2026-27 Conservation Harvesting Plan - NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps
Groundfish Fixed Gear Vessels less than 27.4 metres (90ft.)

Contents

1. Eligibility
2. Fishing areas
3. Fishing restrictions
4. Catch limits
5. Season
6. Fishing gear
7. Licensing policy
8. Small fish and by-catch closure protocol
9. Monitoring and reporting
10. By-catch and incidental catch
11. Closed and defined areas
12. Species at Risk Act (SARA)
13. Marine mammals
14. Indigenous participation
15. Safety at sea
16. Footnotes
17. References

1. Eligibility

Participation in the directed fixed gear groundfish fishery will be restricted to groundfish licence holders with a homeport in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, and those with overlap privileges with a homeport in NAFO Divisions 3KL, or Sub-Division 3Pn.

Description

Figure 1 Map of NAFO Subdivision 3Ps broken down into its unit areas. Subdivision 3Ps is located in the waters off of the southern part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Unit areas are in alphabetical order and range from 3Psa through 3Psh. The dashed lines indicate the economic zone around the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon (SPM). Subdivision 3Ps is surrounded by NAFO divisions 3Pn, 4Vn, 4Vs, 3L and 3NO.

2. Fishing areas

1. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) governs the directed fishery for all vessels less than 27.4 metres (m) (90 feet) in length, regardless of homeport, fishing groundfish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps using fixed gear, and is in effect for the management cycle which runs from April 1 to March 31 annually.
2. The area of 3Ps SOUTH of a straight line joining the following points is referred to as the “offshore area” and consists of Sub-Division 3Ps units (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h), which are defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders’ Groundfish General Licence Conditions..
3. The area of 3Ps NORTH of the line above is referred to as the “inshore area” and consists of Sub-Division 3Ps units (a), (b) and (c), which are defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders’ Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
4. The coordinates of fishing area 10 and Sub-Division 3Ps units (a)-(h) are specified in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders’ Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

3. Fishing restrictions

1. This CHP applies to the following species:
   • Atlantic halibut
   • Cod
   • Greenland halibut (Turbot)
   • Monkfish
   • Redfish
   • Skate
   • White hake
   • Winter flounder (Blackback)
2. A “fishing trip” is defined as starting from the time the vessel leaves port and ending when it returns to port for any reason, whether or not any fish has been caught.
3. Once the amount of cod in the fish harvester’s Individual Quota (IQ) has been taken, from any fishery whether directed or by-catch, the fish harvester must cease fishing for all species of groundfish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps for the remainder of the management period (to March 31).
4. In the offshore area of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, defined as units (d) to (h), when fishing any species of groundfish except Greenland halibut and skate/monkfish, all fishing gear must be returned to port with the vessel at the end of the fishing trip.
5. The licence holder/operator is not permitted to fish in the French Maritime Area around Saint-Pierre and Miquelon unless a licence has been issued by France, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has authorized the licence holder/operator to conduct the fishing activity in the French Maritime area.

3.1 Atlantic Halibut

1. Whether a directed fishery will be permitted is to be determined in consultation with FFAW/Industry on an annual basis.
2. When it is decided that directed fishing can occur, fishing is only authorized in water depths greater than 91.44 m (50 fathoms).¹
3. When it is decided that directed fishing can occur, fishing is only authorized in that portion of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps units (a) and (b) west of Boxey Point (47 degrees 24.3’ N, 55 degrees 35’ W) in Fortune Bay.²
4. In an effort to reserve a portion of the <65’ fixed gear fleet allocation for the fall period, as total landings by this fleet approaches 70% of its fleet allocation, the Department will consult with stakeholders on temporarily closing the directed 3Ps Atlantic halibut fishery to that fleet and re-open in the fall. During this temporary closure, bycatch retention of Atlantic halibut in 3Ps by the fleet for all other fisheries will not be authorized.^1,2

^{1, 2} In consultation with FFAW/industry, the Department has decided to permit a directed Atlantic halibut fishery during the 2026-27 season. As part of this decision, directed fishing for Atlantic halibut will be authorized in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, including east of Boxey Point and in water depths less than 91.44 m (50 fathoms).

