FAQs: Mandatory Documentation & Compliance

In Canada, any non-pleasure boat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more, as well as commercial river rafts, must have a Certificate of Registry issued by Transport Canada. 



This requirement ensures that every commercial boat operating within Canadian waters is properly identified, legally authorized for operation, and compliant with federal maritime standards.

The registration connects the boat to its owner, provides a unique official number, and serves as proof of nationality—something that’s essential for commercial operations both within Canada and abroad.

Whether you operate a fishing boat, ferry, tug, or barge, if your boat isn’t classified purely as a pleasure craft and meets the power threshold, you must have it registered under the appropriate register before it’s used in commercial service.
What Is a Certificate of Registry?
A Certificate of Registry is an official document issued by Transport Canada that establishes a boat’s identity and ownership under the Canadian flag. It is proof that the boat has been entered into the Canadian Register of Vessels or the Small Vessel Register. The certificate records critical details such as:

The name of the registered owner or company
The boat’s official number
The port of registry
The type, size, and tonnage of the boat

This certificate is distinct from a pleasure craft licence, which applies only to recreational boats. A Certificate of Registry, by contrast, is for boats that operate for commercial purposes—meaning those used for fishing, passenger transport, towing, freight movement, or any other form of profit-generating activity.

Having this registration also allows a boat to operate internationally under the Canadian flag, which can be crucial for trade, insurance, and compliance with international maritime standards.


Types of Registration: Canadian Register of Vessels vs. Small Vessel Register 
Transport Canada maintains two main types of commercial registration systems: the Canadian Register of Vessels and the Small Vessel Register (Commercial).

Canadian Register of Vessels:

This register is intended for larger commercial boats or those that require the ability to hold a marine mortgage. It provides full documentation of ownership and details that are publicly accessible.

Small Vessel Register (Commercial):

The Small Vessel Register, sometimes referred to informally as the “small boat register,” is meant for smaller commercial boats that meet the engine requirement but do not need to carry a marine mortgage. 

This register simplifies compliance for smaller operators while still ensuring that the boat is fully recognized and traceable by Transport Canada.

Both registers provide a valid Certificate of Registry once the registration is approved, allowing the boat to operate legally for commercial use.


Which Boats Must Have a Certificate of Registry?
To clarify, any boat that meets the following conditions must have a Certificate of Registry before being used for commercial purposes in Canada:

Non-pleasure boats with engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more
Commercial river rafts used for guided tours, rentals, or other profit-making ventures
Fishing boats used for catching fish commercially or transporting fish for sale
Workboats, tugboats, ferries, barges, and charter boats used for commercial operations

If a boat fits any of these categories, it cannot simply rely on a pleasure craft licence. 

The licence is designed exclusively for recreational use and does not meet the legal or safety requirements for commercial activity.

Pleasure craft, on the other hand, such as personal boats used strictly for leisure, are typically licensed rather than registered. 

However, if a pleasure craft begins to be used for any type of commercial purpose—even occasionally—it would need to be registered with Transport Canada to operate legally.
Why Commercial Boats Need to Be Registered
Commercial registration isn’t just a formality—it’s an essential step for compliance with Canadian maritime laws, transparency, and international recognition. 

You can review some of the official federal guidelines here through Canadian maritime laws.

Key reasons for requiring a Certificate of Registry include:

Legal Identification: It serves as the boat’s legal identity, confirming ownership and flag state.
Proof of Nationality: The certificate demonstrates that the boat is registered under the Canadian flag, giving it access to certain protections and privileges when operating in international waters.
Commercial Credibility: Registered boats are viewed as legitimate and trustworthy, helping owners meet insurance, chartering, and financing requirements.
Operational Authorization: Certain ports, contracts, and international routes require proof of registry before allowing operations.

Without a valid registration, commercial operators risk penalties, denied insurance coverage, and even seizure of their boats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWm090ZFaaw
Do Pleasure Craft Need Registration? 
No. Boats used purely for recreation fall under different regulations. Instead of a Certificate of Registry, they require a pleasure craft licence if they have an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more.

