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Background and Fact Sheet 1: Safety Action Taken

Marine Investigation Report M03N0050
Fire on Vehicle Deck of the Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry Joseph and Clara Smallwood

8 Nautical Miles South of Port aux Basques,
Newfoundland and Labrador
May 12, 2003

As a result of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation, significant action has already been taken by appropriate stakeholders to make marine transportation safer in Canada.

Fire detection and communications

In August 2003, the TSB issued a Marine Safety Information (MSI) letter to Marine Atlantic and copied Transport Canada. The company and regulator were advised of the Board's observations regarding the shipboard fire detection system and problems with internal communications on the Joseph and Clara Smallwood.

Response

Transport Canada

Transport Canada also indicates that

Marine Atlantic

Positioning of emergency lights

In December 2003, the TSB issued an MSI to Transport Canada and copied Marine Atlantic and the Canadian Ferry Operators Association. They were advised of the Board's observations regarding the positioning of emergency lights.

Response

Transport Canada

Transport Canada indicates that

Marine Atlantic

Marine Atlantic indicates that

Passengers remaining in vehicles

In December 2003, the TSB issued a Marine Safety Advisory (MSA) to Transport Canada and copied Marine Atlantic and the Canadian Ferry Operators Association. They were advised of the Board's observations regarding passengers remaining in their vehicles during ferry crossings.

Response

Transport Canada

Transport Canada indicates that it is

Marine Atlantic

Marine Atlantic indicates that it is

Passenger safety - Adequacy of crew training

In January 2004, the TSB issued an MSA to Transport Canada and copied Marine Atlantic and the Canadian Ferry Operators Association. They were advised of the Board's observations regarding the adequacy of training for crew members responsible for passenger safety.

Response

Transport Canada

Transport Canada indicates that

Marine Atlantic

Marine Atlantic indicates that it has

Vehicle deck fire hoses

Marine Atlantic

Marine Atlantic indicates that it is

The public report and other related documents are available on this site.