Small Commercial Marine Business Program

Who can apply

We will accept a maximum of seven (7) registered vessels for the 2026 season, with a maximum of three (3) vessels per operator unless otherwise agreed to by Build Nova Scotia. The number of vessels proposed in a submission may be restricted and, the number of vessels seasonally admitted to the program may be adjusted at the sole discretion of Build Nova Scotia.

All potential applicants should familiarize themselves with the following rules and regulations that Build Nova Scotia will strictly enforce:

1. Only businesses proposing to use a vessel/vessels with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers can apply
2. Vessels must be owner-operated and or guided – no equipment or vessel rentals allowed
3. 15 minutes alongside MAXIMUM
4. The Blueline docks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Berth space is not available for advance booking or scheduling. Pick-Up, Drop-Off only, no soliciting or ticket sales/infrastructure at the dock
5. All spaces are shared among vessels with the Blue Sticker. Everyone with the Blue Sticker has the same rights
6. The Blue Sticker must always be prominently displayed on each vessel
7. No overnight berthing at any of the locations
8. There is no reserved/private Blueline berth located at Garrison Pier. It is a public dock and used on a First -come, first -served basis.
9. No access to water or power at any of the locations
10. Fees are payable for each month of the operating season by the 15th of the subsequent month. The fee model is based on the proposed business concept and at the sole discretion of Build Nova Scotia. Model options are either per use or per seat:
11. Per-use fees are $15.00 per each use of the docks allocated for the Blue Line Program.

• One use is a round trip, meaning a pickup and the subsequent drop off of the same passengers. On occasions where only a pickup or drop off is performed as passengers either start or end the tour at a location not managed by Build Nova Scotia, 50% of the fee shall apply.

12. Per seat fees are calculated with $25.00 per seated capacity of the vessel(s) plus all applicable taxes. All subject fees will be prorated based on acceptance and season-end dates.
13. Each participant must submit a full monthly report of usage in addition to submitting payment by the 15th day of the next month.

Build Nova Scotia retains the right to revoke stickers, should any of the above rules and regulations be violated. If that happens, the business will not be entitled to receive any refunds on the paid seasonal fee.