MANITOWANING—The S.S. Norisle, owned by Assiginack township has been flagged by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) as a ‘problem vessel.’ Also flagged is the city of Sault Ste. Marie-owned M.S. Norgoma which once plied the waters of Manitoulin Island as a passenger freighter and car ferry to other area destinations. These two ships are part of a list of at least 125 Ontario boats listed on the CCG’s national inventory of wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels. The CCG assesses risks associated with each vessel on the list, prioritizing responses for high-risk situations.
“We found out the Norisle is on the list,” stated Alton Hobbs, CAO of the township of Assiginack. “I wasn’t able to get in touch with the coast guard, and they haven’t got in touch with us. But I understand the ship is on the list.”
Mr. Hobbs said in doing some research, “I don’t know anyone who has a ship on the list having been contacted by the coast guard. It is on the list, and it is concerning for us.”
As was reported recently, the Norisle, which is owned by Assiginack has been berthed in the Manitowaning harbour since 1975. In May, Assiginack council passed a motion to petition Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha and the executive of the S.S. Norisle Steamship Society to attend a meeting to discuss the disposition of the S.S. Norisle, and any measures that can be undertaken to mitigate risks to the community until the disposition is completed.
A representative of the CCG told The Expositor last week that there are currently 1,748 vessels across the country on the problem vessel list.
In 2019, the federal government passed Bill C-64: the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act to address vessel abandonment and ensure owner accountability. Canada’s Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, where in the CCG can direct owners of problems vessels to address those problems.
Failure to comply with directives could result in significant financial penalties or fines, or in the case of a serious regulatory offence, fines up to $6 million and/or as much as three years of imprisonment.
Earlier this month the CCG announced it has issued its first-ever fine to a vessel owner for failing to comply with the 2019 hazardous vessels law. Ryan Brackenbury, owner of the Akoo, a 27-foot cabin cruiser that went aground in Cadboro Bay, British Columbia, was fined $15,000.
On July 6, the Minster of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced the CCG will now take action against owners of hazardous boats or wrecks. “This will strengthen the CCG’s ability to address problem vessels and ensure irresponsible boat owners are held financially liable.”
“Our main goal is to strengthen the (CCG) ability to protect the marine environment,” said Minister Murray, “We will ensure that owners take responsibility for hazards posed by their boats and that waterways remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
The CCG works together with boat owners to address problem vessels. The CCG will now provide written notices to owners when their boat poses a hazard. The CCG can then issue fines, when appropriate. Not complying with a written notice can result in fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for companies or corporations. Serious offences could result in a maximum fine of $1 million for individuals and up to three years of jail and $6 million for companies or corporations. “This new compliance and enforcement program is another tool to support our efforts to keep our waters and communities safe and free from marine hazards,” a release states. “Abandoned, wrecked or hazardous boats are a problem across Canada. Through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is taking further action to address problem vessels, educate boat owners and protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.
The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act prohibits boat owners from: abandoning a vessel, causing a vessel to become a wreck because of failure to maintain it; sinking, stranding or grounding a vessel on purpose; leaving a vessel in poor condition in the same area for more than 60 consecutive days within a radius of three nautical miles without authorization of the location owner; leaving a vessel adrift for mort than 48 hours without taking measures to secure it; taking possession of a wreck before reporting it to Transport Canada, unless it’s in danger and must be secured or otherwise protected; entering into Canada with a wreck found outside of Canadian waters without reporting it to Transport Canada as early as possible.
“Council has indicated it wants to get all the players together, with the Steamship Society, our MP and MPP this fall to discuss the Norisle,” said Mr. Hobbs. “We will also be putting out an invitation for the Coast Guard to attend as well.”
