Tier II – Procedure – Enrolment in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP)

1 Process flowchart

Step 1

The AR/SM completes the form “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” (PDF, 723 KB) (form 85-0452E), together with a Project Description, when required, and submits them to the regional DSIPLO

Step 2

The regional DSIPLO reviews the vessel file for completeness, prepare a vessel summary and provide a copy to the AR/SM and the RO

Step 3

If necessary, the DSIPLO discuss any issues that may rise during the enrolment process of the vessel, including identification of MTRBs applicable, with the selected RO

Step 4

During the enrolment process of the vessel, the selected RO notifies in writing to the AR, or SM, and TCMSS on the status of predetermined stages

Step 5

Upon completion of the enrolment process of the vessel, the selected RO issues the appropriate Canadian Maritime Documents (CMD)

2 Purpose

2.1 This procedure provides guidelines on the vessel enrolment process to the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP).

3 Authority

3.1 This procedure is authorized by the Marine Safety and Security Executive Committee (MSSE) thought the TIER I Policy “Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP).

3.2 This procedure is in accordance with paragraph 10(1), 12(1) and 106(2) of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001).

4 Background

4.1 The CSA, 2001 came into force on July 1, 2007. Paragraph 10(1)(c) and subsection 12(1) provide the authority to enter into agreements with any person, classification society or other organization.

4.2 The Minister of Transport has delegated statutory functions to Recognized Organizations (ROs) through the Authorization and Agreement Governing the Delegation of Statutory Functions for Vessel Registered in Canada.

4.3 The Policy “Enrolment in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” came into force on January 1, 2014. Since that date, Authorized Representatives (ARs) of a Canadian registered vessel of 24 metres in length and above are required to obtain their Canadian Maritime Documents (CMDs) from a third party, authorized to perform vessel related activities on behalf of the Minister of Transport. These authorized third parties are known as Recognized Organizations (ROs).

5 Scope

5.1 This procedure applies to AR, SM, Marine Surveyor of RO or Marine Safety Inspector of Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) involved with the enrolment of vessels in DSIP (DSIP Fleet).

5.2 Furthermore, this procedure specifies the process to enroll a vessel in the DSIP.

6 Responsibility

6.1 The Director General, Marine Safety and Security, is accountable for the implementation of this procedure.

6.2 The Executive Director, Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight, is the functional authority for the development, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of this procedure.

6.3 The Regional Directors are responsible for the implementation and promotion of this procedure in their respective regions.

6.4 Comments or queries related to this procedure and its application should be addressed to:

Manager, National Marine Safety Program
Safety Management Systems and Authorizations (AMSDA)
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0N8
dsip-pdio@tc.gc.ca

7 Procedure

7.1 When the AR does not directly manage the shore-based and on board operations of a vessel, the AR will identify the SM authorized and responsible for managing the shore-based and on board operations of a vessel.

7.2 The AR/SM completes the form “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” (form 85-0452E) and submits it to dsip-pdio@tc.gc.ca with a copy to the regional TCMSS office.

7.3 The AR/SM complete a separate form for each vessel indicating which RO is selected to perform mandatory inspection and certification.

7.4 ROs are required to express, in writing to the AR/SM, their willingness or refusal to consider the vessel for enrolment into DSIP.

7.5 Enrolment of Existing Canadian Vessels:

7.5.1 An existing Canadian vessel is defined as a vessel that has previously held an inspection certificate issued by TCMSS.

7.5.2 On reception of a “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” (form 85-0452E)”, the regional office reviews the vessel file for completeness and prepare a vessel summary file that include information related to the regulations, CMDs and Marine Technical Review Board (MTRB) applicable to the vessel and provide a copy to the AR/SM and the RO.

7.5.3 The AR/SM proposes a date for a handover inspection, making sure that the vessel is be ready for inspection, in operational status, and with a complement onboard as per the Minimum Safe Manning Document.

7.5.4 If necessary, the DSIP Liaison Officer (DSIPLO) discusses the possibility of a joint handover inspection to verify the condition of the vessel and facilitate the transition process.

7.5.5 Upon completion of an inspection, the selected RO notifies in writing to the AR/SM and TCMSS on the results of the inspection.

7.5.6 The selected RO issues the appropriate CMDs.

7.5.7 Where the selected RO is unable to issue a required CMD, RO notifies in writing the AR/SM and TCMSS.

7.6 New Construction

7.6.1 In addition to the form “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” (form 85-0452E), once the vessel design has been identified, the AR/SM submits a Project Description to the regional DSIPLO and provides confirmation that the vessel will be built to Class rules with the selected RO.

