Fisheries committee  The direction-finding technology is one of many tools used in search and rescue. As a result of reductions in the past, yes, the direction-finding capability had basically degraded to the point where it was not functioning. We now have a project in place, a $42.5-million project, which has been initiated and will continue over the next six years, to replace the 48 direction-finding antennas and to add a 49th.

Fisheries committee  The purpose of the multi-purpose vessel is to be as flexible as it can possibly be, and it is being designed with science very much in mind. We will be working very closely with our science colleagues to make sure the new ships are able to do the science that needs to be done. The offshore fishery science vessels that we have now are the mechanism we're using to ensure the continuity of the scientific data on stocks through comparative trawling.

Fisheries committee  Steel was cut for the seventh of the AOPS in August, and so construction of the ship is well under way. There remained a small number—like one or two—of design changes that still needed to be worked out. I'll give you an example of one of them, just to paint the picture: Davits, for the launching and recovery of the boats, were still being worked through.

Fisheries committee  The final designs are not under way. The design work isn't finished, no.

Fisheries committee  I'm sorry, but I don't have the specific information. We can get that for you.

Fisheries committee  Yes, thank you. It's true that a number of cases have been resolved. In the department, approximately 1,800 such cases are underway. In terms of the Coast Guard, there are about 650. We are working closely with the unions to negotiate timelines and to put systems in place to improve processes.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I will ask J.J. to handle that questions, because he's right there and will be able to give you the best view on that. If necessary, I can jump in on the expansion beyond British Columbia.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much, sir. I would just add that beyond the confines of the western region, the Coast Guard works very closely with first nations across the country and Inuit. In our Arctic region, the assistant commissioner there has deep and active engagement with Inuit land claims organizations that are working to....

Fisheries committee  The shipowner is not being paid anything by the federal government to clean up.

Fisheries committee  To date, we have expended about $80,000 on personnel and helicopter flights. As we progress, we'll take a look at submitting a claim to the shipowner, which we will do. It's certainly our practice to tabulate our costs and seek to recover them, and we are not paying any money to the shipowner to do their work.

Fisheries committee  Well, the shipowner is contracting other resources. We're working with the shipowner to make sure their response is adequate and appropriate. We feel, collectively, that we are working with a very responsible and responsive shipowner. Up until this point we've had no reason to invoke the authorities we have under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, and they continue to be very responsive and responsible.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, perhaps I could ask for clarification on who did not proceed.

Fisheries committee  I'm sorry, sir, but I am not able to answer that question. I don't know.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I need to point out that the rough weather the Zim Kingston experienced was well offshore. They were 38 nautical miles from the coast of Canada when they lost the sea containers. They were in international waters. So, no, there was not a pilot on board. Furthermore, when the ship did enter Canadian waters, it was in the traffic separation scheme, but the pilotage waters don't begin until Victoria.

Fisheries committee  Certainly.