Our certification program recognizes operators who exceed Transport Canada’s baseline requirements through implementation of advanced Safety Management Systems (SMS), comprehensive Crew Resource Management training, and Threat & Error Management protocols. Certified operators enjoy lower insurance premiums on average and preferential listing in our consumer referral network.
What is S.A.B.A. Certification?
S.A.B.A. is an entirely independent, non-governmental organization with no affiliation to Transport Canada or any regulatory body. Our certification program recognizes operators who demonstrate safety excellence by going beyond baseline requirements and adopting advanced practices such as:
Robust Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Comprehensive Crew Resource Management training.
Threat and Error Management protocols.
These standards are consistent with established Canadian marine safety principles but remain entirely separate from official government requirements.
Certified operators often benefit from enhanced consumer confidence, stronger reputations, potential insurance advantages, and preferred visibility within S.A.B.A.’s referral network.
It is important to note that S.A.B.A. Certification is independent: it does not constitute Transport Canada approval and does not alter or replace any legal requirements under Canadian maritime law. Instead, it reflects our commitment to raising the bar for marine safety through voluntary excellence.
What We Verify Before Issuing S.A.B.A. Certification
Before awarding the S.A.B.A. Certification Seal, operators must undergo a structured verification process. This includes:
Vessel Registration & Documentation
– Proof of valid vessel registration and proper display of markings/names.
Insurance Coverage
– Evidence of current commercial marine liability insurance.
Safety Equipment
– Confirmed presence and condition of approved lifejackets/PFDs, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, flares, heaving line, and navigation lights.
Crew Qualifications
– Verification of captain and crew certifications (e.g., SVOP, MED, ROC-M) and evidence of ongoing training.
Passenger Safety Practices
– Proper boarding and disembarkation facilities, adherence to vessel capacity limits, and mandatory pre-departure safety briefings.
Operational Standards
– Evidence of risk management protocols, emergency response planning, and documented safety drills (e.g., man overboard, fire, abandon ship).
Environmental Compliance
– Confirmation of waste, sewage, and fuel-handling practices that meet Canadian environmental protection requirements.
Transparency & Accountability
– Confirmation of waste, sewage, and fuel-handling practices that meet Canadian environmental protection requirements.
S.A.B.A. Small Commercial Vessel Certification Program
Verification Checklist for vessels under 12m long carrying 12 or less passengers.
Vessel Registration and Documentation
- Vessel is properly registered/licensed under Transport Canada.
- Vessel bears correct name, markings, and official number.
- Ownership and insurance documents available and valid.
Vessel Design and Construction
- Vessel fit for intended purpose (CSA 2001, SVR 713).
- Stability, buoyancy, and flotation documentation available (SVR 716–717).
- Proper watertight compartments and bilge systems installed (SVR 736).
- Hull penetrations equipped with fire-resistant shut-offs (SVR 714).
- Propulsion, auxiliary engines, and machinery designed for marine use (SVR 738).
- Exhaust system leak-proof, double-clamped, with burn protection and muffler in good order (SVR733, SVR 1000)
Navigation and Communication Equipment
- Approved compass(es), charts, and nautical publications on board.
- Marine radio system certified for use (Radio Regs 7).
- Navigation lights installed and visible to correct range (COLREGS 22).
- Radar reflector fitted (COLREGS 40).
- Sound signalling device available (SVR 413).
- Emergency lighting installed for passenger evacuation (SVR 732).
Safety Equipment and Life-Saving Appliances
- Approved lifejackets or PFDs for each person on board (SVR 409, 506).
- Re-boarding device fitted if freeboard exceeds 0.5 m.
- Lifebuoy with 15m line and 15m buoyant heaving line (SVR 409).
- Minimum 12 distress flares (Types A, B, C, D as required) (SVR 410).
- Anchor with 30 m or more of cable/rope/chain (SVR 412).
- Marine first aid kit (SVR 407, 504).
- Watertight flashlight (SVR 410, 507).
- Fire axe and fire bucket accessible (SVR 414, 512).
