SOCAN Tariff for Passenger Ships 2026–2028

Summary#

The Copyright Board has published SOCAN Tariff 13.B – Public Conveyances - Passenger Ships (2026-2028), which fixes how much passenger-ship operators must pay to play recorded music onboard during 2026 to 2028. The tariff sets a charge of $1.46 per passenger per year, with a minimum annual fee of $87.37, and includes rules on reporting, audits and late-payment interest.

What it does#

• Sets the royalty at $1.46 per person per year, based on a ship’s authorized passenger capacity.
• Requires a minimum annual payment of $87.37 per ship.
• Reduces the yearly fee for ships that do not operate a full year by one twelfth for each full month of non‑operation.
• Requires operators to report authorized passenger capacity and pay the fee on or before January 31 of each year covered by the tariff.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit operators’ books and records (with reasonable notice during normal business hours) to verify payments.
• Charges interest on late payments calculated daily at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada) effective on the last day of the previous month; interest does not compound.
• Notes that amounts are exclusive of any federal, provincial or other taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Commercial passenger-ship operators in Canada — for example, cruise lines and ferry companies — that play recorded music aboard ships open to the public.
• SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) as the collecting organization named in the tariff.
• It is not clear from the notice whether very small or privately operated passenger vessels are included; the tariff uses a ship’s "authorized passenger capacity" to determine the charge.

Why it matters#

• Operators will have a predictable, per-passenger cost for playing recorded music onboard. Over many passengers or many ships, the fees can add up and affect operating budgets or onboard service decisions.
• Operators must file and pay annually by January 31, and they face audits and daily interest if they pay late. This creates an administrative and compliance requirement.
• Passengers are unlikely to see the fee listed separately, but it could indirectly affect ticket prices or the availability of music-based entertainment.