FAQs: Suspension and Closure

If you need to close your boat’s registry in Canada, the process involves requesting a deletion certificate from Transport Canada, which formally confirms that your boat has been removed from Canadian boat registration. 



This is required when ownership, use, or status of the boat changes in specific ways, and our service exists to make it easier to access the correct forms online so you can complete that process accurately and without unnecessary delays.

Closing a boat’s registry is not something most owners do often, but when it becomes necessary, it is important that it is handled correctly. 
What Closing a Boat’s Registry Means in Practical Terms
When a boat is registered in Canada, it is assigned an official number and entered into a federal registry. Closing that registry removes the boat from that system. This is different from updating ownership details or making minor changes.

Registry closure applies when:

The boat will no longer remain on the Canadian Register
The boat is moving into a different regulatory category
The boat is permanently leaving service
A foreign authority requires proof that the boat is no longer registered in Canada

Once the registry is closed, Transport Canada issues a deletion certificate as confirmation that the boat has been released from the register.

This document is often requested by foreign registries, lenders, insurers, and other authorities that need confirmation that the boat is no longer subject to Canadian boat registration requirements.
Common Situations That Require Registry Closure/Deletion Certificate
Boat owners typically request registry closure for a small number of clearly defined reasons. 
Selling a Canadian Boat to a Foreign Buyer
One of the most frequent reasons for closing a registry is the sale of a Canadian-registered boat to a buyer who lives outside Canada.

In these situations:

A non-resident buyer cannot register the boat in their country while it remains on the Canadian Register
Foreign registries require confirmation that the boat has been officially released
The deletion certificate serves as proof that there is no overlapping registration

For example, if a boat is sold to a buyer in the United States:

U.S. authorities will typically request proof that the boat has been deleted from the Canadian Register
This avoids global double registration issues
The buyer may also need the certificate to complete financing or insurance

Without proper registry closure, the sale can stall even after payment has been made.

[caption id="attachment_27599" align="alignnone" width="1200"] certificate of deletion of the vessel[/caption]
Changing from Registration to a Pleasure Craft Licence
Some owners initially choose registration instead of licensing because registration allows for marine mortgages and name reservation. Later, their needs change.

This often happens when:

A marine mortgage has been fully paid
The owner prefers the simpler structure of a pleasure craft licence
The boat is used exclusively for personal purposes

It is important to note:

A boat cannot be both registered and licensed at the same time
The registry must be closed before applying for a pleasure craft licence
Transport Canada requires confirmation of registry closure before processing the licence application

In this case, a deletion certificate confirms that the boat has been removed from the register so the licensing process can proceed without conflict.

This distinction is especially relevant for owners who originally completed small boat registration for financing reasons and later wish to move to licensing.
Boats Removed From Active Service
Registry closure is also required when a boat is no longer in service.

This includes boats that are:

Destroyed
Wrecked beyond repair
Permanently scrapped
Lost and not recoverable

Canadian maritime laws require owners to notify the Chief Registrar when a registered boat is destroyed or permanently removed from service. Relevant obligations are outlined in Canadian maritime laws, which can be reviewed here: Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

In these cases:

Registry closure ensures records remain accurate
The deletion certificate acts as confirmation that the boat no longer exists in service
Owners avoid future administrative issues tied to a boat that is no longer operational


Registry Closure and “Free and Clear” Status
Registry closure is not just a formality. This matters when:

A marine mortgage is recorded on the register
A lender has legal interest in the boat
Ownership status needs to be fully resolved

Transport Canada will not issue a deletion certificate if:

There is an active marine mortgage
The mortgagee has not provided written consent
The debt remains outstanding

In these situations:

The lender must confirm that the mortgage has been discharged
Proof must be provided before registry closure can proceed
The registry will remain open until all interests are resolved

This protects buyers, lenders, and authorities who rely on registry records to check boat history before transactions.
What Information Is Typically Required to Close a Registry
When requesting registry closure, Transport Canada generally requires specific information to identify the boat and confirm the reason for removal.

This typically includes:

The boat’s official number
A written request explaining why the registry is being closed
Supporting ownership documents, such as a bill of sale if ownership has recently changed

Our service provides online access to the appropriate forms so you can submit this information in the format Transport Canada expects.


How Our Online Service Helps
We operate as an online portal that simplifies access to Transport Canada registry forms related to Canadian boat registration and registry closure.