3.2 Greenland halibut (turbot)

Fishing is not authorized in water depths less than 183 m (100 fathoms)

3.3 Redfish

1. Fishing is only authorized in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps units (a) and (b).
2. Fishing is authorized in water depths greater than 183 m (100 fathoms)

3.4 Skate/Monkfish

Fishing is only authorized in water outside of 19 km of land unless the licence holder’s registered vessel eligibility is less than 12.2 m (40 feet) in length.

3.5 White Hake

1. Fishing is not authorized in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps unit (c).
2. Fishing is only authorized in water depths greater than 137 m (75 fathoms).

3.6 Winter Flounder (Blackback)

1. Fishing is only authorized in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps units (a), (b) and (c).
2. Fishing is only authorized in water depths less than 55 m (30 fathoms).

3.7 Atlantic Cod

1. For those licence holders with a cod Individual Quota (IQ), all cod caught from any fishery, whether directed catch or by-catch, will be charged against the IQ for that licence.
2. Fish harvesters are not authorized to fish cod in two NAFO Divisions or Sub-Divisions (e.g. 3Ps, 3Pn or 3KL) during the same fishing trip or on the same day.
3. NAFO Divisions 3KL Overlap Vessels and NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps Equivalents are not permitted to direct for cod and are restricted to by-catch only while the TAC remains below 15,000 t, as per the Hearn Report. Overlaps are defined as those having access to NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps and fishing against an allocation for the particular fleet sector. Equivalents are defined as those having access to NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps and fishing against the same allocation as the resident NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps fleet sector.
4. Groundfish licence holders in NAFO Divisions 3KL will have the option to exercise their fishing privileges in 3Ps, or participate in the 2J3KL Stewardship cod fishery, but not both.
5. Inner St. Mary’s Bay overlap vessels are restricted to fishing within Area 29, which is that portion of Area 10 (as defined in Schedule 34 attached to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions) south of the area defined by straight lines joining the following points:
   • 47 degrees 27.1’ N, 53 degrees 56’ W
   • 47 degrees 21.5’ N, 54 degrees 11.5’ W
   • 46 degrees 52.2’ N, 54 degrees 42’ W
   • 46 degrees 56’ N, 55 degrees 14.3’ W

4. Catch limits

1. Quota Reconciliation : Nominal quota over-runs from the previous year’s fisheries will be deducted from the current year’s quota prior to the start of the fishing season. This is done on an individual basis where there are IQs in place or for the fleet sector in competitive fisheries.
2. Atlantic Cod : In consultation with the FFAW and fleet sector representatives, the management approach for 3Ps cod for the 2026-27 management period includes the following elements:
   • IQs for the 3Ps-based and overlap and equivalent licence holders will be maintained at the same levels established for these licence holders in 2025-26. The resulting IQs for each fleet are specified in sections 4 b) ii to vi below.
   • To account for a high level of inactivity in the inshore fixed-gear sector and to promote greater utilization of its available 3Ps cod quota, the IQs do not reflect an equal share of the current inshore fixed-gear fleet allocations within the sector and are instead over-allocated. As a result, IQs are not guaranteed and the ability for a licence holder to fish their cod IQ is subject to available fleet allocation.
   • The 3Ps cod fishery may close to individual inshore fixed-gear fleets prior to the season end date if the respective fleet allocation is taken. If an individual fleet in the inshore fixed-gear sector approaches its respective fleet allocation, the sector’s landings will be assessed to determine if any flexibility exists for quota to be reallocated between the fleets within the sector. A decision in this regard will be made in consultation with the FFAW and fleet sector representatives. The fishery will close to the entire inshore fixed gear sector when the sector’s allocation is taken, regardless of whether the IQs are taken.
   • In an effort to reserve a portion of the Area 10 (Placentia Bay) <35’ fleet allocation for the fall period, as total landings by this fleet approaches 60% of its allocation, the Department will consult with the FFAW and fleet sector representatives on temporarily closing the directed 3Ps cod fishery to that fleet and re-opening in the fall.

