Transport Minister Says Revised Regs Respond To TSB Safety Recommendations

The Honorable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, has proposed changes to the Canadian Aviation Regulations to enhance the safety of seaplane operations. The proposed regulations respond to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s recommendations following the 2009 seaplane accident in Lyall Harbour, British Columbia and the 2012 accident in Lillabelle Lake, Ontario.

"I’m pleased Canada continues to be an international leader in aviation safety by becoming the first country to propose the mandatory wearing of flotation devices on seaplanes," said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.

"Seaplanes offer a unique and convenient way to explore Canada’s landscape and to reunite families and friends in remote areas. These changes are a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the safety of Canadians who travel by seaplane."

The proposed changes published in the Canada Gazette Part I would:

Require all passengers and crew on commercial seaplanes to wear an inflatable flotation device when boarding the aircraft and while it operates on or over water.
Require mandatory training for pilots of fixed wing commercial seaplanes on how to exit a seaplane under water.
Allow the use of more modern, practical and durable inflatable flotation devices designed for constant wear (i.e. the vest in a waist pouch type).

Canadians will have 30 days to provide comments before the changes are finalized in Canada Gazette, Part II.

(Source: Transport Canada news release. Image from file.)

FMI: Canada Gazette Pt. I, Underwater Egress