Fleet Circular 07-2008 Suspension of the Towing of Small Vessels with Persons Onboard While in Ice

2008-04-01

Ref: FSSM 7.E.6 para 3.5.2

Purpose

This Circular is to inform all Fleet personnel of new restrictions when conducting towing activities.

Definition

Small vessel - all vessels under 33 metres in length.

In ice - any situation where there is a risk of the tow coming into contact with ice.

Action

Until further notice, all Canadian Coast Guard vessels are directed not to take into tow, while in ice, any small vessels which have persons aboard.

The tasking authority (Regional Operations Centre (ROC) or the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) / Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC)); in consultation with the Commanding Officer and based on the scene assessment, should consider other options to render assistance such as, but not limited to the following:

• provide assistance to find alternate towing arrangements and standby to provide icebreaker escort for the tow if required;
• standby until ice conditions improve;
• render onboard technical assistance;
• assist crew to transfer to a safe place and tow with no persons onboard; or,
• as a last resort, assist crew to abandon vessel, transfer them to a safe place, leave the unoccupied vessel and depart the area

However, in extremis, when lives are in immediate danger, the Commanding Officer shall take any actions he or she deems necessary to save lives, including towing in ice with persons onboard.

Reporting

All situations of towing in ice shall be immediately reported to the Regional Operations Centre, who shall in turn immediately inform the National Coordination Centre (NCC).

Approved by:

Gary B. Sidock
Director General, Fleet