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News release

Transportation Safety Board of Canada and partners share marine safety message of teamwork on the bridge

Gatineau, Quebec, 8 February 2016 – Amid persistent concerns about marine safety associated with teamwork on the bridge, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and the Canadian Marine Pilots Association (CMPA) are launching a campaign to raise awareness of this issue.

"Transportation safety is paramount for all of us at the TSB," said Captain Marc-André Poisson, TSB's Director of Marine Investigations. "We want to remind everyone that bridge crews and pilots share responsibility for the safe conduct of vessels in pilotage waters."

The Marine Accident Investigators International Forum (MAIIF) and the International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) have collaborated to develop a poster for display on bridge decks of ships navigating in pilotage waters across the world. The TSB is partnering with the CMPA to ensure the message is heard aboard Canadian and foreign vessels plying our waters.

"We're happy to be working with the TSB and our international partners to spread this important message," added Captain Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA and the CMPA. "We have a shared concern about safety, and proper teamwork and communication on the bridge can help everyone stay safe."

While the IMO and most Member States have demonstrated due diligence and have implemented mandatory training for ships' crews and pilots, the number of accidents in which the cause or a finding as to risk is related to the pilot/bridge team relationship continues to be a concern.

Poster and accompanying materials.


The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

For more information, contact:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-360-4376
Email: media@tsb.gc.ca