Join the Canadian Marine Advisory Council - Shape Marine Safety Rules
Official title: Canadian Marine Advisory Council - Fall 2025
Transport Canada holds regular meetings where anyone can weigh in on marine safety and security regulations. These cover everything from fishing vessel construction to pollution prevention to seafarer welfare. The next regional meeting is in Vancouver in March 2026.
Why This Matters
Work on a boat or ship? These meetings shape the rules you live by. Even recreational boaters have a stake—regulations affect everything from lifejackets to where you can operate. If you've ever thought marine rules were out of touch, here's your chance to change them.
What Could Change
New construction standards for small commercial vessels are being developed. Fishing vessel safety regulations are being updated. Changes to ballast water management and pollution prevention rules are on the table. These meetings directly influence what gets published in the Canada Gazette.
Key Issues
- What construction and equipment standards should apply to small commercial vessels?
- How should fishing vessel safety regulations be updated?
- What measures are needed for marine pollution prevention and environmental response?
- How can seafarer welfare and workplace safety be improved?
How to Participate
- Register for the Pacific Regional CMAC Meeting in Vancouver on March 3, 2026. Registration is free and open to everyone—government, industry, unions, or general public.
- Submit agenda items you want discussed by January 2, 2026 to tc.pacificcmac-ccmcpacifique.tc@tc.gc.ca. Include your reason and a detailed explanation.
- Request to join the CMAC stakeholder list by emailing cmac-ccmc@tc.gc.ca to receive updates and communications.
- Review past meeting documents and presentations on the CMAC Google Drive to prepare for discussions.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 3, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM PT | Pacific Regional CMAC Meeting | Vancouver, British Columbia |
Submit Your Input
Tips for Your Submission
- Submit agenda items by January 2, 2026 for the March meeting
- Include both your reason for the submission and a detailed explanation
- Late submissions will be added to a future agenda