Commercial fisheries licensing rules and policies reference document Pacific region
Guidelines for vessel measurements
General information
The Pacific Fishery Licence Unit (PFLU) will only review original copies of survey reports dated after May 1, 1989, which:
- state that the measurements were done in accordance to DFO guidelines using metal tape;
- identify the points used for the measurements on photographs;
- record measurements in metric, so if the measurements were taken in imperial, the measurement and conversion must be indicated; and
- are accompanied by the photographs that meet the requirements outlined below.
Evaluation and Condition surveys are not usually accepted, as vessel measurements are often not taken when an evaluation survey is done or the measurements have not been taken in accordance with these guidelines.
When the PFLU already has a survey on file for a vessel, it will not review another survey unless vessel modifications have been undertaken with the knowledge of the Unit. See modifications below for further information.
For DFO licensing purposes, definitions of the required measurements are:
Overall length
The horizontal distance measured between perpendiculars erected at the extreme outside ends of the vessel. This includes any bow or stern additions or modifications that are airtight or may be made airtight at any time simply by adding plugs, caps, or lids.
Overall length measurements are NOT to include items such as bowsprits, anchor rollers or leads, stern rollers, hull guards, or bow bulbs that are attached under the waterline for fuel efficiency.
A deck extension platform at either the bow or stern with the following design are excluded from overall length measurement:
- only an open framework of braces/brackets supports the platform;
- the platform has no solid plating surrounding it, either above or below the deck level (note that an open frame or rails may be added above the deckline of the platform); or
- there are no watertight compartments associated with the platform, above or below the waterline.
When bows are modified to include a forward bulkhead, airtight or not, this bow must be included in the overall length. In order to be excluded from a vessel’s overall length, bow modifications must meet the definition of a deck extension as defined above. Vessel owners or builders should consult with the PFLU prior to modifying vessels.
Vessels equipped with water jet drive(s) are to be measured from the bow to the extreme ends of the hull and not to the transom where the jets emerge.
Any attachments that are questionable should be clearly photographed, measured and noted in the survey report. DFO will review these attachments to determine whether or not they will be included in the overall length.
Beam
Beam is measured at the widest point of the hull and to the outside edge of the hull excluding side guards, fenders, and capping. The widest point will normally be amidships.
Depth
Depth is measured from top of deck at the side amidships to bottom of keel. Note that this is an outside measurement. If a vessel is registered under the Canada Shipping Act, depth measurements may be obtained from the vessel’s Certificate of Registry.
Photographs
Survey reports must be accompanied by a minimum of three 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 photographs, which show:
- A full “head on” stern photograph.
- A full side view photograph of the vessel that clearly shows the bow to the stern. The vessel must be identifiable in the photo by having the name or Transport Canada licence number properly affixed to the vessel.
- A full “head on” bow photograph.
- Photographs of any vessel attachments that may be questionable as to whether they should be included in the overall length or not.
Additional photographs are also required if vessel modifications have been undertaken. These photographs should clearly show “before and after” shots of where modifications were done.
All photographs must be signed and dated by the surveyor except when they are submitted separately from the survey. In this case, photographs may be signed and dated by the vessel owner.
Photographs for newly constructed vessels must include photos that clearly indicate decking is in place. Polaroid and landscape-style photographs are no longer accepted.
Modifications
Vessel modifications may not be undertaken while the vessel is licensed.
Where the Department has a vessel survey on file and the vessel is unlicensed, it will be unable to accept a new survey unless vessel modifications have been conducted in accordance with all vessel measurement guidelines.
Once modifications are completed, the following items are required:
- a new marine survey report that is accompanied by additional photographs which indicate before and after photographs of the area where the vessel was modified.
- Written confirmation that modifications have been accepted by Transport Canada
- Written confirmation that modifications have not affected the seaworthiness of the vessel.
- A completed Application to Register a Commercial Fishing Vessel form and the $50 vessel registration fee.
- Date modified: