Ship Registration in Canada started in 1854 under the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act. All Canadian built inland vessels were registered in Montreal; foreign going ships were registered in London (UK). In Canada registration is basically a title system for the ownership of ships. It is similar in nature to title systems applicable to land registry. Registration is mandatory for every ship that exceeds 15 gross tons. Ships not required by law to be registered may do so on a voluntary basis. Registration allows for name approval, mortgage registration, protection of the Crown. There are approx. 46,500 ships on Register totaling 4.7 million gross tons. In addition Canadian ship owners own 100 vessels of 2.2 million gross tons which they operate under foreign flags. The ship registration program is delivered from 9 regional offices who process routine applications. Functional direction is provided by a H.Q. unit in Ottawa. You may contact any of our offices from anywhere in North America by using our toll free helpline 1–877–242–8770.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ's Registration
FAQ's Licensing

Ship Safety Bulletins

In order to keep you apprised of safety matters, owners of commercial vessels, both registered and licensed, will be added to the Ship Safety Bulletin distribution list.

Vessel Registration Query System

This query system allows you to browse and give you the possibility to create advance queries on Canadian registered ships.  It is updated on a weekly basis.

Registration Guide

Procedures for Registry in Canada

List of Ports of Registry

Ship Registration Forms

Schedule of fees effective May 1st 2002

Tonnage Measurement

Appointed Tonnage Measurers
Recognized Classification Societies

List of Ships

The List of Ships contains particulars of ships on Register in Canada - TP 7923
List of Ships Statistics June 1 2003
List of Ships Statistics January 12 2004
List of Ships Statistics January 17 2005 

Small Commercial Vessel Licensing Program

Commercial vessels less than or equal to 15 gross tons which are not registered must be licensed. Licensing is an identification system not a title system and does not permit registration of mortgages or liens. The Small Commercial Vessel Licensing Program is delivered by a H.Q. Unit in Ottawa. Application forms are available from any Ship Registration office, or from the Transport Canada Web Site. Further information may be obtained by calling 1–877–242–8770.