The CHS Value Added Reseller (VAR) Program

CHS is renowned for its world-class charts and publications. We offer a folio of almost 1,000 charts, and many publications such as Tide and Current Tables, cruising atlases, small craft guides and sailing directions. We also have significant bathymetric data holdings, as well as vast holdings in marine environmental and oceanographic data and products.

The VAR program is a way for CHS to join forces with forward-thinking and innovative developers who would use CHS intellectual property in the development of new and creative products. To implement this arrangement, CHS must issue a license for the use of CHS copyright information.

How Do I Become a VAR (Value Added Reseller)?

If you are interested in becoming a Value Added Reseller (VAR) of CHS digital or paper products there are two steps to follow in order to acquire a license:

Step # 1:
For CHS Paper Products - complete the application form “Permission to Access, Copy, Modify or Reproduce Canadian Hydrographic Service Material”.

For CHS Digital Products - complete the
“Application to enter into a CHS Digital VAR Agreement”. PDF

The application must be signed and faxed back to CHS Client Services. The application provides us with the information to determine what CHS products you need and how they will be used in the development of your product.

Step # 2:
A CHS Licensing Officer will contact you to discuss your faxed application. This is a good opportunity for the two parties to talk about the principles of the arrangement, the type of license CHS would action and answer any questions you may have.

Types of Value-added Reseller (VAR) Licenses

Creating a VAR Paper Product

If you would like to create a paper product you require a licence under our “CHS Paper Value-Added Reseller (VAR) Agreement”. No distribution of digital products is allowed under this license.    Licences are for a three year term from the date of signing, rounded to the nearest fiscal quarter end (ie June 30, September 30, December 31 or March 31).

Creating a VAR Digital Product

If you would like to create a digital product you require a licence under our “CHS Digital VAR Agreement".  At this time, licences are for a one-year term.

Questions? See our VAR FAQ

For further information or if you wish to discuss any aspect of the CHS Value Added Reseller program please contact:

Client Services
Canadian Hydrographic Service
615 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E6
Email: chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

This site is maintained by the Canadian Hydrographic Service.