FAQs: Vessel Identification & Markings

In Canada, boat numbering identifies not only ownership but also how the boat is recorded with Transport Canada. If you’re trying to interpret or manage your boat registration numbers in Canada, our online service gives you direct access to the Transport Canada forms you need to register or renew.



A boat whose number begins with the letter “C” (for example, C00000BC) is classified as a small commercial boat that was either licensed before July 1, 2007, or registered as of that date in the Small Vessel Register. A boat whose number begins with a number and/or a letter (such as 32E 00000 or BC 00000) is a licensed pleasure craft. This difference reflects whether a boat is recorded under commercial registration or under the pleasure craft licence system. 
How “C” Numbers Identify Small Commercial Boats
A “C” prefix is assigned to boats that meet the small commercial classification. These boats were often in operation before the current system took effect in 2007 and were brought under the Small Vessel Register at that time. Commercial use means these boats are used for work, transport of goods or passengers for hire, or other non-recreational purposes. Being on the Small Vessel Register also gives them a formal link to Canadian maritime laws and Transport Canada oversight.

Many owners of “C”-numbered boats need to maintain their registration status, update ownership information, or renew their certificate. Through our online portal, you can do this quickly without needing to mail in paper forms. We provide the same Transport Canada forms in a streamlined, digital format. This is particularly helpful for operators who have limited time away from their business operations.

Our service also helps commercial boat owners keep their registration active and accurate, reducing delays when changes occur. Whether you’re transferring ownership of a small commercial boat or updating its name, our portal offers the official forms to do so.
How Number- or Letter-Starting Numbers Identify Licensed Pleasure Craft
By contrast, numbers beginning with digits or combinations such as “BC” or “32E” represent a pleasure craft licence. These are boats used solely for recreation—fishing, cruising, water sports—and not for paid transport or commercial activity. Pleasure craft licences are free but still mandatory for powered recreational boats over a certain horsepower. They are separate from registration in the Small Vessel Register.

If you have a boat in this category, you hold or will receive a pleasure craft licence number that must be displayed on the hull. We provide online access to the Transport Canada forms for applying for, transferring, renewing, or replacing your pleasure craft licence. That means you don’t have to navigate multiple web pages to find the right application; you can go to one secure portal and complete your transaction.

For many recreational owners, using our portal saves time and confusion. Whether you’re buying a used boat that already has a number or you’re licensing a brand-new craft, you can process your licence online through the same interface.


Why the Difference Matters for Owners
Recognizing whether your boat falls under the Small Vessel Register or the pleasure craft licence system affects your compliance obligations. A “C”-numbered boat is tied to commercial rules, inspections, and fees, whereas a numbered or lettered pleasure craft licence identifies a boat under a different regime. Both systems serve important roles in safety, tracking, and ownership verification.

Owners who misinterpret their number may delay required renewals or apply for the wrong form. Our portal reduces that risk. We list the exact Transport Canada forms by category—Small Commercial Boat Registration or Pleasure Craft Licence—so you choose correctly from the start.

For businesses operating commercial boats, timely updates are essential to maintain insurance and legal standing. For recreational boaters, keeping your licence current ensures you comply with Canadian maritime laws, which can be reviewed here. We provide the official applications online so you can update your status without guesswork.
Our Online Forms for Small Commercial Boats
When your boat has a “C” number, you’re dealing with the Small Vessel Register. We host Transport Canada’s official forms for:

First-time registration of a small commercial boat. 
Transfer of ownership when selling or gifting your boat. 
Renewal of your existing registration. 
Name change or port of registry change. 
Deletion of registration if the boat is retired or sold internationally. 

All of these forms are in one secure place on our site. You fill them out electronically, and they go directly to Transport Canada for processing. You don’t need to download separate PDFs or search multiple government pages.

This also benefits operators with fleets of small commercial boats. Having a single portal where all necessary forms are located simplifies compliance management across multiple boats.
Our Online Forms for Pleasure Craft Licences
If your boat’s number starts with digits or letters other than “C,” you’re under the pleasure craft licence system. Our site offers the official forms to:

Apply for a new pleasure craft licence. 
Transfer an existing licence to a new owner. 
Obtain a duplicate if your licence certificate is lost. 
Update your address or boat details. 
Renew your existing licence. 

All these actions can be performed online through our portal. Recreational boaters often find that digital submission is faster and clearer than mailing paper applications. You maintain compliance without needing to schedule trips to a Service Canada location.

