How To Register a Boat: Procedures and Requirements

how to register a boat

Wondering what documentation does your ship need? Transport Canada requires boat registration for every commercial vessel to comply with maritime laws. Registering a boat in Canada can be quite a hassle if you are getting onto it for the first time, as there are different kinds of registrations depending on your vessel’s attributes. What exactly do you need to comply with local authorities? It’s important to know the basics of how to register a boat so that your business obtains profits and not troubles.

A Little Basics: What Kind Of Registration Does Your Boat Require?

Learning the main differences between the two existing types of registrations will save you precious time, as Transport Canada rejects incorrect forms and demands you fill them again all over. Learn how to register a boat to avoid problems. Keep in mind that all vessels oriented to commercial purposes require registration. Coastwise activities such as fishing and transporting people/cargo are illegal on unregistered pleasure craft, and the fines are considerably high.

how to register a boat

What principally filters the required registration is the vessel’s gross tonnage. If it is less than 15, you need a small vessel register. If the gross tonnage is over 15, the Canadian Register of Vessels applies. There are other differences though as if the ship needs a marine mortgage to be registered with Transport Canada (In this case, gross tonnage does not define the registration type, no vessel can apply for a marine mortgage under a small vessel register).

Proceeding With Registration

You have already figured out which kind of registration you need. Head to the Canada Transport website and look for the right form. Read further to learn how to register a boat correctly.

Small Vessel Register

You are required to inform the official or license number, the particulars of the vessel (horsepower, gross tonnage, propulsion type, etc), name of the builder, and hull ID number. Fill in the descriptor of the vessel and provide the details of each owner. 

Canadian Vessel Registration

Provide the vessel’s name and port of registry, as well as its particulars (type and method of propulsion). Particulars of propulsions must be informed also, such as the numbers of engines, their description, propulsion and engine power, and speed knots. Measures, tonnage type, and construction type need to be registered too. 

Specify whether the vessel is intended for pleasure or commercial use, and complete the descriptor of the vessel in case you choose commercial. Has the vessel been registered previously in Canada or a foreign country? Is it under construction? Every detail matters.

Get Your Registration Done Today

Getting into how to register a boat is now pretty easy. At Canada Transport you can find the right form for the registration you require. Be it a small vessel or Canadien register, we can help you out! We deal with Canada Transport so you have nothing to worry about.

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