Transport Canada has finally begun their national trial, running from September 2024 to September 2025, to assess the viability of remote inspections for vessels loading grain and concentrates in Canadian ports. It is intended to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of remote versus physical inspections to ensure compliance with the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations (CFTR) and maintain safety standards. The trial, originally announced in 2022, will involve both remote and physical inspections by Transport Canada Port Wardens to directly compare the two methods.

Selected vessels will be contacted prior to their arrival in port and the Master will be requested to submit documentation, photos, or videos via their agent to facilitate the remote inspections. Compliance with Marine Safety Inspectors’ requests will streamline the process.

At the same time Transport Canada has introduced a new, simplified Grain Stability Calculation Form (82-0579B) for Type II (Bulker) vessels loading grain for export in Canada. Type II vessels, with approved grain stability booklets that meet the requirements of Articles 6.3.1 and 6.3.2 of the International Grain Code, must use this simplified form. The new form will now also correspond more closely with the U.S. National Bureau of Cargo’s form and will provide necessary data such as volumes, centres of volume, and heeling moments. Given some the oddities of the old Canadian forms in comparison to those of other nations, this will be welcome news for many Captains.