Has something recently happened with your vessel that makes you think you’re going to have to change your vessel’s documentation? Does it feel like you should update your documentation with the powers that be but aren’t sure how to do so? This is exactly the kind of concern that we created the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. for. We know that for most people, dealing with Canadian vessel documentation is not something that they want to spend a lot of time doing (to put it mildly). So, we’ve laid out some common questions and concerns that our clients have.
Have You Lost Your Certificate of Registry?
When you lose or misplace your Certificate of Registry, it’s natural to think: “well, that’s a shame, but it’s OK.” You may tell yourself that, after all, it doesn’t have to be renewed for a long time, you have a picture of it on your phone if anyone asks, etc. However, you do need a physical Certificate of Registry. As with so much else tied to Canadian vessel registration, we can help. At our site, click on “Replacement Certificate” and we’ll make sure that you get it as quickly as possible.
Are You Concerned You’re Going to Miss the Renewal Date of Your Registration?
The good news about a Certificate of Registry is that you don’t have to renew it annually or even biannually. You have to renew it every three years. That said, thirty days before it expires, you’ll be issued a new Certificate of Registry. Now, here’s the tricky part: you have to make sure that it’s valid. Specifically, you have to do that by reporting any changes to the information on the Certificate of REgistry in writing, within 30 days of having made the changes. The stakes for this are high. If you don’t do it, your registration could be suspended or even canceled. If you try to use the (now invalid) document, you’ll be in violation of the Canada Shipping Act and thus open to prosecution. You don’t want that by any means. Update the form when you get it.
Do You Know How to Avoid Fines with a Pleasure Craft License?
You wouldn’t take your car out on the road without having your driver’s license with you. The same goes for a Pleasure Craft License on a vessel. You need to carry it with you when you’re on the boat. Moreover, you need to display that PCL number on both sides of the bow that are contrasting colors to that of the vessel and above the waterline.
Everything You’ll Need to Stay With the Canadian Registry of Vessels
Those are some of the most common questions and concerns that our vessel owners have. As you might imagine, they are just a fraction of what a vessel owner may encounter throughout the course of owning a Canadian vessel. We can help. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (800) 419-9569.