7.6.2 Project Description must:

7.6.2.1 identify the design of the vessel;

7.6.2.2 includes information outlining the specifications for the vessel, a preliminary construction schedule, the intended vessel operation, and the intended voyage limitations;

7.6.2.3 identify the applicable regulations, standards and codes under the CSA 2001 as well as international regulations and standards, including any necessary interpretations or proposed alternatives, and SMS requirements for passenger vessels.

7.6.2.4 identify, if needed, any request for MTRB application, prepare in accordance with the MTRB Policy on Equivalencies (RDIMS# 7305930).

7.6.3 The “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” and the Project Description is normally submit to the DSIPLO of the region where the corporate headquarters of the AR/SM is located, or in cases where the region cannot be readily determined, to TCMSS HQ.

7.6.4 The DSIPLO review the Notice of Participation together with the Project Description and discuss with the selected RO any question likely to arise during the construction of the vessel and identify the predetermined stages of the construction where he wishes to be informed.

7.6.5 During the vessel construction, the selected RO notifies in writing to the AR, or SM, and TCMSS on the status of predetermined stages of construction.

7.6.6 Upon completion of construction the selected RO issues the appropriate CMDs.

7.7 Foreign Vessels entering Canadian Registry

7.7.1 Prior to a Foreign Vessel entering Canadian Registry, the AR/SM completes the form “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” (form 85-0452E) and submits a Project Description, to the regional DSIPLO, together with notifications on the vessel seaworthiness and the presence of any damage affecting the effectiveness of the hull or machinery.

7.7.2 Project Description must:

7.7.2.1 identify the applications includes information outlining the specifications for the vessel, the intended vessel operation, and the intended voyage limitations;

7.7.2.2 include the current class status report of any outstanding items and supporting documentation;

7.7.2.3 include current vessel certificates and notifications issued under the authority of the flag; and

7.7.2.4 identify, if needed, any request for MTRB application, prepare in accordance with the MTRB Policy on Equivalencies (RDIMS# 7305930).

7.7.3 The DSIPLO review the Notice of Participation together with the Project Description and discuss any issues that may rise prior to accepting the vessel into Canadian Registry.

7.7.4 If a vessel’s AR/SM intends to change both Flag and class, the AR/SM is encouraged to follow one process at a time, rather than trying to change both simultaneously.

7.7.5 Upon completion of the enrolment process, the RO issues the appropriate CMDs and notifies in writing to TCMSS.

7.7.6 This application is normally submitted to DSIPLO of the region corporate headquarters where the AR/SM is located, or in cases where the region cannot be readily determined, to TCMSS HQ.

7.8 Former Canadian Vessels returning to Canadian Registry

7.8.1 Prior to the vessel being re-flag, the AR/SM completes the form “Notice of Participation in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program” (form 85-0452E) and submits it to dsip-pdio@tc.gc.ca, with a copy to the regional TCMSS office.

7.8.2 The return of a vessel to the Canadian registry applies to vessels which have previously been delegated in Canada and that have left the Canadian registry for a period not exceeding 12 months.

7.8.3 The return of a vessel to the Canadian registry is conditional to the vessels remaining in class with a member in good standing of the International Association of Classification Society (IACS) recognized by TCMSS, while registered or listed outside of Canada.

7.8.4 A vessel returning to the Canadian registry must comply with the rules of an RO recognized by the Minister to re-enrol in DSIP.

7.8.5 The AR/SM submits the Project Description to the regional DSIPLO and provides notification that the vessel seaworthiness has not been altered, the vessel, has not sustained damage affecting the effectiveness of the hull or machinery, or has undergone modification or alteration since leaving Canadian registry.

7.8.6 Project Description must:

7.8.6.1 identify the applications includes information outlining the specifications for the vessel, the intended vessel operation, and the intended voyage limitations;

7.8.6.2 include the current class status report of any outstanding items and supporting documentation;

7.8.6.3 include Current vessel certificates and notifications issued under the authority of the flag: and

7.8.6.4 identify, if needed, any request for MTRB application, prepare in accordance with the MTRB Policy on Equivalencies (RDIMS# 7305930).

7.8.7 Upon completion of re-flagging, the selected RO issues the appropriate CMDs and notifies in writing to TCMSS.

7.8.8 The DSIPLO review the Notice of Participation together with the Project Description and discuss any issues that may rise prior to the re-flagging of the vessel with the selected RO.

7.8.9 This application is normally submitted to DSIPLO of the region where the corporate headquarters of the AR/SM is located, or in cases where the region cannot be readily determined, to TCMSS HQ.

7.9 DSIP Post-Enrolment Responsibilities

7.9.1 Even after the vessel is delegated, the AR/SM remain fully responsible for ensuring that the vessel comply with any conditions related to a CMD or the CSA 2001.

