Procedures for approval of life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products – TP 14612 E (11/2024)

From: Transport Canada

This document provides the necessary guidance for to obtain type approval of life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products. It is meant for anyone who is looking to get approval by the Minister.

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General

1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction

  • 1.1.1 Under specific Canadian requirements, Recognized Organizations or Product Certification Bodies may approve life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products.
  • 1.1.2 Transport Canada recognizes approvals of life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products for which the Recognized Organization has been granted approval authorityFootnote 1.
  • 1.1.3 Transport Canada recognizes approvals of life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products, when listed by recognized Product Certification Bodies as meeting the appropriate standards stated in the regulations.
  • 1.1.4 Transport Canada, the Administration, may consider issuing type approval certificates directly for life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products on a case-by-case basis if there is sufficient justification in a request from the manufacturer. Refer to Tier II – Procedure – Determining when the Minister of Transport will consider issuing a type approval certificate (RDIMS 11059252).
  • 1.1.5 Appliances, systems, equipment and products that need Ministerial approval are specifically stated in Canadian regulations and standards as “approved by the Board” or “approved by the Minister”. In incorporated International Maritime Organization (IMO) documents the appliances, systems, equipment and products are stated to be “approved by the Administration” which in Canada means “approved by the Minister”.
  • 1.1.6 All life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products approved under previous Transport Canada procedures do not need to meet the details in this publication until their type approval certificate needs to be renewed. Existing appliances installed on board and in serviceable condition must meet the requirements of the procedures under which they were approved.
  • 1.1.7 Structural fire protection products requiring approval by the Minister under provisions of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations must meet the requirements of the regulations and the incorporated FTP Code, or other standards referred to in the Regulations.
  • 1.1.8 When the type approval certificate for structural fire protection products previously approved under the Hull Construction Regulations according to the standard TP 439 Structural Fire Protection Standards: Testing and Approval Procedures is to be renewed, it must meet requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations, the testing procedures and standards set out in the FTP Code, or other referenced standards, as appropriate.
  • 1.1.9 Fire safety systems and equipment requiring approval by the Minister under the provisions of Part 1 of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations must meet the requirements of the regulations and the incorporated FSS Code, or other standards referred by the regulations.
  • 1.1.10 Fire safety systems and equipment previously approved or accepted under the Fire Detection and Extinguishing Equipment Regulations must meet the requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations and the testing procedures set out in the FSS Code, or other referenced standards as appropriate.

1.2 Purpose

  • 1.2.1 This Transport Canada Publication summarizes approval procedures for life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products in Canada.

1.3 Scope

  • 1.3.1 Appliances, systems, equipment and products that require Ministerial approval under current Life Saving Equipment Regulations, Small Vessels Regulations, Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations, Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations and Vessel Fire Safety Regulations, as amended from time to time.

1.4 Definitions

  • Approval Authority means the Minister of Transport.
  • FSS Code is as defined in the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.
  • FTP Code is as defined in the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.
  • IMO means the International Maritime Organization.
  • IMO Resolution MSC.81(70) means the annex to International Maritime Organization Resolution MSC.81(70), Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances.
  • LSA Code means the annex to International Maritime Organization Resolution MSC.48(66), International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code.
  • Product Certification Body is as defined in the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations and the Small Vessel Regulations as appropriate.
  • Recognized Organization means an organization or a corporation with which the Minister has entered into an agreement or arrangement under paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Act.
  • SOLAS means the latest edition of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, and its Protocol of 1988: articles, annexes and certificates, as amended.
  • Standard TP 14475 means the Canadian Life Saving Appliance Standard, published by Transport Canada.
  • Testing Laboratory is as defined in the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.

