The first thing you must know about boat registration BC is its requirement. No matter what kind of watercraft you have, if you live in British Columbia and own a vessel you intend to use on the province’s waterways, you are legally compelled to have that vessel registered. Even if they don’t own a boat, people who want to operate it on the water still need authorization from the vessel’s proprietor.
This rule applies to anyone who wants to operate a boat on the water. If you own a boat shorter than 35 feet, you are excused from having to pay the registration cost; all you need to do is provide your name and location when you do so. Here are some essential things you need to know about registering your watercraft in British Columbia.
You Don’t Need A BC Driver’s License to Operate a Boat
This region has murky watercraft regulations. Even long-time residents have questions about specific rules and laws. The good news is that you can run watercraft in B.C. without getting a different fishing permit if you have a legitimate driver’s license from any Canadian province or territory and have never been guilty of a drunk driving crime. However, the local authority requires watercraft registration.
Transferring a B.C. boat registration from one jurisdiction to another is straightforward. It is essential to have the boat’s title and registration document, which should be in your name if you’re transferring it to yourself. You must have a document or sales paperwork with the GST/HST number showing that B.C. sales tax has been made to purchase a new watercraft in the province.
Boats Are Registered At the Owner’s Address, Not the Vessel’s Location
When it comes to B.C. boat registration, the next thing you need to be aware of is that the watercraft must be registered at the location of your primary residence. This is an obvious point, but it is an essential differentiation from most other kinds of automobiles, which can be registered in various places.
The vehicle registration serves as evidence that the car is insured and as identification if you are stopped by the authorities or another law enforcement agency while driving. Because the Water Transport Act mandates that every boat be registered, residents of British Columbia who buy boats must register them at their home location within two weeks of making the purchase.
You Can’t Register a Boat with a Number That’s Already In Use by Another Vessel
It’s possible that hearing that it’s against the law to register your boat with the number of another vehicle will surprise you. The rationale behind this is relatively straightforward: if two vessels have the same number, there is no way to differentiate between them.
It is much simpler for the authorities to recognize specific boats when they display their registration numbers, which are mandated by law to be displayed outside the hulls of all ships. It is also helpful to sailors in a broader sense because it allows other vessels to call out the number of a vehicle they are searching for and assist them in finding their way back to the harbor or home.
Boat Registration BC Depends on the Size and Use
Registration is a critical factor for any watercraft owner to think about. Registering your watercraft with the appropriate authorities lets them know you have one and intend to use it legally. Where you reside and what kind of watercraft you have will determine the specifics of the procedure. Recreational vessels need to be licensed in many jurisdictions, which is essential to keep in mind.
One can find various vessels here, used for fishing, leisure, and general waterborne amusement. Size and purpose typically determine which ships must be registered. For instance, if you own a boat less than 16 feet in length, it is likely classified as a leisure craft and therefore requires registration or licensing.
It’s essential to understand how boat registration BC works to affordably and effortlessly get your vessel back on the water. The National Vessel Registry Center, Corp is here to help with your vessel registration needs.
