FAQs: Custom Service FAQs - Canadian Vessel Registry

No, we currently do not provide a walk-in service for boat registration or licencing. However, you can easily complete your registry applications using our secure online portal from the comfort of your home. 



Whether you’re applying for your first registration, transferring ownership, or renewing an existing licence, our digital platform allows you to complete the process quickly and safely. If you need direct assistance, you can also reach us at 1 (800) 419-9569 for support. To begin your registration, visit our Canadian boat registration page.
Convenient, Secure Access to Canadian Boat Forms Online
We created our online system to help you handle the necessary paperwork without the need to visit any government office or stand in line. With our streamlined process, you can access the correct forms, fill them out online, and submit them directly through our encrypted portal. This eliminates delays caused by mailing or in-person submissions while keeping your personal and boat information safe.

Our platform provides access to a wide range of applications and forms for Canadian boat owners, including:

First-time registration 
Renewal of registration 
Transfer of ownership 
Change of address or name 
Replacement certificates 
Mortgage registration and discharge 

These are the same Transport Canada forms you would otherwise have to mail or deliver in person. We make them available digitally to help you complete your Canadian boat documentation faster and more conveniently.
Why We Operate as a Digital Service
The decision not to offer a walk-in option comes from our commitment to efficiency, accessibility, and nationwide availability. Canada’s vast geography means that in-person services can limit access for many boat owners. By focusing exclusively on digital registration, we ensure that any boat owner—whether in a coastal community or inland—can submit their applications instantly.

Our online system allows us to assist more people simultaneously, which shortens processing times and helps reduce common errors found in handwritten or mailed submissions. It also means you can access the correct application at any time, from anywhere, even after hours or on weekends.
How Our Online Canadian Registration & Licencing Process Works
Our platform was designed for ease of use. Once you select the form you need, you’ll be guided through a straightforward set of steps that allow you to enter the required information directly. You can securely upload supporting materials and submit everything in one session. Once your information is submitted, our system automatically routes it to the appropriate area for review.

Every application type includes clear instructions and built-in fields so that your submission aligns with Transport Canada’s requirements. We don’t handle your paperwork or fill out documents for you, but we do provide access to every form needed to process your request efficiently.
Applying for a Pleasure Craft Licence
If your boat is primarily used for personal, recreational purposes and does not require full registration, you may need what’s known as a pleasure craft licence. This licence allows you to legally operate your boat in Canadian waters and display an identification number. You can apply for or renew your pleasure craft licence using our online portal as well, saving you time and travel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA7E7K-fZOg
The Small Boat Register
For certain smaller, non-commercial boats, Transport Canada offers registration under the small boat register. This register serves as an official record of ownership and identification, separate from the pleasure craft licence system. If you’re unsure which option applies to your situation, our portal provides access to both registration paths so you can easily select the correct one.

Our site ensures that you can locate the right form quickly, understand what details are needed, and submit your information directly. Whether your boat qualifies for registration or only requires a licence, you can manage everything from your device without the need to visit an office.
Benefits of Submitting Through Our Online Portal
Handling your registration digitally provides a number of benefits, including:

Time savings: No travel, no lineups, and no waiting for mail delivery. 
24/7 accessibility: You can complete your Canadian boat applications whenever your schedule allows. 
Secure submission: Our portal uses encryption to protect your data throughout the process. 
Nationwide availability: Whether you live near a coast or far inland, our system serves you equally. 
Streamlined forms: All applications are formatted for clarity and ease, reducing common submission mistakes. 

Our goal is to help you complete your boat registration or licence process without unnecessary steps or confusion. Everything you need to register your Canadian boat is online in one place.
Assistance Without a Walk-In Option
While we don’t offer a physical location for in-person visits, our customer support team remains fully accessible. You can reach us by phone or through our website for assistance with form selection, portal navigation, or any questions related to your submission.

We strive to provide the same level of attentiveness you would expect from an in-person service, only faster and without the limitations of a physical office. Many boat owners have found that our online platform actually simplifies their process compared to traditional walk-in methods.
How Our Process Simplifies Your Canadian Boat Documentation
Because everything is centralized online, you no longer have to search multiple pages or contact several offices to locate the right form. Our site groups all registration and licencing forms by purpose—making it easy to locate exactly what you need.

