Topic: Working on Water in Small Motorized Vessels
Summary:
Trent University uses small vessels (motor powered boats) as part of work operations conducted on various water environments throughout the province of Ontario. All Trent-owned or operated small vessels being used for work operations should be considered commercial vessels for the purpose of compliance with the Canada Shipping Act (CSA), as well as workplaces for the purpose of compliance with OHSA. As vessels are identified as workplaces, other legislation and Trent University directives related to workplace Health and Safety will also apply.
Small Motorized Vessel Standard Operations Procedure
Applies to:
• Applies where university personnel (students or staff) utilize equipment owned by the University for marine operations.
• Applies where the university rents a small commercial vessel and university employees, or students operate or crew the vessel.
• Does not address commercial fishing vessels, vessels used for domestic ferry services, vessels over 15 gross tons or human-powered vessels (canoes).
• Is related to university-wide teaching and research tasks and their associated hazards. It may be necessary to develop Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) or consult other SOPs in order to identify controls for use of specific equipment or completion of specific tasks.
Requirements & Responsibilities
The CSA requires that each vessel of the owner have an Authorized Representative. Since the University is the owner of all Trent University vessels the President is considered to be the Authorized Representative who delegates duties to their Vice Presidents via delegation of authority. Duties of the Authorized Representative will be carried out by various Trent University Employees including but not limited to Faculty, Principle Investigators, Research Technicians, and Departmental Technicians.
Employee and Operator Responsibilities
For inquiries regarding insurance or liability, visit the Risk Management website or contact riskmanagement@trentu.ca.
Training Required for all small vessel voyage types:
- Review the Vessel Emergency Response Procedures (see Appendix B of SOP)- prior to each voyage
- Restricted Radio Operator Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M) qualification, if the vessel is equipped with a Marine Radio – Lifetime validity
- Trent University Small vessel training (VIP module, available in Blackboard for students) - Annual (Found under Science Safety Courses)
- Supervisors can assign training at their discretion
For More Information See:
Additional Resources
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Training
Last Revised: December 18, 2025