A pleasure craft licence identifies the boat but does not establish ownership or nationality in the same way that a registration does. It’s meant for non-commercial, leisure use only. 

Once a pleasure craft starts being used for profit-making purposes—such as charter services, tours, or fishing—it must transition to the appropriate commercial registration.

This distinction is crucial because using a licensed pleasure craft for commercial activity is not permitted under Transport Canada regulations.
How Our Portal Makes the Process Easier
At the Canadian Vessel Registry, we make it easier to obtain the forms necessary to apply for your Certificate of Registry. 

Rather than dealing directly with complex government sites or searching through Transport Canada’s forms, you can access everything you need from one secure online location.

Our portal allows you to:

Access the correct registration form for your commercial boat
Submit the required information online through an intuitive platform
Apply for first-time registration or transfer of ownership conveniently
Manage renewals and related documentation digitally

We streamline the process so that Canadian boat owners can focus on running their businesses, not on navigating paperwork.
Operating Legally With a Certificate of Registry
Once your commercial boat is registered, you’ll receive an official Certificate of Registry from Transport Canada. This document must be carried onboard at all times and displayed as required. 

The official number and name of the boat must also be marked permanently on its hull according to Transport Canada specifications.

If your certificate is lost, damaged, or expired, you can reapply through our portal for a boat registration replacement or renewal. 

Keeping your registration up to date is not only a legal obligation but also a practical safeguard against interruptions in your commercial operations.
Simplifying Your Registration with the Canadian Vessel Registry
Our online service allows Canadian boat owners and commercial operators to complete their registration forms quickly and securely. 

Whether you need to apply for a new Certificate of Registry, renew an existing one, or make ownership changes, our digital platform provides a fast, accessible solution.

Instead of managing multiple forms and submissions through separate government departments, you can handle everything in one place. 

This helps ensure that your registration remains valid, accurate, and compliant with Canadian maritime laws.

With our streamlined service, you can meet Transport Canada requirements and keep your operations running smoothly—all from a single, easy-to-use online platform.

Check it out today. 

 

You might already know this, but all the information registered with Transport Canada goes to their registry, which is the comprehensive database that holds all data related to a particular vessel. Not only does this help them keep track of all the vessels using Canadian waters and access contact information in case an owner needs to be reached, but it also provides vessel owners with reliable transcripts of relevant data. Let’s take a closer look at what the boat history check system can do for you.




Making Use the Boat History Check




The boat history check system is the official mechanism provided by Transport Canada that allows users to consult their comprehensive database of vessel information. What will this help with? This allows a government agency to keep track of the vessels navigating national waters. By doing so, this will also allow citizens and boat owners to keep track of the documentation corresponding to their boat across different ownerships and registration periods. Whether you are looking to register your own vessel or to consult the database, we can easily guide you through the process. Let’s go over some of the different ways in which you can interact, consult, or request information from the vessel registration check.




Requesting History Checks for Vessels




So, if you need some brief information about a vessel that has been registered with Transport Canada, the quickest way to access it will be through the query system. The vessel registration query system is available on the Transport Canada website. You will need to provide the official number under which the vessel is registered so that you’re able to get straightforward data about it. Don’t expect this to be very comprehensive, though, because it won’t be. However, if what you’re looking for is more specific information that includes different ownerships, you’ll have to request a document from Transport Canada. This is called a transcript.




Receiving a Documentation Transcript




Now, if you ever need to cross check information, consult previous ownership documents, or provide proof of the vessel’s financial standing, you can always submit a request for a transcript. This will be a comprehensive history of the documentation associated with the vessel in question, be it related to its different ownerships, its finances, or its history. In order to request this document, you can simply submit the corresponding transcript form here on our website. In only a few weeks, you will be receiving a comprehensive history of this particular boat. Transcripts can be a great way to gain insight into a vessel’s history, all the registered information.




Submit Forms to Transport Canada




Boat documentation, like any other kind of bureaucratic paperwork, can be very inconvenient and tedious to deal with. However, that doesn’t have to be the case, at least not when you can count on the National Vessel Registry Center. Our platform is here for you to easily and smoothly submit your forms, pay the application fee, and receive your documentation as soon as possible. You can find all the relevant forms here on our website and, should you need any help at some point, you can always contact us through the number and email address found above to receive the corresponding assistance.

