FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This page contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding marine issues such as Ship Registry and Licensing, Safety and Security. It connects you as well to our partners' FAQ pages. Items on this page are listed in alphabetical order.

FAQ - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

FAQ - Maritime Radiocommunication

FAQ - Meteorological Service of Canada

FAQ - Small Vessels

FAQ - Tides, Currents and Water Levels

FAQ - Training, Examination and Certification of Searfarers

FAQ - Transport Canada Marine Safety

FAQ - Weather Office

Ship Licensing
How do I license my small commercial vessel?
How do I license my recreational boat and trailer?
More questions about Licensing...

Ship Registry
How do I register a commercial vessel?
Where can I find a listing of Canadian registered boats?
More questions about Registration....

Safety & Security
Where Can I find information about marine search and rescue?
Where can I find the latest information about ship safety?
Where can I find information about Lifejacket regulations?

How do I license my small commercial vessel?
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 Transport Canada in Ottawa. Application forms are available from any Ship Registration office, or cnline at the Ship Registration forms of Transport Canada, Marine Safety web site.

The completed Form 20, (Form no. 84-0166) "Application for a Small Commercial Vessel Licence" must be sent to the address indicated in section "Important" at the bottom of the application form, along with a copy of your Bill of Sale and payment of fee ($50.00).

If the manufacturer's field indicates 'home-built' a Statutory Declaration must be completed before a person authorized by law to administer oaths and the original must be returned to Headquarters. A sample of the Statutory Declaration is available from Headquarters.

More information on Small Commercial Vessels may be obtained by phoning the Ship Registration Toll free line 1-877-242-8770.

How do I license my recreational boat and trailer?
All pleasure craft measuring 12 m or less and powered by an engine 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more must be licensed. For more information, please visit: http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/pcl.htm. Click here for pleasure craft identification and markings information.

How do I register a commercial vessel?
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. The ship registration program is delivered from 9 regional offices that process routine applications. Functional direction is provided by Transport Canada in Ottawa. You may contact any Registration office from anywhere in North America by using the toll free help line 1-877-242-8770. For more information, please consult the Ship Registration Guide

Where can I find a listing of Canadian registered vessels?
You can find this information at Transport Canada Vessel Registration Query System, where you can search for a ship's official number or by name, or use the advanced search page which permits searching on a wider variety of attributes. You may also purchase The List of Ships, volume 1 and 2 from the Canadian Government Publishing web site.

Where Can I find information about marine search and rescue?
Through the Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for all marine search and rescue operations in Canadian waters. Click on the search and rescue operations link to find more information about this important marine service.

Where can I find the latest information about ship safety?
Consult the Ship Safety Bulletins web site. These bulletins are provided by the Marine Safety Directorate. For more information please call (613) 991–3135 or fax us at (613) 990–6191.

Where can I find information about Lifejacket regulations?
The law requires boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of an appropriate size for each person on board (except for any infant who weighs less than 9 kg or any person whose chest size exceeds 140 cm). For ample information, please consult the personal protection equipment site.