You can also complete multiple applications at once if necessary. For instance, if you’re renewing a registration and updating an address simultaneously, you can do so using the same secure portal without starting a separate process.

The system was designed to minimize paperwork errors and eliminate confusion. Every form includes required fields and built-in validation to ensure your application meets Transport Canada’s submission standards.
In Compliance with Canadian Maritime Laws
Submitting your registration online helps ensure your boat complies with Canadian maritime laws and operating standards. All registration types—whether for commercial use or recreational—fall under Transport Canada’s oversight. By using our secure online service, you are completing your paperwork through a platform designed specifically to align with official requirements, helping ensure compliance with the Canadian maritime laws governing boat ownership and operation.

Proper registration also provides proof of ownership and can assist with insurance, financing, or the resale of your boat. Completing this process online provides you with a traceable, organized record of your documentation.
Modern Canadian Boat Registration & Licencing Solutions 
Our focus remains on convenience, efficiency, and security. Rather than requiring walk-in service, we’ve built an all-digital solution that makes registering or licencing your boat faster and simpler than ever. The entire process can be done from anywhere—whether you’re on the coast or inland—and every form is available online through one central platform.

Boat ownership should be about enjoyment, not administrative stress. Check out what our portal has to offer. We can help you complete your Canadian boat documentation seamlessly, so you can focus on getting out on the water with confidence and full compliance.

 

The Transport Canada registry is only for vessels that are actively being used commercially in Canada. If for some reason yours isn’t being used, you can go through the deletion certificate process. 
Deletion of a Certificate From the Transport Canada Registry
The process of deletion of a certificate from the Transport Canada registry will make it official that the registration or licence in question is no longer a part of the registry of vessels. Once this deletion is processed, the vessel is no longer allowed to operate commercially in Canadian waters, for they are no longer part of the official registry. This can be quite a useful tool in plenty of cases, but not all boat owners are aware of them, which is why we have all the information you might need about the process right here on our documentation portal. When might you need to file for this vessel deletion? Here’s what you need to do.
The Boat Can No Longer Be Operational
The most common reason for which people tend to file for deletion of a vessel’s documentation is that the boat in question is no longer operational. This might be for all sorts of reasons. It might have been damaged beyond repair in an accident, it could be retired from use due to age, or it might have even sunk. Regardless of the reason for ceasing use of the vessel, it will be important to file for its deletion from the Transport Canada registry. All you need to do is request the deletion certificate using the form that you find on the site menu. Once the deletion is processed, you will receive the certificate that will serve as proof of such.
The Boat Will Be Registered Elsewhere
You should know that a boat can never be simultaneously registered with the transportation authorities of two different countries, which is why, if you wish to register the boat in a different country, you will first need to delete it from the Transport Canada registry. This might be done because the owner is moving abroad and taking the boat along with them, or because the vessel is being sold to someone residing outside of Canada. Either way, you will need to file for deletion, since it’s very likely that the new registering authority will ask for the deletion certificate in order to process the new documentation. You can simply go to the deletion form on our sidebar in order to fill it out and submit it through our processors to Transport Canada.


File For Deletion from the Registry
Documenting your vessel will always be an important component of your boat ownership here in Canada, which is why we don’t want you to have to go through this process alone. At the National Vessel Registry Center, we have everything that you might need in order to take care of these processes. Whether you are getting your boat registration or your pleasure craft licence with Transport Canada, you will find all the tools that you might need right here on our website. And, should you need any more information or assistance with the application process or by filling out the forms, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. You will get your documentation processed in no time.

Hosting an event is not usually one of the easiest things you can do. The challenges of normal event planning apply even when you are organizing the event on a boat. One of the first things you need to do is make sure you have a pleasure cart license Ontario. A memorial service should go according to plan, without hitches. In case you do not have the time or resources to make arrangements on your own, there is no harm in getting an expert to handle things for you. The following are some ideas that will help you make proper plans for the memorial and make it an event of a lifetime on a Canadian vessel.
Proper planning
A lot of events fail because of poor planning. This is a memorial service. You must make sure it goes on with the least friction. For a boat service, there is a lot that could go wrong, which ideally should not. Make sure the boat you are using has proper certification for vessels. That is the first place where people go wrong. Do not overlook such mundane things, because they can ruin an otherwise good day.