Boat registration numbers, also known as hull identification numbers or HINs, are a unique series of letters and numbers assigned to boats for identification purposes. In Canada, boat registration numbers are required for all boats with a motor, regardless of the size or type of boat. In this blog post, we will explore what boat registration numbers are and why they are important. We will also discuss how to get boat numbers in Canada and how the National Vessel Registry Center can help streamline the process.
What Are Boat Registration Numbers For? 
Boat registration numbers serve several important purposes. Firstly, they allow authorities to identify and track boats for safety and regulatory purposes. This is especially important in cases of accidents or emergencies, as it enables authorities to quickly locate and identify the boat involved. Secondly, boat registration numbers help prevent theft and fraud. By requiring boats to display unique identification numbers, it becomes more difficult for thieves to sell stolen boats or parts. Finally, boat registration numbers help enforce boating laws and regulations, such as speed limits and no-wake zones.
How Can I Obtain My Boat Registration Number?
To obtain a boat registration number in Canada, boat owners must first register their boat with Transport Canada. This involves filling out several forms and providing documentation such as proof of ownership and proof of insurance. 

The next step is to hand in an application that is in its entirety to the boating registration office in your state. It is necessary to provide specifics such as the name of the ship, its length, as well as the names of the captain and crew members. In addition, some states require you to include supporting documentation with your application, such as evidence that you are the owner of the boat or proof that you have insurance. This is where things start to get unclear: The requirements for registering a boat in a state can vary greatly.

Once the boat is registered, the owner will be issued a unique registration number and a set of decals displaying the number. The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the boat's bow in block letters that are at least 7.5 cm (3 inches) high and in a contrasting color to the boat's hull.
An Easier Approach To a Registration Number
While obtaining a boat registration number in Canada is a relatively straightforward process, it can be time-consuming and confusing for those unfamiliar with the process. This is where the National Vessel Registry Center can be a valuable resource. As a private online service, the National Vessel Registry Center offers a streamlined and user-friendly platform for obtaining boat registration numbers and other boating permits. By providing a simple online form and personalized support, the National Vessel Registry Center can help boat owners navigate the registration process quickly and easily.

In some states, prior to submitting an application for a registration number, you are required to have the information you provide notarized so that a public notary can attest to its accuracy. If, on the other hand, you are just an average person who wants to get a boat license so that you can go boating on the river or the lake, you will find all of the information that you require right here. Your sole duty is to ensure that the vessel you are sailing in is equipped with all of the necessary safety gear. 
Additional Benefits
There are several benefits to using the National Vessel Registry Center for obtaining a boat registration number or other boating permits. Firstly, the online platform allows boat owners to complete the registration process from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for in-person visits or paperwork. Secondly, the personalized support offered by the National Vessel Registry Center can help ensure that the registration process goes smoothly and any issues are quickly resolved. Finally, the National Vessel Registry Center offers a fast and efficient service, with most registrations processed within 24 hours.

In addition to providing assistance with boat registration numbers, the National Vessel Registry Center can also help with other important boating permits and certifications. These include pleasure craft operator cards, commercial vessel licenses, and radio licenses. By centralizing all of these services in one place, the National Vessel Registry Center makes it easier for boat owners to ensure that they are compliant with all necessary regulations and certifications.

Get Your Boat Registration Number Today
Boat registration numbers are a vital component of boating safety and regulation in Canada. By requiring boats to display unique identification numbers, authorities can more easily enforce boating laws and track boats in cases of accidents or emergencies. While obtaining a boat registration number can be a time-consuming and confusing process, the National Vessel Registry Center offers a simple and user-friendly platform for boat owners to obtain their registration number and other necessary boating permits. By using the National Vessel Registry Center, boat owners can ensure that they are compliant with all necessary regulations and enjoy a safe and stress-free boating experience. Contact the National Vessel Registry Center or more information about how to get a boat number and register your boat today.