FAQs: FAQs for Small Commercial Vessel

The answer depends on how the boat is used, its propulsion, and its size. In most cases, a boat needs small boat registration when it is used commercially, has a gross tonnage under 15, and is powered by an engine rated at 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more. 



This applies to many working boats across Canada, and determining the correct register at the outset helps prevent delays, rejected submissions, or the need to reapply later. Through our online service, we make it easier to access the correct federal forms so you can apply to the appropriate register with confidence.
What Small Boat Registration Is Designed For
The Small Vessel Register exists to record ownership and basic details for specific commercial boats that meet defined criteria. It is not intended for recreational use, and it is not interchangeable with a pleasure craft licence. The register is structured to support commercial activity while maintaining consistency with Canadian maritime laws, including those administered through Transport Canada.

Boats commonly placed on the Small Vessel Register include:

Commercial boats operating on inland or coastal waters


Working boats that do not exceed the gross tonnage threshold


Boats powered by engines meeting the minimum power requirement


Certain barges and non-powered commercial platforms within the size limit



Our service focuses on helping boat owners access the correct registration forms online, allowing them to move forward without confusion about which register applies.
Core Eligibility Factors for the Small Vessel Register
Determining whether your boat is eligible for small boat registration involves reviewing a few objective factors. These criteria are applied consistently, regardless of the type of commercial operation involved.
Gross Tonnage Requirements
Gross tonnage is a measurement of a boat’s internal volume, not its weight. For the Small Vessel Register:

The boat must measure less than 15 gross tons


Measurement is based on recognized tonnage calculation standards


Boats at or near the threshold should verify tonnage before applying



If your boat exceeds this limit, it must be registered on the Large Vessel Register instead.
Engine Power Threshold
In addition to tonnage, engine size plays a role:

The engine must be rated at 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more


This applies to inboard and outboard motors


Boats below this power level may fall outside federal registration requirements



These specifications help Transport Canada categorize boats accurately for commercial oversight.

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Commercial Use and Its Role in Registration
Commercial use is one of the most significant factors in deciding where your boat belongs. The Small Vessel Register applies to boats used to generate income or support business activity.

Examples of commercial use include:

Fishing or aquaculture operations


Passenger transport for hire


Support boats for marine construction


Guided excursions or instructional use



If your boat is strictly recreational, federal registration is generally not required, though a pleasure craft licence may still apply. We help clarify these distinctions by directing you to the appropriate registration forms rather than leaving you to interpret regulatory language alone.
Special Categories Included on the Small Vessel Register
Some boats qualify for the Small Vessel Register based on their function rather than traditional design.
Commercial River Rafts
Commercial river rafts are eligible when:

They are used as part of a paid operation


They meet the applicable tonnage limits


They fall under federal oversight due to commercial activity



These boats are often overlooked, but they remain subject to registration requirements when operated for profit.
Barges Under the Tonnage Limit
Certain barges also qualify:

Gross tonnage of 15 or less


Used commercially


Whether powered or non-powered



In these cases, registration ensures ownership is properly recorded at the federal level.


Situations That Require the Large Vessel Register Instead
Not every commercial boat under 15 gross tons belongs on the Small Vessel Register. There are circumstances where the Large Vessel Register is required, regardless of size.

You must use the Large Vessel Register if you plan to:

Record a marine mortgage


Reserve or officially register a boat name


Engage in transactions that require title clarity beyond basic ownership



This distinction is especially relevant for financing, long-term commercial planning, and operations involving multiple stakeholders.
Mortgages, Naming, and Registration Strategy
The ability to register a mortgage or secure a unique boat name is limited to the Large Vessel Register. For some owners, this means choosing the Large Vessel Register even when the boat would otherwise qualify as small.

Common reasons owners select the Large Vessel Register include:

Financing arrangements that require a registered mortgage


Branding needs tied to a specific boat name


Long-term asset planning for resale or transfer



We provide direct access to both sets of federal forms so you can select the register that aligns with your operational goals.


