The Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) is a compilation of all documents relevant to the administration of Transport Canada's marine safety programs and policies. The purpose of the MSMS is to:
- promote consistency in the way tasks are performed and services provided
- ensure that high quality services are provided
The MSMS is divided into three tiers, or categories, of documents: policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Tier I — Policies
A policy is a short, high-level statement of the overall intentions and key objectives for the various programs within the marine safety mandate, as formally approved in writing by senior management.
Tier II — Procedures
A procedure outlines the process used to perform a routine function related to the administration of a program. A procedure sets out what must be done and by whom, and how the process is to be controlled and recorded. The use of a procedure ensures consistency in program administration.
Tier III — Work Instructions
A work instruction provides detailed information for individuals on how to perform duties of a very specific nature, such as filling in a form, entering data in a database, operating a particular piece of equipment, or similar activities.