Under the Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR), authorized representatives of Canadian vessels can ask Transport Canada for a dispensation. A dispensation allows a specific person to occupy a position on a specific vessel that requires a certificate or endorsement when no one with the required certificate or endorsement is available.
On this page
- Overview
- Valid period
- Who can apply
- When an authorized representative can apply for a dispensation
- Limitations
- How to apply
- Where to submit
Overview
Section 204 of the MPR lists the conditions for granting a dispensation. The conditions follow Article VIII of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. This article lets administrations grant dispensations when there’s exceptional circumstances if it won’t cause danger to persons, property, or the environment.
A dispensation is for a specific seafarer, ship, and period. The seafarer can fill a post they don’t have a certificate for, but they must be able to do it safely. The authorized representative can’t temporarily fill the role of radio officer or radiotelephone operator unless there are exceptions in the Radiocommunication Regulations. Masters and chief engineers can’t get dispensations except in circumstances of force majeure and for the shortest time possible.
The seafarer needs to be certified for the post immediately below the one they are getting a dispensation for. If the post below doesn’t require a certificate, the seafarer must still be qualified and pass a test proving they can fill the new role safely. The role needs to be filled by someone with the proper certificate as soon as possible.
Valid period
A dispensation should be issued only for the shortest possible time. It becomes invalid the day someone with the appropriate certificate is available. A dispensation can only be valid for a maximum of six months.
Who can apply
Dispensations are only issued for holders of certificates of competency or endorsement listed in Sections 100 and 102 of the MPR.
Dispensations aren’t issued for missing approved training required under the MPR (such as Marine Emergency Duty, Tankers Certificate of proficiency, Marine First Aid, or Marine Medical Care).
You must have a valid provisional or valid Minister medical certificate to get a dispensation.
When an authorized representative can apply for a dispensation
An authorized representative can apply for a dispensation when they can’t get the service of a certified person.
Limitations
A dispensation is permitted only on Canadian vessels. Dispensations for foreign vessels or vessels covered by a Coasting Trade Act must be addressed by the vessel’s flag authority.
Only one position at a time in each of the engineering and nautical departments can be filled by a person with a dispensation.
How to apply
Send an email to your regional Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security office. You must include:
- name of applicant and candidate document number (CDN)
- name of certificate held
- name of the vessel
- official registry number of vessel
- gross tonnage of vessel
- propulsive power of vessel
- type or description of voyages
An application by the authorized representative must also:
- give evidence that they tried to get the services of a properly certificated person and describe how they did this
- show that the person named in the dispensation can perform the relevant duties, including the details of their experience
- indicate whether the person named in the dispensation:
- has attended, is attending or is registered to attend a marine training centre
- is attempting examinations leading to or is trying to become qualified to fill the position
Where to submit
Please contact the nearest Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security office to submit your dispensation request or for more information.