Relationship to Other Canadian Boat Requirements
Boat registration in Canada can involve multiple systems, each serving a different purpose. Federal registration is only one piece of the broader framework.
Registration Versus Licensing
It is important to distinguish between registration and licensing:

Registration applies primarily to commercial boats


Licensing applies primarily to recreational boats


The two systems are not interchangeable



A pleasure craft licence identifies recreational boats but does not establish the same ownership record as federal registration.
Federal Oversight and Legal Context
Transport Canada administers the registration system under Canadian maritime laws. When legal context is relevant, reference can be made to applicable legislation, such as those outlined in the Canada Shipping Act.

These rules provide the authority for registration requirements and define how different categories of boats are regulated.


Common Scenarios We See From Boat Owners
Many boat owners come to us after encountering uncertainty about which register applies. These situations often involve transitions or changes in use.

Examples include:

A recreational boat converted for commercial use


A growing operation that now requires financing


A boat used for bareboat charters in Canada


Owners moving from provincial systems to federal registration



Our role is to simplify access to the correct federal forms so these transitions are handled efficiently.
How Our Online Service Helps
We operate as an online portal that provides access to federal registration forms for both the Small Vessel Register and the Large Vessel Register. We do not secure approvals. Instead, we focus on making the official forms easier to access and submit correctly.

Through our service, you can:

Select the appropriate register based on your boat’s details


Access up-to-date federal forms online


Reduce uncertainty when applying for Transport Canada boat registration


Avoid common errors caused by choosing the wrong register



This approach allows boat owners to move forward with clarity while maintaining control over their application.


Small Boat Registration and Operational Planning
Choosing the correct register at the outset supports smoother operations over time. While small boat registration is designed for simplicity, it still creates a federal ownership record that may be referenced for compliance, inspections, or future changes.

Owners often consider:

Whether the boat’s use may expand


Whether financing may be needed later


Whether ownership transfers are likely



Planning ahead can help avoid the need to re-register on a different register later.
Applying Through the Correct Register
When you are ready to apply:

Boats that meet the tonnage and power limits and are used commercially may apply to the Small Vessel Register


Boats that require a mortgage or name must apply to the Large Vessel Register



Our portal provides direct access to both application paths, allowing you to choose without navigating multiple government pages.


How We Reduce Confusion for Boat Owners
Many registration issues arise simply because owners are unsure where their boat belongs. By clearly separating the Small Vessel Register and the Large Vessel Register within our service, we help reduce misfilings and unnecessary delays.

We assist by:

Presenting the correct forms in one place


Clarifying which register aligns with your boat’s use


Supporting accurate boat registration in Canada through accessible online tools



This structure allows owners to focus on their operations rather than administrative uncertainty.
When to Revisit Your Registration Choice
A boat’s registration needs can change over time. You may need to reassess if:

The boat’s commercial activity expands


Ownership structure changes


Financing becomes necessary


The boat is repurposed



In these cases, understanding whether small boat registration still meets your needs is essential. We remain available as a form-access resource whenever those needs evolve.
Using Federal Registration as a Foundation
Federal registration creates a consistent ownership record recognized across Canada. Whether you are registering a working boat, a barge, or a commercial raft, choosing the correct register supports compliance and operational clarity.

By using our service, you gain streamlined access to the appropriate federal forms while maintaining alignment with Transport Canada requirements. This ensures your registration choice supports both current operations and future planning without unnecessary complications.
A Clear Path Forward
Knowing whether your boat belongs on the Small Vessel Register starts with understanding tonnage, engine power, and commercial use. From there, selecting the correct register becomes a practical decision rather than a guess.

Our role is to make that decision easier by providing the right federal forms in one place. With clear criteria and accessible tools, small boat registration becomes a manageable step rather than an obstacle.

You just bought a brand-new boat. You are probably itching to untie from the dock and head out onto the lake. That is only understandable–it probably took months of research and years of saving to finally purchase your very own vessel. While you have certainly unlocked a liberating pastime, there is some paperwork that you will need to complete. For starters, you are going to want to determine whether or not your boat belongs on the small vessel registry. There are a number of different types of licenses and registrations in Canada, and determining what type of documentation you need will primarily depend on what your boat is being used for. 

