CCG Assistance to Disabled Vessels Policy and Icebreaking Directives

As a direct result of the towing incident involving L’Acadien II and the subsequent reports, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is bringing greater clarity to its icebreaking policy and is reviewing its “Assistance to Disabled Vessels” policy. 

In 1997, the CCG introduced a revised Icebreaking Program Level of Service (LOS) document that specified where, when and how many icebreakers were needed to meet the needs of its clients.  Four draft icebreaking directives have been developed with the intent to provide guidance in the interpretation and application of the LOS for both the Regional Ice Superintendents as well as for clients receiving program services. 

As part of the CCG work to revise the Assistance to Disabled Vessels Policy, the Coast Guard will research equipment, current international practices and technology. It will also undertake consultations with its stakeholders.  This work will take a number of months and until the final policy is ready, a moratorium on towing vessels of less than 33 metres in length in ice with people aboard will remain in place.  The moratorium was put in place in the days following the capsizing of L’Acadien II.  A copy of the fleet circular to that effect can be found at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/The_CCG_Fleet.

The priority of the Canadian Coast Guard is the safety of life at sea and when life is at risk in distress situation, it will do everything in its power to save lives.

Questions or comments can be communicated by telephone at 1-866-533-6676 or by email at los-nds@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.