7.9.2 The AR/SM is also responsible for ensuring that any deficiencies identified, during an inspection or other, are rectified in due time, in accordance with the agreement specified by the selected RO.

7.9.3 The selected RO is responsible for verifying compliance with the regulations prior to issuing any CMD, including verification of rectification of deficiencies.

7.9.3.1 If the AR/SM is unable to comply, in due time, with the rectification of any deficiency, the selected RO communicates with TCMSS for further actions.

7.9.4 The selected RO ensures that the deficiencies and their resolution progress are recorded.

7.9.5 In addition to any regulatory requirements, the Master, the AR/SM must report any conditions affecting the safety of the vessel or the validity of any CMDs to his selected RO. As such, the AR/SM of a vessel involved in an incident that affecting the conditions of issuance of the CMDs must contact the vessel’s RO and report on the damage to the vessel or any conditions that may cause a risk.

7.9.6 The selected RO must notify the AR/SM of any imposed requirement in relation to the conditions affecting the safety of the vessel or the validity of any CMDs before the vessel can travel for repairs.

7.9.7 The selected RO must notify the TCMSS immediately upon becoming aware of a situation affecting the safety of the vessel or the conditions of issuance of the CMDs.

7.9.8 The AR/SM must apply through the selected RO, when requesting an MTRB for any new variances from applicable Canadian regulations that the RO is authorized to issue a CMD.

7.9.9 The AR/SM must advise the selected RO and TCMSS if it intends to change ROs and complete a DSIP notification form for vessels changing ROs.

7.10 Withdrawal from DSIP

7.10.1 Withdrawal of a vessel from the DSIP enrolment is supported only when an exemption for the enrolment of a vessel has been granted to the SM/AR.

7.11 Removal from DSIP

7.11.1 On exceptional circumstances the Marine Safety and Security Executive may recommend a decision to remove a vessel from the DSIP enrolment and return it to the care of TCMSS.

7.11.2 In such case, TCMSS will notify the AR/SM and RO with the specific time and relevant information concerning the grounds on which the decision has been taken.

8 Related Documents

8.1 TIER I - Policy - Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (RDIMS 4791294)

8.2 TIER II - Procedure - Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP) Monitoring Procedure

8.3 Tier III Work Instruction – DSIP Work Instructions

9 Definitions

9.1 Authorized Representative (AR), the person meeting the requirements of Section 14 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. In the case of a vessel under construction, or being imported into Canada, the AR is the person intending to operate the vessel once it is registered.

9.2 Canadian Maritime Documents (CMD) means a licence, permit, certificate or other document that is issued by the Minister of Transport under the CSA 2001 to verify that the person to whom or vessel to which it is issued has met requirements under the Act.

9.3 DSIP Fleet functional managers, individuals at TCMSS HQ who have functional authority regarding vessel enrolled in the Delegation Program.

9.4 DSIP Liaison Officer (DSIPLO), an individual, appointed by the Regional Director, who is the point of contact for all matters pertaining to DSIP in that region.

9.5 DSIP Program Officer (DSIPPO), an individual at TCMSS HQ assign duty related to the coordination of the Delegation Program.

9.6 Handover Inspection, an inspection conducted, in consultation with the RO, in order to effectively transfer TCMSS inspection functions and pertinent vessel information from TCMSS to the RO, as per DSIP requirements.

9.7 Manager AMSDA (AMSDA), an individual at TCMSS HQ who has functional authority on the coordination of DSIP.

9.8 Marine Technical Review Board (MTRB), a technical review panel established, pursuant to section 26 of the CSA 2001, to review applications for equivalencies or exemptions from regulatory requirements. Applications concern individual Canadian vessels or individual Canadian mariners.

9.9 Regional Director (RD), the Marine Safety Director of one of the five Transport Canada Regions, or a person authorized to act on behalf of the Director

9.10 Recognized Organization (RO) is a classification society that has been delegated authority by the Minister to perform inspections or issue certificates on behalf of the Minister and under the authority of formal legal agreements.

9.11 Ship Manager (SM), a qualified person authorized by the AR, who is responsible for managing the shore-based and on board operations of a vessel.

10 Date of application

10.1 The original version of this procedure was approved by MSSE on January 1, 2014.

10.2 The Marine Safety and Security Executive authorized the current review of this procedure on August 1, 2021.

11 Date for review

11.1 This procedure will be reviewed no later than three years after its date of application or its last revision.

12 RDIMS Reference

12.1 The English version of this document is saved in RDIMS under reference number 4791259.

12.2 The French version of this document is saved in RDIMS under reference number 5380013.

13 Keywords

Delegated Statutory Inspection Program
Recognized Organisation
Authorized Representative
Enrolment

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