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1. AN INTRODUCTION TO REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
So, you're buying a boat or a vessel. Now you must learn what documents you will need to have. Maybe you've heard that you need to register your ship, while others have told you that you have to get a licence for your boat. First, the essential difference between a boat and a ship is size, but it's easiest to call everything a vessel. That's what this guide will do. And here's the difference between registration and licensing:
Registration ^
You must register any pleasure or commercial vessel over 15 gross tons. In most cases you will have to be Canadian. Registration is a system that provides legal title, and certain benefits such as a unique name and official number. Registration also allows you to use the vessel as security for a marine mortgage.
Possible changes to registration requirements ^
This guide is based on laws that took effect on January 31, 2000. Beyond these changes, Transport Canada released in July 1999 an entirely new proposed bill called the Canada Shipping Act 2000. This proposed act would require all Canadian vessels owned by a qualified person (see page
xx), other than pleasure craft to be registered. If a vessel has a paid crew or an owner or operator who is paid for the vessel's use, it is not a pleasure craft, and therefore must be registered. If you are using this guide after the summer of 2000, please consult a registrar if you might be affected by these proposed changes. |
To register a vessel, you are required to furnish certain documents and in most cases have the vessel measured. Once all requirements have been met, the vessel will be registered and a Certificate of Registry will be issued. This certificate must be on board at all times during the vessel's operation for identification purposes. If you own a vessel less than or equal to 15 gross tons, then you can chose to register your vessel to obtain the benefits of registration, but it is not mandatory. Once registered, a vessel cannot be licensed.
Licensing ^
Vessels less than and including 15 gross tons are classified as ësmall vessels' under the Canada Shipping Act. Should you choose not to register your vessel, you must get a Small Vessel Licence for any small vessel with a motor greater than 7.5 kW (9.9 horsepower). This requirement includes personal water craft. You may also license any small vessel with a less powerful motor. There are no citizenship or residency requirements, but the boat must be principally operated and maintained in Canada.
Commercial Craft ^
Licences for small commercial craft may be obtained by phoning the Ship
Registration Hotline: 1-877-242-8770.
Pleasure Craft ^
Licences for small pleasure craft may be obtained by phoning the Department of Fisheries and Oceans ñ Canadian Coast Guard Infoline for small boating at 1-800-267-6687.
Forms ^
This Guide, and all of the forms mentioned in it, are available from any Port of Registry office or from the Transport Canada Web Site
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