Aurora Marine Safety Group
Free Vessel Class Finder — MSMSR SOR/2024-133
Lisa Krygsveld, Principal · 416-938-6671

Answer 5 quick questions and we will tell you your vessel class, compliance deadline, and what Transport Canada requires from you.

Let's figure out your vessel class
Transport Canada assigns every commercial vessel a class based on a few simple facts about the boat. Answer these questions and we'll determine it for you - no regulations knowledge required.
Question 1 of 5
Does your vessel carry passengers for hire?
This means people who pay to be on board - tour passengers, dive trip clients, water taxi riders, whale watchers, etc. It does not include your crew.
Question 2 of 5
Is your vessel a tug or towboat?
A tug or towboat is used to push, pull, or manoeuvre other vessels - barges, log booms, vessel assists, docking operations, etc.
Question 3 of 5
What is the overall length of your vessel?
Overall length (LOA) is the distance from the very front to the very back of the hull. You'll find this on your Certificate of Registry or vessel documentation. If you have multiple vessels, enter the length of your largest one for now.
metres
Not sure? 20 ft ≈ 6 m  |  40 ft ≈ 12 m  |  60 ft ≈ 18 m  |  80 ft ≈ 24 m

Question 4 of 5
What is your vessel's gross tonnage (GT)?
Gross tonnage is a measure of your vessel's enclosed volume - it's not the same as weight. It appears on your Certificate of Registry. Small vessels are often under 15 GT; medium ones 15–500 GT; large ones over 500 GT.
GT
Typical small tour boat: 5–30 GT  |  Typical water taxi: 2–15 GT  |  Not on your paperwork? Enter your best estimate.

Question 5 of 5
How many passengers is your vessel certified to carry?
This is the maximum number of paying passengers your vessel is licensed for - not including crew. You'll find this on your Passenger Ship Safety Certificate or Certificate of Inspection.
passengers max

Almost there
One last check - does your vessel carry any passengers at all?
Even if passengers aren't your primary purpose, some regulations change if even one person besides crew is regularly on board (e.g. an owner's client, an observer, a researcher).
✓
Your vessel is Class 4B - Passenger
Based on your answers