Fisheries committee  We always work closely with our colleagues in the Canadian Coast Guard on all aspects of navigation safety, including the approach of vessels to Canadian waters. No matter what coastline a ship approaches from to enter a port, there is a monitoring system that is maintained by vessel traffic officers.

Fisheries committee  I can indeed answer Ms. Gaudreau's question. Having sailed as a master on these vessels myself, I can tell you that the master and his crew plan the voyages before they set sail. They consider the weather and the route from point A to point B as well as all other relevant points, including proximity to a coastline.

Fisheries committee  It's important to consider that in some areas, such as the St. Lawrence, there is compulsory pilotage. The same is true on the west coast. As soon as a vessel enters these waters, it is subject to the compulsory pilotage regulations, which require a pilot who is familiar with Canadian waters to board.

Fisheries committee  Yes, there are definitely rules for stowage and segregation, taking into consideration the dangerous goods that are packed within the containers and the different categories of cargo that will be going on board the vessel. The shipmaster with his crew will do the stowage of those goods according to those regulations.