With only 3% of vessels that are 15 gross tonnage or less are inspected each year, Transport Canada has launched a pilot project to better oversee small Canadian vessels.
This policy sets out 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.
The pilot aims to
- support risk-informed decisions
- use oversight resources more efficiently, and
- improve safety culture among small vessel operators
The policy for this pilot project is effective from May 13 to October 31, 2026.
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.
The information Transport Canada collects will help TC better understand small vessels operating in Canadian waters, which will support risk-informed decisions when allocating oversight resources.
Scope
This policy applies to non-pleasure vessels that register during the pilot project and that are not more than 15 gross tonnage.
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
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.
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.
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.
