Candidate Document Number (CDN)

Why do I need a CDN Number and what is it? Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) has requested that every participant registering for a marine training program or course, obtain a Candidate Document Number (CDN Number) from their local Transport Canada Marine Safety Office.

A CDN number is an identification number assigned to each seafarer by TCMS which validates the seafarer’s identity, training and certification.

If you are able to visit a Transport Canada Marine Safety Office:
To apply for a CDN, candidates can visit their local Transport Canada office. You will be required to complete the CDN application.

Candidates will need to supply two (2) pieces of current identification. One piece of identification must be a photo ID including your name, date of birth and signature.

Candidates must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

There is no charge to obtain a CDN number from Transport Canada Marine Safety.

If you are unable to visit a Transport Canada Marine Safety Office:
You can download the CDN application form and take this form along with two pieces of identification to a local notary. Notaries are listed in your local yellow pages under Notaries Public.

A notary public in Canada is a public official commissioned by the Ministry of the Attorney General. They act as impartial third-party witness of signatures on documents where the signer personally appears before and has been properly identified by the notary.

You will need to bring the CDN Application form, as well as a copy of both pieces of identification (again one piece must be photo ID which includes your name, date of birth and signature) to the notary who will authorize all three documents.

All three documents can be mailed to any Transport Canada Marine Safety office. (Remember a copy of your photo ID must be included). If the documentation is complete, Transport Canada will issue you a CDN number.

There is no charge for TCMS to issue a CDN number, however there will be a charge for the Notary Public’s services.

The Candidate Document form can be found on Transport Canada’s web site at

A fillable versionof the form can be found at:

In the Form Number box, type in: 82-0701

Requirementsto obtain a CDN are on the 2nd page of this form.

Note:

Persons living in remote locationsor who cannot visit a Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) office may apply by mail to the closest TCMS office. They must include the completed "Application for a Candidate Document Number (CDN)" form, andacertified copy of both required documents (documents beingas one of proof of identity and one as proof of citizenship-refer to 2nd page of form 82-0701). These documentsmust be certified by a Commissioner for Oath or NotaryPublic at the candidate's expense.

There are 4 locations you can visitin personor mail your applications to:

VancouverVictoria

#400, 800 Burrard Street#501- 1230 Government Street

Vancouver, BCVictoria, BC

V6Z 2J8V8W 3M4

Tel: (604) 666-0834Tel: (250) 363-0394

NanaimoPrince Rupert

L4-1, 60 Front Street#400, 309 - 2nd Avenue West

Nanaimo, BCPrince Rupert, BC

V9R 5H7V8J 3T1

Tel: (250) 754-0244Tel: (250) 627-3045