Planning also means making arrangements for the number of people that you will be hosting the memorial. You can learn a lot about the certification for vessels over 24 meters, with respect to the number of people you can host on it.


Get the dates right
You must also make sure you have the right date for your memorial. Getting the date right makes it easier for everyone who is party to this event to be there when you need them. This also helps them work around their schedule.

As a rule of thumb, try and make sure that you choose a date that is easy for most people. Consider the work commitments, school and so forth. Talk to people first before you make arrangements for them because failure to do this might make the memorial fail.

For the memorial, you will also need to have someone in charge of the prayer service. They would need you to give them advance notice of your need for their services.
Importance of coordination
Coordination is always important for any event that you are planning on a boat. Even with a pleasure craft electronic licensing system, you must still make sure you liaise with all the necessary officers and authority before you get on the boat and get ready for the memorial.

Memorials are in most cases sad and somber moments. While the relevant authorities might not want to ruin your memorial, you must also consider the fact that they have safety precautionary measures, security and so forth, to worry about. For them to help you, you must also work in your best interest to help them.

Provide the necessary information needed upfront. If you need documentation for the people you are hosting on the boat for your memorial, make sure you remind your guests to come with whatever documentation that is needed.

Yes. People Pay to Take Trips on Water Ferries
A passenger vessel is defined as any vessel carrying at least one paying individual. Passengers typically include those who pay for services. 

So, that includes ferry rides, yes, but it also includes sightseeing trips, harbor cruises, or water taxi transport, and so forth. This classification extends to all vessels accepting payment from passengers.

Yes, Knowing the Location of Safety Equipment on a Vessel is Your Responsibility 
Passengers as well as operators can and should take proactive steps to promote their own safety during any boat trip.

This starts before you get into the boat. Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the locations of essential safety equipment such as life jackets, life rafts, and other emergency gear. Additionally, be prepared by knowing the appropriate actions to take in case of an emergency.

If you’re bringing children on board, confirm there are enough life jackets available in sizes suitable for them. With these measures in place, everyone can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water.

Use this link to apply for Canadian boat registration. 
Licencing and Canadian Boat Registration Support for Your Journey 
When it comes handling Canadian vessel registration and licensing forms, we’re here to help.

For years, we have assisted with documentation for pleasure crafts as well as vessels on the Small and Large Vessel Registry, making the process simpler for you.

Our site offers a convenient way to acquire, renew, or transfer licenses and registration quickly. With our efficient platform, staying on top of your vessel’s compliance requirements is easy.

These laws below may be applicable to you and your vessel: 

Regulations

77 The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Part, including regulations

(a) respecting the registration of vessels and fleets and the listing and recording of vessels;
(b) respecting the issuance and renewal of certificates of registry;
(c) respecting the suspension and cancellation of the registration of a Canadian vessel or a fleet, and the suspension and cancellation of the listing of a Canadian vessel;
(d) respecting the naming and marking of vessels;
(e) respecting the port of registration;
(f) respecting the form and manner of notifying the Chief Registrar under sections 58 and 75.1;
(g) respecting the evidence that owners of vessels previously registered in a foreign state must provide to prove that the vessels are no longer registered in the foreign state;
(h) respecting the calculation of the tonnage of vessels and the issuance of certificates of tonnage; and
(h.1) respecting the exemption of vessels or classes of vessels from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1);
(h.2) authorizing the Minister to exempt, by order, vessels or classes of vessels from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1) for the period specified in the regulations and on any terms and conditions that he or she considers appropriate, if he or she is of the opinion that the exemption is not likely to adversely affect marine safety, and authorizing the Minister to amend or revoke an exemption;
(h.3) respecting an authorization under paragraph (h.2); and
(i) prescribing anything that may be prescribed under this Part.


2001, c. 26, s. 77
2011, c. 15, s. 43

Previous Version

Offences and Punishment

Marginal note:

Contravention of Act or regulations

78 (1) Every person commits an offence who contravenes

(a) subsection 57(4) (wilfully defacing, altering, concealing or removing markings); or
(b) a provision of the regulations made under paragraph 77(h).


Marginal note:
Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.

