Notice to Industry: Updated Guidelines for Coasting Trade Licence Applications

June 29, 2023 – Gatineau, QC – Canadian Transportation Agency

The Canadian Transportation Agency has updated its Guidelines for Coasting Trade Licence Applications. The updates to the Guide provide increased clarity to stakeholders. Highlights of these changes include:

• providing checklists for applicants and offerors on the requirements for an application;
• clarifying how objections without an offered ship would result in a coasting trade application being uncontested, i.e. no pleadings;
• explaining the process for interested persons filing comments, i.e. objecting but not offering a ship;
• providing greater specificity and clarity for fast track applications and exceptional emergency situations that could justify an urgent application;
• updating Appendix A on Supplemental Provisions, including revised guidance on confidentiality.

Under the Coasting Trade Act, in most situations, only Canadian registered vessels can provide marine transportation between points in Canada. A foreign vessel can only be used if the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness issues a coasting trade licence.

The Agency plays a role in the coasting trade licensing process by determining whether suitable Canadian vessels are available when someone applies to use foreign vessels for domestic commercial marine activities. This determination is provided to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness for further action.

You can subscribe to our coasting trade notifications mailing list to receive notices of coasting trade license applications.

See our Marine Transportation page for more information about our marine mandate.