Historical Research of a vessel provides information from the Ship Registration Computer System Database from 1984 to present, or from microfilm if the vessel was registered prior to 1984.
NOTE: In order to search information on a registered or closed vessel, we require the Official Number and/or the Vessel Name. It is impossible to do a search without this information. Please be advised this is for registered vessels only, NOT vessels licensed under the Pleasure Craft Licensing system.
Buying a boat is an exciting experience. Having the opportunity to head out on the water whenever you want, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, gives you a unique sense of freedom. Before you can get out with your friends and family to make lasting memories, however, there are some formalities to complete. Before you negotiate a price and make an offer on a previously owned boat, you will want to have a good knowledge of its history. While most sellers will operate in good faith and be upfront about any issues with the boat, it is good to do your own research. If you are purchasing a registered vessel, you will want to perform a vessel search by name.
Learning About the History of Your Vessel
While owning a boat is a privilege that everyone should get to enjoy, the truth is they can be expensive. Even small, motorized vessels can fetch a high dollar, so it makes sense that the secondary market can provide great value. Even those who purchase large yachts will often purchase something that has had one or two owners already. While this may help your personal bottom line, you do run the risk of buying a boat that has undisclosed problems.Similarly to buying a used car that turns out to be a lemon, the same thing can happen when acquiring a used boat. With this in mind, it is generally a wise idea to learn as much as you can about a boat you are thinking about buying. This means getting as much information as you can from the seller, but also doing a bit of digging on your own. By performing a vessel search by name, you can discover some relevant facts about the boat you have your eye on. You will be able to find out the vessel’s name, its ownership history, as well as some key items about its owner.
Understanding Canadian Vessel Registration
To get this sort of valuable information on a vessel, it will of course need to be a part of the national registry. Not all vessels in Canada require this type of registration, though it is available to all. If a boat is being used for commercial purposes–charters, sightseeing excursions, commercial fishing, etc.--then it must be registered with Transport Canada. This is also true of boats that will be flying the Canadian flag on international waters, and any vessels that carry a marine mortgage.There are some perks that come with registering your vessel. For one, your boat will be granted a completely unique name, which allows you to truly personalize your watercraft. This can also aid authorities in the event that your boat is lost or stolen. Additionally, registered vessels are permitted to proudly fly the Canadian flag.When your vessel is registered, you can also forgo the process of obtaining and renewing a Pleasure Craft License (PCL). You can apply for vessel registration by working with us at the National Vessel Registry Center. We offer easy-to-use online forms and a secure web portal for uploading supplemental materials.
A Vessel Search by Name Can Ease the Transfer of Ownership
A boat is a considerable investment. Because of this, completing a transaction for a vessel calls for much more than simply money changing hands. You will need to formally transfer ownership, which includes licenses and registration. By having a knowledge of the vessel’s history, you can avoid any potential hiccups. For example, completing a vessel search can let you know if there are any liens against the boat you are thinking about buying. Surely, you want to avoid any possible headaches down the road, so learning what you can now can help you better enjoy your boat later on.
Work with the National Vessel Registry Center Today
Transport Canada, which is the government agency tasked with managing the national vessel registry, can assist you in getting historical information on a vessel. You should know, however, that this will call for completing some complex paperwork. Fortunately, there is an easier way.You can obtain information on a registered vessel by working with us at the National Vessel Registry Center. We are a private service that specializes in helping Canadian boat owners handle their documentation matters online. If you take a look at the navigation on our website, you will see that we feature a diverse array of web forms for the many needs of our clients.Maybe you are interested in registering your vessel for the first time? Perhaps you need a PCL, or a replacement copy of a document that you have lost? Whatever your vessel documentation needs may be, you can find a streamlined solution on our convenient website. To learn more, contact us today by phone or email.