Form 85-0547A is the first of two required Transport Canada forms for MSMSR certification. It formally identifies the Ship Manager responsible for your Safety Management System.
TC Form 85-0547A - Identification of Ship Manager - is submitted to Transport Canada to formally designate the person or organization responsible for managing your vessel's Safety Management System (SMS) under the Marine Safety Management System Regulations (MSMSR, SOR/2024-133).
This form must be completed and submitted before - or alongside - your application for initial MSMSR certification (Form 85-0547B). TC cannot issue your Canadian Maritime Document (CMD) without it.
Who submits this form? The Authorized Representative (AR) of the vessel - typically the owner or registered operator - completes and signs Form 85-0547A to formally appoint the Ship Manager.
These two roles are frequently confused. They are legally distinct under the MSMSR:
The person or company ultimately responsible for the vessel under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Usually the registered owner.
The AR must ensure the vessel has a certified SMS. They sign Form 85-0547A and Form 85-0547B.
The AR can be an individual, a corporation, or a partnership.
The person or organization who operates and maintains the SMS on a day-to-day basis. Appointed by the AR.
The Ship Manager may be the same person as the AR (common for small owner-operators), or a different individual or company.
The Ship Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining the SMS and conducting annual reviews.
While TC's forms are subject to revision, Form 85-0547A typically requires the following information. Ensure you're working from the current version available directly from Transport Canada:
| Section | Information Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Information | Vessel name, registration number, vessel class | Must match your Certificate of Registry exactly |
| Authorized Representative | Full legal name, address, contact information | Individual or company name as registered |
| Ship Manager Identification | Full legal name (individual or company), address, contact information | If the AR and Ship Manager are the same person, this is still completed separately |
| Ship Manager Responsibilities | Confirmation of responsibilities accepted under the MSMSR | The Ship Manager must acknowledge their obligations |
| Signature | AR signature, date | Unsigned forms will be returned by TC |
Always download Form 85-0547A directly from Transport Canada's website to ensure you have the current version. TC revises forms without changing the form number - using an outdated version can delay your application.
Form 85-0547A should be submitted at the same time as your Form 85-0547B initial certification application and your complete SMS package. TC processes the Ship Manager identification as part of the overall certification review, not separately.
Submit your complete MSMSR application package - including Forms 85-0547A and 85-0547B, your SMS manual, vessel documents, and crew certificates - to your TC Marine Safety regional office. Contact your regional office to confirm current submission procedures, as TC may accept email submission in some regions.
Processing time: TC takes up to 45 business days to review MSMSR applications. Class 4B operators whose grace period ended July 2025 should submit immediately. Do not wait for a TC follow-up - if your application is incomplete, TC may return it and restart the clock.
These errors consistently cause TC to return applications or delay CMD issuance:
TC will review your complete application package, including the Ship Manager identification. If everything is in order, TC will issue your Canadian Document of Compliance (CDOC) and Canadian Safety Management Certificate (CSMC) - your CMD. These documents confirm that your SMS is certified and your vessel may legally operate.
If TC has questions or requires additional information, they will contact the Authorized Representative at the address provided on the forms. Ensure your contact information is current.
After certification, the Ship Manager is responsible for:
Aurora Marine Safety Group prepares and submits TC applications on behalf of operators, including Forms 85-0547A and 85-0547B, and follows up with TC through to CMD issuance. We've done this before - and we know what TC looks for.