Get a marine insurance certificate

Before you apply

Vessels that operate in Canadian waters need one or more certificates, depending on the size and type of vessel and its cargo:

  • seagoing and non-seagoing vessels of more than 1,000 gross tonnes that carry bunker oil for the vessel’s propulsion or operation need a Bunkers Convention Certificate
  • seagoing vessels that can carry more than 2,000 tonnes of bulk persistent oil as cargo need a CLC certificate
  • seagoing and non-seagoing vessels of 300 gross tonnes or more need a Wreck Removal Convention Certificate

Any of these people can apply for the certificate:

  • vessel’s owner, including the registered owner
  • bareboat charterer
  • manager
  • operator

Documents you need to apply

Canadian vessels

Your application must include a Blue Card or other proof of insurance for every vessel. If your insurance company gave you a Blue Card or proof of insurance that covers multiple vessels, you can upload a single Blue Card.

A “Blue Card” is issued by a Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club as proof that you have insurance in place that meets the liability requirements of conventions including the Civil Liability Convention, the Bunkers Convention and the Wreck Removal Convention. If you’re not insured by a P&I Club, your insurer should provide proof that you have insurance or other financial guarantee in place as required by the relevant convention (like the Civil Liability Convention, the Bunkers Convention and the Wreck Removal Convention).

Your Blue Card (or proof of insurance) must include the following information. This information must match Transport Canada’s Vessel Registry exactly:

  • vessel name
  • official number
  • IMO number (if applicable)
  • gross tonnage
  • port of registry
  • name and address of registered owner
  • name and address of insurance company
  • duration of insurance

If your Blue Card doesn’t match the vessel registry exactly, there will be delays in processing your request.

International vessels

You must upload 2 documents for each vessel on your application:

  • a Certificate of Documentation (COD) or other vessel registration certificate to prove vessel registration; and
  • a Blue Card or proof of insurance that proves you have sufficient insurance

If your insurance company gave you a Blue Card or proof of insurance that covers multiple vessels, you can upload a single Blue Card.

Your Blue Card or proof of insurance must include the following information. This information must match the Certificate of Documentation exactly:

  • vessel name
  • official number
  • IMO number (if applicable)
  • gross tonnage
  • port of registry
  • name and address of registered owner
  • name and address of insurance company
  • duration of insurance

A Certificate of Documentation (COD) or other vessel registration certificate must include the:

  • vessel name
  • official number
  • IMO number (if applicable)
  • gross tonnage
  • port of registry
  • date of issuance
  • name and address of registered owner

If the Blue Card or proof of insurance doesn’t match the Certificate of Documentation exactly, there will be delays in processing your application.

Don’t have a blue card?

Your insurance company should be able to give you proof that insurance or some other financial guarantee is in place.