We also make it easier to display your new number properly. After you receive your updated certificate from Transport Canada, you’ll know exactly which number to apply to your boat’s hull.
Canadian Maritime Laws and Compliance
Both the Small Vessel Register and the pleasure craft licence system fall under federal oversight. Staying current with your registration or licence keeps you in compliance with Canadian maritime laws and ensures you can operate legally. These regulations, including those governing operator obligations and safety requirements, can be reviewed through Canadian maritime laws.

Our role is to give you a clear, efficient way to access the official forms required under these laws. By bringing everything into one portal, we minimize confusion and help you meet deadlines.
Getting Started With Boat Registration Numbers in Canada and More 
If your boat has a “C” number, go to our Small Vessel Register section and select the form that matches your need—renewal, transfer, deletion, or first-time registration.

If your boat starts with digits or letters such as “BC” or “32E,” go to our Pleasure Craft Licence section and choose the right application—new licence, transfer, renewal, or duplicate.

Either way, you’re using the same secure portal that connects to Transport Canada’s system. You maintain compliance with Canadian maritime laws while saving time and effort.

By recognizing the difference between a “C”-prefixed number and a digit- or letter-starting number, boat owners can immediately know whether their craft is recorded under the Small Vessel Register or licensed as a pleasure craft. 

Our online service places every applicable Transport Canada form at your fingertips, simplifying both commercial registration and recreational licensing. 

Whether your priority is keeping your business operations legal or enjoying stress-free weekends on the water, our portal makes it easier to manage your boat registration numbers in Canada from start to finish.

 

When a dinghy is strictly part of the lifesaving equipment of the main boat—used solely for evacuation or emergency purposes—it does not require its own registration. Instead, it should be clearly marked with “TENDER TO [NAME AND OFFICIAL NUMBER OF THE REGISTERED BOAT].” If that dinghy is used for anything beyond lifesaving activities, it cannot share the same number and must be licensed or registered separately.  If you are managing your boat registration in Canada paperwork, our online platform provides a direct and simple way to access the necessary Transport Canada forms so you can comply with these rules quickly.

[caption id="attachment_33984" align="alignnone" width="1200"] boat registration in Canada[/caption]
Lifesaving Equipment vs. Independent Use
The key distinction is how the dinghy is used. A tender or lifeboat that is permanently assigned to a registered boat and only used in emergencies is considered part of that larger boat. These tenders don’t need individual registration but must be labeled with the registered boat’s name and official number.

If, however, the dinghy is used for transport to shore, fishing, water sports, or other activities unrelated to evacuation, Transport Canada considers it a separate boat. In that case, it must be individually licensed or registered. This requirement applies whether the dinghy is inflatable, rigid-hull, or another type of small craft.

Our service helps simplify the process of applying for separate registration or a licence for such small boats. By hosting the correct forms in one place, we make it easier for you to comply with Canadian maritime laws without having to search through multiple websites or offices.
Licensing and Registration Options for Dinghies
For dinghies that cannot be treated as part of lifesaving equipment, owners have two main options:

Apply for a pleasure craft licence if the dinghy is used for non-commercial recreation and fits within Transport Canada’s licensing requirements. 
Register the dinghy under the Small Vessel Register or the Large Vessel Registry, depending on size, tonnage, and usage. 

A pleasure craft licence is typically suited for recreational dinghies with motors of 10 horsepower or more. Registration under the Small Vessel Register is appropriate when the boat is used for commercial purposes or when you want the benefits of a registered name and official number.

Through our site, you can access both pleasure craft licence and Small Vessel Register forms. This enables you to manage all of your boats—including tenders, dinghies, or zodiacs—from one secure online portal.
Why Clear Markings Are Required
When a dinghy is part of lifesaving equipment, Transport Canada requires it to be clearly marked “TENDER TO [NAME AND OFFICIAL NUMBER OF THE REGISTERED BOAT].” This marking ensures enforcement officials can quickly confirm the dinghy’s status and prevents confusion during inspections. It also helps in emergency situations, linking the tender to its parent boat for search and rescue purposes.

Our platform allows you to keep your registration details up to date, making it easier to provide the correct official number for these markings. Having accurate records also protects you if your tender is lost or stolen, as your paperwork can demonstrate its lawful connection to your main boat.
How Our Service Supports Boat Owners
We do not act as Transport Canada, nor do we gather documents for you, but we provide direct access to the necessary forms for:

Large Vessel Registry applications 
Small Vessel Register applications 
Pleasure craft licence updates or transfers 

This means you can begin or update your registration for any boat, including dinghies and tenders, from a single online account. Whether you are applying for a new registration, transferring ownership, or renewing an existing entry, our system helps you find the right form without having to sort through government sites.


