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Transport Canada Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) Requirements


Transport Canada Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) Licence Requirements for Canadian Small Vessel Operators

svmo ferry

The Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) is a Transport Canada certification to operate a Commercial Passenger Boat. The Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) or Small Vessel Machinery Operator - Restricted (SVMO-R) is the minimum Marine Engineer Certificate required for passenger vessels that have propulsive power from 75 to 749 kW and do not go beyond a Limited Near Coastal Voyage, Class 2.

The SVMO is also acceptable for passenger vessels with propulsive power from 750 to 1499 kW; and workboats with propulsive power from 750 to 1999 kW on voyages that last less than 6 hours and are either a Limited Near Coastal Voyage, Class 2 or a Sheltered Waters Voyage, if certain conditions are met.

canada passenger boat


SVMO is a Transport Canada certification to operate a Commercial Passenger Boat

Transport Canada Sea Service Requirements for Small Vessel Machinery Operator

  • Acquire at least two months of qualifying service as follows:
  • At least 1 month of sea service as an engineer or a rating performing engine-room duties on one or more motor vessels; and
  • Any remaining time any combination of the types of sea service requirements set out here
  • An applicant for a Small Vessel Machinery Operator certificate restricted for use on board a specified passenger-carrying vessel that has a propulsive power of less than 750 kW and is engaged on a limited near coastal voyage, Class 2 or a sheltered waters voyage may, instead of meeting the above requirements,

    • (a) successfully complete training related to the propulsion system and safety systems fitted on the vessel; or
    • (b) acquire at least 10 days of sea service performing engine-room duties on the vessel or a vessel of the same class

Certificate Requirements for Small Vessel Machinery Operator

  • MED with respect to small passenger vessel safety
  • Marine basic first aid

Examination Requirements for Small Vessel Machinery Operator

  • Written examination on general engineering knowledge of small vessels, after meeting the requirements above (sea service and certificate requirements)
  • After passing the above examination, oral examination on general engineering knowledge of small vessels if applying for an unrestricted certificate, and
  • Practical examination on board the vessel in respect of which the certificate is sought if applying for the restricted certificate

Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with Transport Canada for the latest requirements and accurate info