever the cock or valve is not in use.

• (7) The piping from any fuel tank on a fishing vessel shall be fitted at the tank with a valve or cock that is capable of being operated from outside the compartment in which the tank is situated.

• (8) Where a new or existing fishing vessel is equipped with an oil-fired power boiler for main or auxiliary steam, each valve or cock fitted to a fuel tank shall be so controlled that it is capable of being shut off from a position that is

  • (a) outside the compartment in which the fuel tank is situated; and

  • (b) always accessible in the event of fire taking place in the compartment in which the fuel tank is situated.

• (9) The means of control of a valve or cock referred to in subsection (8) shall consist of

  • (a) an extended spindle;

  • (b) a self-closing valve actuated by a trip wire; or

  • (c) any other suitable device.

• (10) Where an aluminum fuel tank is fitted on a fishing vessel, all valves, fittings and piping fitted to the fuel tank shall be of a material compatible with aluminum.