SUMMARY

This enactment consolidates certain rules of Canadian maritime law governing the civil liability of shipowners for loss of life, personal injuries and damage to property.

Part 1 modernizes and extends the scope of the fatal accidents regime formerly in the Canada Shipping Act. Part 2 settles the rules for the apportionment of liability among parties at fault.

Part 3 continues in force in Canada an international convention governing the limitation of liability for maritime claims together with certain statutory provisions. Part 4 implements the regime of shipowners' liability to passengers set out in another international convention.

Part 5 re-enacts and revises the provisions of the Carriage of Goods by Water Act respecting the application of the Hague-Visby Rules in Canada and the eventual implementation of the Hamburg Rules. Part 6 continues the existing regime governing liability and compensation for maritime oil pollution.

Part 7 validates certain by-laws relating to harbour dues tariffs and certain regulations relating to pilotage tariffs.