SMS Development

Canada is undergoing a significant shift in maritime safety regulations to align with international standards and enhance safety culture. Currently, only Canadian SOLAS vessels are required to have a Safety Management System (SMS). However, new regulations, driven by recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), will extend SMS requirements to a broader range of vessels.

These changes will categorize the Canadian fleet into five classes, each with specific SMS and oversight requirements based on vessel size and operation type. The responsibility for developing and maintaining an SMS will lie with the vessel’s Ship Manager or Authorized Representative (AR).

• Classes 1 to 3: Must adhere to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
• Classes 4 and 5: Will follow Canadian requirements influenced by the ISM Code, with transitional periods of up to 3 years for compliance.

The goal is to ensure a higher safety standard across Canada’s fleet, enforced through risk-based inspections by marine safety inspectors.

Foreign vessels in Canadian waters will also be required to have a documented SMS, with certain exceptions for government-operated non-commercial vessels.

Shipowners and operators must prepare for these regulatory changes as they mark a significant step towards a safer maritime environment in Canada. Compliance will require obtaining a Canadian Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC), demonstrating adherence to the ISM Code and new regulations.

For more detailed information on these changes, we encourage you to visit the dedicated section on the Transport Canada website.

Training and Workshops:

SMS Training Programs: Offer specialized training sessions for crew and management to enhance their understanding and implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS). This includes modules on SMS principles, emergency procedures, risk management, and compliance with national regulations.

Policy and Procedure Workshops: Conduct workshops to ensure all personnel are well-versed in the new policies, procedures, forms, and checklists that are part of the SMS.

Onsite Assistance:

Implementation Support: Provide onsite visits to assist with the SMS implementation, offering real-time feedback and guidance.

Onsite Training: Deliver in-person training sessions tailored to the specific needs of the vessel and crew, ensuring a thorough understanding of SMS procedures.

Annual Review and Updates:

SMS Audits: Conduct annual or periodic reviews of the SMS to ensure it remains compliant with the latest regulations and operational practices.

Update Services: Provide updates to the SMS documentation and processes to reflect changes in regulations or company practices.

Certification Assistance:

CDOC and CMSC Support: Assist clients in obtaining necessary certifications, including the Canadian Document of Compliance (CDOC) and Canadian Safety Management Certificate (CSMC), by preparing documentation, supporting compliance processes, and liaising with regulatory bodies.

Internal Evaluation and Review:

Effectiveness Assessment: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the SMS through internal audits and reviews.

Non-Conformity Management: Review non-conformities and near-misses, develop action plans, and conduct internal audits to ensure continuous improvement.

Regulatory Updates:

Regulation Monitoring: Provide clients with regular updates on changes to maritime regulations, ensuring they stay informed and prepared for any modifications in their operational requirements.

Hazards and Non-Conformities Reporting:

Incident Reporting System: Implement a system for efficiently capturing and managing reports of hazardous occurrences, non-conformities, and accidents, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with regulatory standards.

Management Review Coordination:

Review Meetings: Coordinate and facilitate management review meetings to assess SMS performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing compliance and safety improvements.

SMS Documentation Updates:

Manual Updates: Regularly update the SMS manual to reflect changes in procedures, policies, and regulations, ensuring that all documentation is current and relevant.