Perhaps the time has come for you to purchase a new boat, or perhaps you want to learn more about the required paperwork before making a purchase. In either case, you must be sure that certain requirements are met, such as having the boat’s official number and obtaining a license, as the next steps following the purchase. To obtain the necessary permits and licenses in Canada, you must contact Transport Canada, but sometimes the road to successful boating can seem a bit tedious. For example, a registration number is distinct from an official number, and obtaining a boat license is distinct from obtaining a boating registration, fortunately at the National Vessel Registry, we are here to help.
You’re probably imagining that spending time on lakes and rivers throughout the year would be enjoyable for you and your loved ones. Imagine how much fun it would be to go fishing, water skiing, traveling, or simply to spend a peaceful day on a nearby lake or river. If you are new to sailing, you may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn. When you were shopping for a boat, you probably received a brief overview of the various types of recreational watercraft. You have likely also gained a basic understanding of boat maintenance and cleaning procedures. Nonetheless, we’ve prepared a concise guide to Canadian official numbers and all that they entail.
Introduction to the Official Number of a Boat
Almost any motorized vessel purchased in Canada must be registered with the appropriate transportation authority. If your boat is brand new, you will need to register it with Transport Canada. When purchasing a used boat, a transfer of ownership procedure must be completed along with the current Pleasure Craft License (PCL). Once the transfer of ownership is done successfully, Transport Canada will send you a certificate of registration with your boat’s official number on it.
In addition to receiving the official name of your boat when you register it with Transport Canada, you will also receive a registration number that the agency and law enforcement officials can use to identify it if necessary. With the help of your official number, it will be easier for government and law enforcement officials to locate your vessel. It is essential to remember that this is not the same number that appears on the exterior of your boat. One can easily see how this could become confusing.
What is the License Number for a Pleasure Craft?
This ID number, also known as the license number, is the identification system that permits the Canadian Coast Guard to identify your vessel and locate it in an emergency. The number will assist search and rescue teams in locating you during bad weather. All pleasure craft with a 10 hp or greater engine are required to apply for a license, so if you haven’t received this number yet, you should contact Transport Canada and possibly resubmit your application. At the National Vessel Registry, we can assist you with every aspect of this procedure, so it will not be uncomfortable or challenging. Once you have the license number, you must follow specific steps to display it.
Obtaining Your Official Canadian Boat Number
The National Vessel Registry Center has made the necessary forms available on our website in order to facilitate the process of obtaining an official Canadian number for your vessel. You can fill out the forms and provide payment information; we will then verify the data and forward it to Transport Canada for processing. Everything will be simple and straightforward, allowing you to obtain the required formal registration. You can reach us through our online contact form.
The Meaning of Numbers
Typically, registration numbers begin with two letters denoting the province where the vessel is registered. They also contain seven unique digits. They indicate that the vessel is registered with Transport Canada and are unique to each vessel that wears them. Larger commercial vessels occasionally begin their names with the letter “C.” The Canadian government uses a vessel’s registration number as proof of ownership and identification, regardless of its size.
This Number’s Uses and Applications
There are fundamental differences between the official number and the boat’s registration number, as previously mentioned. You must clearly display your official number (including the O.N.) inside your boat. Ensure that this sequence of digits is at least four centimeters tall.
The official boat registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow. The number must be printed in block letters at least 7.5 cm tall and above the waterline. The number on the ship must be written in a color that contrasts with the bow, so if the bow is black, white is the most obvious choice. There are no width restrictions as long as the number is visible against the ship’s bow.
Obtaining an Official Canadian Number
If you wish to begin the process of obtaining a boat identification number from Transport Canada, the National Vessel Registry Center is the place to go. Our specialists have dealt numerous times with similar situations in the past and can assist you in obtaining the number without requiring a new application. We make it easier to apply, so check our site and our FAQ-section.
