Transport Canada has issued $6,500 in fines to an individual in the fatal boating incident that occurred last summer on Lake Simcoe in Innisfil.
The unnamed individual had violated numerous provisions of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, by illegally operating a privately owned pleasure craft as an uncertified commercial tour boat, according to the federal agency.
According to a news release from Transport Canada, on Sept. 3, 2020, the pleasure craft was carrying paying passengers for a tour without proper certification, licensing or required safety measures.
A group of friends had seen the boat tours advertised online and hired the individual for a private tour of Lake Simcoe, according to Transport Canada.
While out on the boat, one of the passengers fell overboard and drowned. Her body was later found near Kempenfelt Bay.
The deceased was identified as Kenean Teklemariam, 21, of Scarborough.
A search was launched immediately involving marine units from South Simcoe Police Service, Barrie Police Service, York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service and County of Simcoe Paramedics also responded along with OPP air support.
Teklemariam's body was recovered around 9 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in the search area.
Transport Canada investigated this incident and issued fines for the following violations of the Canada Shipping Act
- operating a vessel without a certificate of registry or provisional certificate on board, in violation of ss.63(1);
- operating a vessel without the proper certificate of competency, in violation of s.87;
- failing to ensure that the vessel and its machinery and equipment complied with regulations, in violation of Para 106(1)(a);
- failing to establish operational and emergency safety procedures, in violation of Para 106(1)(b);
- failing to provide passengers with the necessary safety briefings and training, in violation of Para 106(1)(c); and
- taking actions that could jeopardize the safety of the vessel or passengers, in violation of s.118.
Transport Canada reminds that pleasure crafts are not designed or licensed to be operated as commercial vessels. In order to operate a commercial vessel, there are rigorous certification, licensing, and required safety measures that must be followed.
Transport Canada also advises people to exercise caution when deciding to hire and charter a vessel.
To ensure a vessel is operating legally as a small commercial enterprise and has the appropriate safety measures in place, look for the following:
* A Transport Canada Blue Decal displayed on the vessel that shows that the owner/operator has complied with safety and operating procedures set out by Transport Canada;
* A Transport Canada certificate displayed on larger vessels that carry more than 12 passengers.
You can also contact your local Transport Canada Centre to inquire whether the vessel is certified.
