There is a fine of $250 if you are found to be operating a vessel without a valid licence. However, if you decided to register your vessel instead of licensing it, there is no fine.
Vessel Registration FAQs
What Makes a Boat a “Pleasure Craft?”WHAT HAPPENS TO THE VESSEL WHEN ONE JOINT OWNER DIES?CAN MY VESSEL BE REGISTERED AND LICENCED?WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VESSEL WHOSE NUMBER BEGINS WITH THE LETTER ‘C’ (e.g., C00000BC) AS OPPOSED TO A VESSEL WHOSE NUMBER BEGINS WITH A NUMBER, AND/OR A LETTER AND NUMBERS (e.g., 32E 00000 OR BC 00000)?WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE LOST OR MISPLACED MY CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRY?HOW DO I KNOW IF MY VESSEL MEASURES FIVE NET TONS?Anyone Over 16 Can Apply for a Pleasure Craft LicenceWHEN A VESSEL IS EITHER SUSPENDED OR CLOSE, IS THE NAME AVAILABLE?What is a Port of Registry? WHAT VESSELS CAN BE DOCUMENTED?What Vessels May Be Registered? HOW DO I RENEW MY CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRY?How Do I Notify You of My Change of Address?What are the Requirements for Registration? HOW DO I REPORT A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP?SHOULD I RETURN THE CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION WITH THE RENEWAL NOTICE?How Can I Learn the History of a Vessel?WHAT ARE THE REGISTRY OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS?WHAT IS REGISTRY?How Can I Send My Paperwork to You?