Canadian Coast Guard Order 103 - Vessel naming policy

Approved and signed by Marc Mes, Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, on September 26, 2022.

1. Introduction
2. Roles and responsibilities
3. Guidelines
4. Procedures
5. Enquiries
Annex I: Definition of vessel classes and naming criteria

Canadian Coast Guard Order 103 - Vessel naming policy
(PDF, 459 KB)

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This Canadian Coast Guard order (CCGO) is to state the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) policy for the naming of CCG vessels and to provide general guidelines for the selection and approval of names.

The objective is to select names that promote Canadian sovereignty, culture, geography and history. It is also intended to raise the profile of vessels and the work they do by honouring and celebrating people and places of regional and national significance.

1.2 Policy

It is the policy of the CCG that vessels of the CCG fleet must be named according to the criteria listed in this order (Annex I).

All named vessels must have the prefix of CCGS for "Canadian Coast Guard Ship" before their given names. Only the name approved by the Minister is to appear on the vessels' hull.

1.3 Application

This policy applies to all CCG vessels and air cushioned vehicles.

Where names of existing CCG vessels do not comply with this order, names will not require modification.

Vessels under long-term charter by the CCG may be renamed in accordance with this order where deemed appropriate and practicable.

Typically, small craft vessels, which are vessels under 15 gross registered tonnage (GRT) or less than 12 metres in length, are sequentially numbered by type or class and not named. However, in cases where they are considered part of the base fleet and included in the Fleet Operations Plan (FOP) for programming purposes, they may be named at the discretion of the Minister.

1.4 Definition

Unless specifically defined, terms in this order have the same meaning as defined in the CCG/5737 - Fleet Safety Manual – Annex A, Abbreviations, Glossary and Bibliography.^{Footnote 1}

2. Roles and responsibilities

2.1 Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is responsible for:

approving name selections for all vessels

2.2 Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Oceans

The Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for:

recommending name selections to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard for all vessels

2.3 Commissioner, CCG

The Commissioner, CCG, is responsible for:

recommending name selections to the Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Oceans

2.4 Deputy Commissioner, Operations

The Deputy Commissioner, Operations, is responsible for:

recommending name selections to the Commissioner, CCG

2.5 Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, is responsible for:

developing and maintaining a pool of potential names for each class of vessel
consulting with the regions on the names within the pool for each class of vessel
refining the pool names for selection by the Minister
recommending name selections to the Deputy Commissioner, Operations, CCG
developing, implementing and maintaining this order

2.6 Senior Director, Fleet Requirements and Support

The Senior Director, Fleet Requirements and Support, is responsible for:

managing this order and monitoring to ensure compliance
seeking consent from family members in support of proposed names of individuals
reserving the name(s) selected by the Minister with Transport Canada

3. Guidelines

3.1 Suitability

The suitability of a particular choice of vessel naming has 3 considerations, namely:

promoting Canadian culture, history, geography and sovereignty by honouring people and places of importance to Canadians
relevance and acceptability of the name to clients, stakeholders and the general public
the extent to which the name promotes a positive image of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the CCG

3.2 Brevity and Clarity

Proposed vessel names should be brief and easily understood via radiotelephone and other means of communication, therefore:

complicated or confusing spelling and pronunciation should be avoided
names that sound like existing vessel names, places, call signs, directions or emergency signals must be avoided
professional titles (such as Doctor), honorifics (such as Right Honourable), familial abbreviations (such as Jr., III), and incomplete names should generally be avoided. However, professional titles may be used in cases where they would complement name recognition for the subject

3.3 Commemoration

In keeping with commonly accepted commemorative naming guidelines, proposed names of individuals will only be used posthumously, and must only be considered for inclusion in a pool when the person has been deceased for at least 3 years.

4. Procedures

4.1 Development of a pool of names

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, will develop and maintain a pool of potential names for each class of vessel as described in Annex I.

Verification of suitability, brevity, clarity and commemoration standards will be completed prior to consultation and before names are entered in the pool for each class of vessel.

In developing the pool, the Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, will use a consultative process as outlined in sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 below.

4.1.1 For vessels of 125 GRT or greater

The pool of names must be developed and maintained at CCG headquarters.

In developing the pool, the Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, will consult with appropriate regional, industry, community, indigenous, law enforcement, and other government department/agency representatives to refine the pool of proposed names.

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, must forward a request to all assistant commissioners to review the pool of potential vessel names conforming to that class of vessel.

4.1.2 For vessels of less than 125 GRT

A request will be sent to the relevant senior director(s), Fleet, seeking a pool of proposed names to be provided. At least 3 names for each vessel naming selection are to be provided in order of preference, along with a short biography and rationale for each.