Cod reallocation program

The cod reallocation program will remain suspended for the 2026-27 fishing season.

This program was established from 2013-14 to 2019-20 given the large annual percentage of unutilized cod quota within the inshore fixed-gear fleet sector. Under the program, 3Ps-based inshore fixed-gear groundfish licence holders were eligible for one full allocation once 75% of their original IQ was taken. It included possible suspension of further reallocations to licence holders within a 3Ps-based fleet once 75% of the fleet allocation had been reached. The cod reallocation program has been suspended since the 2020-21 season.

5. Season

• Atlantic Halibut:
  • Mid-May^1,2 to March 31³
• Greenland Halibut (turbot):
  • Mid-May^1,2 to March 31
• Redfish:
  • 3Ps portion of Unit 2: July 1 to March 31
  • Spawning closure from April 1 to June 30 in all areas of 3Ps
• Skate/Monkfish:
  • April 1^1,2 to March 31.
• White Hake:
  • Mid-May^1,2 to March 31
• Winter Flounder (blackback):
  • Mid-May^1,2 to March 31
• Atlantic Cod - 3Ps Based and Branch to Point Lance Based (3L):
  • Inshore areas 3Ps (b), (c) and Offshore 3Ps (f), (g),(h): mid-May^1,2 to February 28.⁴
  • 3Ps (a),(d), and (e):  mid-May^1,2 to November 15.⁵
• Atlantic Cod (Inner St. Mary’s Bay Overlap vessels):
  • September 1 to December 15

¹ Specific opening date determined annually in consultation with the FFAW/industry

² Opening may be delayed or staggered due to the DFO research vessel science survey

³As outlined in section 3.1, a directed fishery will be permitted during the 2026-27 season. Allocation used to cover catch in the directed fishery and by-catch in other groundfish fisheries.

⁴All areas - spawning closure March 1 to Mid-May^1,2

⁵Closure beginning November 15th to protect Northern Gulf Cod that are mixing with 3Ps Cod.  3Ps(a) remains open to resident 3Ps (a) and (b) fishers until February 28th

6. Fishing gear

Below is a table summarizing the fishing gear limits by species and area. For complete details refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and the species- specific licence conditions.

When fishing any species of groundfish, the licence holder/operator is required to report any lost fishing gear as per Schedule 38 – Marine Mammals Interactions and Management.

7. Licensing policy

The commercial fishery is guided by licensing policy which sets out requirements and eligibility criteria established by the Minister of DFO with respect to the licensing of commercial fishing and communal-commercial fishing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The policies provide fish harvesters, Indigenous Organizations, and the Canadian public with a clear and consistent statement regarding DFO policy respecting commercial fishing enterprises, the registration of vessels, and the issuance of recreational and commercial fishing licences in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

8. Small fish and by-catch closure protocol

1. Areas will be closely monitored and may be closed to fishing when the number of undersized fish caught exceeds 15% of the total number of the directed species, or when by-catch levels become a conservation concern.
2. Closures due to small fish or by-catch will remain in effect for a minimum of 10 days.
3. When a fishery is closed, it will not reopen until it can be effectively monitored and controlled.
4. If a fishery in a particular area is closed twice during the year, it may remain closed for the remainder of the year.
5. If a fishery is closed for the minimum 10-day period due to high by-catch levels or small fish, reopening will only be considered following a successful, observed, industry funded test fishery.

• Atlantic Halibut — 81¹ cm
• Greenland Halibut — 45 cm
• Redfish — 22 cm
• Atlantic Cod² — 45 cm

¹ All halibut less than the minimum size must be released, and where alive, in a manner that causes it the least harm.

² The cod trap fishery is susceptible to small fish. If necessary, the cod trap fishery will be closed to ensure that the overall catches of small fish in cod traps do not exceed 30%.

9. Monitoring and reporting

1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
2. At-Sea Observers: Unless otherwise stated, industry-funded observer coverage is required. The target level of coverage is 5% of the fleet sector.
3. Satellite transponders will be required onboard vessels when requested by DFO.

10. By-catch and incidental catch

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and the species-specific licence conditions.