Through our service, you can:

Access the correct registry closure forms in one place
Avoid searching multiple government pages
Use current versions of forms accepted by Transport Canada
Complete the process on your schedule

We do not gather documents on your behalf or secure approvals. Instead, we make it easier for you to use your existing documents by providing the official forms required for registry closure and related requests.

This approach is especially useful for owners managing time-sensitive sales or international transfers.
Registry Closure Compared to Other Registration Options
Registry closure is a specific administrative action and should not be confused with other options available to boat owners.

Key distinctions include:

Small Vessel Register entries involve formal registration with naming and numbering
A pleasure craft licence is a separate system with different eligibility and use cases
Registry closure removes the boat entirely from the register before other actions can occur

These systems are not interchangeable, and closing a registry is often a prerequisite step before transitioning to a different option.
International Transactions and Registry Closure
When boats cross borders, documentation becomes more complex.

Foreign authorities may require:

Proof of prior registration
Confirmation of registry closure
Evidence that no liens remain attached to the boat

Without it:

Registration abroad may be delayed
Financing approvals may be paused
Insurance coverage may be limited

Owners selling internationally often use registry closure as part of their overall transaction timeline to avoid complications.


Registry Closure and Public Records
Once a registry is closed:

The boat is no longer listed as actively registered
Historical records may still exist for reference
Authorities and buyers can check boat history to confirm past registration details

This transparency supports legitimate transfers and protects all parties involved.
Situations Where Registry Closure Is Not Required
Not every change requires registry closure.

Examples where closure may not apply include:

Updating owner contact information
Changing a home port
Correcting minor registry errors

In those cases, amendments to the existing registration may be sufficient. Registry closure is reserved for circumstances where the boat is leaving the register entirely.
Timing Considerations for Registry Closure
Registry closure should be requested as soon as the triggering event occurs.

Delays can lead to:

Transaction hold-ups
Conflicting records
Additional correspondence with authorities

Owners dealing with sales, licensing changes, or boats removed from service often benefit from having immediate access to the proper forms, which is where our service supports the process.


Using Our Service for Registry Closure Forms
Our platform focuses on accessibility and clarity.

With our service, you can:

Locate registry closure forms quickly
Confirm which form applies to your situation
Use the same portal for other Canadian boat registration needs

This consistency is especially helpful for owners managing multiple boats or navigating registry requirements for the first time.
Registry Closure as Part of Responsible Ownership
Closing a registry/completing the deletion certificate process when required is part of maintaining accurate public records.

It helps ensure:

Buyers are protected
Registries remain reliable
Boats are not mistakenly listed as active

Whether the reason is sale, licensing changes, or permanent removal from service, registry closure keeps official records aligned with reality.

For owners who need to close a registry, obtain confirmation of release, or transition to a different registration path, our online portal exists to make accessing the correct forms simpler and more efficient, while ensuring the process aligns with current Canadian maritime requirements.

 

When a boat record is suspended or inactive, its name is not available for another owner to claim. The name only becomes eligible for reuse once the record has been fully closed and the Registry has issued a deletion certificate.



This certificate confirms the removal of that boat from the national system. Keeping a suspended or provisional record in place reserves the name even if the boat is not operating. Only when the record is formally removed can someone else request or apply for that same name under a new registration.

Boat owners often assume that simply letting a registration lapse will free up the name. However, a suspended record remains part of Transport Canada’s system until proper closure steps are taken. 

If a future registration requires the name, the owner must complete closure first so the Registry can validate that the name is available for reassignment.
How a Boat Name Becomes Reusable After Closure
Once a record has been officially terminated, the name can be claimed by a new applicant through a regular name availability review. The process requires that a closure has been fully processed, and for boats that were on a national registry, a deletion certificate is issued as proof that the record is removed. Remember: 

Suspension alone does not release the name.


Closure must be requested and approved through Transport Canada procedures.


The name remains reserved until closure is complete.


A deletion certificate confirms that the record is no longer active.


After closure is processed, the name can be used by a new owner if it meets eligibility requirements.



Many boat owners seek closure when a boat is sold, destroyed, exported, or permanently removed from Canadian waters. Without closure, the name will remain locked even if the boat no longer exists.
What Our Service Offers for Boat Name Availability
We provide the forms you need to manage your record, request closure, and assist in making the transition smoother so your preferred name can be secured or released:

Online forms for closure requests.


Tools that make filing faster and more convenient.


Digital access to Transport Canada forms.


Access to documentation required for national registry status changes.



We do not gather documents, nor do we manage record preparation. Our service is designed to streamline access so you can submit the official forms needed to achieve the registration status you want.