Marginal note:

Contravention of Act or regulations

79 (1) Every person commits an offence who contravenes

(a) subsection 46(2) (register vessel);
(b) an order made under subsection 52(4) (renaming of vessel);
(c) subsection 57(1) (mark vessel);
(d) subsection 57(3) (maintenance of markings);
(e) subsection 58(1) (notify of changes — authorized representative);
(f) subsection 58(2) (notify of alteration — authorized representative);
(g) subsection 58(3) (notify if no authorized representative — owner);
(h) subsection 58(4) (notify of completion of construction);
(i) subsection 63(1) (operation of vessel without a certificate on board);
(j) subsection 63(2) (deliver certificate to person entitled to operate vessel);
(k) subsection 63(3) (deliver certificate to Chief Registrar);
(l) subsection 64(2) (fly Canadian flag);
(l.1) subsection 75.09(2) (maintenance of markings);
(l.2) subsection 75.1(1) (notification of changes — name and address);
(l.3) subsection 75.1(2) (notification of changes — number of vessels);
(l.4) subsection 75.1(3) (notification of changes — owner);
(l.5) section 75.13 (delivery of certificate); or
(m) a provision of the regulations made under any of paragraphs 77(a) to (g).


Marginal note:
Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.
Marginal note:
Continuing offence
(3) If an offence under paragraph (1)(a) or (c) is committed or continued on more than one day, the person who committed it is liable to be convicted for a separate offence for each day on which it is committed or continued.


2001, c. 26, s. 79
2011, c. 15, s. 44
2023, c. 26, s. 369

 

Registration, Listing and Recording

Interpretation

Definition of Minister

41 In this Part, Minister means the Minister of Transport.

Canadian Register of Vessels and Registrars

Marginal note:

Appointment of Chief Registrar

42 An officer, to be known as the Chief Registrar, is to be appointed or deployed under the Public Service Employment Act.

Marginal note:

Duties and powers of Chief Registrar

43 (1) The Chief Registrar is responsible for establishing and maintaining a register to be known as the Canadian Register of Vessels. The Chief Registrar is to divide the Register into parts, including a small vessel register, for the classes of vessels that the Chief Registrar specifies.
Marginal note:
Records
(2) The Register is to contain records of the information and documents specified by the Chief Registrar in respect of a Canadian vessel or a fleet that is registered under this Part, including its description, its official number, the name and address of its owner and, in the case of a vessel that is not registered in the small vessel register, details of all mortgages registered in respect of it.


2001, c. 26, s. 43
2011, c. 15, s. 38

Previous Version

Marginal note:

Registrars

44 (1) The Chief Registrar may appoint the registrars that the Chief Registrar considers necessary.
Marginal note:
Duties of registrars
(2) A registrar is to perform the duties and fulfill the responsibilities that the Chief Registrar assigns to the registrar.

Marginal note:

Immunity

45 The Chief Registrar and the registrars are not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Act.

Registration, Listing and Recording

Marginal note:

Mandatory registration of vessels

46 (1) Unless it is exempted under the regulations, a vessel must be registered under this Part if it

(a) is not a pleasure craft;
(b) is wholly owned by qualified persons; and
(c) is not registered, listed or otherwise recorded in a foreign state.


Marginal note:
Owner’s obligation
(2) Every owner of a vessel that is required by subsection (1) to be registered under this Part shall ensure that it is so registered.
Marginal note:
Mandatory registration — government vessels
(3) Every government vessel must be registered under this Part.


2001, c. 26, s. 46
2011, c. 15, s. 39

Previous Version

Marginal note:

Optional registration

47 Unless they are registered, listed or otherwise recorded in a foreign state, the following vessels may be registered under this Part:

(a) a pleasure craft that is wholly owned by qualified persons;
(a.1) a vessel that is exempted under the regulations from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1) and that is wholly owned by qualified persons;
(b) a vessel that is owned by a corporation incorporated under the laws of a foreign state if one of the following is acting with respect to all matters relating to the vessel, namely,

(i) a subsidiary of the corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province,
(ii) an employee or a director in Canada of a branch office of the corporation that is carrying on business in Canada, or
(iii) a ship management company incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province; and


(c) a vessel that is in the exclusive possession of a qualified person under a financing agreement under which the person will acquire ownership on completion of the agreement.


2001, c. 26, s. 47
2011, c. 15, s. 40

Previous Version

Marginal note:

Bare-boat chartered vessels

48 A vessel that is registered in a foreign state and that is bare-boat chartered exclusively to a qualified person may be listed under this Part as a bare-boat chartered vessel for the duration of the charter if, for the duration of the charter, the registration is suspended in respect of the right to fly the flag of that state.

