Canadian Coast Guard Penalties Highlight Environmental Accountability for Boat Owners

Since 2016, the Canadian Coast Guard has tackled over 2,000 wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels across Canada's waters, significantly reducing environmental risks and enhancing marine safety under the Oceans Protection Plan. (Credit: Unsplash+)


by Donna Gregory | Jul 26, 2024

Wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous boats pose significant threats to the environment, local communities, and economies. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada continues to address problem vessels and ensure owner accountability. Vessel owners are responsible for maintaining their boats and properly disposing of them when no longer seaworthy.
Enforcement of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act

Recently, the Canadian Coast Guard exercised its authority under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, imposing a $12,000 administrative monetary penalty on the owner of a 6.4-meter pleasure craft in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu area. The vessel posed hazards to the marine environment and public safety due to pollution risks, debris not intended for submersion, potential injury to boaters, risk of drifting in a busy river, and shoreline erosion.

Compliance and Penalty

The fine followed the owner’s failure to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard’s directives to remove the vessel and prevent pollution by April 4, 2024. Due to the dangers presented, the vessel was removed from the marine environment by the Canadian Coast Guard.

The Canadian Coast Guard collaborates with vessel owners to resolve issues, resorting to penalties only after all other avenues are exhausted. The owner was given 30 days to pay the fine or request a review hearing with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada. Penalties issued under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act are publicly reported on the Canadian Coast Guard’s website.
Public Assistance in Reporting Vessels


The Canadian Coast Guard urges citizens to report problematic vessels, including those that are wrecked, abandoned, or pose hazards. To manage this issue, the Coast Guard maintains a nationwide database of troublesome vessels, prioritizing their removal based on severity.

This national inventory has logged over 2,000 reported vessels so far, aiding in tracking and addressing the problem efficiently. Since 2016, the Canadian government’s Oceans Protection Plan has taken significant action, funding more than 580 projects dedicated to removing and disposing of problematic vessels. Additionally, the plan has established legal measures, making it unlawful to abandon vessels in Canadian waters.