Suspension vs. Closure
A suspended record is still recognized within the national system. Closure is the step that fully removes the record.
Suspension keeps the name locked

A suspended boat cannot claim priority for renewal but still occupies the name.


Another owner cannot use the name while the record is suspended.


The name cannot be assigned elsewhere until closure takes place.



Closure opens the name for potential reuse

Closure removes the record and ends its rights over the name.


Proof of closure may be required during future name claim requests.



Suspension can be temporary, but closure is permanent unless a new registration is created later.
When Is a Deletion Certificate Required?
It may be required when:

The boat will be registered in another country.


The boat is permanently removed from Canada.


A new registration authority requires proof of deregistration.


The boat has been dismantled or scrapped.


Ownership transfer requires deregistration.



Transport Canada uses it to confirm that the record is removed from national status. Some jurisdictions outside Canada will not register a boat without proof that the Canadian record has been dissolved.

Our service offers access to this request form, allowing you to complete the appropriate deregistration procedure.
How a Historic Boat Name Can Affect a Future Registration
Boat names with history, branding, or sentimental value are often sought by new owners. The challenge is that heritage names are held in the federal system until a registered owner takes formal steps to close the record.

If you want a specific name for your boat, consider the following:

Check availability early in your planning.


Names from closed records are often approved faster.


Names linked to active or suspended records cannot be assigned.


Registries prefer unique identifiers due to safety and compliance.

The name approval process can deny submissions that closely resemble existing records. Closure eliminates that barrier and increases approval chances.


Boat Types That May Require Closure
Different boat categories may involve separate rules and processes. Transport Canada may apply closure procedures to boats involved in:

Commercial operations


International travel


Regulatory compliance


Transfer of ownership


Decommissioning



Depending on circumstances, closure may be required before a new registrar will accept the name or record.
How Name Availability Affects Ownership Transfers
Ownership transfers sometimes require closure to clear the previous owner's claim on a name. This matters when the new owner wants to change registration types or bring the boat into a new jurisdiction.

Closure may be requested when:

The buyer refuses the old name


The buyer wants a new registry status


The boat is being exported


The previous registry is being dissolved



A deletion certificate can serve as proof of termination when needed.
Other Registration Systems That May Interact with Name Availability
Canada has multiple boat registration systems, each with different requirements:

Canadian boat registration


Pleasure craft licence


Small vessel register


Registration of a government boat



These systems may share information but operate independently. A boat removed from one system may still have a record in another, and closure may still be required for name release.

Our service focuses only on the national registry forms that are available through our site.
Compliance and Canadian Maritime Laws
According to Canadian maritime laws, when a record is active or suspended, the boat remains subject to regulatory oversight, which may include national technical and ownership databases. Closure releases the record from those systems, restoring name eligibility.

We do not interpret or advise on compliance, but we provide resources to help you access required forms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB2QP5fovvQ
How Our Service Helps You Manage Closure
Our platform provides online access to forms that allow you to request closure so that your boat name can be made available for new applicants.

Key benefits of using our service include:

Faster form access without travel or mail delays


Online submission tools to manage transitions efficiently


Ability to submit closure requests from your device


Digital interface compatible with multiple registration procedures



We offer the online forms you need and a streamlined pathway to filing them.
Name Availability and Common Misconceptions
Boat owners often assume that registration changes automatically free up a name, but the system does not work that way.

Some common misconceptions include:

Believing inactivity equals closure


Believing ownership transfer closes the record


Believing name deletion happens automatically


Believing suspended records do not reserve names



A record remains active until closure is completed and confirmed.
The Role of the Deletion Certificate
The deletion certificate plays a central role in proving closure, especially for boats that were federally registered. Transport Canada may not approve a new record or release a name without evidence of deregistration.

Our service connects you to the forms that help you request this certificate.

The deletion certificate applies after closure is approved


The certificate may be needed for export


Some jurisdictions mandate it before approval


It prevents duplicate claims



Boat owners occasionally request multiple copies if required internationally.
How to Move Forward with Name Closure
Our online platform enables you to request closure through the national registry by providing instant access to required forms. This helps you:

Free up a name for reuse


Avoid conflicts during name approval


Comply with registry procedures


Prove closure where needed



Whether you want to release a name, retire a boat, or transition into a new program, our service supplies the forms you need to take that step.

We provide access to Transport Canada forms, including:

Closure requests


Name-related filings


Deletion certificate requests



By initiating the closure process, you can open the name to new ownership and prevent conflicts during future registration attempts.