Services

The following links are to programs and services that will be of interest to the Commercial Operator.

Certification & Licensing

• Vessel Registration and Vessel Registration Query System
  Vessel Registration is mandatory in Canada for every ship that exceeds 15 gross tons. Ships not required by law to be registered may do so on a voluntary basis. Registration allows for name approval, mortgage registration, and protection of the Crown.
  
  
• Delegated Statutory Inspection Program and Ship Certification System
  A voluntary program in which inspection and certification by statute, regulation or convention is performed by a delegated organization in the place of Marine Safety. A vessel must be enrolled by its owner or authorized representative to become a participating vessel. The Ship Certification System provides access for Ship Classification Societies to enter data on certificates they have issued on behalf of the Minister of Transport.
  
  
• Marine Application Forms
  Marine Application Forms for licensing small vessels, ship registry and certification of seafarers are available from the Forms Catalogue. There are 32 forms available in the system. It will evolve in the future to permit on-line completion and electronic feedback.
  
  
• Approved Products Catalogue Index
  Approved Products Catalogue Index provides lists of approved and registered diesel engines, life saving equipment, approved electrical cables, doors and hatches and other gear.
  

Port State Control
Port State Control is a ship inspection program whereby foreign vessels entering a sovereign State's waters are boarded and inspected to ensure compliance with various major international maritime conventions.

Marine Pilotage
Marine Pilotage provides a liaising and coordinating role between the four Pilotage Authorities, Transport Canada, the marine industry, other governmental agencies and pilot associations on matters required to ensure a safe, efficient and effective pilotage service in Canadian waters. Marine Pilotage guides and participates in the development and approval of policies, regulations and standards pertaining to the marine pilotage services provided by each of the Authorities, taking into account the impact of such services on their international and domestic clientele.

Marine Training, Examination and Certification
The Marine Training, Examination and Certification section is responsible for the development and maintenance of Regulations, Examinations, and Training Standards for the Certification of Seafarers.

Small Vessels

• Small Vessels - safety information for owners, operators and builders of small passenger vessels (non-pleasure craft) that operate for commercial purposes and range from 0-150 gross tons.
• Small Vessel Compliance Program (Non-Pleasure Craft) (SVCP) - To own and operate a small non-pleasure vessel in Canada, you must meet your responsibilities as outlined in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001). There are numerous regulations and standards that apply to your vessel and its use. To help with your compliance requirements, Transport Canada created the Small Vessel Compliance Program (Non-Pleasure Craft) (SVCP) for small non-pleasure vessel owners. This is an optional and easy-to-use tool to help make sure your small non-pleasure vessel meets its CSA 2001 requirements.
• Vessel Registration and Licensing – for those either registering or licensing a vessel that does not exceed 15 gross tons.
• Special Purpose Vessels – information on river rafting, sail training vessels, amphibious and air cushion vehicles.
• Small Fishing Vessels – information on vessels 0 to 150 gross tons, not exceeding 24.4 metres that are used for Commercial fishing purposes.

Cross Often? Make it simple, use NEXUS
NEXUS is a joint initiative of the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The program is designed to expedite the border clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travellers into Canada and the United States. This allows both Canada and the United States to focus their efforts on unknown and potentially higher-risk travellers and goods. NEXUS members are subject to the same rigorous security standards as all travellers.

If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a membership identification card to use when entering Canada or the United States at all participating NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.

In the marine mode, NEXUS members can meet their border clearance obligations by calling a telephone reporting centre 30 minutes (minimum) and up to four hours (maximum) before their expected arrival in either Canada or the United States. NEXUS is available at approximately 450 existing designated marine reporting sites across Canada. For more information, visit www.nexus.gc.ca.

Service Standards for Marine Safety’s Fees
As a result of a government "Policy on Service Standards for External Fees" and the "User Fee Act (UFA)", Marine Safety has developed service standards in relation to the fees charged.

Marine Security
The Marine Security Directorate is responsible for marine security policy, marine security regulatory affairs, and marine security operations, as well as functional authority for regional marine security operations through the Regional Directors. Through the Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group, this Directorate has a lead role in the coordination of government-wide marine security initiatives. It is also responsible for the Marine Security Contribution Program.

Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaking Program
The Icebreaking Program supports economic activities by assisting commercial vessels to voyage efficiently and safely through or around ice covered waters. With the support of the Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaking Program, most Canadian ports are open for business year-round.

Marine Occupational Health and Safety (MOHS)
Marine Occupational Health and Safety (MOHS) presents a comprehensive overview to Marine Occupational Health and Safety and provides access to (Marine) Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.

Marine Services Fees
This bulletin is provided to inform the greater marine community on developments affecting the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Services Fees (MSF) initiative.