Vessel Inspection and Certification Services

  • All vessels over 15 gross tonnes or carrying more than 12 passengers must be inspected before they are put into service and periodically thereafter for the purpose of certification. The frequency of subsequent inspections depends on vessel parameters.
  • Vessel certificates are issued by inspectors following an inspection where it is determined that the vessel complies with requirements in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and regulations.

Service standard:

  • Process a request for inspection and certification services by assigning an inspector and providing an agreed upon date for onsite vessel appointment
    Within 3 working days
  • Travel to vessel, conduct and complete vessel or component inspection
    No service standard as timeline varies based on vessel status, location and requirements
  • Sign-off a complete and satisfactory inspection, and issue or endorse a vessel certificate, if applicable
    Within 5 working days

Apply For:

Transport Canada has many Marine Safety offices across Canada to serve you. To request a service contact your local Transport Canada Marine Safety office.

Performance target:

The target for achieving this standard is set at 85%.

Performance results:

Standard Target 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17
Process a request for inspection and certification services by assigning an inspector and providing an agreed upon date for onsite vessel appointment within 3 working days 85% 85% 87% 88%
Sign-off a complete and satisfactory inspection, and issue or endorse a vessel certificate, if applicable within 5 working days 85% 96% 96% 95%

reporting due by the end of 2015

Service feedback:

Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight:

Email: insp.stand-norm.insp@tc.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 or 613-991-3135
Teletypewriter / TDD: 1-888-675-6863
Facsimile: 613-991-4818

Mailing Address:
Transport Canada
Marine Safety (AMSA)
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0N5

For more information:

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.