Transport Canada Seafarer Certifications - Canada Seafarer Certification

A Guide to Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) Canadian Seafarer Certification and Licence Requirements

Transport Canada is the department within the government of Canada which is responsible for developing regulations, policies and services and enforcing several Canadian legislations, including Canada Shipping Act 2001 and Marine Transportation Security Act. Transport Canada is responsible for the waterways inside and surrounding Canada.Transport Canada headquarter is located in Ottawa with Marine Safety Services regional offices located around Canada. 

Transport Canada also develops and enforces regulations related to training, testing and certifying marine personnel, including seafarers, ship security officers and pleasure craft operators, to ensure the safe operation of all marine vessels in Canada. The role of Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) is to maintain and enhance marine safety and work to protect life, health, property and the marine environment. This includes providing services that are mandated by Acts and Regulations.

Marine Safety and Security initiatives planned for April 2022 - April 2024: This regulatory initiative is part of Transport Canada’s Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap and the proposed regulations would primarily affect Canadian seafarers. This regulatory initiative will bring Canada’s regulations in line with three international conventions to which Canada is a signatory - STCW, STCW-F 1995, and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Stakeholders have been actively engaged in the development of the proposed Regulations.

• Part 1 would affect certain new certificate of competency applicants
• Part 2 would streamline the review and approval process for marine medical certificates
• Part 3 would provide clarity on requirements to seafarers of minimum safe manning
• Part 4 would align the proposed regulation to the international standards regarding labour hours

Roadmap Planned:

• Public consultation documents released in November 2021 and discussed in detail at the meeting of December 1, 2021
• Stakeholders were invited to send their comments before February 1, 2022
• The proposed regulations are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in mid-2023 with a 60-day comment period.

How to obtain Canadian Maritime Document (CMD) and Licences?

The applicant must schedule an appointment with a Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Examination Centre and complete the applicable forms.

• A CDN number is a Candidate document number allotted to a candidate by Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS). All your training and qualification records are maintained under your CDN number.
• Seafarers Identity Document (SID) - This document is as per ILO convention and issued in 20 working days after notification of granting of Transportation Security Clearance and receipt of complete application if all the prerequisites are met. The Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) is being modernized to include new security features in conformity with the ILO Convention C185.  This biometric secure system will provide Canadian seafarers with a document that will have worldwide interoperability.
• Discharge Books - Issued in 20 working days after receipt of complete application if all the prerequisites are met
• Statement of Sea Service - Issued in 45 working days after receipt of complete application if all the prerequisites are met
• Record of Qualifications - Issued in 120 working days after receipt of complete application if all the prerequisites are met
• Applications (both new and renewal) are to be submitted at TCMS offices.
• Canada does not issue certificates or certificates of equivalency to holders of certification from other administrations. However, if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and apply at a local office of Marine Safety, an examiner at that site, can determine where you fit in Canada's system. In general, seafarers holding recognized certificates that are valid for use at sea, will see their qualifications and experience recognized toward the applicable Canadian certificate. Read more

Deck Officer Requirements

• Master Requirements
• Chief Mate Requirements
• Watchkeeping Mate

Marine Engineer Requirements

• Chief Engineer & Third-Class Engineer
• Second Engineer & Fourth-Class Engineer
  
• Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO)
• Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) Engineer

Rating Requirements

• Read more on Rating Requirements
• Able Seaman (Able Seafarer)
• Bridge Watch Rating
• Engine Room Rating
• Ship’s Cook

Specialized Certificates and Endorsements