Transport Canada is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of maritime transportation for operators and passengers of small vessels, large commercial vessels and pleasure craft.  

All policy and regulatory responsibilities associated with pleasure craft safety, marine navigation services, pollution prevention and response, and navigable waters protection was transferred from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to Transport Canada in December 2003. Our role in marine security, marine infrastructure and the transport of dangerous goods reflects the department's commitment to promoting the safe and secure use of Canada's waters.

Transport Canada's Marine sector performs a key role in Canada's marine transportation system by developing and administering Acts and Regulations that support and promote marine safety and protect the marine environment. We are committed to working with industry stakeholders and the public to strengthen and encourage compliance with regulations and safe marine practices.

Small vessels 

• Planning to Travel? - Get your marine safety questions answered here.
• 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 Monitoring and Inspection Program (SVMIP) - the inspection program for small vessels ranging from 0-15 gross tons carrying no more than a maximum of 12 passengers. For non-pleasure vessels greater than 15 gross tons carrying more than 12 passengers, but not exceeding 100 passengers, find more information on Periodic Inspections or consult your nearest Transport Canada Centre.
• 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.     

Large commercial vessels

• Cargo and Ship Port Interface
• Ferry accessibility for persons with disabilities - Canadian Transportation Agency's code of practice designed to improve the accessibility of marine travel for persons with disabilities.
• Marine Personnel Standards and Pilotage  - The Branch 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.
• Navigation Safety and Radio Communications - View Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems (GMDSS) Equipment List, regulations and more. 
• Planning to Travel? - Get your marine safety questions answered here.
• Port State Control - A ship inspection program to ensure compliance with various international maritime conventions.
• Public port fees - Listing of: berthage charges; harbour dues; storage charges; utilities and other services; and wharfage and transfer charges
• Ship Registration
• Vessel registration query system - Search for information on registered vessels in Canada.

  

Pleasure craft 

• Accredited course providers  
• Office of Boating Safety - Administers several marine safety regulations and conducts public education programs to enhance safety in Canada's navigable waters.
• Marine safety tips - Safety tips for marine travellers.
• Pleasure Craft Licensing and identification/markings - for recreational vessels. You may contact us at obs-bsn@tc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-267-6687 (within Canada) or 1-613-991-9002.
• Safe Boating Guide - For recreational boaters.  

Marine security

• Enhanced transportation security - Browse through this site for more information on how Transport Canada is working with its partners to enhance transportation security in Canada.
• Marine Security Contribution Program - A three-year, $115 million commitment from the Government of Canada to assist marine ports and facilities with their security enhancements.
• Marine Security at Transport Canada - Information on how Transport Canada is enhancing the security of Canada's marine transportation system, including links to related regulations, programs, and guidance materials.

Marine infrastructure

• Emergency Beacon Registry - The Canadian Beacon Registry is maintained by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.
• Port transfers - Transport Canada is transferring ownership of its regional/local ports to local interests. 
• Public port fees - Listing of: berthage charges; harbour dues; storage charges; utilities and other services; and wharfage and transfer charges.
• Toronto waterfront revitalization - Initiative to renew Toronto's waterfront in order to enhance it's economic viability, social developments, sustainability.
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Transport of dangerous goods

The TDG Directorate serves as the major source of regulatory development, information and guidance on dangerous goods transport for the public, industry and government employees.

• CANUTEC is the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre operated by Transport Canada to assist emergency response personnel in handling dangerous goods emergencies.