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CDN numbers:

In order to track individuals Transport Canada have come up with a numbering system called CDN numbers. I quote from their letter to me October 1, 2008: "TCMS is asking each recognized institution to advise each candidate, who applies for a training course, to obtain a CDN# from a TCMS office prior to attending the course or program. CDN's are a valuable indicator of seafarer identity and are extremely useful in recording of the information contained on the training certificate. The lack of CDN# on a training certificate creats a significant problem for TCMS and we are asking your cooperation in this regard." What this means to you is a trip to the local Transport Canada office with 2 legal documents. One must have your picture on it, for example drivers license or passport and the other can be your birth certificate or a CDN work visa. YOU WILL NOT RECIEVE A TRAINING CERTIFCATE FOR SVOP OR MED A3 WITHOUT THIS NUMBER! You can get onto the marine section of Transport Canada and look for CDN applications and it will give you information on applying by mail as well as at their offices.

Alcohol and Boating:

Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Operators with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood are liable to the following fines: *1st offence: at least $600. fine, *2nd offence: at least 14 days of imprisonment, *3rd offence: at least 90 days of imprisonment. The maximum sentence may vary depending on provincial statutes. In most provinces Alcohol may be consumed on board a pleasure craft only if it meets all of the following conditions: *the vessel has permanent sleeping facilities, *the vessel has permanent cooking facilities, *the vessel has a permanent toilet, and *the vessel is anchored or secured alongside a dock. Rules apply differently for commercial vessels. Each situation will be assessed by Transport Canada and a decision made as to how alcohol will be used or carried aboard. Check with your local TC officer.

Ship or Boat:

A boat becomes a ship when she is over 20 meters in length (65.6 ft.)

Customs:

It has always been understood that when entering either the US or Canada one had to clear customs before landing or anchoring. This is however incorrect. You must clear customs even if only passing through foreign waters. Since Sept.11, 2001 Customs in both countries have been enforcing their countries laws to the letter. If you are planning on fishing in Canadian Waters or cruising in the U.S., phone Customs ahead of time to get your clearance number and an update as to the procedures you must follow. You can be fined on the spot or your boat may be seized.  2009:  You will need your passport, vessel registration and licenses for pets if entering the U.S.

PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card):

The PCOC course has changed for 2011. Starting in April of 2011 all exams are 50 questions, multiple choice. The exams are written by Transport Canada. All online exams will now take about 5 hours to complete with the applicant filling out answer sections as they read the material provided before they write the exam. This change makes it more difficult for the student to cheat. The courses provided by Heads-Up Navigation have met the new requirements for several years and will continue to be given in the same manner.

ROC-M Licenses:

ROC-M licenses are now green and have the DSC endorsement. If you have a brown card or obtained your card before January 2006 you should update your card in order to comply. A simple 20 question exam and 3 verbal questions will bring you up to the current standards. You will need to provide a copy of the brown card and ID proof in the form of a drivers license or passport. See ROC-M course information.  ***Just announced, RCMP will be ticketing those using a radio without a license!

Tickets & Fines

Transport Canada has brought in a program of ticketing and fines which applies to all commercial and recreational operators and owners called the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs). Under the new system owner/operators will face fines of up to $5,000.00 ($25,000.00 for companies) as a result of tickets issued on the spot for infractions under the CSA (Canada Shipping Act) 2001. This includes failing to have or maintain safety equipment, inadequate documentation, improperly trained crew or inadequate watches, oil pollution and marine traffic violations. Go to Transport Canada's website to find out the complete set of fines listed under AMPs: www.tc.gc.ca/marine/menu.htm.

Licensing & Registration of Vessels

For those of you with questions about licensing or registration of your vessel you can go to this site at Transport Canada. Changes in licensing now requires that you must transfer all documentation within 90 days of purchase. Many commercial registered vessels must also now show load lines fore and aft in order for their registration to be valid. Transport Canada issues Safety Bulletins on a regular basis to update all mariners with important information. Click here to view Ship Safety Bulletins, and see some samples below.

Transport Canada Publications:

Click here for a link to Transport Publications. Click here for a list of Transport Canada approved training courses listed according to province.

Ship Safety Bulletins:

Ship safety bulletins that you may need to access for information on your needs or situation are listed below. Please talk to you local Transport Canada officer to get the correct information pertaining to your situation. The following is only as small sample of the bulletins that are published.

• Bulletin 04/2007 Marine Medical Care and marine first Aid
• Bulletin 03/2007 Changes within the certificate structure and transitional period from the Marine Personnel Regulations,
• Bulletin 04/2007 Carbon Monoxide: Preventive Measures and recognition of Danger,
• Bulletin 05/2007 Weight of persons on Board,
• Bulletin 06/2007 Information on Persons on Board; Counting, Recording and Special needs,
• Bulletin 07/2007 Inflatable Liferafts and rescue Platforms; stowage and proper access,
• Bulletin 08/2007 Vessel clearance for vessels engaged on International Voyages,
• Bulletin 09/2007 Automatic Identification System Requirement 1 July, 2008,
• Bulletin 10/2007 Updated Damaged Stability Provisions for Non-Convention Passenger Vessels
• Bulletin 11/2007 Marine Emergency Duties Training for Personnel on Small Commercial Vessels
• Bulletin 12/2007 Adequacy of Single Cross-bar Type Hatch Covers,
• Bulletin 13/2007 Security Clearance Enrolment Process for Seafarers,
• Bulletin 01/2008 Fishing Vessel Safety, record of modifications
• Bulletin 02/2008 Modifications related to central registry of seafarer's documentation,
• Bulletin 03/2008 Accommodation Ladders-Record of Examinations,
• Bulletin 04/2008 New Compliance and Enforcement Program under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, go to www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/rsqa/cea/menu.html
• Bulletin 05/2008 Safe Manning Documents - Extension of application date
• Bulletin 01/2009 Validity of Fishing Masters Certificates have changed***A must see file* 
• Bulletin 07/2008 The importance of Proper Fitting an Effective Radar Reflector  on Small or Non-Metallic Vessels
• Bulletin 01/2009 Validity of the Fishing Master, 2Nd Class, 3Rd Class, and 4Th Class Certificates of Competency originally issued Between Mar. 21, 1980 & June 30, 2007.
• Bulletin 02/2009 Assessment of a Foreign Training Certificate as an equivalent to Transport Canada Training Certificate
  
  
  
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