4.1.3 Non solicited names from the public

Vessel name suggestions received from the public will be reviewed by the Senior Director, Fleet Requirements and Support, to ensure that they meet the naming criteria as listed in Annex I. All names submitted will require a biography of the individual to determine the class of vessel it can be applied to. Accepted names will be placed in the appropriate pool for the vessel class meeting the relevance of the name. Names not meeting the criteria established will not be considered further.

4.2 Selection of names

The procedure to be followed for the selection of names for CCG vessels must follow the criteria outlined in the following sections.

4.2.1 For vessels of 125 GRT or greater

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, must forward a request to the assistant commissioner(s) and other relevant partners to review the pool of potential vessel names conforming to that class of vessel. If there are no suitable names in the pool, alternates will be provided as necessary, with a short biography and rationale for each.

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, in consultation with the assistant commissioner(s) and other relevant partners, must select names to recommend to the Deputy Minister for approval by the Minister.

4.2.2 For vessels of less than 125 GRT

The pool of proposed names from the region(s) is reviewed and vetted by headquarters to verify that they conform to the naming criteria outlined in Annex I.

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, in consultation with the senior directors and other relevant partners, must select names to recommend to the Deputy Minister for approval by the Minister.

4.3 Approval

The Senior Director, Fleet Requirements and Support, must obtain confirmation from Transport Canada's Vessel Registration Office that the proposed name(s) and alternates are available and meet the criteria listed in section 4.2 above. If certain names are not available, other names are to be chosen and verified with the Vessel Registration Office.

The Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services, will then submit the proposed names to the Commissioner, CCG, via the Deputy Commissioner, Operations to recommend to the Deputy Minister for ministerial selection and approval.

4.4 Certification and registration

The Senior Director, Fleet Requirements and Support reserves the name(s) selected by the Minister with Transport Canada.

Depending on the responsibility for project management, either the Director General, Vessel Procurement or the Director General, Integrated Technical Services obtains the necessary surveyor's and builder's certificates and arranges for the placement of names on the vessels.

The Senior Director, Fleet Requirements and Support completes the relevant registration activities^{Footnote 2} , including reserving the names selected prior to registration. They will also seek consent from family members in support of proposed names of individuals, and obtain necessary documents (see CCGO 105^{Footnote 3}).

4.5 Relevant and complimentary Canadian Coast Guard orders

CCGO 102 Registrations/Licensing of Small Craft - Coast Guard Fleet ^{Footnote 4}
CCGO 105 Ship Registration and Name Changes^{Footnote 5}
CCGO 106 Naming and Dedication to Service Ceremony^{Footnote 6}
CCGO 119 Decommissioning of Vessels and Decommissioning and Disposal of Helicopters^{Footnote 7}

5. Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this Canadian Coast Guard Order should be directed to dfo.ccgsdfrs-esdsfgcc.mpo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Marc Mes
Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services

