Given Canada’s renewed focus on the shipbuilding and industrial marine industry, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is seeking to revitalize Canadian participation in the International Electrotechnical Commission/Technical Committee standard, IEC/TC 80. We are putting out a call to organizations within the marine technologies, marine radiocommunication and related industries to participate.

Purpose and justification for marine navigation

The multi-billion-dollar-a-year shipbuilding and industrial marine industry has a diversified product and market focus. Its range includes firms with specialized capabilities in manufacturing and repairing ships, building oil and gas rigs and supplying related equipment, technologies and services.

There is a need for standards for the systems and equipment carried by ships, and the systems that communicate with ships, to enable them to efficiently navigate among one another in ways that protect the environment and the safety of life at sea. Given the global nature of the shipbuilding industry, these standards must be internationally agreed to. This eliminates unnecessary barriers, to ensure trade is carried out smoothly, predictably and as freely as possible.

In agreement with International Maritime Organization (IMO), TC80 has adopted the role of producing detailed technical and test standards for maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems.

By responding to the call for participation, Canadians will help develop international standards entrenched in the Canadian federal “Navigation Safety Regulations,” “Charts and Nautical Publication Regulations” and “Ship Station (Radio) Technical Regulations.”

If you are interested in participating, please contact SCC’s Program Manager, Standards, Keith Jansa, or at 613-238-3222 (ext. 490).

The Standards Council of Canada is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization in Canada, with the goal of enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness and social well-being. SCC is Canada’s representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is responsible for coordinating Canadian participation in the development of international standards. It also accredits standards development and conformity assessment organizations. For more information on SCC’s programs, visit www.scc.ca or email info@scc.ca.