Re Transport Canada - Do you use your boat for work or business? New Rules and Regulations

Dear fellow Small Commercial Vessel Operators :

       *Are you familiar with Transport Canada’s vessel regulations concerning vessel registration and operator licensing ?

       *Are you aware that any size boat that is used for profit in the operation of any business , even part time , is considered a commercial vessel ?

        *Are you aware that as of July 1st 2012 , your vessel will require a commercial vessel registration number and that the operator of the vessel will need to be federally licensed with either a pleasure craft operators card , SVOP, or 60 tonne Masters Limited depending on the size and use of the vessel ?

·         Are you aware that Transport Canada no longer performs inspections on vessels under 15 gross tonnes and that they have implemented a very onerous “self inspection “ program which places a huge amount of liability on the vessel owner ?

·       Are you aware that if you vessel is not properly inspected and certified and you are fully licensed to operate the vessel , your insurance company is not obligated to pay in case of a claim ?

·       Are you aware that a taxi boat , small tour boat or any vessel carrying someone who is not part of your crew , can be considered a passenger vessel which requires special licensing ?

·       Recently , we have formed a working group of volunteers who have experienced challenges with many of the existing and proposed Transport Canada Vessel regulations.

·       
        Our group has been offered a 20 minute time slot  next  Wednesday during the CMAC , Commercial Marine Advisory Council meeting in Hamilton , Ontario to present our concerns to Transport Canada and the rest of the Industry. 

       If you would like to join our group to receive assistance with certification and training , and to receive current information , please send an email to reception@aandaservices.ca  or call 705 756 2781 or 705 527 3024.

Please remember , “bad things happen when good people do nothing “  Together we have an opportunity to make significant changes in our industry .

Sincerely ,

Armin Grigaitis

Interim President , Small Commercial Vessel Association

Ontario Region