You must submit a declaration of conformity if you build or import small vessels that are propelled or designed to be propelled by an engine for the purposes of sale on the Canadian market.
The declaration confirms that the vessel complies with the Small Vessel Regulations.
What you need before you start
- Request a manufacturer identification code (PDF, 716 KB), if you don't already have one.
- Make a list of any standards, calculations, test methods or other means used to prove that your vessel meets construction requirements. Use this to fill in your declaration and keep the list for your records.
- Obtain photos or professional drawings of the vessel out of the water showing:
- the stern view
- the side view, and
- the top view, including the vessel's internal layout
- To submit your declaration online, you need a GCKey account. Create an account if you don't have one.
- After you sign into your GCKey account, you'll be prompted to request a Transport Canada enrollment key if you don't have one already.
Submit online
After getting your GCKey account and your enrollment key, login to your dashboard to complete the declaration of conformity.
To complete the application:
- Fill out the online declaration.
- Upload photographs and/or professional drawings.
- Sign and submit your declaration for processing.
- Save a copy for your records.
Other ways to submit
You can fill out a DoC paper form and mail or email it with supporting photos and/or drawings to Transport Canada. Alternatively, a DoC Addendum to NMMA Certification form is available for use on NMMA certified vessel models.
After you submit your declaration
After submitting your declaration you will receive an email to confirm that it has been received.
We'll process your application within 30 business days if your submission is complete and your declaration has a satisfactory review.
Keep for 7 years the documents used to make your submission, including your tests or calculations. On request, show the records to any person or organization authorized under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to inspect the vessel.
Make sure that the vessel displays the proper Canadian compliance notice.
Provide a copy of the required page(s) of the declaration to the reseller or end user at the first sale of the vessel.
Submit an annual production report
For serially produced models, instead of preparing a declaration of conformity for each vessel, a manufacturer or importer must complete an annual production report (APR) and send it to Transport Canada each year before March 31.
Submit online
- To submit your annual production report online, you need a GCKey account. Create an account if you don't have one.
- After you sign into your GCKey account, you'll be prompted to request a Transport Canada enrollment key if you don't have one already.
- After getting your GCKey account and your enrollment key, login to your dashboard to complete your annual production report.
- Sign and submit your annual production report.
Other ways to submit
You can fill out a paper form (PDF, 794 KB) and mail or email it to Transport Canada.
Contact us
Mailing address:
Small Vessel Manufacturers and Importers Compliance Program
Small and Fishing Vessels, Design and Equipment Standards (AMSDS)
Transport Canada, Marine Safety and Security
330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5
Telephone: 613-990-5990 (Ottawa area)
Email: declaration@tc.gc.ca
For technical difficulties with the online service:
Transport Canada Service Desk
Telephone: 1-866-949-2262
Email: TC.Servicedesk-Bureaudeservice.TC@tc.gc.ca
Support is available Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.