It’s no secret that having a boat if you live in Canada is a fantastic experience. You can enjoy quiet afternoons on the water, as well as fun days fishing, water skiing and much more. The country has a wealth of lakes and inland waterways as well as the longest amount of coastline in the world. While there’s lots of enjoyment to be had from your watercraft, as a boat owner, there are also some responsibilities you must pay attention to. Staying compliant with your documentation, using the Small Vessel Registry, is one such obligation. This guide gives you all of the information you need.
Boat Regulation in Canada
Transport Canada is the regulating body and the entity operates to ensure safety and compliance by all boaters on the water in the country. Not only do they establish regulations and guidelines, but they enforce them as well. It is mandatory to adhere to these rules, which apply to your boat’s design, equipment requirements, operator qualifications and safety.
What Documents are Required for the Small Vessel Registry?
If you are ready to register your boat in the Small Vessel Registry, you will need to have some important information on hand to ensure that the process is done correctly. The documents you will need to have include the following:
- Proof of ownership (bill of sale, transfer or ownership)
- Proof of the boat’s origin (builder’s certificate or previous registration)
- Proof of the boat’s measurement (tonnage measurement survey)
- Proof of identity (identification documents)
- Proof of residency (passport or ID card proving you live in Canada)
The entire application process will be much more efficient if you have all of the necessary paperwork ready before you get started. It can also save you time and fees on missing or incorrect information.
The Application Process
Knowing what to expect when you apply can help you get through it easily. Instead of using paper and pen, like in the past, you can submit your application and pay your fees online, which simplifies and speeds the application process. This is also a good way to keep your personal data secure, via the encryption that is used online. Follow these steps for a fast and easy online application:
- Access the Canadian Vessel Registry website.
- Log in or create an account, if it’s your first time.
- Fill out the online registration form, being sure to check and double check for accuracy.
- Upload any required documents.
- Review the information.
- Submit your application.
- Pay the relevant fees, using the site’s online payment system.
- Wait for approval.
Submitting an application online is easy and there are guided prompts to help you ensure that you get it done correctly. It also makes it much faster to receive an approval because you won’t be relying on traditional mail to get the documents to and from the registry.
If you need more information on the Small Vessel Registry or are looking for some guidance when it comes to completing the application process, step by step, we’re here to help. Contact the Canadian Vessel Registry today to get started.
