There are two types of "waters" under Canada'a control that we are concerned with here. The 12 mile limit (it might actually be 24 miles some places in Canada according to my reference text) usually referred to as 'territorial' waters and the 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Canada has the right to make laws related to resource extraction (including protecting the safety of persons engaging in approved economic activity) within both those zones. There are significant differences regarding right of free passage in the two zones ships in normal transit.
So the answer to your question is yes, Hearn is correct.
I consider the SS morally wrong based on the premise of their existence. They are declared terrorists. As I understand it, Watson has taken credit for sinking 10 ships and he makes his intentions clear regarding his current actions. In my opinion he is the ideological mirror of antiabortion protesters who resorts to clinic bombings. So far he hasn't directly caused loss of life; but neither do most clinic bombings.
Chronology of Events – The Government of Canada Takes Enforcement Action against the Farley Mowat
april 12, 2008
March 20, 2008 – Transport Canada directed the Farley Mowat not to enter Canadian waters until they comply with international marine safety conventions (Ministerial Order).
March 24, 2008 – The Farley Mowat left Bermuda.
March 28, 2008 – It reached the Canadian exclusive economic zone. Transport Canada (TC) attempted to communicate with the vessel, but it did not reply.
March 29, 2008 – Canadian authorities attempted to communicate with the Farley Mowat south of St. Paul’s Island. It did not reply. The Department of Foreign Affairs issued a Diplomatic Note to the Netherlands requesting their assistance to deter and prevent unlawful activities by the master and crew of the Farley Mowat as it is flying a Dutch flag.
March 30, 2008 – Farley Mowat engaged in illegal activities by allegedly approaching sealing vessels at a distance of approximately 20 feet. Complaints were received from Canadian vessels that the Farley Mowat was dangerously close and menacing them. The Farley Mowat crew was informed by fisheries officers onboard the Coast Guard ship Des Groseilliers that such actions were in contravention of Marine Mammal Regulations under the Fisheries Act. The Farley Mowat forced two collisions with the Coast Guard ship Des Groseilliers approximately 28 miles east of Ingonish, Cape Breton.
April 2, 2008 – The Farley Mowat docked in the French islands of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
April 4, 2008 – The Farley Mowat left Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon after local fishermen cut its mooring lines and threw stones at the crew.
April 5, 2008 – The captain and first officer of the Farley Mowat were charged with violating the Marine Mammal Regulations under the Fisheries Act, as they had allegedly ventured too close to sealers on March 30. The captain is also charged with obstruction under the Fisheries Act.
April 9, 2008 – The Farley Mowat entered Canadian waters. Transport Canada directed the Farley Mowat to depart and remain outside Canadian waters based on security concerns (Ministerial Direction). The Farley Mowat approached hunters, but did not come closer than half a nautical mile when warned by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
April 10, 2008 – Canadian authorities documented an incursion into the 12 nautical miles territorial limit by the Farley Mowat. A Transport Canada (TC) Ministerial Direction to proceed to Sydney, NS was delivered to the vessel Farley Mowat via the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services. A hard copy was also faxed to the international headquarters of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society based in Washington D.C. The Farley Mowat did not verbally acknowledge receipt of the TC Ministerial Direction, nor did it proceed to Sydney.
April 11, 2008 – The Farley Mowat allegedly came within approximately 300 feet of a sealer, which is in contravention of the Marine Mammal Regulations.
April 12, 2008 – The Government of Canada took action to protect the safety and livelihoods of Canadian sealers by boarding and seizing the Farley Mowat to arrest its Captain and Chief Officer for alleged violations of Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR). These actions were taken in accordance with Canadian fisheries legislation.
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2008/hq-ac01_e.htm