FAQs

The Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP) is Transport Canada’s voluntary compliance program for eligible commercial vessels. It helps vessel owners demonstrate compliance through documentation, vessel inspections, and self-monitoring practices.

We conduct pre-audit reviews to help identify deficiencies before they become problems during inspections.

If your vessel falls under the Marine Safety Management System Regulations (MSMSR) and you do not have a documented Safety Management System (SMS), you may be found non-compliant. Depending on the circumstances, Transport Canada may issue warnings, administrative monetary penalties, detention orders, or other enforcement actions. Penalties can be substantial, and repeated non-compliance can significantly impact or shut down your business operations.

Yes. Class 4B vessels are required to operate under a documented Safety Management System. For initial certification, operators are also required to assign a Ship Manager (Form 85-0547A) and apply for a Canadian Document of Compliance (CDOC- Form 85-0547B).

Yes. While most Class 5 vessels are not required to obtain formal SMS certification from Transport Canada, they must still maintain and follow a documented Safety Management System onboard. Transport Canada inspectors may request to review your documentation at any time.

A compliant SMS typically includes:

1. 1. 1. Safety and environmental protection policies
      2. Emergency procedures
      3. Maintenance and inspection programs
      4. Crew responsibilities and training records
      5. Hazard identification and risk assessments
      6. Incident reporting procedures
      7. Document control processes
      8. Internal review and continuous improvement procedures

Absolutely. Our professionally developed template can save dozens of hours while ensuring all required elements are included. You customize our SMS templates to match your vessel type, operation, crew structure, and company procedures.

Most operators can implement an SMS within a few days to a few weeks, depending on:

1. 1. 1. 1. Number of vessels
         2. Complexity of operations
         3. Existing documentation
         4. Crew size
         5. Registration and certification requirements

Our goal is to make the process as fast and straightforward as possible.

Yes. We provide both single-vessel and fleet-based SMS solutions. Fleet operators can standardize procedures across all vessels while maintaining vessel-specific information where required.

That’s often the best starting point. We can review your existing documents and convert them into a Transport Canada-aligned Safety Management System, avoiding unnecessary duplication of work.

Many commercial vessels require registration depending on their operation, ownership, and tonnage. We can help determine your requirements and complete the registration process on your behalf.

Simplified Tonnage Measurement is a Transport Canada-approved method used to determine a vessel’s gross tonnage. This measurement is required for registration, compliance programs, and regulatory classification. As of July 1, 2026, assigned formal tonnage can no longer be used for vessels under 12 meters.

We can complete the required calculations and paperwork for you.

An MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number is a unique identifier programmed into DSC-equipped VHF radios and other marine communication equipment. It enables emergency distress alerts and vessel identification during emergencies.

We can arrange registration and ensure your radio is properly programmed.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) automatically transmits your location during an emergency. Registration ensures search and rescue authorities can quickly identify your vessel and emergency contacts.

We can assist with both registration and verification of your beacon information.