Small vessel compliance program

The Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP) is Transport Canada’s easy-to-use tool to help small non-pleasure vessel owners operate safely and protect the environment. Safety and environmental requirements in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001) are applicable to all UVic non-pleasure vessels as well as the Operators and any Crew. In 2014, the UVic Marine Safety Committee adopted the Blue Decal as the required internal standard for all small commercial vessels in its fleet.

The SVCP Enrolment Form (Small Vessel Detailed Compliance Report) is an easy to follow check list that helps you be aware of Transport Canada regulations and operate legally. Participants in the SVCP receive a blue decal to display on their vessel. The purpose of the blue decal is to demonstrate to Transport Canada Safety Officers and the RCMP that this vessel is a participant in the safety compliance program while on the water.

Annual Compliance Report

Once the initial Small Vessel Detailed Compliance Report Application has been satisfactorily submitted to Transport Canada and the Blue Decal has been received, only the Annual Compliance Report is required.  The paperwork for the Annual Compliance Report should be kept in your Department for audit purposes and does not have to be sent to Transport Canada for approval. The Annual Compliance Report acts as preventative self-inspection safety check-list in between Blue Decal renewal. The Blue Decal has to be renewed after 5 years.

For more information, please contact Amanda Muench at  or 250-853-3915.