If you have a passion for boating, you know that vessels can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From the small, humble canoe, to the opulent mega-yachts, and everything in between, Canada’s waters are home to a wide variety of boats. Similarly, boats can be used for various different things. For many, of course, boats are simply a means of leisure. Perhaps you like to take your boat out on the lake to go fishing, waterskiing, or just sightseeing? Well, in that case, you do fall in the majority. Some individuals, though, earn their living out on the water by running commercial fishing or charter operations. Depending on what you use your boat for, you may need certain documentation for your vessel from Transport Canada. Whether this means a pleasure craft license (PCL) or a Canadian registry certificate, having the proper paperwork on board ensures that you are operating in compliance with the law. The good news is, there are ways in which you can get this documentation online.
Documenting a boat simply comes with the territory when you are a boat owner. It is your responsibility to stay current on this paperwork so that Transport Canada can better perform their critical role in maintaining the infrastructure on our nation’s waters. By having an understanding of who and what is accessing our waterways, Transport Canada can better craft rules and regulations and provide safety guidelines. Throughout your journey as a boat owner, you will find yourself navigating Transport Canada paperwork on occasion, but by working with a private service such as ours at the National Vessel Registry Center, you can get the forms you need online, typically in just a matter of minutes.
What Boats Require a Canadian Registry Certificate?
The two main types of vessel documentation are the PCL and the boat registration. A PCL is more tailored to pleasure crafts (as its name would imply), and it is specifically required for motorized boats with engines of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more. Any vessel that is financed with a bank loan engages in commercial activity or travels internationally under the Canadian flag will require a vessel registration. When a vessel is registered, it is assigned a unique moniker of the owner’s choosing and an official number. A registered vessel’s name serves as its primary source of identification, while the official number should be posted somewhere in the boat’s interior.
Obtaining a vessel registration will require you to fill out Form 1 – Application for Vessel Registration, along with Form 3 – Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration. Additionally, you will need to provide photographs of all four sides of your vessel and a bill of sale. First-time applicants will also need to provide a tonnage measurement.
Register Your Boat Online Today
Select the “Vessel Registration” option from our navigation menu to get started on registering your boat online. If you would like to learn more about the services that we provide, feel free to visit our useful Frequently Asked Questions page.