New small vessel compliance program for tugs - SSB No.: 1/2022

Scope

This bulletin applies to anyone who operates a small Canadian tug, of no more than 15 gross tonnage.

Purpose

Transport Canada’s Small Vessel Compliance Program has launched a new online tool to help you meet the legal requirements that apply to small tugs.

What you need to know

To operate a small tug, you must meet various safety and environmental requirements set out in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its related regulations such as^{Footnote 1} the

• Small Vessel Regulations;
• Hull Construction Regulations;
• Marine Machinery Regulations;
• Marine Personnel Regulations; and
• Navigation Safety Regulations, 2020.

The Small Vessel Compliance Program has launched a new tool to help you meet the legal requirements that apply to your vessel. The program is voluntary, but meeting the regulatory requirements isn’t.

The tool is easy to use, and includes information on legal requirements like:

• registering a vessel with Transport Canada
• safety equipment and procedures
• crew training and qualifications

How to enroll in the Small Vessel Compliance Program

To learn more about this program, including explanations for the new online enrollment, first visit the Small Vessel Compliance Program website.

To register in the program please visit our Service Initiation Page.

There are 3 ways to enroll your tug in the program:

1. Create an account with the SVCP, or login if you already have an account:
   1. Fill in the details for your vessel(s)
   2. Include supporting documents and photos
   3. Submit a report online for each vessel

2. Download the Detailed Compliance Report for small tugs (DCR-FORM: 85-0525) and fill it in electronically or on a printed copy, and mail it in or drop it at your nearest Transport Canada Marine Transportation office (TCC office). Do not forget to include your supporting document and photos.

   Or

3. Request a copy of the detailed compliance report for small tugs from your regional TCC office, fill it in and drop it back at our TCC office, including your supporting document and photos.

For help filling in the detailed compliance report, refer to the Guidance notes for the detailed compliance report for tugs not more than 15 gross tonnage (TP 15491E).

Once your file is sent to us (electronically, by mail or you drop in to one of our TCC offices), we will let you know when you have successfully enrolled your vessel. You will receive a green decal to display on your vessel, which shows it is enrolled in the program.

Keywords

1. Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP)
2. Tug
3. Guidance Notes

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

AMSDF

Transport Canada
Marine Safety and Security
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).