Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
About This Course
The Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) course is a training program currently pending TMTC approval from Transport Canada, designed for operators of commercial small vessels operating in near coastal and inland waters.
This course provides the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required for the safe operation of small vessels, including:
🧭 Basic navigation and chartwork
⚓ Collision regulations and rules of the road
📡 Marine communications awareness
🌊 Weather, tides, and environmental considerations
🛟 Emergency procedures and vessel safety
📘 Canadian regulations and operator responsibilities
This course combines classroom instruction, practical examples, navigation exercises, safety procedures, and assessment preparation to build confident and competent small-vessel operators.
Proposed SVOP: October 21–25 (4 days, minimum 26 hours). Previous two-day dates withdrawn; contact TMTC to confirm the timetable.
| Session | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn |
| Session 2 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn |
| Session 3 | Withdrawn — invalid two-day SVOP session | Withdrawn |
| Session 4 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn |
| Session 5 | Withdrawn | Withdrawn |
| Session 6 | November 21, 2026 | November 24, 2026 |
Key Training Areas
🎯 Who Should Take This Course?
This course is intended for individuals operating or seeking to operate commercial small vessels in Canadian waters, including:
🚤 Operators of vessels under 5 Gross Tons
🎣 Fishing vessel operators and crew
🛥 Passenger vessel operators (where applicable)
⚓ Workboat and service vessel personnel
🌊 Charter boat and tour operators
🧭 Individuals pursuing Transport Canada marine certification
SVOP certification may be required for operators carrying passengers or operating commercial small vessels under Transport Canada regulations.
✅ Requirementss
A valid Transport Canada Candidate Document Number (CDN) is required before enrolling in this course. If you do not yet have a CDN, please obtain one before registering.
Participants should meet the following:
✔ Minimum age: 15 years
✔ Basic English comprehension (instruction and exam are in English)
✔ No prior marine certification required
✔ Valid government-issued photo ID
✔ Willingness to participate in practical exercises and written assessment
📘 Course Course Content
The SVOP course covers:
⚓ Practical Vessel Operating Skills
🧭 Navigation & Chart Reading
📡 Marine Safety & Communication Awareness
🛟 Emergency Response Procedures
📘 Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
🚤 Hands-On Small Vessel Scenarios
SVOP Course Schedule
Date: Starting October 3–4, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: TMTC, 20 Tangreen Court, Toronto, Ontario M3M 3Y9- ⏱ Schedule: Proposed four-day schedule: October 21–25, 2026; subject to approval timetable verification
Course Information: Contact TMTC for registration details
Phone: +1 942-880-0882