Web Alert: Legislation implementing Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks introduced in Canadian Parliament

The Canadian Government has introduced legislation, The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64), to introduce tougher measures which would increase pressure on shipowners to proactively deal with wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels in Canadian waters. The bill would also bring the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 into force under Canadian law.

The Act ​would prohibit vessel abandonment and impose increased owner responsibility and liability for hazardous vessels and wrecks, which would include the costs of clean-up and wreck removal. The act would also empower the Government of Canada to step-in in cases where shipowners do not adequately respond. The bill is part of Canada's CA$1.5bn Oceans Protection Plan to protect Canada's coasts and waterways.

As the legislation has not been passed through the House of Commons yet, we shall be updating members in due course of the latest developments if and when the Act comes into force.