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CANADA SHIPPING ACT, 2001
LICENSING AND
REGISTRATION OF VESSELS
The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001) replaces the Canada Shipping
Act (CSA) as the principal
legislation that governs safety in marine transportation, recreational boating and
the protection of the marine environment. It applies to Canadian vessels operating
in all waters and to all vessels operating in Canadian waters (all vessels from
canoes and kayaks to cruise ships and tankers).
The CSA 2001 is the result of
extensive consultations with a wide range of marine stakeholders. It represents an
updated and streamlined version of the original CSA, making it clearer and easier to
understand. This will greatly assist the marine community to operate in a manner
that is safer, more efficient and environmentally sound, and responsive to the
needs of Canadians in a global economy.
There are two regulations that affect licensing and registration, and they have
been updated and
re-written under the CSA 2001 to
improve safety requirements. These two regulations are: the Vessels Registry Fees
Tariff and the Vessel Registration and Tonnage Regulations.
Vessel Registry Fees Tariff
The CSA Ships Registry and
Licensing Fees Tariff is renamed the Vessel Registry Fees Tariff under the
CSA 2001. These regulations levy
fees for the registration of primarily non-pleasure craft (i.e. commercial craft).
The regulations enter into force with the CSA 2001.
Vessel Registration and Tonnage Regulations
The CSA 2001's Vessel
Registration and Tonnage Regulations will replace those in place under the
CSA. These regulations clarify the
requirements for registering and calculating the tonnage of vessels. They enter
into force with the CSA 2001.
Licensing and Registration of vessels
Vessel owners and operators should be aware of the changes concerning licensing
and registration. These include:
Non-pleasure craft:
- A Small Vessel Register replaces the Small Commercial Vessel Licensing
System for non-pleasure craft of 15 gross tonnage or less.
- Non-pleasure craft that were issued a licence by Canada Customs or by Canada
Border Services Agency, or that were not licenced, must be registered under the
CSA 2001.
Owners must register these vessels:
- Upon transfer of ownership. The new owner must apply for registration.
or
- Two years after the CSA 2001
comes into force, if there has been no transfer of ownership.
- Non-pleasure craft that were licenced under the Small Commercial Vessel
licensing system must register under the CSA 2001. They will, however, be deemed
to be registered in the Small Vessel Register until:
- Their Small Commercial Vessel License expires (which is valid for a period
of five years from the issue date).
or
- There is a transfer of ownership, when the new owner must apply for
registration.
- The $50 fee and five-year renewal period will remain the same. Small commercial
vessels licensed under the CSA
regime at the time the new CSA 2001
enters into force will be deemed registered in this new Register.
- A flat $50 registration fee will be levied for a "fleet" of small vessels.
"Fleet" is defined as commercial vessels 5 tons gross tonnage or less in size,
with one common owner. "Fleet" status does not extend to government vessels.
- Small commercial vessels of 15 tons gross tonnage or less with, a mortgage to
be registered, must register in the main Canadian Register of Vessels.
Pleasure craft
- While pleasure craft over 15 gross tonnage are no longer required to be
registered, owners may voluntarily register in Transport Canada's Canadian
Register of Vessels. This register contains the names, ownership details, mortgage
details and records of all registered vessels for each Port of Registry.
- If a mortgage is to be recorded against a pleasure craft, lenders will require
the vessel to be registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
- All pleasure craft powered by 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower) motors or more
must be licensed or registered. As of April 2006, licensing is being handled by
Service Canada.
- Under the CSA 2001, new pleasure
craft licences are issued with a 10-year expiry date.
- Existing pleasure craft licenses remain valid until the licence holder moves or
the ownership of the vessel is transferred.
- All licence holders must advise Transport Canada if there is a change of name
or address from that which appears on the licence.
Pleasure craft that are occasionally used commercially (also known as
"crossover vessels") must be registered in the Small Vessel Register or, if they
are more than 15 gross tonnage, in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
Registration and Licensing Under the CSA vs. the CSA 2001
More than 15 gross tonnage |
Canadian Register of Vessels |
Canadian Register of Vessels |
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Pleasure Craft Licence or register in the
Canadian Register of Vessels |
Canadian Register of Vessels |
Less than or equal to 15 gross tonnage |
Pleasure Craft Licence |
Small Commercial Vessel Licence |
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Pleasure Craft Licence or register in the
Canadian Register of Vessels
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Small Vessel Register |
Less than a 7.5 kilowatt engine (10
horsepower) |
N/A |
Small Commercial Vessel Licence
(includes non-powered vessels)
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N/A
(may voluntarily obtain Pleasure Craft Licence or register in the
Canadian Register of Vessels)
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Small Vessel Register
(includes non-powered vessels)
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Canadian Register of Vessels contains the names, ownership
details, mortgage details and records of all registered vessels for each Port of
Registry.
Small Vessel Register replaces the former vessel licensing
system requirements for non-pleasure craft less than or equal to 15 gross
tonnage.
For more information
To learn more about vessel registration, please visit:
www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/oep.
Visit the Canadian Marine Advisory Council website at
www.cmac-ccmc.gc.ca to
learn more about the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 reform. You may also call
toll-free 1-866-879-9902 or 613-998-7764 in the National Capital Region.
July 2007
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