11. Closed and defined areas

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 34 - Closed and Defined Areas, and Schedule 36 – Closed Areas.

The Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area falls within NAFO Division 3P. Commercial fishing is prohibited within the boundaries of the MPA.

12. Species at Risk Act (SARA)

The following species are considered at risk and listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as either threatened or endangered:

• Northern wolffish (Anarchichas denticulatus ) – listed as threatened
• Spotted wolffish (Anarchichas minor) – listed as threatened
• Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – listed as endangered
• White shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Atlantic population – listed as endangered

In accordance with subsection 83(4) of SARA and the recovery strategy for northern wolffish, spotted wolffish, and leatherback turtle, and having met the conditions of sections 73(2) to (6.1) of SARA for white shark, the licence holder or vessel operator is permitted to carry out commercial fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries Act that may incidentally kill, harm, harass, or capture these species.

During these fishing activities, incidental catches of a these species must be returned to the place from which it was taken, and where it is alive, in a manner that causes the least harm. The licence holder or vessel operator is also required to complete the SARA section in the fishing logbook to provide information regarding any interactions with these species. Refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions for further information on these requirements.

13. Marine mammals

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 38 – Marine Mammal Interactions and Management Measures.

14. Indigenous participation

Allocations will be negotiated with applicable Indigenous communities for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes. Communal licences for FSC and commercial access will be issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licence Regulations.

15. Safety at sea

In the federal government, safety at sea is a shared responsibility. DFO and Transport Canada have established a framework for cooperation to address this through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that develops safety goals, allows for the exchange of vessel information, and the promotion of a safety culture among commercial fish harvesters. TC has the responsibility for regulating shipping, navigation, and vessel and marine personnel safety. DFO has responsibility for the management of fisheries resources with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) responsible for emergency response. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial Workplace Health, Safety, and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) has jurisdiction over health and safety issues in the workplace.

Vessel owners and operators have a duty to ensure the safety of their crew and vessel. Adherence to safety regulations and good practices by owners, operators, and crew of fishing vessels will help save lives, protect the vessel from damage, and protect the environment. All Fishing Vessels should have the applicable certification, documentation and meet all regulatory requirements for the intended operation. Refer to Table 1 for Transport Canada requirements.

Registration

1. All vessels greater than 10hp are required to be registered with TC under the Canada Shipping Act 2001 (CSA, 2001), as TC is responsible for regulations and enforcement related to the safety of all vessels and marine personnel.
2. All vessels used for commercial fishing are required to be registered with DFO under the Fisheries Act and the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, as DFO is responsible for the proper management and control of fisheries and the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.

Vessel condition

1. Vessel Safety, and the safety of crew members, falls under the mandate of Transport Canada Safety and Security (TCMSS). The Canada Shipping Act 2001 (CSA, 2001), associated regulations, policies, and programs outline the requirements and obligations of vessel owners and operators.
2. Vessel owners have an obligation under the CSA, 2021 to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements. This obligation is extended to vessel operators to ensure the requirements of the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations for vessels less than 24.4m (< 80’) or Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations for vessels greater than 24.4m (> 80’) are adhered to.
3. Small fishing vessels, less than 12m (<39’4”) are not exempt from the CSA, 2001 or the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations. Vessels less than 12m (<39’4”) do not require Transport Canada certificate of inspection to operate; however, meeting all applicable Transport Canada regulations is still required. Unscheduled monitoring inspections by TC marine safety inspectors may occur at any reasonable time to ensure compliance.
4. Before leaving port, vessel owners are required to ensure the vessel is designed, constructed, and equipped to operate safely and be seaworthy in its area of operation. This would include such things as:
   • Doors, and windows watertightness (gaskets intact, no dents or damage)
   • Hatches and hatch covers of adequate strength and weathertightness. See Ship Safety Bulletin (SSB) No.: 06/1998
   • Underwater penetrations are in good order (not degraded or rusted)
   • Required safety equipment is onboard and valid/approved (not expired)
   • Navigation lights are fitted and in good working order (working bulbs and fixtures are not blocked) Etc.

