A small uncrewed boat in Canadian waters needs approval before it goes anywhere. Transport Canada's Tier 1 policy on the oversight of small maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), in force since February 1, 2022, sets the conditions: a risk assessment, a decision by the Marine Technical Review Board, and notice to the Coast Guard at least 48 hours before each operation. It applies to craft up to 12 meters or 15 gross tonnage, and larger autonomous ships are left to international rules.
Key takeaways
- The policy has applied since February 1, 2022 and rests on the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
- It covers remotely controlled or fully autonomous vessels up to 12 meters in length or 15 gross tonnage that carry no crew or passengers.
- The operator needs a risk assessment showing safety at least equivalent to a regularly crewed vessel and approval from the Marine Technical Review Board.
- The Canadian Coast Guard's marine traffic services must be notified at least 48 hours before operation.
- Craft up to 2 meters and 100 kilograms are exempt from the risk analysis if they stay in sight of the operator and avoid night and low visibility.
Which vessels the policy covers
Transport Canada's Tier 1 policy addresses vessels in the third and fourth degrees of autonomy, meaning ships that are remotely controlled without seafarers on board or fully autonomous. A vessel falls inside the scope when it is not more than 12 meters long or not more than 15 gross tonnage, and when it carries no crew or passengers. The legal base is the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and the policy sets interim standards that aim at a level of safety at least equivalent to the regular rules for a crewed vessel of similar size.
Anything larger, or anything carrying people, is outside this policy. The sources checked here do not describe a Canadian rule set for autonomous vessels above 15 gross tonnage beyond the international framework, and this article does not claim one exists.
What the operator has to do
The requirements fall into four groups: before operating, during operating, equipment, and money.
| Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Risk assessment | Show safety at least equivalent to a regularly crewed vessel |
| Approval | Obtain approval from the Marine Technical Review Board before operating |
| Notice | Tell the Canadian Coast Guard's marine traffic services at least 48 hours before operation |
| Visibility to others | Carry an AIS transmitter so other vessels can see the craft |
| Control center | Run a safety management system; keep a qualified person present at all times, either operating the vessel or on standby |
| Liability | The authorized representative must carry enough liability insurance |
The risk assessment comes first, because it is the evidence behind the approval request. A qualified person at the control center means that the vessel is never left without someone responsible, even when the software is steering.
The exemption for very small craft
Craft up to 2 meters in length and 100 kilograms do not need the risk analysis, provided two conditions hold. The craft stays within sight of the operator, and it does not operate at night or in low visibility. Whether a particular craft qualifies is a matter for the policy text and Transport Canada.
How the policy fits the international rules
The International Maritime Organization's non-mandatory MASS Code, in effect since July 1, 2026, is aimed at larger cargo ships, and the Canadian policy covers the small end. A binding version is expected to be adopted by July 1, 2030.
Questions to ask before relying on an approval
- Is the vessel within 12 meters or 15 gross tonnage, and does it carry any person?
- Has the Marine Technical Review Board approved this operation, and does the approval cover the planned area and conditions?
- Was the Coast Guard notified at least 48 hours ahead?
- Who is the qualified person at the control center, and are they present for the whole operation?
- What happens when the data link fails, and is liability insurance in place?
This article gives general information about Canadian maritime policy as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Operators and insurers should confirm obligations with counsel and with Transport Canada.
FAQ
Who approves a small autonomous vessel in Canada?
The operator applies to the Marine Technical Review Board after completing a risk assessment. The board's approval is required before the vessel operates.
How much notice must be given?
The Canadian Coast Guard's marine traffic services must be told at least 48 hours before operation.
Can a person ride on a vessel under this policy?
No. The policy covers vessels that carry no crew or passengers.
Does the policy apply to large autonomous ships?
No. It is limited to vessels up to 12 meters or 15 gross tonnage. Large cargo ships fall under international rules, and the sources reviewed here do not describe a separate Canadian rule for them.
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Last verified: October 2026
Sources
- Autonomous shipping, International Maritime Organization, 2026
- IMO adopts MASS Code, press briefing, International Maritime Organization, 2026
- Tier 1 Policy: Oversight of small Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), Transport Canada, effective February 1, 2022
- Maritime Safety Committee 98th session summary, International Maritime Organization, June 2017
- MSC 111 summary report, Lloyd's Register, 2026