Periodic Inspection 

• 15-150 gross tons (12-24 metres)
• for all small commercial vessels carrying more than 12 passengers
• other non-pleasure craft

Small commercial vessels must be inspected prior to entering service and have a valid operating certificate. If Transport Canada has not yet inspected your vessel, it’s your responsibility to arrange for an inspection. This can be done by filling out the Request for Inspection (301 KB) and faxing it to your local Transport Canada Centre.

After the first inspection, inspections are required on either an annual or a quadrennial basis to maintain the validity of the vessel’s certificate. Read on to see which inspection(s) applies to your operation. 

Annual Inspection

Passenger vessels more than 15 gross tons or carrying more than 12 passengers must be inspected yearly. 

During an annual inspection, the Inspector will inspect the vessel externally and internally. Unless a problem is suspected, no extensive inspection will be necessary. Advise the Inspector of any alterations that have been made. Accident investigations frequently find that modification to the vessel was a contributing factor. Life saving and fire-fighting equipment will be checked and in some cases tested. Scuppers and the closures for hatches, doors and other openings will be examined to make sure they keep water out. Main and auxiliary steering gear and fire-resistant bulkheads and doors will be inspected and self-closing arrangements for fire-resisting doors will be tested.

Quadrennial Inspection

Vessels over 15 and not over 150 gross tons (12 – 24 metres) that do not carry passengers, including towed barges, dredges and like vessels making voyages more than 15 nautical miles from land and carrying a crew, must be inspected every four years (quadrennially).

For passenger vessels more than 15 gross tons or carrying more than 12 passengers, a more extensive inspection is required every fourth year, in addition to the annual inspection.

Fees for periodic inspections vary according to the type and size of vessel. Still have questions? Take a look through the Inspection FAQs or Contact Us.