Annex I: Definition of vessel classes and naming criteria

Class	Abbreviation (French)	Definition	Naming criteria
polar icebreaker	Polar (polaire)	A very large multitasked icebreaker (approx. 140 metres in length), capable of sustained operations in the Arctic archipelago over 3 seasons per year. Has the capacity to overwinter in the Arctic. Has the capacity to deliver a large suite of Government of Canada programs.	Names are based upon selection through the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and will be names of geographical significance for the Arctic.
program icebreaker	PIB (BGP)	A very large multitasked icebreaker (approx. 130 metres in length), capable of sustained operations in the Arctic archipelago over 2 seasons per year and escort operations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and East Coast of Newfoundland. Has capability to deliver a variety of Government of Canada programs including many CCG programs and scientific missions.	Former senior Canadian leaders who made significant contributions to Canada through their work in politics, the marine environment, charitable efforts, business ventures, or public service (for example, Former Prime Minister or Governor General).
multipurpose vessel	MPV (NMF)	A large (approx. 80 metres in length), multitasked vessel with the capacity to operate off of Canada's coasts and within major waterways. Multitasking, including icebreaking and heavy lift capabilities, with innovative mission modular design concepts permitting them to adjust to evolving demands. The Multipurpose Vessel class consolidates 3 former classes of vessels: the High Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessel, the Medium Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessel, and the Offshore Patrol Vessel.	Prominent geographical features/landmarks within Canada (for example, glaciers, mountains, navigable rivers, plains, national parks, etc.).
arctic and offshore patrol ship	AOPS (NPEA)	A large (approx. 80 metres in length), multitasked vessel with the capacity to operate off of Canada's coasts and within major waterways. Multitasking, including icebreaking and heavy lift capabilities, with innovative mission modular design concepts permitting them to adjust to evolving demands.	Prominent geographical features/landmarks within Canada (for example, glaciers, mountains, navigable rivers, plains, national parks, etc.).
offshore oceanographic science vessel	OOSV (NHSO)	A large (approx. 90 metres in length), multitasked offshore vessel, capable of extended missions of 4 to 6 weeks with a 10,000 nautical mile (NM) range; can deliver programs in ice-infested waters. Equipped with wet labs and has bottom and water-column sampling capability. Primarily used for ecosystem and fishery science, oceanographic missions, geological and hydrographic surveys.	Former Canadian scientists or explorers of Canada. (Preference will be given to those involved in ocean science).
offshore fisheries science vessel	OFSV (NHSH)	A large (approx. 55 to 65 metres in length), multitasked offshore vessel capable of extended missions of 4 to 6 weeks with an 8,500 NM range and can deliver programs in ice-infested waters. Equipped with wet labs and capable of completing trawl surveys and water column sampling. Primarily used for ecosystem and fishery science research.	Former Canadian scientists or explorers of Canada
mid-shore multi mission vessel	MSMM (NMSH)	A large (approx. 40 to 50 meters in length), multitasked vessel with the capacity to operate off of Canada's coasts and within major waterways. Multitasking, light icebreaking and heavy lift capabilities, with innovative mission modular design concepts permitting them to adjust to evolving demands.	Indigenous words for geographical features in the marine environment.
special navaids vessel	SNV (NBS)	A shallow draught, flat-bottom vessel (approx. 50 metres in length); self-supporting for up to 28 days and able to sustain repeated groundings due to shifting river channels. Primarily used for navigational aids on the Mackenzie River.	Indigenous words relating to the marine environment
mid-shore patrol vessel	MSPV (PSH)	A medium-sized vessel (approx. 40 metres in length) that can operate up to 120 NM offshore and remain at sea up to 14 days. Designed to support law enforcement; primarily used for maritime security and fisheries enforcement.	Former recipients of the Victoria Cross, Star of Military Valour, Medal of Military Valour, Meritorious Service Medal, Cross of Valour, Star of Courage, Medal of Bravery, Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Honour Roll or Fisheries and Oceans Canada or Coast Guard members who perished in the line of duty.
mid-shore science vessel	MSSV (NSHRS)	Medium-sized vessel (approx. 40 metres in length) capable of sustained operations away from port for up to 14 days with endurance for 21 days. Primarily used for ecosystem fishery science, oceanographic missions, and geological and hydrographic surveys.	Former dominion hydrographers of Canada or former explorers of Canada.
specialty vessel	SV (NS)	Small (under 150 GRT), shallow draught vessel of various designs. Used for marine and fishery research, conservation and protection patrols, science, and aids to navigation. There are 3 sub-categories of vessel within this vessel type: Aids to Navigation Class, Conservation and Protection Class and Marine Fishery Research Class.	Former Canadians who made a contribution to: Marine and fishery research Fisheries management Maritime safety or security Marine transportation
channel survey and sounding vessel	CSSV (NLSC)	Small vessel (approx. 10 to 20 metres in length). Primarily used to conduct depth survey operations.	Former dominion hydrographers of Canada or former explorers of Canada
near-shore fishery research vessel	NSFRV (NSHRH)	Small (approx. 20 metres to 25 metres in length) fishery research vessel with minimal ice capability to transit light ice-infested waters. Has some lab capacity and is primarily used to conduct trawl surveys.	Former Canadians who made a contribution to: Marine and fishery research Fisheries management
special shallow draft buoy tender	SSDBT (NBSFTE)	A shallow draft vessel (approx. 18 to 25 meters) supporting the maintenance of floating aids to navigation in shallow waters.	Indigenous words referencing islands in the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
air cushion vehicle	ACV (VCA)	A medium-sized, fast (up to 45 knots), multi-tasked vessel, which rides on a cushion of air (hovercraft), capable of working in very shallow areas and littoral zones. Primarily used for search and rescue, aids to navigation, environmental response, and icebreaking.	Indigenous words relating to the marine environment.
SAR lifeboat	L/B (B/S)	Small (approx.13 to 20 metres in length) shore-based self-righting lifeboat. Capable of search and rescue operations up to 100 NM from shore. There are 3 sub-categories of vessel within this vessel class: Cape, Bay and Sound	There are 3 sub-categories of vessel within this vessel class: Cape, Bay and Sound. Geographical features - uniform by sub-category: Canadian capes for high-speed lifeboats Canadian bays for high-endurance lifeboats Canadian sounds for response boats – medium
small craft	SC (PE)	Any vessel less than 15 GRT – approx. 12 metres in length or less.	Not typically named; sequentially numbered with CG or GC prefix.

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2026-01-30

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Canadian Coast Guard Order 103 - Vessel naming policy

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