Complying with Canadian small vessel design, construction, and equipment regulations and standards

From: Transport Canada

Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Small Vessel Regulations, requirements are developed that relate to the construction of small commercial vessels and the equipment they must carry.

These requirements are contained in standards such as the Construction Standards for Small Vessels and the Standards for the Construction and Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels.

Construction Standards for Small Vessels

Standards relevant to all small commercial vessels are set out in the Construction Standards for Small Vessels.

 

The following subjects are covered:

  • Hull Serial Numbers
  • compliance notices
  • construction requirements
  • hull design requirements and calculation of recommended maximum capacities for vessels not more than 6 metres in length
  • hull design requirements for non-pleasure craft exceeding 6 metres
  • ventilation systems
  • fuel systems
  • electrical systems
  • machinery systems
  • fire safety

Standards for the Construction and Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels

Standards relevant to small passenger vessels are set out in the Standards for the Construction and Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels.

 

The following subjects are covered:

  • construction – subdivision and stability
  • machinery and electrical installations
  • structural fire protection , fire detection, and fire extinction
  • life-saving equipment and arrangements and safety of navigation

Contact information for small vessel construction requirements

Mailing Address: 
Transport Canada 
Marine Safety (AMSA) 
Tower C, Place de Ville 
330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor 
Ottawa, ON 
K1A 0N5

Email: insp.stand-norm.insp@tc.gc.ca 
Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 or 613-991-3135 
Teletypewriter / TDD: 1-888-675-6863 
Facsimile: 613-991-4818

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