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6. MORE INFORMATION

Ten Most-Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between registration and licensing? ^

Registration is a system which provides legal title, and it affords the vessel certain benefits such as a unique name and official number, and being able to use the vessel as security for a marine mortgage. You must register any pleasure or commercial vessel over 15 gross tons. In most cases you will have to be Canadian.

Unless you register your vessel, you must get a Small Vessel Licence for any vessel under 15 gross tons and with a motor greater than 7.5 kW (9.9 horsepower). This includes personal water craft. You may also license any small vessel with a less powerful motor. See page xx for more information.

2. I am buying a used boat. How can I tell if there is a mortgage on it, and whether it is registered or licensed? ^

Only registered ships can have mortgages recorded against them. If the vessel has a name and a port written on the stern, then it is a registered vessel. If there is a letter-number combination on the boats' bow, (e.g. 32E0000, or C1234BC) then it is a licensed vessel. 

3. Where can I get the forms I need?  ^

All required forms are available from the Registrar of Ships, at an administration port, from Transport Canada, Marine Safety district offices, or from the Chief Registrar's Office in Ottawa. Forms are also available from the Transport Canada Web Site .

4. What is the Register? ^

The Canadian Register of Ships contains the names, ownership details and records of all registered vessels for each Port of Registry.

5. What is a mortgage? ^

A mortgage is a legal document that creates a security for a loan or other financial consideration using the registered vessel or a share of it as security. The person using the vessel as security and receiving the loan is called the mortgagor. The person taking the vessel as security and usually giving the loan is called the mortgagee. Note that a vessel must be registered before a mortgage can be registered. See page XX for more information.

6. What is a blue book? ^

The Certificate of Registry issued for any vessel before January 31, 2000 was in the form of a booklet with a blue cover, hence blue book. Since then, the certificate has been a single piece of paper.

7. What is "gross and net tonnage (registered)"? ^

Tonnage is neither the weight of the vessel, nor a measurement of the amount of water it displaces, but rather a measurement of the vessel's volume. There are two ways to measure volume. Gross tonnage refers to the overall volume of a vessel, while net tonnage (registered) measures the useful capacity of the vessel. There is a simple method to calculate the tonnage of ships under 12 metres in length, based on the measured length. This is reviewed on page xx.

8. Where can I find a tonnage measurer? ^

Contact your chosen Port of Registry office for a list of measurers appointed by Transport Canada. Please note that different measurers are approved for different regions. If your vessel is less than 12 metres, you may not need to employ a measurer. See page xx. If you require a vessel to be measured outside of Canada, please phone (613) 998-0667.

9. What can I do if I lost or misplaced my Certificate of Registry? ^

Submit a letter giving details of the loss to the office responsible for your Port of Registry, together with the appropriate fee.

10. Why are there fees for everything to do with registration? ^

Government policy says that users of different services should pay for the costs of those services. There is no profit from the fees: they are just enough to cover the costs of the registration system.

A few pointers ^

Register in good time ^

Always apply for registration well before the date you want to sail. First registry can be a lengthy process. Try to ensure that you have completed the necessary documentation properly and paid the required fee.

Send the required fees ^

All applications, including a request to change the name of a vessel, must be accompanied by a cheque or money order to cover the required fees, made payable to the Receiver General of Canada. Fees are also payable by VISA or MasterCard.

All fees are non-refundable.

Your names ^

You must use full names and addresses to complete all registry forms. Individuals should include all legal given names (initials or nicknames are not acceptable). For corporate bodies, the company name printed on an application form must agree with the company name on the certificate of incorporation.

Applications ^

Applications should normally be made by mail or in person at one of the registry offices shown in the Appendix. 
You must send all of your completed forms to the registrar at your chosen Port of Registry administration office.

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