Vessel inspection certificate

A buyer of a ferry, tour boat or charter vessel meets this term when asking whether the vessel’s certificates are current for the use planned. Transport Canada says Part 4 of the Act requires Canadian vessels subject to periodic inspection to carry valid Canadian maritime documents on board. See also what licences transfer when you buy a business.

What the Act says

Every Canadian vessel must have an authorized representative, who is responsible for matters the Act does not assign to anyone else (s. 14(1)). Part 4 of the Act applies to Canadian vessels other than pleasure craft, and to foreign vessels in Canadian waters (s. 105). Under it, the authorized representative must ensure the vessel and its machinery and equipment are inspected to obtain all the Canadian maritime documents required, and that every term or condition attached to a document is met (s. 106(2)). The master must ensure those documents have been obtained before the vessel embarks on a voyage from a port in Canada (s. 107). Both duties are subject to the exemption the Minister may grant under s. 108(1) for certain foreign certificates. Transport Canada says it currently issues most inspection certificates on an annual, quadrennial or quinquennial basis, and that authorized representatives (or designates) must request an inspection to renew them; vessels enrolled in its Delegated Statutory Inspection Program must contact their Recognized Organization to obtain an inspection.

What to check or ask

• Which certificates the vessel holds and when each must be renewed.
• Whether any terms or conditions are attached to them.
• Who will be the vessel’s authorized representative after closing.
• Whether the certificates cover the use the buyer plans.

The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is federal, so this entry is not specific to one province. If a licence must be applied for again after a sale, see licence re-application.