FAQs: International Transfers

Not everyone is lucky enough to find the boat they want to purchase right in their own backyard. It would be ideal if you had a broker, previous owner, or manufacturer around the corner offering just the vessel you want at the price that is perfect for you, but things rarely work out that way. Many Canadians do end up buying boats that are manufactured and registered in the United States, and if you end up doing something like this, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the process involved before you get ready to bring the boat into Canada. Knowing the best ways to import a boat from the USA can save you from potential headaches and problems when you are bringing the vessel across the border.
Import a Boat from the USA: Gathering Information Before Import
You want to make sure that you have all your paperwork in order before the date in which you are planning to bring your boat into Canada. Preparing ahead of time will help ensure that you do not overlook something you may need or make an error on any of your paperwork that could cause a problem or delay. A bill of sale is a necessity when importing, so you want to make sure you have something from the broker or the deal to help smooth the transition. You will also need to have your identification so that you can prove you are a Canadian citizen.


The Day of Import
When the day arrives that you are going to import a boat from the USA into Canada, you will have a few steps to take. If you are transporting the boat by water, you will need to stop at one of the designated ports on your route so that you can contact the proper customs officials. They will inspect your paperwork and the boat to make sure everything is correct. If you are traveling by land, you will need to stop at the border to have everything confirmed by Canadian customs officers at the border. In either situation, you will also need to pay any appropriate tax or duty that may be owned (the amount can vary) before the vessel can be brought into Canada.
Registration After Import
Once you have gone through the process so you can import a boat from the USA, you will want to look into the registration process or licensing so that your vessel can have all the legal information you need to operate in Canada. Here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we can assist you with any and all the paperwork you might need to file with Transport Canada as part of the process. We provide all the applications in electronic form so that you can do everything on your computer, and our fast and secure system allows you to complete everything quickly and get it to us so that we can send your paperwork to Transport Canada for you. With our assistance, you can accomplish all you need to do so that your new ship is ready to go.

Boat transfers in Canada can be a complex process, requiring many forms and permits to be obtained. If you are looking to buy or sell a boat, it is important to understand the requirements for a successful transfer. In Canada, Transport Canada is responsible for overseeing all aspects of boating, including the transfer of boats between owners. However, many boat owners have found that using a private online permit service like the National Vessel Registry can offer several benefits for your Canada boat transfer over going through Transport Canada directly.
Streamline Your Transfer Process
One of the biggest benefits of using the National Vessel Registry for your boat transfer is the ease and convenience of the process. In order to complete a Canada boat transfer with Transport Canada, the owner must send in a number of forms and documents, which can take time and be hard to understand. However, the National Vessel Registry provides a streamlined online platform that allows boat owners to easily submit all of the necessary paperwork and permits from the comfort of their own homes. This can save you a great deal of time and hassle, as you won't need to worry about navigating the often-confusing bureaucracy of Transport Canada.
Expert Assistance
When you use the National Vessel Registry to transfer your boat, you will also get expert advice and help at every step of the way. The National Vessel Registry has a team of well-trained professionals who know all about the rules for boating in Canada and can help you through the whole process of transferring. This can help you a lot if you are new to boating in Canada or don't know the rules and regulations about boat transfers. Also, the National Vessel Registry's website has a lot of helpful tools and resources, such as a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), blog posts, and more, to make sure that your transfer goes smoothly.

One of the most important things to consider when doing a boat transfer in Canada is the legal and financial liability involved. When you transfer ownership of a boat, you are also transferring any legal or financial liability associated with that vessel. This can include things like unpaid taxes or fees, outstanding fines, or even legal disputes. By using a private online permit service like the National Vessel Registry, you can make sure that all of the legal and financial checks are done before the transfer is finalized. This can help protect both the buyer and the seller from any potential legal or financial headaches down the line.
Transferring Boat Ownership With A Pleasure Craft License
How you change who owns your boat will depend on how Transport Canada has written it up. A Pleasure Craft License (PCL) is required by the government under certain circumstances. Specifically, a PCL is required for any vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more that is operated for recreational purposes. You can transfer a PCL by signing it over to the new owner and providing the required documentation to Transport Canada: a bill of sale, copies of valid government identification for both the buyer and seller and a full-size, color photograph of the vessel's side profile.

Every vessel used for commercial purposes or that travels internationally under the Canadian flag must be registered with Transport Canada. This also applies to boats bought through a maritime mortgage. Transport Canada requires a Form 6—Bill of Sale and a Form 3—Statement of Qualification for processing when transferring ownership of a registered vessel.
All Your Boating Needs In One Location
In addition to these benefits, there are many other reasons why using the National Vessel Registry can be a better option than going through Transport Canada directly. For example, the National Vessel Registry offers many other services related to boating, such as boat registration, boat licenses, and even boat financing. This can make it a one-stop shop for all of your boating needs, saving you time and hassle in the long run.

Easily Complete Your Transaction Online By Using Our Web Forms
If you are looking to do a Canada boat transfer, using a private online permit service like the National Vessel Registry can offer many benefits over going through Transport Canada directly.  You can accomplish your ownership transfer utilizing our streamlined web forms. At the National Vessel Registration Center, we facilitate the online processing of your Transport Canada paperwork. 

The National Vessel Registry can help make sure that your transfer goes smoothly and that you get all the permits and paperwork you need. This can be done in a way that is easy and convenient for you, with the help of our experts. Additionally, by using the National Vessel Registry, you can help protect yourself from any potential legal or financial liabilities associated with the transfer. 

If you are looking for a better way to transfer ownership of your boat, consider using the National Vessel Registry for a streamlined, hassle-free experience. Contact one of our expert customer service representatives for additional information.