Safety management systems in the marine sector

The Marine Safety Management System Regulations came into force on July 3, 2024. The regulations expand the requirements so that most Canadian commercial vessels require safety management systems (SMS).

The information on this webpage will help you meet Canada's requirements.

On this page

What is a safety management system (SMS)?

A documented SMS is a structured set of policies and procedures that helps you put in place safety and environmental protection practices. It fosters a positive safety culture, improves how you manage risks, and helps you operate your vessel safely and securely.

As a Ship Manager (SM) you must operate your vessel according to the procedures and practices outlined in your vessel's SMS. You can find more information on the content that you should include in your SMS in Part 3 of our Guide for Canadian Vessels' Operators for Compliance with the Marine Safety Management System Regulations (TP 15566).

Do you need one?

Canadian vessels subject to the Marine Safety Management System Regulations (MSMSR) are grouped into 5 classes with separate requirements for each size and type of operation.

The regulations apply to all Canadian vessels, except for:

  • fishing vessels that are 24.4m or less, and 150 GT or less
  • vessels without mechanical means of propulsion and that don't carry people, dangerous chemicals in bulk, or oil in bulk
  • human-powered vessels
  • inflatable vessels carrying passengers on an excursion in Canadian waters, and
  • pleasure craft

What you need to do

Information for Authorized Representatives

As the Authorized Representative (AR) of a Canadian commercial vessel, you must identify a Ship Manager. The Ship Manager will develop, implement and manage the shore-based and on-board operations of your vessel. You can be the Ship Manager, or you can choose another qualified person – it's up to you.

According to Canadian law, a qualified person can be:

  • a Canadian citizen
  • a permanent resident, or
  • a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province

As the AR of a vessel requiring a Canadian Maritime Document (CMD) under the MSMSR, you will identify your SM by submitting form 85-0547A – “Application for a Canadian Maritime Document under the Marine Safety Management System Regulations – Identification of a Ship Manager” (PDF, 832 KB).

  • For vessels that do not require a CMD under the MSMSR, you will make sure to identify the SM within your documented SMS.

Information for Ship Managers

As a SM, you must get of the required certificates, issued under the MSMSR, and keep them on your vessel along with your safety management system documentation.

To get your certificates contact:

  • your designated recognized organization, if you're enrolled in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program, or
  • your nearest Transport Canada regional office, if you're not enrolled in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program

You will need to submit an application package that includes:

If you have any questions about these requirements, please email your nearest Marine Safety Office:

What you need to know

Before you apply

As a Ship Manager, make sure to factor-in the time that we will need to review your documents. Based on our service standards, we can take up to 45 business days to review your complete application.

Once we review and approve your application, you will receive a Canadian Document of Compliance and a Canadian Safety Management Certificate for each vessel in the application. Both certificates will be valid for up to 5 years.

After you receive your certificates

After you receive your certificates, you have up to 6 months to implement your SMS.

An SMS is living document, which means it can change over time. You don't need to submit a new manual every time you update it. But you must keep a record of any changes, and your SMS must always follow the rules in the Canada Shipping Act.

If you're the Ship Manager of a Class 2 vessel, your SMS must include information about the Designated Person Ashore (DPA). Section 3.2 of our Guide for Canadian Vessels' Operators for Compliance with the Marine Safety Management System Regulations has details on how to choose a DPA, including what training, experience and qualification they need.

No matter what class your vessel is, you must follow the procedures in your SMS. If you don't, you could be fined up to $250,000. Violations and penalties are listed in Part 12 of the schedule to the Administrative Monetary Penalties and Notices (CSA 2001) Regulations.

The Marine Safety Management System Regulations have their own requirements, which are separate from other regulations. For example, some class 4 may not need to be certified under the Vessel Safety Inspection Regulations, but so need to be certified under the Marine Safety Management System Regulations.

Transitional periods and compliance dates

Transitional periods determine the latest compliance date for vessels subject to the Marine Safety Management System Regulations. They only apply to vessels registered before or on July 3, 2024.

If your vessel was registered after that date, it doesn't get a grace period and must meet all requirements as soon as it begins operating.

You can find more information on the transitional provisions in Part 6 of the Marine Safety Management System Regulations.

Table 1: Transitional periods, by class and type of vessel
Type of vessel When does the grace period end?

Class 2 or 3 passenger-carrying vessels

Class 4 vessels that are more than 15GT or that carry more than 12 passengers

The grace period ends on the date listed on the vessel's Safety Inspection Certificate that falls after July 2, 2025.

Class 2 or 3 non-passenger vessels

Class 4 vessels that are more than 15GT

The grace period ends on the date listed on the vessel's Safety Inspection Certificate that falls after July 2, 2026.

Class 4 passenger-carrying vessels and Towboats of 15 GT or less, and over 7 m long

The grace period ends on the date listed on the vessel's Certificate of Registry that falls after July 2, 2025.

Class 4 passenger-carrying vessels

Towboats of 15 gross tonnage or less, and up to 7 m long

The grace period ends on the date listed on the vessel's Certificate of Registry that falls after July 2, 2026.

Class 5 vessels

The grace period ends on July 2, 2027.

Inspections

Transport Canada can, at any time, check to make sure you're following the rules under the regulations.

During an inspection, we could:

  • ask crew or key staff to explain parts of your safety management system (SMS)
  • check how certain procedures are carried out
  • confirm that a required procedure exists and is being followed, or
  • make sure you 're completed your internal SMS review on time

During an inspection, the Master or Ship Manager should be able to show proof that the SMS is being implemented correctly. This could include verification of signed copies of checklists or internal review reports.

Need help creating/implementing an SMS?

The following groups have offered to help you develop, or put in place, a safety management system.

If you would like to add your organization to the list, please email MarineSafetySMS-SGSSecuriteMaritime@tc.gc.ca.

Contact us

Your feedback is important to us and we will address it as quickly as possible.

Email: MarineSafetySMS-SGSSecuriteMaritime@tc.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 or 613-991-3135
Teletypewriter / TDD: 1-888-675-6863
Fax: 613-991-4818

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

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