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Chapter 20
Inspection Regime – Small Vessel Monitoring and Inspection Program (SVMIP)
The maintenance and safe operation of a vessel is the responsibility
of the owner or the owner’s authorized representative. To assist
the owner and to protect the public, Marine Safety has established the
Small Vessel Monitoring and Inspection Program (SVMIP). This program
is focused on the safety of life, property, and the environment. The program
includes:
- A thorough inspection by Marine Safety, called the First or Initial
Inspection;
- Annual Self-Inspections by the owner or operator; and
- Spot Checks by Marine Safety and other agencies.
By law, all small commercial vessels must hold a Notice of Inspection,
issued following a successful first/initial inspection. In addition, for
passenger vessels, upon receipt of a declaration of satisfactory annual
self-inspection, Marine Safety will provide a confirmation of inspection
decal valid for up to one year.
FIRST/INITIAL INSPECTION ^
All small commercial vessels require a thorough inspection by a Marine
Safety Inspector to ensure that they are in compliance with safety requirements.
This inspection is called a first inspection when carried out on a new
vessel and an initial inspection for a vessel that is already in service.
It is the responsibility of the owner to contact the nearest Transport
Canada Centre to arrange this inspection.
During the inspection, the Marine Safety Inspector will verify that the
hull, machinery, electrical, life-saving, navigation, and communication
equipment and other safety appliances meet the requirements for your vessel
and its intended operation.
The inspector will ensure not only that the vessel and its equipment
are fit but also that all persons entrusted with the operation of the
vessel are qualified and competent for their respective responsibilities.
The owner or operator must be present during the inspection, as the inspector
must verify that the crew is sufficient and efficient for the intended
operation of the vessel and, in the event of an emergency, able to operate
the safety systems.
To fulfill this requirement, it is essential that you have comprehensive
knowledge of safe operating practices and the safety requirements of your
vessel. Operators are expected to be able to demonstrate that they are
capable of proficiently executing safety procedures. For example, you
may be asked to demonstrate the retrieval of a man overboard. The inspector
may also ask hypothetical questions to test how you would handle certain
emergency and exceptional situations. The Marine Safety Inspector is to
be satisfied with your knowledge and ability before issuing a certificate
to your vessel.
If your vessel does not pass inspection, you will be given a list of
deficiencies that must be corrected. Depending on the type of deficiency
and the associated risk, the inspector will establish a deadline for correction
of the deficiencies. Once deficiencies have been satisfactorily corrected,
Marine Safety may re-inspect the vessel for compliance and a Notice
of Inspection will be issued.
SELF INSPECTION ^
A self-inspection involves examination of the vessel and its components
to the extent necessary to ensure that it meets the requirements. To help
you carry out a self-inspection of your vessel a self-inspection checklist
and guidance notes have been developed (see Appendix
3).
SPOT CHECKS ^
Random spot checks will be carried out by Marine Safety and other authorized
agencies to verify that vessels have a valid Notice of Inspection
and to ensure that your vessel is safe for you and your passengers and
in compliance with the law.
MORE INFORMATION ^
Please contact your local Marine Safety office to find out the laws and
regulations that apply to your particular vessel and situation.
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