Any modifications made to the vessel need to be recorded and done in accordance with appropriate standards and a demonstration of its compliance available if requested. Vessel stability may also need to be verified to include any modifications made to the vessel. See TP 15392E - Guidelines for fishing vessel major modification or a change in activity

5. Owners and operators are also required to ensure all required certificates are up to date and valid prior to sailing. These certificates include but are not limited to:
   • Vessel Inspection Safety Certificate (if vessel is over 15GT or greater than 12m or >39’4”)
   • Confirmation from a TC Inspector, in writing, that all inspection deficiencies have been rectified (if vessel is less than 12m or <39’4”)
   • Crew Certificates Certificates (see Table 1 for additional TC required certificates)

Stability

1. Stability is important and has been found to be a contributing factor to incidents in the past. Vessels that have a hull length of more than 9 m (> 29’ 6”), built after July 13th, 2018, are required to have a stability assessment completed and onboard and display a stability notice. Vessels built prior to July 13th, 2018, are required to have adequate stability and owners may need to provide verification of adequate stability if requested. Vessels without stability documentation may require a stability assessment regardless of vessel length or voyage. If a vessel undergoes a modification; documentation and/or demonstration of adequate stability is required.
2. Vessel crews should ensure weights are kept as low as possible and any water onboard is able to be shed overboard through pumps or freeing ports. Vessels with fluid catches should prevent excessive movement of the catch with subdivisions or totes, etc. Any deck equipment should be stacked and secured, keeping as low a center of gravity as possible in mind. Crew members should ensure that weights are distributed as low as possible and that excess weight on upper decks is minimized to prevent stability issues.
3. Fishing vessel owners are required to develop detailed instructions addressing the limits of stability for each of their vessels. The instructions must be based on a formal assessment of the vessel by a qualified naval architect or person competent to conduct a stability assessment and include detailed safe operation documentation. Instructions should be kept on board the vessel at all times.
4. Fishing vessel owners should also keep on-board detailed documentation on engine room procedures, maintenance schedules to ensure watertight integrity, and instructions for regular practice of emergency drills.
5. Fish harvesters should know the limitations of their vessels. If unsure, the vessel operator should contact a qualified, naval architect or persons and organizations competent to conduct a stability assessment as defined in the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations.

Emergency procedures and drills

1. Since 2017 fishing vessels have been required to have written safety procedures onboard. This includes, for example:
• Person overboard
• Fire Overboard
• Abandoned Ship
• Pollution
• Any other procedures deemed necessary (eg. Flooding control, propulsion failure response, etc.
2. These procedures are specific to the vessel, the operation, and the number of crew members onboard. Each vessel is different so as crew members change vessels, the owner and operator are required to ensure the crew is familiar with the vessel’s layout and safety equipment placement and use, so they are aware of their duties in an emergency. Please see: Templates for small fishing vessels procedures.
3. Drills should be recorded and conducted as often as necessary to ensure crew members are familiar with the vessel’s safety procedures. Every time a new crew member comes onboard, a review of the safety procedures followed by drills should take place. Existing crew members should conduct drills several times a year to remain proficient.
4. Should a vessel be found to not have written emergency procedures onboard, they will be detained by a Transport Canada representative and prevented from sailing until such time as the procedures are onboard and the crew can demonstrate proficiency. Fishing vessels safety procedures and crew familiarization - SSB No.: 14/2024 for more information.
5. Since July 30, 2003 all crew members with more than six months at sea are required to have taken minimum Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training or be registered for such training. MED provides a basic understanding of:
• hazards associated with the marine environment
• prevention of shipboard incidents (including fires)
• raising and reacting to alarms
• fire and abandonment situations
• skills necessary for survival and rescue

Safety equipment

1. Vessel safety equipment from the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations is based on hull length and the vessels voyage (longer vessels going further offshore require more safety equipment).
2. Clarifying “hull length” measurement as per the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations Part 0.1 Definition - SSB No.: 25/2022 is available if you have more questions regarding how to measure the hull length for your vessel.
3. TC uses a vessel's hull length which is defined as the longest length from stem to transom, including parts that are permanently fixed to the vessel and extend beyond the stem or transom such as:
• fixed spars
• bowsprits
• pulpits
• deck extensions
4. DFO uses the vessel length overall which is defined as the maximum horizontal distance measured between perpendiculars erected at the extreme ends of the outside of the main hull of a vessel (includes the vessel‘s bottom, sides and deck). Transom platforms extending beyond the stern of a vessel, and any other extensions on the hull will be considered part of the main hull of a vessel.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

