Small vessel

Small vessels are all vessels other than human-powered pleasure crafts (such as canoes and kayaks), small sailing vessels of less than 8.5 meters and those powered by an engine of less than 10 horsepower (7.5 kW); they are amongst other governed by the Small Vessel Regulations adopted under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Small vessels that are not used exclusively as pleasure crafts but that are operated amongst other for commercial purposes, are classified under the name of "small commercial vessels" pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Here are some examples of "small commercial vessels":

• Small vessels that do not exceed 15 tons gross tonnage and that cannot carry more than 12 passengers;
• Small vessels ranging between 15 and 150 tons gross tonnage and that can carry 12 to 25 passengers with berths or 100 unberthed passengers;
• Commercial fishing vessels;
• Small fishing vessels that do not exceed 150 tons gross tonnage;
• Special purpose or unconventional vessels, such as river rafting, air cushion vehicles, amphibious vehicles and sail training vessels.