Inspectors are empowered demand documents, take samples, open containers, or copy data from any place or ship that may have an effect on the marine ecosystem.
The act under Section 39 also establishes a government right of action to hold companies, directors, or ships' crews liable for damages to Canada's territorial waters.
Section 41 establishes the objectives of the Coast Guard Services, including assisting in navigation, icebreaking, enforcement, and search and rescue.
Sections 42 and 43 establishes the minister's authority to order marine surveys and scientific studies; Section 44 establishes the minister's authority to require foreign ships in Canadian waters to provide any research data collected in Canadian waters to the government.
The Oceans Act is the key mechanism by which the Government of Canada has committed to protecting 30% of Canadian waters by 2030.
[11] This led to the opening of the St. Lawrence protected area to oil and gas exploration, though development has not yet occurred.