Ships carry most world trade and about half of Canada's trade. At any given time, the majority of vessels in Canadian waters are foreign–flagged. It is therefore very important to have effective tools to regulate foreign vessels operating in our waters in order to protect the marine environment, and ensure Canadian ports and waterways operate safely and efficiently.

Canada has been a key participant in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is the United Nations body responsible for promoting the highest practicable standards in maritime safety, efficiency of navigation and prevention, and control of marine pollution from ships. The International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, promotes social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It also adopts international standards for working conditions on board vessels.

Ratifying the IMO and ILO conventions enables Canada to fully enforce environmental and safety standards. The Government of Canada intends to ratify the following IMO and ILO conventions:

• annexes IV, V and VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) (reduced pollution from sewage and garbage; control of air emissions from ships);
• the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (limits on environmentally harmful paints);
• the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (control of invasive species in the water);
• the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 (harmonized system of surveys and certification);
• the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (harmonized system of surveys and certification with respect to ship load levels);
• the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995; and
• the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (working conditions on ships, including hours of work and rest; health protection and medical care; and standards of accommodation).

Ratifying these conventions complements several government priorities, as well as pollution prevention efforts of provinces and municipalities. Several of these conventions are now in force internationally. Many of Canada's major trading partners have adopted these conventions and are expected to ratify them.