Applying for a Pleasure Craft Licence
If your dinghy falls under the licensing category rather than registration, you can apply for a pleasure craft licence online. This licence is free of charge from Transport Canada and applies to non-commercial boats equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more. Even if your dinghy’s motor is smaller, you may still choose to license it voluntarily for identification purposes.

We host the forms to update, renew, or transfer a pleasure craft licence. This makes it easy for boat owners who already manage their main boat registration with us to also handle their small craft licensing from the same account.
Registering Under the Small Vessel Register
Commercial dinghies or tenders that are not part of lifesaving equipment must be registered if they are powered and meet certain tonnage requirements. The Small Vessel Register is the database where such boats are recorded. Registration gives your dinghy an official number, proof of ownership, and the right to a unique name if desired.

By offering the relevant Small Vessel Register forms, we allow boat owners to quickly add a dinghy to their fleet’s official records. This can be especially valuable for charter operations or tourism companies that rely on small boats to transport passengers or equipment.
Legal Considerations
Boat owners in Canada must comply with federal regulations when determining whether to register or license their dinghies. Failing to properly license or register a dinghy that does not qualify as lifesaving equipment can result in penalties or complications during inspections.

You can review the Canadian maritime laws for detailed requirements. While we do not provide legal advice, we make it simple for you to access the right forms to comply with these laws. This saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors when filing.
Practical Scenarios We Often See
We frequently see scenarios where a boat owner keeps an inflatable tender on board for quick trips to shore. Initially, the owner marks it as a tender, but later begins using it for fishing or personal transport separate from the main boat. At that point, it no longer qualifies as lifesaving equipment, and the owner must either license or register it separately.

Another common example is a commercial operator who uses multiple small inflatables to transport guests from a large yacht. Even if the inflatables are stored on board, because they are used commercially beyond evacuation purposes, each one requires its own registration or licence.

In both cases, our platform helps these owners obtain the proper paperwork quickly, without confusion about which form to submit.
Benefits of Managing All Your Boat Paperwork Online
Managing both your main boat’s registration and any associated dinghy licences or registrations in one place can:

Reduce time spent navigating government websites 
Provide a single point of contact for renewals, transfers, or deletions 
Ensure consistent recordkeeping for all your boats 

Our secure portal is designed to help you complete and submit the required forms from any device, at any time. You retain control of your documents while benefiting from a streamlined interface.
Marking Your Dinghy Correctly
When your dinghy qualifies as lifesaving equipment, ensure that the “TENDER TO” marking is:

Permanent and legible 
Displayed in a visible area 
Updated if your main boat’s name or official number changes 

If you change your main boat’s registration through our site, you can immediately see the updated number to apply to your dinghy’s markings.
Staying Compliant When Your Usage Changes
If you start using your dinghy for activities beyond evacuation, you should take prompt action to license or register it. Transport Canada regulations expect owners to update their paperwork to reflect changes in usage. By having all the forms in one place, you can make those updates without delay.
Our Commitment to Boat Owners
We focus on making the administrative side of owning and operating boats in Canada easier. From large registered boats to the smallest dinghies, our online platform helps you access the correct forms for your situation. By doing so, we support safer waterways and clearer compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

Whether you need a pleasure craft licence for a recreational dinghy or registration under the Small Vessel Register for a commercial tender, our site provides a straightforward path to get started.

With clear markings, proper licensing, and correct registration, you can enjoy your boating activities with confidence, knowing that both your main boat and its dinghy meet Canadian requirements.

 

File for a Transcript of Registry 

A Transcript will give you the vessel owner’s name as well as their address. You’ll get its port of registry, when it was registered, when that registration will expire, and much more. 

You can apply for a Transcript of Registry on our website.

The vessel query system is a digital tool that allows individuals to access key details about vessels registered with Transport Canada. This query system can help you make informed decisions by providing real-time information about a vessel’s status, ownership, tonnage, and more. 

At the National Vessel Registry Center, Corp., we help clients access this information efficiently, ensuring that they have what they need for registrations, transfers, or other maritime activities. Our online services simplify the process, so you don’t have to sort through complex databases or paperwork yourself.
How Does the Vessel Query System Work?
The system works by pulling data from Transport Canada’s Registry of Vessels. It aggregates historical and current information about vessels documented under Canadian law. By using the vessel’s official number or name, users can retrieve information that may include:

Vessel name and official number


Type of vessel


Owner(s) information (including percentage of ownership if applicable)


Registration history


Tonnage and dimensions


Port of registry


Encumbrances or liens



All this information is derived from official records, which are continuously updated. However, interpreting the data isn’t always simple. That’s why many vessel owners and maritime professionals rely on third-party services like ours to assist with document filing, reviewing query results, and ensuring legal compliance.
Why Use the Vessel Query System?
Whether you're considering purchasing a vessel or verifying ownership, the vessel query system is one of the most effective tools available. It ensures transparency, which is essential when dealing with significant financial transactions or regulatory filings.

