CRN Design Documentation Checklist for Canadian Registration

Reviewed by CRN expert team · Last updated: October 23, 2026

A complete CRN submission package requires specific documentation for each provincial authority. TSSA states that registrations without the mandatory supporting documents are not processed, and that an application not completed within 21 calendar days on hold is closed and denied. Kopfkino uses a comprehensive documentation checklist developed from 15+ years of submission experience.

Engineering Drawing Requirements

• General arrangement showing all pressure-containing components
• Detail drawings: shell, heads, nozzles, supports, manways, nameplates
• Weld map identifying joint categories and examination extent
• MAWP and design temperature clearly labeled
• Engineer authentication rules differ by authority and equipment (see the route matrix below)

Calculation Report Requirements

• Shell calculations (UG-27), head calculations (UG-32)
• Nozzle reinforcement (UG-37) for each nozzle
• Support calculations: saddles, legs, lugs, skirt, lifting lugs
• Wind and seismic calculations where required
• Piping stress analysis report for piping CRN submissions

Authority-Specific Forms

• TSSA: the mandatory supporting documents in the TSSA guideline for the application type (submissions without them are not processed since February 1, 2025)
• ABSA: Form AB-31, plus AB-31a (vessels, heat exchangers, boilers), AB-31b (piping), AB-31c (national), AB-41 or AB-351 (fittings), AB-96 (piping)
• ACI Central: online application through the ACI Central portal
• Fittings (all): notarized Statutory Declaration
• P.Eng. cover letter identifying code and jurisdiction

CRN Registration Route Matrix

Document Readiness by Equipment Type

Pressure vessels and boilers

• Drawings and calculations
• Ontario: signature and seal of a professional engineer licensed under Ontario's Professional Engineers Act (O. Reg. 220/01, s. 4(3))
• Quebec: calculations signed by an engineer, PDF (RBQ)
• British Columbia: Qualified Professional Declaration signed by the licensed engineers (Technical Safety BC)
• Alberta: AB-31 with AB-31a (ABSA)
• Quality program certificate for the manufacturer (TSASK national requirements)
• Seismic calculations for vessels over 20 feet for British Columbia (TSASK national requirements)
• Proof of registration where the design is already registered elsewhere (RBQ form; ABSA)

Fittings

• Application form, one set of calculations and drawings, scope of registration such as a catalogue, quality program certificate for each plant, two notarized TSK-1008 statutory declarations, and two notarized Uniform Statutory Declarations when PE, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT or NU is included (TSASK national requirements)
• Alberta: AB-41 statutory declaration or AB-351 Declaration of Conformity (ABSA)
• Fitting registrations carry a 10-year term or revalidation in several jurisdictions (see the Jurisdiction Navigator)

Pressure piping

• Alberta: AB-31 with AB-31b and AB-96 (ABSA)
• A line list that states pressure and temperature units in every column, the leak test pressure, the actual test pressure value rather than a multiplier, and the pipe schedule
• Relief valve data including reaction force for the stress analysis
• Registration evidence for every valve, instrument and fitting in the system

Pre-Submission Self-Check: Points Regulators Have Raised

These checks come from review comments on Kopfkino files, with all project details removed.

1. Prepare the design to the code edition the authority will register; regulators have asked for designs to be updated to the current edition before registration
2. Make every drawing dimension match the calculation, and label special values clearly (for example a formed head's blank diameter versus its finished outside diameter)
3. Show weld details for every nozzle, pad and body flange on the assembly drawing, matching the calculation
4. State why a slip-on flange attachment is acceptable when one is used
5. Trace support and seismic loads to the governing load case in the calculation
6. Keep radiography marking consistent across drawing, calculation and nameplate
7. Have owner or site classification documents ready for regulated sites
8. Complete and authenticate piping line lists and relief valve lists
9. Compile the registrations of every component in a package
10. Confirm the owner's legal name and any existing plant registration number before filing, because both appear on the certificate
11. Answer information requests within the authority's hold period

Sources

• TSSA National Service
• TSASK national CRN registrations
• Technical Safety BC CRN Reconciliation
• Ontario e-Laws: Boilers and Pressure Vessels Regulation (O. Reg. 220/01)
• ABSA design registration forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit drawings in PDF format?

Yes. All major Canadian authorities accept PDF submissions. TSSA uses an online portal. ABSA and ACI Central accept email submissions.

"The single most expensive CRN mistake we see is treating registration as an afterthought. Design for CRN from day one: pick your provinces early, align the calculations with CSA B51 before the drawings are finalized."