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.
boat registration in Canada
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.