Procedures for approval

2 Approval by Recognized Organizations

2.1 General

  • 2.1.1 Transport Canada recognizes approvals of life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products for which the Recognized Organization (RO) has been granted approval authorityFootnote 2.
  • 2.1.2 A comprehensive list including the contacts of Classification Societies that are Canadian ROs can be found at Getting your vessel of 24 metres and above inspected and certified.
  • 2.1.3 In granting approvals for life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products, the RO must ensure the following requirements are met:
    • 2.1.3.1 The required tests must be done at a testing laboratoryFootnote 3 acceptable to the RO.
    • 2.1.3.2 The RO may use other persons or organizations if they are a service supplier (a person, classification society or other organization) approved or recognized by the RO to perform the particular function or approval. In these situations, the RO remains responsible for subsequent verification and certification services.
    • 2.1.3.3 All tests must take into account the latest version of regulations, incorporated standards, IMO Codes, recommendations, guidelines and interpretations.
    • 2.1.3.4 The RO must be satisfied that the manufacturer has a certified Quality Assurance System equivalent to the most recent ISO 9000 standard.
    • 2.1.3.5 The RO must have procedures in place to audit and monitor the manufacturer’s Quality Assurance System.
    • 2.1.3.6 The RO must have procedures in place to carry out follow-up inspections of the type approved products.
  • 2.1.4 Where the tests of products meet the requirements of 2.1.3, and applicable regulations and standards incorporating specific Canadian requirements or modifications:
    • 2.1.4.1 The RO must inform the administration that the approval is in conformity with Transport Canada requirements; and
    • 2.1.4.2 The RO must ensure the appliance or product is listed as conforming to Canadian requirements on their website.
  • 2.1.5 For all products, provisions are to be made, such as on the RO’s website, to detail the conditions of the issuance of approval certificates

2.2 Life-saving appliances

  • 2.2.1 In granting approvals for life-saving appliances, the RO must ensure that:
    • 2.2.1.1 The life-saving appliances meet the requirements of the:
      • Life Saving Equipment Regulations
      • Small Vessel Regulations
      • Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
      • relevant standards set out in the Standard TP 14475
    • 2.2.1.2 Tests and follow-up procedures meet the requirements of the:
      • Life Saving Equipment Regulations
      • Small Vessel Regulations
      • Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
      • test standards outlined in the Standard TP 14475
    • 2.2.1.3 All instructions or markings that accompany life-saving appliances or that are printed directly on the appliances must be in both English and French, as per Canadian regulations.
  • 2.2.2 The RO can accept independent signage in lieu of the instructions or marking required in 2.2.1.3, if it is:
    • in both English and French
    • highly visible (size, colour, posting location)
    • water and weather proof
    • posted at each muster station and where the appliance is stored
  • 2.2.3 The RO is responsible to ensure that service providers who test and maintain life-saving appliances approved according to these procedures do so in accordance with:
    • the relevant Canadian regulations
    • the international standards
    • additional RO requirements, as appropriate

2.3 Structural fire protection products

  • 2.3.1 In granting approvals for structural fire protection products, the RO must ensure that:
    • 2.3.1.1 The product meets all applicable requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.
    • 2.3.1.2 Tests are done as per the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.

2.4 Fire safety systems and equipment

  • 2.4.1 In granting approvals for structural fire protection products, the RO must ensure that:
    • 2.4.1.1 The equipment meets all applicable requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.
    • 2.4.1.2 Tests are done as per the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.

3 Approval by Product Certification Bodies

3.1 General

  • 3.1.1 Transport Canada recognizes approvals for systems, equipment and products issued by Product Certification Bodies (PCB), where allowed by the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations Part 3 and the Small Vessel Regulations, as appropriate.
  • 3.1.2 Approvals of personal life-saving appliances are recognized when issued by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), or FORCE Certification A/S in accordance with their scope of accreditation.
  • 3.1.3 All tests must take into account the latest version of regulations, incorporated standards, IMO Codes, recommendations, guidelines and interpretations.

