Tier I - Policy – Plan approval and inspections for Canadian vessels subject to the Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations

1. Policy objective

1.1 This policy sets out the requirements for plan approval, inspections and issuance of certificates for Canadian vessels subject to the Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations (VSCR), made under the Canada Shipping Act 2001 (CSA 2001).

2. Policy statement

2.1 As required by the VSCR sections 6 and 12, a vessel must hold safety certificate(s) issued by the minister in order to engage on a voyage. The details of each type of vessels, inspectable items and certificates are contained within the Canadian Vessel Plan Approval and Inspection Standard (TP 15456).

2.2 In accordance with Section 16 of the CSA 2001, for the issuance of Canadian Maritime Documents (CMDs) (e.g. certificate), the Authorized Representative (AR) of the vessel must submit vessel plans, documents and other information that the Minister considers necessary to establish that the requirements for the issuance of the certificates have been met. The Appendix of TP 15456 includes details on the required submission of plans, documents, and other information.

2.3 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), is recognized to the extent possible with Canadian modifications, as referred in TP 15456, for the inspection and certification of vessels subject to the IMO safety requirements.

2.4 This Policy does not replace or add any requirements for the design and construction as set out in the safety regulations made under the CSA 2001.

3. Scope

3.1 This policy applies to all Canadian vessels to which the VSCR apply.

4. Authority

4.1 This policy is made under the authority of the Marine Safety and Security Executive, according to CSA 2001 sections 16 and 211 authority and the requirements of the VSCR.

5. Responsibility/further information

5.1 The Executive Director, Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight is accountable for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of this policy.

5.2 The manager, Flag State, Compliance & Enforcement (AMSDF), is the OPI for this policy.

5.3 The Regional Directors, Marine Safety and Security, are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

5.4 Please address your comments or questions about this policy and its application to:

Executive Director, Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight
330 Sparks Street (AMSD)
Ottawa ON
K1A 0N8
Fax: 613-991-4818
insp.stand-norm.insp@tc.gc.ca

6. Related documents

6.1 TP 15456 Canadian Vessel Plan Approval and Inspection Standard

6.2 Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) ^{Footnote 1}

7. Background

7.1 Part 1 of the CSA 2001 paragraph 6(i) states that one of the objectives of this Act is to establish an effective inspection and enforcement program.

7.2 Part 1 of the CSA 2001, subsection 16(1) and paragraph 16(2)(a) state that an application for a Canadian Maritime Document (CMD) must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Minister.

7.3 As per section 119 of the CSA 2001 no person shall construct, manufacture or modify a vessel of a prescribed class otherwise than in accordance with plans approved by the Minister as having met the requirements of the regulations respecting the design and construction of vessels of that class. As per section 6 of the VSCR, vessels to which the regulations apply are a prescribed class for the purpose of CSA 2001 section 119.

7.4 Part 1 of the CSA 2001, paragraph 16(2)(c) states that before Transport Canada will issue a CMD to a vessel, the vessel must undergo any inspection the Minister considers necessary to establish it meets the applicable regulatory requirements.

7.5 The validity for every CMD is specified by the Minister of Transport as per subsection 17(1) of the CSA 2001. Inspection intervals are determined by the period of validity of CMDs, and the endorsement requirements, as per subsection 7(2) and 13(2) of the VSCR.

7.6 Plan approval, inspection and certification requirements that were previously stated in a number of regulations made under the previous Canada Shipping Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. S-9), have now been moved to the VSCR, this Policy and the Canadian Vessel Plan Approval and Inspection Standard (TP 15456) in accordance with the CSA 2001 authorities described above.

8. Date of application

8.1 This policy comes into force on June 23, 2021.

8.2 Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) will review this policy after 12 months, and thereafter; not more than 5 years from the date of its last review.

9. RDIMS reference

9.1 The English version of this document is saved in RDIMS under 17587326. TIER I- POLICY PLAN APPROVAL AND INSPECTIONS FOR CANADIAN VESSELS SUBJECT TO THE VESSEL SAFETY CERTIFICATES REGULATIONS.

9.2 La version française du présent document est dans le SGDDI et porte le numéro de référence (17587455) VOLET I – POLITIQUE APPROBATION DES PLANS ET INSPECTIONS DES BÂTIMENTS CANADIENS AUX TERMES DU RÈGLEMENT SUR LES CERTIFICATS DE SÉCURITÉ DE BÂTIMENT.

9.3 This is the first approved and finalized revision of the English version of this document.

10. Keywords

Inspection
Certificate
Survey
HSSC
CMD
Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations (VSCR)

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