As of April 2007:

DISCLAIMER: This information is a brief summary provided for convenience only. Transport Canada Regulations should be consulted for the full requirements, or contact Heads-Up Navigation.

Certification:

If you are a crewmember, Master or Operator of any vessel engaged in any type of commercial work, you must have certification. This law created by Transport Canada in 2001 is now in full force.

Safety Courses:

Depending upon the size of vessel, type of activity or distance from shore, you will be required to have one or more of the following safety courses: ROC-M (sometimes referred to as ROC-MQ) or ROC-MC, SVOP, MED.: A1, A2, B1, B2, A3, C, D. and possibly PCOC.

Type of Vessel:

The regulations that apply to your situation will depend on whether your vessel is commercial (non-pleasure), a fishing vessel, a special purpose vessel or recreational (pleasure craft). Regulations and requirements to safeguard a vessel and its occupants increase as the risk increases.

Additional Factors:

As the vessel size, number of passengers, operating area, and environmental risk factors increase, more stringent requirements are added to mitigate these risks. In other words small commercial vessels navigating in sheltered waters require less regulations than sea-going vessels which require enhanced safety equipment, constructions standards and operator certification.

Voyage Classification:

A voyage classification will be assigned to your vessel according to your area of operation. Most small vessels operate in Home Trade Voyage Class III or IV Waters, Inland Waters, or Minor Waters. Small vessels are those vessels other than Fishing Vessels and Pleasure Craft, which do not exceed 150 Gross Tons and are approximately 24 meters or less.

Crew Workboats:

Operators of some workboats which are used for crew purposes that carry less than 6 passengers, are under 8 meters in length and work only in sheltered waters may only need a PCOC card. Check with your local Transport Canada office to find out if you meet this criteria.

Charter Fishing:

Those who work for themselves, doing charter fishing, must have their Marine First Aid, MED A3 and SVOP after November 8, 2008 in order to comply with Transport Canada standards.