Registering a vessel with Transport Canada is a necessary step for anyone looking to operate their commercial boat in Canadian waters. Every vessel owner in the country is aware of that need. However, as simple as the process might be, it can quickly get a bit more complicated when dealing with specific vessels. This includes, for example, foreign vessels. Without the existing structure built into local vessel sellers, figuring out how to register a foreign vessel in Canada can be confusing. Don’t worry, though, because that is what we’re here for.
How to Register a Foreign Vessel in Canada
Importing vessels into Canada is going to be a whole process that we have detailed in other posts. Today we’re focusing on the registration aspect, which is of particular importance upon arriving in Canada with the vessel in question. Let’s take a closer look at how to register a foreign vessel in Canada.
The Vessel Can’t Be Registered Abroad
First of all, it’s very important to know that the vessel you are registering can’t already be registered abroad. You can’t register a boat with Transport Canada if the boat already has documentation from another country. This doesn’t mean that it can’t have been registered abroad at any point. Instead, it means that you will need to go through a process of deletion in the said country before you register it here in Canada. At the time of doing this, you will need to make sure you get a certificate of deletion from the marine transportation agency of the country in question. This way, you won’t have any problem going through the registration process with Transport Canada.
Have the Documentation in Order
The next step in figuring out how to register a foreign vessel in Canada will involve getting the corresponding documents in order. This means that you will have to first go through the customs process. Once that’s done, make sure to save all your receipts in case you are ever asked for proof you paid all the necessary fees and taxes on an imported boat. After you have that figured out, you will need to wrap up the process of importing a boat into Canada by applying for registration with Transport Canada, which you can easily do through our platform here at the National Vessel Registry Center. Just make sure that you have valid proof of transfer and ownership.
Submit All the Forms
Once you know how to register a foreign vessel in Canada and what you need, it will be time to actually submit the application for registration. You can do so directly and risk delays, or you can submit everything through our platform here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. We are always making sure that people have easier access to Transport Canada forms and applications, as well as the right venue through which to submit them. You’ll be able to find everything you need here on our website. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling +1 (800) 419-9569 or emailing us at info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.
