Montreal, Quebec - Wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous boats can pose threats to the environment, local communities, and economies. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada continues to take action to address problem vessels and ensure owner accountability.
Recently, the Canadian Coast Guard exercised its authority under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act to issue a $12,000 fine, in the form of an administrative monetary penalty, to a vessel owner in Quebec. On July 3, 2024, the Canadian Coast Guard issued a fine to the owner of an unnamed 6.4-meter pleasure craft in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu area. The vessel was found to pose a hazard to the marine environment and to the public based on the following criteria:
- Pollution hazard and risks posed by debris and materials not intended to be submerged;
- Risk of injury to boaters in the area who have easy access to the wreck;
- Risk of the wreck breaking off and drifting in a fast-flowing, busy river; and,
- Danger of shoreline erosion caused by the wreck.
The issuance of this fine comes after the vessel owner failed to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard's directions to remove the vessel and take all reasonable measures to prevent pollution from entering the marine environment by April 4, 2024. Due to the hazards posed by the vessel, the Canadian Coast Guard had it removed from the marine environment.
Owners are responsible for the costs of addressing their problem vessel. This includes cleanup or repairs, and any remediation action taken by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard works with vessel owners to address their problem vessels. The issuance of a penalty is a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted. The owner was required to pay within 30 days or to apply for a review hearing with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada. Under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the Canadian Coast Guard is required to publicly report the penalties issued to vessel owners on its website.
The Canadian Coast Guard asks for the public's assistance in reporting wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels.
