All vessel documentation guidelines are outlined in the same piece of legislation, which is why complying with the Canada Shipping Act (2001) is so important for vessel owners.
Complying with the Canada Shipping Act (2001)
Back when this landmark act was introduced, it had been well over a century since any major changes had been made to Canadian maritime law, so an update was desperately needed in order to establish widespread seafaring laws that would be relevant in the 21st century. The British Merchant Shipping Act of 1894, its previous iteration, had already been amended over and over again, which is why the government set off to update and organize it to ensure its efficiency. Complying with the Canada Shipping Act (2001) will be important for vessel owners to be in good standing with Transport Canada.
The Importance of the Canada Shipping Act
Now that you know about the Canada Shipping Act, it will be important to know why it’s important in the first place. Here are the reasons behind the act’s implementation here in Canada:
- First, the act intends to protect the health and well-being of individuals, including the crews of vessels, who are participating in marine transportation and commerce;
- It is meant to promote safety in marine transportation and recreational boating;
- It protects the marine environment from damage due to navigation and shipping activities;
- It develops a regulatory scheme that encourages viable, effective, and economical marine transportation and commerce;
- The act intended to help promote an efficient marine transportation system;
- It aimed to develop a regulatory scheme that encourages the viable, effective, and economical use of Canadian waters by recreational boaters;
- It ensures that Canada can meet its international obligations under bilateral and multilateral agreements with respect to navigation and shipping;
- The act encourages the harmonization of marine practices; and
- It establishes an effective inspection and enforcement program.
What You Need to Know
Okay, so this piece of legislation exists… How does it affect you? Well, if you are a vessel owner here in Canada, you need to look into complying with the Canada Shipping Act (2001), and here’s how you can do it.
- If you own a non-pleasure vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5kw) or more, or commercial river rafts in Canada, you must register them with Transport Canada’s Canadian Register of Vessels or the Commercial Small Vessel Register, depending on the boat’s size.
- In cases of pleasure craft, if it is equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more (even if it is a personal watercraft) that is maintained or operated in Canada, you will need to obtain the corresponding license.
Transport Canada Documentation Center
Transport Canada bureaucracy, like all sorts of administrative paperwork, can be quite annoying and inconvenient, which is why we here at the National Vessel Registry Center want to make it all easier for you. Our platform has everything you need in regard to vessel documentation, be it your registration, your license, or other similar documents. And the best part is that should you need any help at some point in the process, we are ready to address your doubts and questions. Just reach out to us by way of our contact page through email or phone. Our team wants to make sure that you process your documentation application without any trouble.
