Getting your boat registration in Ontario can be quite complicated when dealing with the uncooperative bureaucracies of Transport Canada, particularly if you aren’t sure about the kind of registration that you need to get. Should you register your commercial boat as a regular vessel or a small one? We can make this process a lot easier for you by guiding you through the application, checking for errors, and making sure your orders are properly submitted. Let’s discuss the different kinds of boating registration available, the process to register your vessel, and the parameters of each category.
Small Vessel Registration
If you have a small commercial vessel, there is a specific type of registration that you can get, which is in some ways simpler than that of the larger vessels. How do you know if yours is considered a small vessel? Let’s go over the parameters.
- The vessel is used for commercial or non-pleasure purposes.
- It must be powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kw) or more.
- The vessel can’t be over 15 gross tons.
If your commercial vessel meets these qualifications then you have to register it as a small vessel at the time of getting your boat registration in Ontario. It’s important to know that if you don’t have a valid registration for your commercial vessel, you might end up being subject to fines under the Canada shipping Act of 2001.
Regular Vessel Registration
So, what if your non-pleasure vessel has a gross tonnage of over 15 tons? In those cases, you will have to register it as part of the Canadia Register of Vessels. It’s important to remember, however, that in either case for someone to be eligible for ownership of the vessel, even if it is shared, they have to be a Canadian citizen, a Canadian resident, or a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada. By registering your vessel, you are not only establishing your own ownership over it; you are also giving it a nationality. This means that your vessel will be allowed to operate without restrictions in Canadian waters as long as it adheres to the conditions of its registration.
Boat Registration in Ontario
As you can see, it’s very important for you to make sure that your boat registration in Ontario is properly filed and in order when looking to operate commercially in Canadian waters. This is, after all, just as important as making sure you have your driver’s license when driving your vehicle. Dealing directly with Transport Canada when it comes to your registration can seem straightforward, but it might actually result in a constant come-and-go of applications and forms as you try to correct and apply what they keep telling you. The best way to avoid this is to carry out the process through our platform here at the National Vessel Registry Center. All relevant forms are readily available on our website for you to fill out. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling +1 (800) 419-9569 or email us at info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.
