The member is quite correct that foreign ships are subject to compulsory pilotage. However, Canadian ships are exempted from compulsory pilotage if they meet the requirements set out in the Great Lakes pilotage regulations. Our concern is that the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority does not check the competencies and qualifications of Canadian masters and deck-watch officers for ships granted those exemptions. In addition, the authority lacks an objective and transparent procedure for certifying Canadian masters. So our concern applies to Canadian ships, which are exempted from compulsory pilotage. We don't think the authority is doing enough to check the competencies and qualifications of those Canadian masters, and to certify them in the first place.
On June 16th, 2009. See this statement in context.