3.2 Life-saving appliances

  • 3.2.1 In granting approvals for life-saving appliances, the Product Certification Body must ensure that:
    • 3.2.1.1 The life-saving appliances meet the requirements of the:
      • Life Saving Equipment Regulations
      • Small Vessel Regulations
      • Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
      • relevant standards set out in Standard TP 14475
    • 3.2.1.2 The tests and follow-up procedures are carried out in accordance with the:
      • Life Saving Equipment Regulations
      • Small Vessel Regulations
      • Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
      • test standards as outlined in Standard TP 14475
    • 3.2.1.3 All instructions or markings that accompany life-saving appliances or that are printed directly on the appliances must be in both English and French, as per Canadian regulations.
  • 3.2.2 Independent signage can be accepted in lieu of the instructions or marking required in 3.2.1.3, if it is:
    • in both English and French
    • highly visible (size, colour, posting location)
    • water and weather proof
    • posted at each muster station and where the appliance is stored

3.3 Structural fire protection products

  • 3.3.1 In granting approvals for structural fire protection products, the Product Certification Body must ensure that:
    • 3.3.1.1 The product meets all the applicable requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.
    • 3.3.1.2 Tests are done as per the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.

3.4 Fire safety systems and equipment

  • 3.4.1 In granting approvals for fire safety systems and equipment, the Product Certification Body must ensure that:
    • 3.4.1.1 The system or equipment meets all the applicable requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations and the Small Vessel Regulations, as appropriate.
    • 3.4.1.2 Tests are done as per the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations and the Small Vessel Regulations, as appropriate.

3.5 Contact information for Product Certification Bodies

  • 3.5.1 Manufacturers seeking UL or ULC listing are to contact ULC:
    1. By mail:
      Underwriters Laboratories of Canada
      Marine Equipment
      7 Underwriters Road
      Toronto, ON M1R 3B4
    2. By email: pfddquote@us.ul.com
  • 3.5.2 Manufacturers seeking certification of products with FORCE Certification A/S are to contact FORCE Certification
    1. By mail:
      FORCE Certification A/S
      Park Allé 345
      DK-2605 Broendby
      Denmark
    2. By email: info@forcecertification.com

4 Approval by Transport Canada

4.1 General

  • 4.1.1 Transport Canada may issue type approval certificates for life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products, if they are:
    • manufactured in Canada
    • not approved by one of the Recognized Organizations (ROs) or listed by one of the accepted Product Certification Bodies (PCBs)
  • 4.1.2 For life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products covered by an agreement with an RO or listed by a recognized PCB, when there is enough justification in a request from the manufacturer, Transport Canada will consider granting a new approval or renewing an approval on a case-by-case basis. Refer to Tier II – Procedure – Determining when the Minister of Transport will consider issuing a Type approval certificate for how to request a type approval certificate from Transport Canada.
  • 4.1.3 Transport Canada must be satisfied that provisions have been made for the inspection, testing and servicing of the production line, including inspection of the manufacturer’s quality control procedures.
  • 4.1.4 If the manufacturer is ISO-compliant, they must submit the ISO certificate with the request for approval.
  • 4.1.5 The manufacturer sends their submission for approval to:
    • Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight (AMSD)
      Transport Canada
      Marine Safety and Security
      Tower C, Place de Ville
      330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor
      Ottawa, ON K1A 0N8
    • They may submit the request:
      1. By mail to the address above, or
      2. By email to TC.MarineTA-ATMaritime.TC@tc.gc.ca
  • 4.1.6 The submission must include:
    1. One copy of the test reports
    2. One copy of all relevant plans, drawings, and specifications of the product for which the manufacturer is seeking approval
    3. List of components, including components to be used in the construction and repair of the product
    4. Any specifications or information that would help Transport Canada accept the product
    5. A detailed description of the quality control procedures used when producing the product
    6. In the case of approvals to LSA Code, a copy of all Standardized Life-Saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms as per MSC/Circ.980, as amended

