Apply for or renew a Safe Manning Document

After you apply

The inspector will communicate the outcome of the assessment to the authorized representative by email, along with a copy of the issued safe manning document. This communication will provide specific details about the evaluation and the rationale behind the decisions. If more information regarding the assessment is needed, the authorized representative may follow up with the inspector.

Evaluation of your safe manning application will lead to one of the following outcomes.

Table 3: Safe Manning Document application outcomes

Assessment outcome Action
Assessment is equal to the proposed crewing level The safe manning document is issued
Assessment is lower than the proposed crewing level

The authorized representative will be advised and asked if they want to maintain the level specified on the application or align with the assessment.

If they choose to maintain the crewing level specified in the application, the safe manning document will be issued, and the justification for requesting the higher level will be added to the vessel’s file.

If they choose to align the crewing level with the assessment, the safe manning document will be issued for the lower crewing level.

Assessment is higher than the proposed crewing level The safe manning document is issued. If the authorized representative disagrees with the assessment result, they may seek a review of their proposed vessel complement and competencies by the Transport Canada Marine Technical Review Board (MTRB).

Request an equivalency to safety requirements from the MTRB

If the authorized representative believes their proposed vessel complement and competencies are sufficient for the safe operation of their vessel, they may consider applying to the Transport Canada Marine Technical Review Board (MTRB). It is the obligation of the authorized representative to demonstrate to the Minister how the proposal provides an equivalent or higher level of safety than the regulatory requirements.