Liability Insurance Questions

Are Marine Rescue Society and Community Owned vessels covered by the CCGA National Insurance Program while participating in non-Authorized Auxiliary Activities?

No, Marine Rescue Societies and Community Owned vessels should have their own insurance to cover their members, vessels and assets outside of CCGA Authorized Activities.

What insurance coverage does the CCGA have for activities conducted on inland waters (outside of CCG jurisdiction)?

While the CCGA Hull and Machinery and Protection and Indemnity Insurance policy does not have any restriction with respect to Canadian Lakes (it is a generic wording), the only way the policy would respond for CCGA activities on those lakes would be if the Auxiliary had obtained an authorization from the Canadian Coast Guard. If the CCGA does not have this formal authorization, then a claim would be denied as the insurers have not agreed to provide coverage beyond what is authorized by CCG.

The Auxiliary has no coverage for vessels unless they are involved in activities formally authorized by the CCG. The insurance policy excludes the use of any CCGA vessel (CCGA owned, privately owned or owned by a rescue society (community vessel)) for Boating Safety activities or other activities not authorized by the CCG.

Under the automobile policy, the CCGA Insurance policy provides coverage for CCGA vehicles and trailers owned by the Quebec, Maritimes and Newfoundland/Labrador regions that may be used for Boating Safety. The insurance coverage for Boating Safety activities has only been purchased through our Group Travel Accident Policy and is therefore limited to the benefits under that policy (Accidental Death, Dismemberment, Paralysis, Permanent Total Disability and Temporary Total Disability).

The CCG and TC have all agreed to the principle of selftasking by the CCGA for Boating Safety activities and this has been communicated to the CCGA insurance brokers.

What is the coverage for CCGA volunteers who are charged/tasked with inventory control, stocking, cleaning, shipping, receiving, etc....?

If it is an Authorized Activity, the CCGA member is covered by the CCGA insurance policies.

Could you check the availability of insurance coverage for distress flare demonstrations to members of CCGA and to the public? If this insurance is expensive for yearly coverage, could we get some coverage on a per time basis and make this expense as part of our operating costs per training session? The person giving this demonstration is certified and licensed as a pyro-technician as per the requirements of the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) of Natural Resources Canada.

Insurance coverage for the firing of pyrotechnic distress flares during flare demonstrations may be available for purchase. However, current CCGA policy does not include the firing by CCGA members of pyrotechnic distress flares during flare demonstrations as an Authorized Activity. It was unanimously agreed at past CCGA National Board of Directors meetings not to authorize this type of activity due to the dangers involved. If the person conducting the demonstration is certified and licensed, this person should provide appropriate liability insurance.

Are CCGA members insured to fire pyrotechnic distress flares during flare demonstrations?

No, CCGA members are not insured to fire pyrotechnic distress flares during flare demonstrations because this does not fall within the scope of an Authorized Activity. However, CCGA members may assist Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada personnel with flare demonstrations, but the CCGA involvement is limited to logistical support such as crowd control, literature distribution and similar functions.

Are CCGA members covered to use night illumination flares during a search and rescue (SAR) incident?

Yes. The use of night illumination flares is a necessary tool for use during search and rescue (SAR) incidents, therefore CCGA members are covered to use them.

Does the liability insurance covering the CCGA Boards of Directors extend outside the CCGA National and Regional Boards and does it include coverage for Boards of community vessels?

No, CCGA Directors & Officers Liability insurance coverage only extends to Auxiliary members serving on CCGA National Board of Directors and/or any CCGA Regional Boards. CCGA Directors & Officers Liability insurance coverage would not extend to Auxiliary members serving on another organizations board of directors. It would be up to that organization to insure its own board members.

Are Marine Rescue Society activities considered Authorized Activities for insurance purposes?

Only activities authorized by Coast Guard are considered Authorized Activities. If a Marine Rescue Society is participating in activities under the auspices of the Marine Rescue Society then they are not insured under the CCGA National Insurance Program. However, if the activity is considered a Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary activity and authorized by CCG then insurance coverage applies. There must be Canadian Coast Guard preapproval in order for insurance coverage to be triggered.

The Canadian Coast Guard and the Government of Canada cannot assume liability for independent corporations such as Marine Rescue Societies that operate under their own bylaws and which are not required to comply with the CCGA National Guidelines.

If coverage was extended to other corporations outside the six Auxiliary corporations and an accident occurred it would increase liability to the Auxiliary and the Crown through increased exposure and would affect the cost of the insurance premiums.

Marine Rescue Societies and Communities should have their own insurance to cover their members, vessels and assets outside of CCGA Authorized Activities.