1. PFDs (or life jackets) are to be worn when there is a risk of drowning. The operator is to determine when there is a risk of drowning and inform the crew to wear a PFD (or life jacket). PFDs for fishing vessels must be Transport Canada approved and be:
• Of a highly visible color
• Fitted with retro-reflective tape
• Filled with a whistle
2. Owners and operators are to be aware that requirements for the usage and wear of PFDs is regulated by both the Provincial OHS and federally by Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security. Please check your provincial requirements to ensure all applicable requirements are followed.

Cold water immersion

1. Vessel operators should know what to do to prevent themselves or their crew from falling into the water and what to do if that occurs. Drowning is the number one cause of death in the fishing industry. Cold water is defined as water below 25 degrees Celsius, but the greatest effects occur below 15 degrees Celsius. Newfoundland and Labrador waters are usually below 15 degrees.
2. The effects of cold water on the body occur in four stages:
• cold shock
• swimming failure
• hypothermia
• post-rescue collapse

Weather

1. Vessel owners and operators are reminded of the importance of paying close attention to current weather trends and forecasts during the voyage. Marine weather information and forecasts can be obtained from Environment Canada’s website, Marine Forecasts and Warnings for Canada - Environment Canada.

Emergency radio procedures

1. Vessel owners and operators should ensure that all crew are able to activate the Search and Rescue (SAR) system by contacting the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The Navigation Safety Regulations require all vessels over 12m (>39’4”) to carry a float free Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), vessels under 12m (<39’4”) and on Near Coastal class 2 (NC 2) voyages (within 25 nautical miles from shore) may opt for a manually activated EPIRB, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or if the vessel is under 8m (<26’ 3”) a portable VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability.
2. The Navigation Safety Regulations require all vessels more than 8m (>26’ 3”) in length in Sea Area A1, within VHF coverage of a Canadian Coast Guard station or on a voyage more than five nautical miles from shore on the sea coasts of Canada, to be fitted with a VHF radio installation capable of DSC. The DSC radios must be registered with Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada (formerly Industry Canada) with a Marine Mobile Services Identity (MMSI) number. A registered DSC VHF radio has the capability to alert other DSC equipped vessels in the immediate area and advise Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) that the vessel is in distress.
3. A MF radio may be required for a vessel engaged on a voyage that extends outside Sea Area A1. This is because it must be equipped with radio equipment capable of establishing two-way communications at all times with a Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centre.
4. All crew members should know how to make a distress call and should obtain their Restricted Radio Operator certificate from Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada.

Collision regulations

1. Fish harvesters should have a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations and the responsibilities between vessels where the risk of collision exists. Navigation lights must be kept in good working order and must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during all times of restricted visibility.
2. To help reduce the potential for collision or close-quarters situations that may also result in the loss of fishing gear, fish harvesters are encouraged to monitor the appropriate local Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) VHF channel when traveling or fishing near shipping lanes or other areas frequented by large commercial vessels

Sail plan

1. An important trip consideration is the use of a sail plan which includes the particulars of the vessel, crew, and voyage. The sail plan should be left with a responsible person on shore or filed with the local MCTS centre. After leaving port, the fish harvester should contact the holder of the sail plan daily or as per another schedule. The sail plan should ensure notification to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) when communication is not maintained, which might indicate your vessel is in distress. Be sure to cancel the sail plan upon completion of the voyage.

Footnotes

• FVSR: Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
• NSR: Navigation Safety Regulations
• MPR: Marine Personnel Regulations

*Contact your local Transport Canada Centre for more details or clarification.

References

• Canada Shipping Act, 2001
• Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1486)
• Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416)
• Small Fishing Vessel Safety Manual
• Transport Canada Centres – Atlantic Region
• Environment Canada weather information