Marginal note:

Vessels under construction

49 A vessel that is about to be built or that is under construction in Canada may be temporarily recorded in the Register as a vessel being built in Canada.

Marginal note:

Vessels built outside Canada

50 Notwithstanding sections 46 to 48, the Minister may direct the Chief Registrar to refuse to register or list a vessel built outside Canada.

Application

Marginal note:

Application

51 (1) An application for the registration, listing or recording of a vessel must be made in the form and manner, include the information and be accompanied by the documents specified by the Chief Registrar.
Marginal note:
Further evidence
(2) In addition to the specified information and documents, the Chief Registrar may require an applicant to provide evidence, including declarations, that the Chief Registrar considers necessary to establish that a vessel is required or entitled to be registered or is entitled to be listed or recorded.

Names of Vessels

Marginal note:

Before registration or listing

52 (1) Every vessel, other than one to be registered in the small vessel register, must be named in the form and manner specified by the Chief Registrar before it is registered or listed.
Marginal note:
Approval of names
(2) The Chief Registrar may, on application, approve the name of a vessel before it is registered or listed and approve a change in the name of a Canadian vessel.
Marginal note:
Disallowance of names
(3) The Chief Registrar must disallow a name if

(a) it is the same as the name of a Canadian vessel;
(b) it is likely, in the opinion of the Chief Registrar, to be confused with the name of a Canadian vessel or with a distress signal;
(c) it is likely, in the opinion of the Chief Registrar, to be offensive to members of the public; or
(d) its use is prohibited under an Act of Parliament.


Marginal note:
Requiring renaming
(4) The Minister may order that a Canadian vessel be renamed if the Minister considers that its name would prejudice the international reputation of Canada.

Ownership of Vessels

Marginal note:

Shares

53 (1) For the purposes of registration, the property in a vessel is divided into 64 shares.
Marginal note:
Registered owners
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), only owners or joint owners of a vessel or of one or more shares in a vessel may be registered in the Register as owners of the vessel or shares, as the case may be.
Marginal note:
Registered owners — financing agreements
(3) In the case of a vessel described in paragraph 47(c) (a vessel subject to a financing agreement), the persons referred to in that paragraph are to be registered in the Register as the owners of the vessel.
Marginal note:
Bare-boat charterers
(4) In the case of a vessel described in section 48 (a bare-boat chartered vessel), no person may be registered in the Register as an owner of the vessel.
Marginal note:
Registration of joint owners
(5) No more than five persons may be registered in the Register as joint owners of a vessel or a share in a vessel.
Marginal note:
Disposition of registered joint interests
(6) A registered jointly owned interest in a vessel or a share in a vessel may be disposed of only by the joint owners acting together.
Marginal note:
Registration of fractions prohibited
(7) No person may be registered as the owner of a fractional part of a share in a vessel.
Marginal note:
No effect on beneficial owners
(8) This section does not affect the beneficial interests of a person represented by or claiming through an owner of a vessel or a share in a vessel.
Marginal note:
Trusts not recognized
(9) No notice of a trust may be entered in the Register.

Certificates

Marginal note:

Certificates of registry

54 (1) If the Chief Registrar is satisfied that all of the requirements of registration or listing have been met with respect to a vessel, the Chief Registrar must register or list the vessel, as the case may be, in the Register and issue a certificate of registry.
Marginal note:
Information
(2) Every certificate of registry in respect of a vessel must contain the information specified by the Chief Registrar, including

(a) its description;
(b) its official number; and
(c) the name and address of

(i) in the case of a vessel described in paragraph 47(b) (a vessel owned by a foreign corporation), the authorized representative,
(ii) in the case of a vessel described in section 48 (a bare-boat chartered vessel), the bare-boat charterer, and
(iii) in any other case, its owner and the authorized representative.




Marginal note:

Period of validity
(3) Every certificate of registry is valid for the period specified by the Chief Registrar.

A passenger vessel refers to any vessel that transports at least one individual who has paid for the trip. This category encompasses vessels utilized for various activities, including sightseeing tours, water taxis, ferries, and harbor cruises. Essentially, it applies to all vessels earning income from passengers.

If you have passengers, then you have a commercial vessel.