2012-05-29 08:00 PDT

Constable Michael Potvin drowned on the Stewart River in Mayo after the RCMP vessel he was in capsized on July 13, 2010.

Since that time, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), Transport Canada, and the Transportation Safety Board have conducted extensive independent investigations. The RCMP has cooperated with all the involved agencies and has conducted additional internal health and safety reviews.

Flowing from the investigations, the RCMP has been provided with direction and recommendations to reduce the risk of a similar workplace tragedy in the future. We have learned difficult but valuable lessons from this tragedy, and have committed to sharing insights that may contribute to the safety of all Yukoners, while respecting the processes of those organizations responsible for overseeing our employees’ health and safety.

This is an overview of the findings and responses undertaken by the RCMP to enhance the safety of our employees so that they, in turn, are ready to protect our citizens and communities.

The lessons learned from this tragedy may also serve to inform and benefit the public and result in greater water safety practices by all Yukon residents.


Finding:
Investigations have determined that the RCMP member who was operating the vessel had the certifications and training required to do so. The members were not, however, sufficiently familiar with the vessel or the specific waterway on which they were testing the watercraft prior to putting it into service for the season.

Actions:
The RCMP in Yukon has responded with the following policy and training changes to enhance the safety of our members that include:

  • The development of a comprehensive Water Transport Program that includes the requirement for all Detachment Commanders in the Yukon to seek local information and learn from local resources about the specific environmental and geological conditions of the region – including lakes and rivers – in which they and the other Detachment employees are working and to provide this information to detachment personnel in writing.
  • New Division policy requires that all operators be proficient and current on their Detachment’s vessel. Operators who are new to the Division or to the Detachment vessel or who are not current, must undergo a proficiency test prior to operating the vessel.
  • Implementing recommendations from Sharing Common Ground: Report on the Review of the Yukon’s Police Force – including the engagement of local mentors in all communities – who will pass along traditional and local knowledge to RCMP members to help them learn about the community in which they are working.


Finding:
Approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) were in the watercraft. As required by already-existing RCMP policy, both RCMP members had been wearing the equipment earlier in the voyage but when the incident took place neither of the two RCMP members were wearing their Personal Flotation Devices.

Action:
RCMP policy on the mandatory use of PFDs has been addressed in the following ways:

  •  The Personal Flotation Devices used by the RCMP across Canada have been tested to confirm that they do provide sufficient buoyancy to support a fully equipped RCMP member in the water.
  • Internal messages are used to update and promote awareness of policy and training activities. Messages have been issued to reinforce to all employees the requirement to wear RCMP-approved Personal Flotation Devices when working in an environment where they may be exposed to a hazard of drowning.
  •  ‘Vessel Emergency Procedures’, which includes completing a Safety Briefing, reviewing the Operator Checklist prior to each voyage and practicing emergency drills have been implemented.
  • An ‘Operator Checklist’ is now attached to the ignition key of vessels in the Yukon and includes a reminder indicating the policy requirement for RCMP members to wear Personal Flotation Devices.
  • Ongoing leadership and supervisor development training provides awareness of supervisory roles and responsibilities under the Canada Labour Code and promotes the self-confidence necessary to lead others.


Finding:
Subsequent testing and expert examination determined that over several years modifications had been made to the vessel which, combined with environmental and mechanical factors, resulted in water coming over the transom, which made the vessel unstable in the water.

Investigations identified a blockage in the fuel system as the cause for the motor failure. It was determined that it was unlikely that the blockage would have been diagnosed in the field, but would best be corrected through scheduled service and repair.


Action:
The watercraft involved, which was built in the mid-1980s, was removed from service immediately following the drowning of Constable Potvin and the use of other vessels by the same manufacturer was suspended. Based on consultation with Transport Canada, the other vessels were deemed safe and were returned to service.

The investigations into the incident recommended that the RCMP expand and improve RCMP watercraft training across Yukon, enhance fleet maintenance practices and develop specifications for watercraft being used for police responses.

Regarding the training of operators and the maintenance of vessels, the RCMP has introduced or reinforced policy, training and equipment requirements to enhance safety for RCMP employees:

 

  • Immediately following the incident, Transport Canada assisted M Division in inspecting the RCMP Yukon fleet. Six vessels had reached the end of their life cycle and have been replaced. New watercraft now meet specifications which have been developed to better reflect the type of activities police perform on rivers and lakes in the Territory.
  • The two involved RCMP members made pre-voyage preparations which included gathering or acquiring the required safety equipment. The keeping of records reflecting pre-voyage planning, safety briefings and vessel maintenance were the subject of recommendations. Administrative processes have been developed to maintain and review records.
  • Nationally, the RCMP has implemented a program that mandates annual inspections and reporting on vessel condition and equipment prior to using the equipment as well as monthly inspections. Senior supervisors also have the responsibility to conduct random spot checks of water transport operations and policy compliance, including the wearing of PFDs.
  • Vessel operators must successfully complete the Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) Training Course and the Marine Emergency Duties certification provided by the RCMP and approved by Transport Canada.
  • Detachment Water Transport Coordinators are trained and receive updated information to promote safety. Detachment Commanders are responsible for ensuring that vessel logbooks are completed and that watercraft are inspected and maintained.
  • A senior RCMP supervisor has been designated as the Division Water Transport Coordinator. This individual communicates additions or amendments to law and policy and promotes policy compliance with respect to records, boats and safety equipment.
  • The RCMP has implemented enhanced oversight and pre-approval for modifications to vessels to meet required standards for safe operation.

On behalf of the men and women of the RCMP and the many individuals and organizations that contribute to public safety, we hope that everyone who uses watercraft will be able to benefit from these lessons in order to be safe on our Territory’s waterways.
 

Released by

Sgt. Don Rogers

Media Relations Officer
Whitehorse RCMP
http://yk.rcmp.ca
4100 4th Avenue, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1H5
Office: 867-667-5537

Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca