Deadlines Approaching for Canadian Vessel Operators to Comply with SMS Regulations

With the Marine Safety Management System Regulations (SOR/2024-133) now in force as of July 3, 2024, most Canadian commercial vessels must implement and maintain a documented Safety Management System (SMS). These regulations are part of a broader effort to enhance marine safety and environmental protection across Canada’s waters.

Who Needs to Comply?

The regulations apply to Canadian vessels across five classes, depending on their size, tonnage, and operations. Exemptions include fishing vessels under 24.4m and 150 GT, pleasure craft, human-powered vessels, and non-propelled vessels that don’t carry persons or dangerous goods. For those subject to the regulations, compliance includes identifying a Ship Manager, submitting certification applications, and maintaining onboard documentation.

Transitional Grace Periods: What Shipowners Need to Know

For vessels registered before July 3, 2024, Transport Canada has introduced transitional grace periods. However, compliance is not required on a fixed date, but rather on the date shown on the vessel’s Safety Inspection Certificate or Certificate of Registry that falls after each key milestone:

• Class 2 or 3 passenger-carrying vessels, and Class 4 vessels over 15 GT or carrying more than 12 passengers:
  Compliance is required on the date listed on the vessel's Safety Inspection Certificate that falls after July 2, 2025.
• Class 2 or 3 non-passenger vessels, and Class 4 vessels over 15 GT:
  Compliance is required on the date listed on the vessel's Safety Inspection Certificate that falls after July 2, 2026.
• Class 4 passenger-carrying vessels and towboats of 15 GT or less, and over 7 meters in length:
  Compliance is required on the date listed on the vessel's Certificate of Registry that falls after July 2, 2025.
• Class 4 passenger-carrying vessels and towboats of 15 GT or less, and up to 7 meters in length:
  Compliance is required on the date listed on the vessel's Certificate of Registry that falls after July 2, 2026.
• Class 5 vessels:
  Compliance is required by July 2, 2027.

Vessels registered after July 3, 2024, are not eligible for transitional periods and must comply with all SMS requirements immediately upon entering service.

Certification and Inspection Requirements

Ship Managers must submit formal applications for certification and are required to carry a Canadian Document of Compliance and a Canadian Safety Management Certificate. Once issued, operators have six months to fully implement their SMS. Ongoing compliance includes regular internal reviews, audits, and the ability to demonstrate SMS implementation during inspections by Transport Canada.

Why Start Early?

SMS compliance isn’t just a formality—it’s a proactive investment in safety, accountability, and operational excellence. Early action also allows time for document review, audits, and training. Shipowners should factor in that application processing can take up to 45 business days.

Where to Get Help

Transport Canada lists several qualified organizations that can help shipowners develop and implement their SMS. Lerus Canada is proud to be among the service providers referenced on Transport Canada’s official SMS resource page, offering expert guidance and tailored solutions to help Canadian operators meet these critical deadlines confidently.

Conclusion

With firm deadlines in place and new compliance responsibilities for shipowners and managers, the time to act is now. Implementing an effective SMS helps meet regulatory obligations while improving safety and performance. Lerus Canada is ready to support operators through each stage of compliance and beyond.