“Can you help me get my Alberta boat licence?” is one version of a question that we get quite often. Sure, maybe they don’t always specify “Alberta,” but the sentiment is the same. They want us to be able to help them to get the right licensing for their vessels. Sometimes we even answer that question with another question. “Sure, do you know if you need a pleasure craft licence or if you need to register your vessel?” That one sometimes throws them for a loop. Understanding the difference is critical, and if you have any questions, we can help you out.
Pleasure Craft Licence
This is the kind of licence you get for your vessel if it’s a recreational vessel. You may ask “Okay, what does ‘recreational vessel’ mean?” Well, to put it simply, that means that the vessel is used for recreation. It’s used for pleasure and not commerce. Hence, the pleasure craft licence. If you’re using it for commercial purposes, then you will have to get a different kind of registration.
Recreational vs. Commercial
Your vessel is a commercial one if you’re using it for commerce. You can’t get the pleasure craft licence if you’re charging people to be on your vessel. If they have to pay money to be on it, then you’re making money off of it, engaging in commerce, and you have a commercial vessel. Obviously, there are some grey areas. For example, say that you’re transporting a buddy across the lake. He and his family are going to a party, but they can get there quicker if you give them a lift. Along the way, he volunteers to pay for your gas. That’s doesn’t mean that you suddenly need to get a new licence, that’s just your buddy being a considerate friend. Again, should you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to ask us.
Registering Your Vessel
Should your vessel have an engine of more than 10 horsepower, while definitely not being intended for pleasure, then you have a vessel that has to be registered. Don’t let that phrase scare you. At our site, we make it easier than ever to register your vessel. That way, you can get through the entire process that much simpler. You can register your vessel in literally a matter of moments when you go through our site. That way, you can save time and money.
The Right Alberta Boat Licence (or Anything Else) for You
We get that this all may seem a little bit confusing. Very few people, experienced boaters included, tend to use phrases such as “pleasure craft” with any regularity. That’s a major reason why we made our site: to simplify the vessel registration process. You can go through our site and find the forms that you need. Should you have any questions about your Alberta boat licence, don’t hesitate to call us. In fact, we may even be able to stay on the phone with you and take you through the entire form. For more information, call (800) 419-9569.