The Small Vessel Manufacturers and Importers Compliance Program (SVMICP) helps small vessel manufacturers, builders, rebuilders, and importers make sure their small vessels comply with regulations.
Your responsibilities as a manufacturer, builder, rebuilder or importer are outlined in part 7, 8 and 9 of the Small Vessel Regulations (SVR).
For this purpose, small vessels are defined as:
- pleasure craft less than 24 meters long
- non-pleasure vessels of 15 gross tonnage or less (such as a workboat or passenger vessel that carries less than 12 passengers)
Requirements
Small vessel manufacturers, builders, rebuilders and importers must:
- get a manufacturer identification code from the Minister of Transport
- prepare and submit a declaration of conformity to Transport Canada for each model in production Footnote 1
- submit an annual production report
- fit all vessels with a compliance notice
- mark all vessels with a hull serial number
- make sure vessels propelled or designed to be propelled by an engine follow the construction requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations (Part 7) and the TP 1332 - Construction Standards for Small Vessels (2010) or accepted American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) alternative standards
We’ve developed the Oversight of Small Vessel Manufacturers and Importers policy as another tool to monitor companies that manufacture, build, rebuild and import small vessels.
Marine engine emission regulations
Environment and Climate Change Canada has implemented emission regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. These regulations set performance-based emission standards for air pollutants and toxic substances from gasoline-fueled marine engines and fuel systems used in recreational marine vessels.
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 - Part 7: Controlling Pollution and Managing Wastes - Division 5: Vehicle, Engine and Equipment Emissions
- Marine spark-ignition (gasoline) engines are regulated under the Marine Spark-Ignition Engine, Vessel and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations (SOR/2011-10) (MERV)
- Marine compression-ignition (diesel) engines that are rated below 37 kW may be regulated under the Off-road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations
Importers and manufacturers of small vessels in Canada must meet engine emission requirements. To learn more about those requirements, visit the Canadian Enviornmental Protection Act Registry or email Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Transportation division at: infovehiculeetmoteur-vehicleandengineinfo@ec.gc.ca.
Stay informed
To learn about consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazetteand Transport Canada’s marine consultations page. Get involved at Let’s Talk Transportation.
Contact us
Send your questions about the SVMICP program or your responsibilities to declaration@tc.gc.ca.