There is still an opportunity for qualifying boat owners to benefit from Transport Canada’s extended inspection periodicity pilot. Here, we help owners manage registration and licencing requirements tied to the small vessel register while staying aligned with current regulatory changes.
With the pilot now extended into 2026, this is a meaningful window for operators who want to reduce downtime without falling out of compliance.
Transport Canada’s One-Year Extension and What It Means
Transport Canada has confirmed that the pilot project focused on inspection periodicity for certain small domestic non-pleasure boats will continue for another year. The revised end date is October 31, 2026, giving owners additional time to participate under the revised oversight approach described in this official Ship Safety Bulletin.
This extension reflects a broader policy shift. Rather than applying identical inspection intervals to all boats, Transport Canada is focusing more attention on higher-risk operations. Lower-risk operators with clean records are being offered flexibility without removing safety expectations.
How the Pilot Applies to Registered Boats
The pilot is limited to boats that already fall under federal inspection and registration requirements. It does not apply to recreational boats operating solely under a pleasure craft licence, and it does not convert one regulatory category into another.
Registration and licencing remain distinct under Canadian maritime laws, including the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, which you can reference through Canadian maritime laws available from Justice Canada.
For operators already listed in the small vessel register, the extension can reduce inspection frequency while preserving oversight through owner attestations and compliance checks.
Boat Types That May Qualify
Eligibility depends on boat type, size, and operational history. Transport Canada has outlined specific thresholds.
Passenger boats may qualify if they meet the following criteria:
- More than 15 gross tonnage
- Less than 24 metres in length
- No outstanding deficiencies
Non-passenger boats such as tugs or workboats may qualify if they meet these criteria:
- More than 15 gross tonnage
- Less than 150 gross tonnage
- Less than 24 metres in length
Fishing boats are considered separately and may qualify if they meet these limits:
- More than 15 gross tonnage
- Up to 150 gross tonnage
- Up to 24.4 metres in length
Each category remains subject to Transport Canada’s review and ongoing compliance expectations.
Clean Record Requirements Still Apply
Participation in the pilot is not automatic. Transport Canada has been clear that only boats with stable operational histories are eligible. To qualify, the following conditions must be met:
- No open deficiencies from previous inspections
- No unreported changes to hull structure
- No unreported changes to propulsion systems
If a boat has undergone modifications since its last inspection, it may be excluded from the extension. This applies regardless of size or category.
For owners maintaining their registration through the small vessel register, keeping accurate records becomes especially important during this extended inspection period.
The Attestation Form and the 10-Day Rule
Transport Canada requires active confirmation from owners who want to participate. An Attestation Form on the Condition and Operation of the Boat must be submitted.
Key timing requirements include:
- Submission at least 10 business days before the current inspection certificate expires
- Confirmation that no reportable changes have occurred
- Ongoing responsibility to notify Transport Canada if conditions change
Missing the submission window may remove eligibility, even if the boat otherwise qualifies.
Practical Benefits Beyond Inspection Deferral
While the most obvious benefit is skipping a scheduled inspection, the pilot offers additional operational advantages.
Owners accepted into the pilot may see:
- A one-year extension to dry dock inspection due dates
- Reduced operational downtime
- Greater scheduling flexibility during peak operating seasons
For small commercial operators, a single avoided inspection period can translate into meaningful revenue protection. This is particularly relevant for boats listed in the small vessel register that operate seasonally or in remote locations.
How Registration and Licencing Still Factor In
The pilot does not replace or suspend registration or licencing obligations. Boats must remain properly registered, and ownership information must be current to participate.
As of January 2026, changes affecting pleasure craft licence holders are now in effect, including:
- A $24 fee
- A five-year expiry period
These changes do not apply to boats in the small vessel register, but they highlight the importance of staying current with the correct category. Confusing Canadian boat registration with licencing can lead to delays or ineligibility.
Our portal supports owners by providing access to the correct Transport Canada forms so they can maintain accurate registration records while participating in programs like this pilot.
Staying Aligned With Federal Requirements
Federal oversight still applies throughout the pilot period. Transport Canada retains authority to intervene if safety concerns arise, and inspections may still occur if risk factors change.
Owners should remain mindful of:
- Reporting obligations
- Operational changes
- Renewal timelines
Participation in the pilot does not remove responsibility under Canadian maritime laws, and it does not alter enforcement authority.
How Our Online Portal Supports Participation
Our role is focused and specific. We provide access to Transport Canada forms that support Canadian boat registration and ongoing compliance. We do not gather documents on your behalf, and we do not act as an intermediary with inspectors.
Through our service, owners can:
- Access forms related to registration and ownership updates (such as a transfer)
- Maintain consistency across registration records
- Support eligibility for programs tied to the small vessel register
By centralizing form access, we reduce friction when regulatory timelines overlap, such as inspection certificates, ownership updates, and licencing renewals.
Checking Boat History Before You Apply
Before participating in the pilot, it is wise to check boat history to confirm that no unresolved issues exist. Outstanding deficiencies or unreported changes can affect eligibility.
Reviewing history helps owners:
- Confirm inspection outcomes
- Verify compliance status
- Identify gaps that may need correction
Accurate records are particularly important for boats already listed in the small vessel register, as Transport Canada relies on those records during pilot participation reviews.
Regulatory Clarity for Commercial Operators
This pilot reflects a more tailored regulatory approach, but it also requires clarity from operators. Registration, inspection, and licencing remain separate obligations, each governed by different rules.
Commercial operators should remember:
- A pleasure craft licence applies to recreational use only
- Commercial boats require appropriate registration
- Inspection requirements continue unless formally deferred
Using the correct pathway helps avoid compliance issues while taking advantage of programs like this extension.
Making Use of the Time Remaining
With the deadline now set for October 31, 2026, eligible owners still have time to participate. The extension offers flexibility, but only for boats that meet the outlined criteria and maintain accurate records.
For those operating under the small vessel register, this period can be used to stabilize operations, plan maintenance, and stay aligned with Transport Canada expectations while benefiting from reduced inspection frequency.
Our service remains focused on making it easier to access the necessary forms that support registration continuity, Canadian boat registration accuracy, and participation in federal programs without unnecessary administrative barriers.