      The submission should also include supporting information such as type approval certificates issued by other administrations or classification societies, if available.
  • 4.1.7 All tests must be done by a recognized testing laboratory, taking into account the latest version of regulations, incorporated standards, IMO recommendations, guidelines and interpretations.
  • 4.1.8 Transport Canada will not issue a new certificate for a product to which testing is older than five years old.
  • 4.1.9 Transport Canada may renew a type approval certificate for a product without re-testing, if:
    • The test report is not more than 15 years old
    • The product’s components or construction have not been altered
    • The design and testing standard have not changed since the previous testing
  • 4.1.10 Re-testing will be required upon renewal of a type approval certificate in the event that:
    • The product was altered
    • The design or testing standards have been amended; or
    • The age of the tests exceeds the time set out in the relevant standard
  • 4.1.11 Transport Canada will review the submission and, provided that the information is complete and complies with this publication and the requirements of the applicable standards and regulations for life-saving appliances or fire safety systems and products, will grant an approval.
  • 4.1.12 Once Transport Canada grants the approval, we will issue a type approval certificate valid for a maximum of five years. We will also list the product on the Approved Products Catalogue for the marine industry.
  • 4.1.13 Manufacturers who wish to renew certificates for an additional five-year period must apply to the Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Branch at the address specified in 4.1.5. They must do this not more than three months before the expiry date on the certificate. This application must state that the product is identical to the one that was originally tested and approved.
  • 4.1.14 When a revision to the non-technical information shown on a certificate is required, such as company name, address or product name, documentary evidence acceptable to Transport Canada and signed by the responsible officer of the manufacturer must be provided in order to confirm the change.
  • 4.1.15 Approvals are only granted:
    • for the product identified therein, and only when the product is manufactured in Canada in accordance with the relevant requirements of this standard
    • when every production line manufactures the product to the same standard as the approved prototype
  • 4.1.16 Manufacturers must maintain records on the quality control and production tests carried out in accordance with the most recent and relevant standards listed in paragraph 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.
  • 4.1.17 Manufacturers must be able to make these records available for revision, or for submission to Transport Canada. The records must include:
    1. Details of material purchased and used in the fabrication of the product
    2. The date when production started and stopped, if it was not continuous
    3. Test records of all components used in the production process
    4. Records of all prototype tests
    5. Detailed description of any failure

4.2 Life-saving appliances

  • 4.2.1 In the case of life-saving appliances, a testing laboratory must have subjected a prototype of the appliance to all applicable tests.
  • 4.2.2 The manufacturer and the testing laboratory must ensure that:
    • 4.2.2.1 The life-saving appliances meet the requirements of the:
      • Life Saving Equipment Regulations
      • Small Vessel Regulations
      • Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
      • relevant standards set out in Standard TP 14475
    • 4.2.2.1 The life-saving appliances meet the requirements of the:
      • Life Saving Equipment Regulations
      • Small Vessel Regulations
      • Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations
      • relevant standards set out in Standard TP 14475
    • 4.2.2.3 All instructions or markings that accompany life-saving appliances or that are printed directly on the appliances must be in both English and French, as per Canadian regulations.
  • 4.2.3 Independent signage verified as part of the product approval can be accepted in lieu of the instructions or marking required in 4.2.2.3 if it is:
    • in both English and French
    • highly visible (size, colour, posting location)
    • water and weather proof
  • The signage shall be posted at each muster station and where the appliance is stored.

4.3 Structural fire protection products

  • 4.3.1 In the case of structural fire protection products, a testing laboratory must have subjected a prototype of the product to all applicable tests.
  • 4.3.2 The manufacturer and the Testing Laboratory must ensure that:
    • 4.3.2.1 The structural fire protection product meets the applicable requirements of the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.
    • 4.3.2.2 Tests are done as per the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations.

4.4 Fire safety systems and equipment

  • 4.4.1 In the case of fire safety systems or equipment, a testing laboratory must have subjected a prototype of the system or equipment to all applicable tests.
  • 4.4.2 The manufacturer and the testing laboratory must ensure that the following are met:
    • 4.4.2.1 The system or equipment meets all the applicable requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations and the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations, as appropriate.
    • 4.4.2.2 Tests done as per the applicable requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations and the Vessel Fire Safety Regulations, as appropriate.

 

Procedures for approval of life-saving appliances and fire safety systems, equipment and products – TP 14612 E (11/2024)
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