On this page
- 1 Policy objective
- 2 Policy statement
- 3 Scope
- 4 Authority
- 5 Responsibility/Further information
- 6 Related documents
- 7 Background
- 8 Date of application
- 9 References
- 10 Keywords
1 Policy objective
1.1 This policy creates a pilot project to collect information on the physical characteristics of small vessels and the nature of their operations once they’re registered with Transport Canada. The goal is to support more consistent, risk-informed decisions to improve how oversight resources are allocated.
2 Policy statement
2.1 Once a vessel of not more than 15 gross tonnage is registered, the authorized representative (AR) will receive a form to provide information on the vessel’s physical characteristics and the nature of its operation.
2.2 The information we collect will help us better understand small vessels operating in Canadian waters, which will support risk-informed decisions when allocating oversight resources.
2.3 Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security personnel must carry out their responsibilities according to this policy and all associated procedures and work instructions. They must make sure that their assigned tasks are completed quickly and accurately.
3 Scope
3.1 This policy applies to non-pleasure vessels that register during the pilot project and that are not more than 15 gross tonnage.
4 Authority
4.1 This policy falls under the administrative authority of the Director General of Marine Safety and Security at Transport Canada.
4.2 The Marine Safety and Security Executive Committee has approved this policy for general use.
4.3 The Executive Director of Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight is the functional authority responsible for implementing and making sure personnel comply with this policy.
5 Responsibility/Further information
5.1 The Executive Director of the Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight Branch is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving this policy.
5.2 Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security regional directors and managers are responsible for making sure that this policy is implemented and followed within their regions, in line with approved business practices and performance targets.
5.3 Please send your questions or comments to:
Email: tc.opp2.0dvroreview-ppo2.0examendusrbc.tc@tc.gc.ca
Mail:
OPP 2.0 Domestic Vessel Oversight Review
Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight (AMSD)
Marine Safety and Security
Transport Canada
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks St
Ottawa ON K1A 0N5
6 Related documents
6.1 Tier II – Procedure – Pilot project on the collection of information respecting the physical characteristics of vessels and the nature of their operations (for internal use)
6.2 Tier III – Work Instruction – Pilot project on the collection of information respecting the physical characteristics of vessels and the nature of their operations (for internal use)
7 Background
7.1 There are over 30,000 small commercial vessels registered in Canada, including about:
- 13,000 fishing vessels
- 10,000 workboats
- 5,000 passenger vessels, and
- 1,200 tugs
7.2 Passenger vessels over 15 gross tonnage or carrying more than 12 passengers are inspected every year. Other vessels over 15 gross tonnage are inspected every 4 years. However, only about 3% of vessels that are 15 gross tonnage or less are inspected each year. This shows a gap between how oversight resources are used and where risks may exist.
7.3 Through the Domestic Vessel Oversight Review under the Oceans Protection Plan, TC is looking for new ways to oversee small Canadian vessels under 150 gross tonnage or less than 24 metres long.
7.4 To test a new approach, TC is collecting information about vessels’ physical characteristics and the nature of their operations. This will help inspectors better understand small vessel operators in their region.
7.5 The pilot aims to
- support risk-informed decisions
- use oversight resources more efficiently, and
- improve safety culture among small vessel operators
7.6 This information is collected under the authority of the Small Vessel Regulations (subsection 406, subsection 503) and the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations (subsection 3.06(2)).
7.7 This framework supplements the current inspection regime.
7.8 This policy will be closely monitored. The data collected will be analyzed to measure its impact on safety and how well operations are working.
8 Date of application
8.1 This policy applies from May 13 to October 31, 2026.
9 References
9.1 The English version of this document is saved in SharePoint: Tier I - Policy - Pilot project on the collection of information respecting the physical characteristics of vessels and the nature of their operations.docx
9.2 The French version of this document is saved in SharePoint: Volet I - Politique - Projet pilote sur la collecte de renseignements relatifs aux caractéristiques physiques des bâtiments et à la nature de leur utilisation.docx
9.3 This is the first approved English version of this document.
10 Keywords
- Small vessels
- Vessel inspection
- Vessel oversight
- Uncertificated vessels
- Vessels not more than 15 GT