Fire Safety
- Portable extinguishers properly mounted with quick release clamps (SVR 414, 512).
- Additional extinguishers fitted at galley and engine space entrances.
- Extinguishers in accommodation spaces contain agent other than gas.
- Fire extinguishers £ 23kg and serviced/tested.
- Fire port fitted into engine space and clearly labelled (SVR 415).
- Fixed extinguishing systems certified for marine use.
- Fire detectors fitted in engine, accommodation, and service spaces (SVR 740).
- Dual-action detectors for engine spaces.
- Notices posted regarding fire and explosion precautions (SVR 726).
Fuel Systems and Machinery
- Fuel tanks permanently marked and properly installed (SVR 727).
- All fuel hoses marked (fill, supply, flexible).
- Refueling points labelled with correct fuel type.
- Fuel lines fitted with corrosion-resistant hose clamps.
- Valves marked to indicate position/function.
- Sources of ignition kept clear of fuel systems (SVR 724).
- Safe refueling procedures in place (CSA 2001).
Electrical and Battery Systems
- Electrical systems comply with SVR 728 (under/over 50V as applicable).
- All electrical components ignition-protected and marked.
- Battery installed in dry, ventilated location above bilge level.
- Battery secured, with accessible disconnect switch (TP 1332 s.8.6.2).
- Automatic recharging system functional.
Pollution Prevention
- Procedures to prevent discharge of fuel, sewage, garbage, or noxious liquids (CSA 2001, PollutionRegs).
- Oil pollution placards/notices posted where applicable.
Crew Competency and Training
- Copies of crew competency certificates available (MPR 207, 212).
- Adequate crew to handle emergencies (MPR 207).
- Crew trained in use of safety and firefighting equipment (SVR 420, 520).
- Safety drills conducted and logged (man overboard, fire, collision, abandon ship).
- Crew Resource Management principles applied.
- Smart Serve certification where alcohol is served.
Passenger Safety and Operations
- l Pre-boarding safety briefing required for every voyage.
- Passenger manifest maintained with emergency contacts.
- Boarding procedures supervised with crew assigned positions.
- No vessel departs without signed waivers (per COM).
- Policies enforced on alcohol, smoking, drugs, and unruly passengers.
- Small pets allowed only as per COM restrictions.
Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency steering system functional (SVR 737).
- Collision response checklist available and practiced (COM).
- Man overboard drill rehearsed.
- Mayday protocol rehearsed by crew.
- High bilge alarms tested (SVR 736).
- Escape routes marked with two means of exit (SVR 742).
- Equipment in place to prevent falls overboard (SVR 712).
Security and Oversight
- Security plan for managing intoxicated or unruly passengers.
- Procedures for refusing boarding to unsafe parties.
- Whistleblower and public reporting mechanism for illegal charters.
- Recordkeeping system for inspections, incidents, and drills.
- Random spot checks by S.A.B.A. to maintain certification.
Recognizing Excellence in Marine Safety
How to Qualify
To achieve certification, operators must complete a thorough qualification process beginning with an independent safety audit of vessels and equipment, followed by verification of all crew credentials through Transport Canada records and practical assessments, and culminating in a detailed review of the operator’s safety management systems. Annual re-certification ensures continued compliance through unannounced inspections, ongoing training requirements, and strict incident reporting standards.
Benefits of Certification
The benefits of certification are substantial, offering operators both financial and competitive advantages. Certified operators typically see insurance premium reductions of 15-25%, gain priority listing in S.A.B.A.’s widely used Certified Operator Directory (which receives over 50,000 annual searches by safety-conscious consumers), and receive exclusive access to specialized training resources. For the public, certification provides immediate identification of operators who meet exceptional safety standards through S.A.B.A.’s searchable directory, which allows filtering by vessel type, location, and services offered.
Certified Operator Directory
By maintaining this robust certification program, S.A.B.A. creates a visible distinction for safety leaders in the marine industry while giving consumers the tools to make informed choices. The program fosters continuous improvement
