Bulletin No.: 02/2008

PDF Version

RDIMS No.: 3807742
Date (Y-M-D): 2008-02-27
 

Subject: Modifications Related to Central Registry of Seafarer's Documentation

This bulletin has been replaced by Ship Safety Bulletin No. 18/2023.

Purpose

This bulletin provides information with respect to changes in regard to the requirements for the maintaining of Official Log Books, Articles of Agreement, Records of Sea Service, the reporting of Births and Deaths and issuance of Seafarer’s Identity Documents.

Scope

These changes affect the responsibilities of authorized representatives and masters of Canadian vessels and Canadian seafarers.

Background

The responsibilities of Transport Canada ( TC ), Canadian seafarers and authorized representatives of Canadian vessels have changed as a result of the coming into force of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 ( CSA 2001 ) and implementation of the Marine Personnel Regulations ( MPR ).

TC Policy

Official Log Books

Canadian vessels of 100 gross tonnage or more that are engaged on an unlimited voyage, a near coastal voyage, Class 1 or an international voyage, other than an inland voyage, are required to keep an Official Log Book.

Authorized representatives may purchase TC form #82-0362, “Official Log Book” through the TC forms catalogue at http://www.tc.gc.ca/forms-formulaires/English.aspx, as TCMS offices will not supply this form.  Other versions of official log books can be used providing they have been pre-approved by Transport Canada Marine Safety ( TCMS ).

TC form #82-0362, “Official Log Book” has been redesigned, and now includes a tear-off opening and closing page to report voyage and custodial details to TCMS .  Opening and closing pages must be sent to TCMS at the following address:

Director, Marine Personnel Standards and Pilotage
Attention:  Central Registry of Seafarers (AMSPS)
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8

Official Log Books must be opened and closed by the master, and be retained by the authorized representative for a minimum period of five years, or until the date on which a change is made in registration of the vessel.   TCMS is no longer required, by the Act, to store Official Log Books.

On request, the authorized representative shall provide the vessel’s official log books to the Minister.

Articles of Agreement

Articles of Agreement are required on Canadian vessels engaging on unlimited voyages or international voyages, other than inland voyages, and also on Canadian vessels of 100 gross tonnage or more that are engaging on near coastal voyages, Class 1, other than inland voyages.

Authorized representatives may purchase TC form #82-0636, “Article of Agreement and List of the Crew”, through the TC forms catalogue at http://www.tc.gc.ca/forms-formulaires/English.aspx, as TCMS offices will not supply this form.   Other versions of Articles of Agreement can be used providing they have been pre-approved by TCMS .

The use of collective bargaining agreements to supplement Articles of Agreement is supported by TCMS .

Articles of Agreement will be opened and closed by the master, and retained by the authorized representative for a minimum period of five years, or until the date on which a change is made in registration of the vessel.  TCMS will no longer store Articles of Agreement.

On request, the authorized representative shall provide the vessel’s Articles of Agreement to the Minister.

Certificates of Discharge

Article 92 of the CSA 2001 , requires that the authorized representative of every Canadian vessel provide the crewmember with a certificate of discharge.

The certificate of discharge must provide the following information:

1. Name of the crewmember
2. Information on the vessel:
   1. name
   2. official number
   3. gross tonnage
   4. description of voyage
3. Capacity served onboard
4. Date applicant signed on (date of engagement)
5. Date applicant signed off (date of discharge)
6. Signature of master or authorized representative.

Records of Sea Service

Article 93 of the CSA 2001 , requires that records of sea service be maintained by both the crewmember and the authorized representative, for every Canadian vessel. Records of sea service are to be maintained and must provide the following information:

1. Name of the crewmember
2. Information on the vessel:
   1. name
   2. official number
   3. gross tonnage
   4. description of voyage
3. Capacity served onboard
4. Date applicant signed on (date of engagement)
5. Date applicant signed off (date of discharge)
6. Signature of master or authorized representative.

Discharge Books

The Discharge Book meets the requirement of articles 92 and 93 of the CSA 2001 .

Discharge Books are issued to Canadian seafarers who will be working on a vessel in any capacity and to persons who have reasonable proof that they are about to be employed on a vessel.

In the case of desertion, the master or authorized representative is responsible for the return of the Discharge Book to the holder.

A Discharge Book can be requested by completing an application at a TCMS office.

Testimonials of Sea Service

TC Testimonial of Sea Service (Deck Department) or TC Testimonial of Sea Service (Engine Department) meet the requirement of Articles 92 and 93 of the CSA 2001 ,

TCMS examiners may require these forms to be presented at the time of application for a certificate of competency or an endorsement.

These forms may be obtained through the TC forms catalogue at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/forms-formulaires/English.aspx

Seafarer’s Identity Document ( SID )

The SID will be issued in conformity with ILO Convention 108 (C-108) or on a voluntary basis in conformity with ILO Convention 185 (C-185) with enhanced security controls, until such time as C-185 is ratified.

A SID can be obtained by completing an application at a TCMS office.

Reports of Birth and Death

The master or authorized representative must report every birth or death on board a Canadian vessel to TCMS without delay.

Authorized representatives may obtain TC form #82-0638, Return of Birth and Death Occurring on Board Vessel”, through the TC forms catalogue at http://www.tc.gc.ca/forms-formulaires/English.aspx.  TCMS offices will not supply this form.

Cases of death on board Canadian vessels will be monitored by TCMS .  The master or authorized representative will be directed to take appropriate action, as required.

Forms

The following forms are available through the TC forms catalogue at http://www.tc.gc.ca/forms-formulaires/English.aspx, or via the TC Order Desk at 1-888-830-4911.

• TC form # 82-0362, Official Log Book
• TC form # 82-0636, Article of Agreement and List of the Crew
• TC Return of Birth and Death Occurring on Board Vessel
• TC Testimonial of Sea Service (Deck Department)
• TC Testimonial of Sea Service (Engine Department)

 

 

The following document is available for downloading or viewing:

 

 

Modifications Related to Central Registry of Seafarer's Documentation (41 KB) 

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