Vessel inspections, certificate extensions, and COVID-19

Concern has been broadly expressed about the possibility of seeing one’s fishing vessel being brought out of the water for inspection then being stuck on the hard if there is an outbreak of the virus in the shipyard.

To allay fears, Transport Canada personnel here in the Pacific region have responded by reminding us that regulations permit TC to issue a short term certificate (either a 2-month or 5-month certificate) to those boats that require dry-docking as part of their inspection cycle, that for one reason or another cannot secure dry-dock space.  This provision can be utilized by TC under the current situation influenced by the virus.

Whether a short-term certificate is needed or not, topside inspections still have to take place – at this time, TC is using digital means of collecting the information that would normally be required by being on board, to lessen the time of interaction while aboard the vessel.

The regulation is provided here for your reference:

• 4. Extension of Inspection Certificate

  • 4.1 Notwithstanding the requirements for periodic inspection prescribed in this Appendix, an inspector may issue or extend an inspection certificate for a period not exceeding:

    • (a) two months beyond the due date of periodic inspection; or

    • (b) five months beyond the due date of periodic inspection, if authorized to do so by the Regional Director.

  • 4.2 Prior to issuing or extending an inspection certificate under this section, the inspector shall, from such inspection of the hull, machinery and equipment, including the electrical installations, equipment and appliances, as is possible while the vessel is afloat, and without opening up any machinery except boilers and boiler mountings, satisfy themselves that the fishing vessel is in a seaworthy condition.

  • 4.3 An inspection certificate issued or extended to the maximum period allowed under section 4.1 of this Appendix will not be renewed or further extended without being approved by a Policy Decision. Footnote 6

  • 4.4 A vessel for which an extension has been granted, when the subsequent periodic inspection is completed, the new certificate shall be valid to a date not exceeding four years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted.

Please contact Ryan Ford at ryan@fishsafebc.com if you have any questions or concerns about this provision.