Small Passenger Vessel Decal Program

The Passenger Vessel Safety Decal Program raises general safety awareness among passengers and operators of small vessels. Decals are issued by Transport Canada as part of the Small Vessel Monitoring and Inspection Program after a vessel's critical safety features have been checked. Vessels displaying decals will be easily identifiable by passengers as being regularly verified for compliance with safety measures.

The Small Vessel Monitoring and Inspection Program (SVMIP) sets out the basic steps to meet the safety requirements for small vessels.

The vessel owner:

1. applies for an initial inspection (direct link from SVMIP site),
2. pre-inspects the vessel using an inspection checklist (if assistance is required, advice may be obtained from a local TC Marine Safety office or from a qualified marine consultant),
3. notifies TC Marine Safety when ready for an inspection,
4. corrects any safety deficiencies identified by the inspector, and
5. verifies continuing compliance annually, through self-inspection and reporting, with spot inspections conducted by Transport Canada.

A decal can be issued once it has been determined that a vessel meets the basic safety standards for construction as well as for lifesaving, navigation and communication equipment, and that the crew is trained and certified as required.

NOTE: Transport Canada gives priority for inspections to vessels that are more than 8 metres in length or that carry more than 6 passengers. However, Transport Canada may inspect any vessel, at any time, to verify compliance with safety measures.

Additional information for Small Vessel owners/operators can be found on TC Marine Safety's Internet Site (References):

• Small Commercial Vessel Safety Guide; also available from a local TC Marine Safety office. This guide provides the basic information for safe operations in accordance with Marine Safety regulations and includes a quick reference Self-Inspection Safety Compliance Checklist.
  
  
• Information for vessels under 15 Tons (Gross Tonnage) and 12 or less passengers
  
  
• Information for vessels 15 to150 Tons (Gross Tonnage) and/or more than 12 passengers
  
  
• Information on licensing or registering your vessel
  
  
• Information on the Small Vessel Monitoring and Inspection Program (SVMIP)

Contact Transport Canada Marine Regional Offices at:

April 28, 2006