If you are like many leisure or casual boaters, you are probably looking to go out fishing, sightseeing, or tubing with your friends and family. If your boat has an engine with a horsepower of 10 or more, you will need a Pleasure Craft License (PCL) to engage in these activities with your vessel. A PCL will cover most motorized vessels that are used for non-commercial or recreational purposes. If your boat is going above and beyond such activities, however, you may need to pursue vessel registration. 
Meeting the Requirements for Vessel Registration
Only vessels meeting select criteria are mandated to complete registration–though it is a service that is available to all boats. Any boat that is being used for commercial purposes–charters, industrial fishing, tours–must complete a registration with Transport Canada. This is also true of boats that are financed with a marine mortgage. Additionally, if you are planning to travel under the Canadian flag on international waters, it is compulsory to register your vessel.

There are some benefits to be enjoyed by registering your vessel. For starters, you will be issued a completely unique name of your choosing. If you want to stand out from your peers down at the dock, vessel registration is one way to do so. With registration, you also do not have to worry about obtaining or renewing a PCL–your registration is all the documentation you will need, in that case.
How to Enter the Small Vessel Registry
To register your vessel, you will need to complete some paperwork. The application that you submit to Transport Canada should include some information about yourself, as well as your vessel. You will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale. A tonnage measurement and photographs of all four sides of your boat must also be submitted as supplemental materials. 


Use Our Online Forms to Register Your Vessel
While you can use paper forms to submit your registration application via mail, there is a quicker solution. Using our online forms and secure web portal, you can fill out your application in just minutes. We also feature a host of other helpful online services for your vessel documentation needs. If you would like to learn more, please browse our FAQs page, or contact one of our customer service agents by phone or email today.

A Vessel With a Gross Tonnage of 15 Or Less
A small commercial vessel is defined as any commercial vessel with a gross tonnage of up to 15, operating with a passenger capacity of no more than 100 unberthed passengers or 25 berthed passengers.

 

A small vessel registry refers to a designated registration system for Canadian commercial vessels under 15 gross tonnage and powered by a motor of at least 7.5 kW (10 horsepower). When you register in this system, you receive an official number starting with the letter "C" and a Certificate of Registry acknowledging your vessel’s compliance and ownership status. 



Registration in the Small Vessel Register is mandatory for commercial operations meeting these criteria, and it is a key part of Canadian boat documentation.

Our service guides owners through the entire small vessel registry process, from verifying eligibility and calculating tonnage to submitting forms, reserving names if needed, and receiving your official certificate quickly and securely.
What the Small Vessel Registry Covers
The Small Vessel Register is part of the broader Canadian Register of Vessels managed by Transport Canada. It is designed specifically for:

Commercial vessels under 15 gross tonnage powered by 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more


Barges under 15 gross tonnage


Commercial river rafts with similar specifications



This specialized track simplifies documentation for smaller commercial vessels that do not meet thresholds for the Large Vessel Register. Owners registering vessels in the small registry receive a letter‑prefixed official number (e.g. C00000BC), a digital Certificate of Registry, and compliance with applicable regulations.
How the Small Vessel Registry Differs from Large Vessel Registration
Vessels exceeding 15 gross tonnage, wanting reserved names, or intending to register a mortgage must apply through the Canadian Register of Vessels’ larger registry track. That system handles complex documentation and international operations. 

