A small vessel registry refers to a designated registration system for Canadian commercial vessels under 15 gross tonnage and powered by a motor of at least 7.5 kW (10 horsepower). When you register in this system, you receive an official number starting with the letter “C” and a Certificate of Registry acknowledging your vessel’s compliance and ownership status.
Registration in the Small Vessel Register is mandatory for commercial operations meeting these criteria, and it is a key part of Canadian boat documentation.
Our service guides owners through the entire small vessel registry process, from verifying eligibility and calculating tonnage to submitting forms, reserving names if needed, and receiving your official certificate quickly and securely.
What the Small Vessel Registry Covers
The Small Vessel Register is part of the broader Canadian Register of Vessels managed by Transport Canada. It is designed specifically for:
- Commercial vessels under 15 gross tonnage powered by 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more
- Barges under 15 gross tonnage
- Commercial river rafts with similar specifications
This specialized track simplifies documentation for smaller commercial vessels that do not meet thresholds for the Large Vessel Register. Owners registering vessels in the small registry receive a letter‑prefixed official number (e.g. C00000BC), a digital Certificate of Registry, and compliance with applicable regulations.
How the Small Vessel Registry Differs from Large Vessel Registration
Vessels exceeding 15 gross tonnage, wanting reserved names, or intending to register a mortgage must apply through the Canadian Register of Vessels’ larger registry track. That system handles complex documentation and international operations.
The Small Vessel Register is streamlined for smaller-scale commercial activity. If you wish to reserve a name, file a mortgage, or operate internationally, you’ll need to move into the larger registry even if your vessel meets small-vessel criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for the Small Vessel Register
The key conditions for use of the small registry are:
- The vessel is not used for pleasure but for commercial activity
- Gross tonnage is 15 or less
- Motorized propulsion of 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more
- Or a commercial river raft or barge within the same limits
Pleasure craft with motors this size require only a Pleasure Craft Licence, not entry into this registry—unless the owner voluntarily opts into full registration.
Required Documentation for Small Vessel Registration
To register in the small registry, you must complete:
- Form 20: Application for Registration, Transfer, or Renewal (Small Commercial Vessel)
- Form 3: Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration
- Supporting ownership documents (e.g. bill of sale or builder’s certificate) or a declaration (Form 23) if original proof is unavailable
- A tonnage measurement, based on simplified or formal methods (Form 4A) if needed
- Form 14 if there is more than one owner or foreign corporate ownership
After submission via our platform, Transport Canada issues a digital Certificate of Registry, complete with a QR code for validation. You must mark your vessel clearly with the official number on both sides of the bow in characters at least 75 mm high
Benefits of Enrolling in the Small Vessel Registry
Registering in the small vessel registry grants:
- Legal recognition of vessel ownership
- A permanent official number visible on your vessel
- Eligibility to operate commercially in Canadian waters
- Documentation accepted for financing or resale
- Compliance alignment with applicable regulations like SOR‑2007‑126 for tonnage and registry processing requirements
Our service empowers you to complete these steps online, minimizing administrative friction and reducing turnaround time.
Renewals, Transfers and Updates in the Small Registry
A Certificate of Registry from the small registry lasts five years. Transport Canada will notify you 45 days before expiry, but it’s your responsibility to renew via Form 20. Ownership changes, vessel name adjustments, or changes of address also require updating within 30 days. Confirming the official number during updates preserves continuity with prior registration
Our platform supports renewals, changes of ownership, deletions, and duplicate requests as needed.
What Happens During Ownership Transfer or Vessel Changes
When you transfer ownership or modify your vessel, you must submit:
- Bill of Sale (Form 6) or Declaration (Form 23)
- Form 20 for registration renewal or transfer
- Form 8 for transmission due to owner’s death, if applicable
- Updated tonnage measurement forms or other modifications
If your vessel’s gross tonnage rises above 15, or you decide to reserve a name or mortgage the vessel, you will need to transition into the larger registry.
Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP)
Even after registration, small commercial vessels must meet operational and safety requirements under regulations such as SOR‑2007‑126. The Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP), offered by Transport Canada, helps vessel operators meet requirements around safety equipment, inspections, and crew standards. While optional, SVCP provides a structured framework for risk management and compliance.
Our service guides you through provisional and first-time registration processes.
Marking and Display Requirements for Small Vessel Registry
After registration, you must:
- Permanently attach your official number on each side of the bow in at least 75 mm block letters
- Carry your digital certificate onboard at all times
- Not laminate the certificate (lamination invalidates it)
- Use the QR code for verification when required
Our platform ensures you understand marking obligations and helps you prepare boat-ready compliance.
What Vessels Cannot Use the Small Vessel Registry
Certain vessels are not eligible, including:
- Pleasure craft
- Vessels above 15 gross tonnage
- Vessels requiring name reservation, mortgage status, or intended for international travel
- Foreign-built vessels under foreign registry still not transferred to Canada
In these cases, the Canadian Register of Vessels (Large Vessel Register) applies.
How We Help You Manage Small Vessel Registry Steps
We support vessel owners through the small registry lifecycle:
- Confirming eligibility and guiding tonnage calculation
- Providing access to and digital filing of all required forms
- Tracking application status and certificate issuance
- Facilitating renewals, transfers, ownership updates, or deletions
- Assisting with provisional registration, builder documentation, or ownership disputes
Every step is managed through our secure online portal.
Why Proper Registration Matters
Failure to register when required carries penalties under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Operating a non-registered commercial vessel may invalidate insurance, trigger regulatory enforcement, and risk legal action. Proper registration ensures your vessel is legally recognized and ready for compliant operation. We reference regulations like SOR‑2007‑126 to ensure your documentation and tonnage comply with the law.
We help simplify registration, manage documents, and keep you compliant so you can focus on operating your vessel safely and legally.
Let us manage your small vessel registry application from start to finish, ensuring compliance, legal status, and uninterrupted operation for your commercial vessel.