Sailing is one of the region’s favorite activities since boats appeared in it quite some time ago. Canada flourishes with rivers and lakes providing some of the most beautiful landscapes the human eye has ever seen. Its waters are filled with sea life and it’s normal that after living here for a while here you have thought once or twice about getting a boat. Before diving into catalogs of ship retailers, you might want to know what kind of documentation you will need depending on what you are planning to buy a boat for. There are some important differences between license and registration to consider.
Definitions For Starters
If you are not sure if your vessel needs to be registered or licensed, probably you are not familiar with boat documentation, and maybe this is your first time acquiring a boat. Don’t worry though, there’s always a first time for everything. You don’t have to be an old-fashioned sailor to enjoy the water and own a vessel. Knowing the basics of license and registration should be enough.
The first thing you have to ask yourself is what exactly do you want a boat for. Will it be just to take a ride on the weekends once in a while? Or are you interested in making a living out of it by fishing or transporting goods? How much does the vessel measure? Transport Canada requires that every boat owner has their documentation up to date and properly registered.
Licensing Your Boat
If your ship will only be used for pleasure and the motor is over 7.5kW (10 horsepower), you must acquire a pleasure craft license. This provides a unique identification number that must be shown on the ship. If the motor is under 7.5kW or the ship was acquired less than 90 days ago, the license is not mandatory.
Registering Your Boat
Vessels intended for commercial purposes have to be registered. What makes the difference between the small vessel register and the Canadian vessel register is the ship’s gross tonnage. Below 15, you must apply for a small vessel. Over 15, then Canadian register of vessel it is. Watch out though, if you are interested in getting a maritime mortgage you have to go for Canadian registration.
Find All The Forms And Applications In The Same Place
Canada Transport provides services for whichever option you need. After you have figured out what documentation does your ship need, search our website to process the right form.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!