Transport Canada has regulations, standards and programs to oversee the safety, security and marine infrastructure for operators and passengers of small vessels, large commercial vessels and pleasure craft. Transport Canada also has rules to govern the safe transport of dangerous goods by water, and to protect the marine environment. Transport Canada is committed to working with industry stakeholders and the public to strengthen and encourage compliance with regulations and safe marine practices.
Ship Safety Bulletins
Ship Safety Bulletins are a source of accurate and up-to-date ship safety information, paramount to the safety of life at sea and one of the important mechanisms for conveying timely information pertaining to safeguards against identified risks. |
Small vessels
Planning to travel? - Get your marine safety questions answered here. |
Vessel registration and licensing – Information on registering or licensing a vessel that does not exceed 15 gross tons. |
Small vessels - Safety information for owners, operators and builders of small passenger vessels (non-pleasure craft) operated for commercial purposes and which range from 0 to 150 gross tons. |
Special purpose vessels – Information on river rafting, sail training vessels, amphibious and air cushion vehicles. |
Small Vessel Monitoring and Inspection Program (SVMIP) - Information on Transport Canada's inspection program for small vessels ranging from 0 to 15 gross tons and carrying no more than of 12 passengers. |
Small fishing vessels – Information on vessels 0 to 150 gross tons, not exceeding 24.4 metres that are used for commercial fishing. |
Large commercial vessels
Cargo and ship port interface – Information on how to safely carry cargoes of all types, and on emergency response planning. |
Planning to travel? - Information on marine services and safety tips. |
Ferry accessibility for persons with disabilities - Code of practice designed to improve the accessibility of marine travel for persons with disabilities. |
Port State Control - Information on a ship inspection program to ensure compliance with various international maritime conventions. |
Marine Personnel Standards and Pilotage - Regulations, standards, and policies, pertaining to marine pilotage services, training, examinations, certification and occupational health and safety. |
Public port fees - Information on berthage charges, harbour dues, storage charges, utilities and other services, and wharfage and transfer charges. |
Navigation safety and radio communications - Information on communications equipment and applicable requirements, and on navigation guidelines, publications and references. |
Ship registration - Information on how to register a ship or search for information on registered vessels in Canada. |
Pleasure craft
Boating Safety course - Information on the course and where you can take it in your area. |
Pleasure Craft Licensing and identification/markings - Information on how to license your pleasure craft and obtain the required identification documents and markings. |
Office of Boating Safety - Information on marine safety regulations and standards, public education programs, recalls and more. |
Safe Boating Guide - Know the basics of boating safety and enjoy your time on the water. |
Marine safety tips - Information about boat tours, safety equipment, proof of competency and age restrictions. |
Marine security
Enhanced transportation security - Information on how Transport Canada is working with its partners to enhance transportation security in Canada. |
Marine security at Transport Canada - Information on how Transport Canada is enhancing the security of Canada's marine transportation system. |
Marine Security Contribution Program - Information on a three-year, $115 million commitment from the Government of Canada to assist marine ports and facilities with their security enhancements. |
Marine infrastructure
Emergency Beacon Registry - Information on the Canadian Beacon Registry is maintained by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat. The importance of keeping your registry information up to date should search and rescue officials need it. |
Port transfers - Information on the transfer of regional/local ports to local interests. |
Transport of dangerous goods
Transport of dangerous goods - Transport Canada regulations, standards and services for the safe transport of dangerous goods including 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. |