The Small Vessel Register is streamlined for smaller-scale commercial activity. If you wish to reserve a name, file a mortgage, or operate internationally, you’ll need to move into the larger registry even if your vessel meets small-vessel criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for the Small Vessel Register
The key conditions for use of the small registry are:

The vessel is not used for pleasure but for commercial activity


Gross tonnage is 15 or less


Motorized propulsion of 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more


Or a commercial river raft or barge within the same limits



Pleasure craft with motors this size require only a Pleasure Craft Licence, not entry into this registry—unless the owner voluntarily opts into full registration.
Required Documentation for Small Vessel Registration
To register in the small registry, you must complete:

Form 20: Application for Registration, Transfer, or Renewal (Small Commercial Vessel)


Form 3: Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration


Supporting ownership documents (e.g. bill of sale or builder’s certificate) or a declaration (Form 23) if original proof is unavailable


A tonnage measurement, based on simplified or formal methods (Form 4A) if needed


Form 14 if there is more than one owner or foreign corporate ownership



After submission via our platform, Transport Canada issues a digital Certificate of Registry, complete with a QR code for validation. You must mark your vessel clearly with the official number on both sides of the bow in characters at least 75 mm high
Benefits of Enrolling in the Small Vessel Registry
Registering in the small vessel registry grants:

Legal recognition of vessel ownership


A permanent official number visible on your vessel


Eligibility to operate commercially in Canadian waters


Documentation accepted for financing or resale


Compliance alignment with applicable regulations like SOR‑2007‑126 for tonnage and registry processing requirements



Our service empowers you to complete these steps online, minimizing administrative friction and reducing turnaround time.
Renewals, Transfers and Updates in the Small Registry
A Certificate of Registry from the small registry lasts five years. Transport Canada will notify you 45 days before expiry, but it’s your responsibility to renew via Form 20. Ownership changes, vessel name adjustments, or changes of address also require updating within 30 days. Confirming the official number during updates preserves continuity with prior registration 

Our platform supports renewals, changes of ownership, deletions, and duplicate requests as needed.


What Happens During Ownership Transfer or Vessel Changes
When you transfer ownership or modify your vessel, you must submit:

Bill of Sale (Form 6) or Declaration (Form 23)


Form 20 for registration renewal or transfer


Form 8 for transmission due to owner’s death, if applicable


Updated tonnage measurement forms or other modifications



If your vessel’s gross tonnage rises above 15, or you decide to reserve a name or mortgage the vessel, you will need to transition into the larger registry.
Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP)
Even after registration, small commercial vessels must meet operational and safety requirements under regulations such as SOR‑2007‑126. The Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP), offered by Transport Canada, helps vessel operators meet requirements around safety equipment, inspections, and crew standards. While optional, SVCP provides a structured framework for risk management and compliance.

Our service guides you through provisional and first-time registration processes.
Marking and Display Requirements for Small Vessel Registry
After registration, you must:

Permanently attach your official number on each side of the bow in at least 75 mm block letters


Carry your digital certificate onboard at all times


Not laminate the certificate (lamination invalidates it)


Use the QR code for verification when required



Our platform ensures you understand marking obligations and helps you prepare boat-ready compliance.
What Vessels Cannot Use the Small Vessel Registry
Certain vessels are not eligible, including:

Pleasure craft


Vessels above 15 gross tonnage


Vessels requiring name reservation, mortgage status, or intended for international travel


Foreign-built vessels under foreign registry still not transferred to Canada



In these cases, the Canadian Register of Vessels (Large Vessel Register) applies.
How We Help You Manage Small Vessel Registry Steps
We support vessel owners through the small registry lifecycle:

Confirming eligibility and guiding tonnage calculation


Providing access to and digital filing of all required forms


Tracking application status and certificate issuance


Facilitating renewals, transfers, ownership updates, or deletions


Assisting with provisional registration, builder documentation, or ownership disputes



Every step is managed through our secure online portal.
Why Proper Registration Matters
Failure to register when required carries penalties under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Operating a non-registered commercial vessel may invalidate insurance, trigger regulatory enforcement, and risk legal action. Proper registration ensures your vessel is legally recognized and ready for compliant operation. We reference regulations like SOR‑2007‑126 to ensure your documentation and tonnage comply with the law. 

We help simplify registration, manage documents, and keep you compliant so you can focus on operating your vessel safely and legally.

Let us manage your small vessel registry application from start to finish, ensuring compliance, legal status, and uninterrupted operation for your commercial vessel.