Some common reasons to use the vessel query system include:

Verifying a seller’s ownership before a transaction


Confirming that a vessel is free of encumbrances


Checking registration history


Reviewing technical specifications for documentation purposes


Researching the background of a vessel for insurance or financing



These queries are particularly useful when dealing with large commercial vessels, barges, tugs, or vessels used in bareboat charters. If a vessel is registered under the Canadian Register of Vessels, the information will typically be available.
How We Assist You with the Vessel Query System
Navigating Transport Canada’s interface can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with vessel registration or compliance. At the National Vessel Registry Center, Corp., we simplify the process. Our digital platform allows you to access vessel query services and related forms in a secure, streamlined manner.

We also help with:

Submitting registration applications


Requesting transcripts of vessel records


Transferring vessel ownership


Registering mortgages


Applying for provisional certificates



Our services eliminate the need to visit a physical office or mail in forms. Every step can be completed online, using our portal, which is accessible from your computer or mobile device. This ensures you receive the information or approvals you need without delay.
Transcript Services and Vessel Queries
For more in-depth information beyond what a standard vessel query might provide, we offer transcript services. A transcript is a detailed summary of a vessel’s documented history, including registration, ownership, and any registered encumbrances. This is often required for legal or financial transactions.

Transcripts are particularly valuable if you're:

Financing a vessel


Registering a lien


Conducting legal due diligence


Resolving ownership disputes



You can request either a historical or a current transcript depending on your needs. These records are pulled directly from Transport Canada, ensuring their accuracy and reliability.

For those who want to learn more about regulatory standards, you can review the government’s Vessel Registration and Tonnage Regulations, which outlines the requirements governing vessel documentation and registry.
Who Should Use This System? 
A wide range of individuals and organizations benefit from access to the vessel query system. These include:

Prospective vessel buyers and investors


Marine surveyors


Insurance providers


Vessel brokers and agents


Legal professionals


Shipping companies


Government contractors



Regardless of your role, having accurate, up-to-date information about a vessel is crucial. It can mean the difference between a successful transaction and one plagued by legal complications.
How to Make the Most of Our Online Tools
We built our platform with simplicity and compliance in mind. Instead of navigating a government website with technical terminology and limited guidance, our users complete their forms with step-by-step assistance. Our platform automatically routes each submission to the appropriate destination, and we monitor the process to reduce delays or rejection due to incomplete information.

All of our services are:

Fully secure


Mobile-friendly


Designed to meet Transport Canada standards


Backed by dedicated customer service



You won’t need to print forms, visit a post office, or wait in line. Every application or query is handled digitally, saving you time and reducing stress.
Benefits of Centralized Online Services
The National Vessel Registry Center, Corp. offers centralized access to many of the forms and services related to vessel registration and queries. 

Clients appreciate that our site acts as a single location for querying, updating, registering, or transferring Canadian vessels.
Privacy and Data Security in the Query Process
We take your privacy seriously. All vessel queries and record requests are processed using secure encryption protocols. While much of the information in the vessel registry is considered public, personal data is handled carefully in accordance with applicable federal standards.

If you’re concerned about privacy, especially during ownership transfers or when submitting sensitive financial documents, our secure portal provides peace of mind.
How We Help Streamline the Vessel Query System and More 
For vessel owners, the vessel query system is just one part of the broader administrative process. Our team provides support for initial registrations, renewals, deletions, and mortgage filings. We also offer tools to:

Update ownership details


Register under a new port of registry


Apply for a change of vessel name


Handle bareboat charter arrangements



We know that maritime documentation can feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide support throughout the entire life cycle of your vessel—from the moment it enters the registry to when it is sold or retired.
Learn More About a Vessel You Have Your Eyes On Today 
If you're looking to access information about a Canadian-registered vessel, our online portal is ready to assist. Whether you're starting with a basic vessel query or need a full transcript for legal or financial reasons, our platform makes it simple.

You can get started by selecting the appropriate service from our menu. From there, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure your request is submitted quickly and accurately.

Let the National Vessel Registry Center, Corp. be your trusted resource for navigating the complexities of Canadian vessel documentation.