Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)

801 (1) The builder, manufacturer, rebuilder or importer of a vessel shall ensure that, before the initial transfer of ownership of the vessel to the reseller or end user, the vessel is fitted with a compliance notice permanently attached to the inside of the vessel, in a conspicuous location plainly visible from the operating position.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a vessel

• (a) that is constructed, rebuilt or imported by an individual for their personal use; or

• (b) that meets the following criteria:

  • (i) it is of open construction,

  • (ii) it is not mass-produced,

  • (iii) it is not propelled or designed to be propelled by an inboard engine or stern-drive, and

  • (iv) it has been constructed following traditional methods that have proven to be effective and reliable over time using wood or other traditional materials or, in the case of a canoe, using glass-reinforced plastic.

(3) In the case of a personal watercraft that is constructed, manufactured or rebuilt in accordance with ISO 13590, the builder, manufacturer, rebuilder or importer shall ensure that the personal watercraft is fitted not only with a compliance notice, but also with the builder’s plate set out in that standard.

(4) In the case of a vessel that has been the subject of an initial transfer of ownership,

• (a) if the vessel has not been fitted with a compliance notice, the builder, manufacturer, rebuilder or importer shall provide the owner with a compliance notice; or

• (b) if the vessel has been fitted with a compliance notice that is inaccurate, the builder, manufacturer, rebuilder or importer shall first inform the Minister and then provide the owner with an accurate compliance notice.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply in respect of a pleasure craft that was the subject of an initial transfer of ownership in Canada before the day on which these Regulations came into force.

(6) A compliance notice shall

• (a) be in English and French;

• (b) contain the information set out in section 802;

• (c) be in the format set out in the examples provided in the construction standards;

• (d) be in the form of a plate or label;

• (e) be capable of withstanding — without loss of legibility — wear, environmental conditions (including salt water spray), and hydrocarbons and all other chemicals to which the vessel may be exposed during normal operation and maintenance; and

• (f) be made in such a manner that any attempt to remove it or to alter its content will result in the destruction of the notice or in a clearly visible sign of the attempt to remove or alter it.

(7) Subsections (1) to (5) do not apply in respect of a vessel, other than a pleasure craft, whose date of construction, manufacture, rebuilding or importation is on or before the day on which these Regulations come into force or within one year after that day.