Transport Canada has launched a new Small Vessel Compliance Program for Fishing Vessels not more than 15 Gross Tonnage. Participating in the program is voluntary (though following regulations is not), and consists of a tool that provides guidance on legal requirements such as:

• registering the vessel with Transport Canada;
• carrying required safety equipment on board;
• developing safety procedures for operating the vessel and responding to emergencies; and
• ensuring the crew is properly qualified and trained.

Enrolling in the program will soon be possible online, but in the meantime, details on how to participate can be found in the bulletin: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/bulletins-2019-06-eng.htm