Yes, water ferries are considered passenger vessels under Transport Canada Vessel Registration requirements, especially when they carry passengers for commercial purposes. Whether operating across short local routes or covering longer marine passages, water ferries typically fall into the category of commercial vessels, and therefore, they must meet the necessary documentation and compliance standards.
For vessel owners and operators, this means adhering to rules that apply to passenger-carrying vessels—such as registration obligations, inspection mandates, and safety procedures—all overseen by Transport Canada. If you’re operating or planning to operate a ferry in Canadian waters, proper registration is not just recommended; in most cases, it’s required.
Our team provides the tools, forms, and resources to make Transport Canada Vessel Registration easier. Whether you’re registering a large passenger ferry or a smaller commercial craft, we can guide you through the process efficiently and effectively.
The Classification of Water Ferries
Water ferries are primarily used to transport people, although they may also accommodate vehicles or cargo depending on their configuration. Regardless of their size, if they are used to carry passengers for payment, they are classified as passenger vessels. The Canadian Marine regulations, including those outlined in SOR-2007-126, help define these requirements.
A privately-owned boat used solely for leisure and personal travel would not fall under this classification. But the moment a vessel accepts payment to carry individuals from one point to another—even across short distances in local waters—it transitions from a recreational craft to a commercial passenger vessel. This reclassification brings with it several legal responsibilities.
What Does Transport Canada Require of Passenger Vessels?
When a vessel is determined to be a passenger ferry, there are a number of expectations set forth by Transport Canada. These include:
- Obtaining proper vessel registration under the Canadian Register of Vessels.
- Keeping safety equipment on board, including life jackets, flotation devices, and appropriate signage.
- Ensuring that the crew has the necessary qualifications and training.
- Maintaining logs and compliance with routine inspections.
If you are unsure whether your vessel needs to be registered, we can help you determine the appropriate path forward based on your vessel’s use and specifications.
When Is Transport Canada Vessel Registration Mandatory for Ferries?
Transport Canada Vessel Registration becomes mandatory when the vessel is:
- Powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more, and
- Used for commercial purposes or carries passengers for a fee.
Most water ferries meet these two criteria and therefore must be registered. This applies regardless of whether the ferry operates within a single municipality or across broader maritime boundaries. If your ferry is engaged in transporting paying customers—even if only on weekends or seasonally—you are expected to register it.
We offer easy access to the forms necessary to complete your registration and renewals, so you can stay compliant and focus on your operations.
What Kind of Registration Is Required for a Water Ferry?
There are two major categories relevant to water ferries:
Small Vessel Register (Commercial)
If your water ferry is under 15 gross tonnage and is powered by at least a 10-horsepower motor, and it carries passengers commercially, it must be entered into the Small Vessel Register.
Canadian Register of Vessels (General)
Larger passenger ferries—especially those over 15 gross tonnage or those involved in international travel—must be entered into the Canadian Register of Vessels. This is a more detailed registration that involves proof of ownership, tonnage measurements, and other compliance elements.
Our service can help you determine which register applies to your ferry and file the right forms through our secure online portal.
Is a Pleasure Craft Licence Enough for a Ferry?
A Pleasure Craft Licence is not sufficient for a vessel used as a ferry. That licence only applies to recreational vessels that are not used for commercial purposes and do not carry paying passengers. Even if your ferry is small, or if you only operate it on a part-time basis, its commercial use requires a more formal registration. Continuing to operate a ferry with only a Pleasure Craft Licence can expose you to fines, enforcement actions, and liability issues in case of accidents or disputes.
What Are the Benefits of Registering a Water Ferry Properly?
Aside from meeting legal obligations, proper registration offers several benefits:
- Your vessel receives a unique official number, making it easier to identify in legal documents, inspections, and emergency situations.
- Registration provides formal proof of ownership, which is useful in disputes, financing, or vessel sales.
- It increases your credibility and trust with passengers, municipalities, and potential partners.
- It allows your vessel to fly the Canadian flag, which is recognized internationally.
- Registered vessels may qualify for certain types of insurance or funding programs that are unavailable to unregistered crafts.
Our team helps simplify the paperwork so you can unlock these benefits without delay.
How Can We Help You Register Your Water Ferry?
We simplify the Transport Canada Vessel Registration process by providing:
- Secure access to Transport Canada’s official forms in digital format.
- Guided filing assistance to ensure your information is submitted correctly.
- Support for vessel name reservation, tonnage calculations, and ownership documents.
- Expedited processing and optional renewal reminders.
- Access to all applicable forms through one platform.
We remove the complexity from the process, making it easier for ferry operators to stay compliant without needing to navigate government systems on their own.
When Do You Need to Update a Water Ferry’s Registration?
There are certain events that require a registered vessel’s information to be updated, including:
- Changes in ownership
- Name changes of the ferry
- Modifications to the ferry that change its tonnage or structure
- Switching from private to commercial use (or vice versa)
Failing to update your registration can result in penalties or even invalidate the registration. If you need to make changes, we offer dedicated forms for transferring ownership, updating information, or modifying the vessel’s documented purpose.
What Happens If You Don’t Register a Ferry Used Commercially?
Operating a passenger ferry without the proper Transport Canada registration can lead to:
- Fines and penalties
- Vessel impoundment
- Loss of insurance coverage
- Legal liability in the event of injury or loss
Even smaller ferries that operate on private lakes or between docks in the same city can be subject to enforcement. Simply accepting money in exchange for passage transforms the vessel into a commercial entity. Our service exists to help vessel owners avoid these pitfalls by completing the required forms efficiently.
Compliance with Canadian Marine Regulations
It is the responsibility of every ferry operator to ensure that their vessel adheres to applicable laws, including those found in SOR-2007-126. These rules cover safety gear, operator qualifications, maintenance, and procedures in case of emergencies. Registration is just one part of compliance, but it is a foundational step.
Start Your Ferry Transport Canada Vessel Registration Today
If you’re unsure which category your ferry falls into or how to complete the appropriate form, we’re here to help. Registering your water ferry with Transport Canada doesn’t need to be a lengthy or confusing experience. Through our secure online portal, you can access all of the necessary forms, complete them at your convenience, and receive support at every step.
Let us simplify the Transport Canada Vessel Registration process so you can focus on safely and efficiently operating your passenger ferry.