F.A.Q.

Discovering an abandoned vessel presents a unique opportunity but also a complex challenge, particularly when it comes to legal registration without clear ownership. The Canadian waters, rich with maritime history, occasionally yield such finds, leading to potential boons for the diligent. In this guide by the National Vessel Registry Center, we demystify the process, so you can claim and register a boat in Canada under your name, ensuring you sail through the paperwork with ease.

Initial Steps with a Found Vessel
Upon finding an abandoned boat, your first port of call should be the Transport Canada registry. This database holds records for vessels registered after 1984, providing crucial details about ownership and claims. It's important to note that this registry does not cover vessels under the pleasure craft license system, which requires a different approach.

Navigating Registration Without Ownership
The pathway to registering a found boat hinges on the absence of a recorded owner or explicit relinquishment of ownership. Should the database reveal an owner, efforts must be made to contact them before proceeding. It's critical to ensure the vessel hasn’t been reported lost or stolen, as such circumstances would necessitate its return rather than a new registration.

Integrating Authoritative Statistics and Information
The intricacies of boat registration in Canada are underscored by the country's expansive maritime domain. According to Transport Canada's latest data, there are over 2 million recreational boats in Canada, yet a significant number remain unregistered or unidentified due to abandonment or loss. This situation not only presents opportunities for new ownership but also emphasizes the importance of a thorough and legal registration process. Successfully navigating this process contributes to clearer waterways and ownership records, enhancing safety and enjoyment for the entire boating community.

Expert Tips for Seamless Paperwork
Accurate documentation is the keel of the registration process. Gather as much information about the vessel as possible, and meticulously fill out the designated form for registering a found boat. Cross-verify your application to preempt any errors, aiming to streamline approval and minimize additional fees or delays.

Register a Boat in Canada and More With Us
The Canadian Vessel Registry offers expert guidance on how to register a boat in Canada with unknown ownership. Let our team of expert reps navigate you through the bureaucratic waves and into clear sailing.
Contact us now to chart your course toward successful registration.

Through Library and Archives Canada’s Ship Registration Index Database 
This free database includes information about vessels that were registered between the years of 1787 and 1966. 

At our site, you can apply for historical research about a vessel. This can include information about any vessel from the years of 1904 to the modern day. 

The search through our site can include more information about vessels from the years of 1904 and 1966 than that free search can contain. 

Use this link to apply for transcripts and historical research. 

Use this link for the Library and Archives Canada’s Ship Registration Index Database. 
Boat Registration Laws in Canada and More 
At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we support vessel owners from all walks of life in obtaining vessel registration and pleasure craft licensing. We also offer the necessary documentation for selling licensed or registered vessels, learning more about vessel information, and a range of other forms.

The laws listed below may be applicable to you:

Vessel Registration and Tonnage Regulations

P.C. 2007-924 2007-06-07

Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, pursuant to paragraphs 35(1)(d) and (f)

Footnote

a and section 77 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001

Footnote

b, hereby makes the annexed Vessel Registration and Tonnage Regulations.

Return to footnote

Interpretation

1 The following definitions apply in these Regulations.

1969 Convention means the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, as amended from time to time. (Convention de 1969)

Act means the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. (Loi)

International Tonnage Certificate (1969) means

(a) for a Canadian vessel, a certificate issued under subsection 8(5) or section 12 or 13; and
(b) for a foreign vessel, a certificate issued under Article 7 or 8 of the 1969 Convention or paragraph 15(2)(b). (certificat international de jaugeage (1969))

length

(a) in respect of a vessel referred to in Part 1, means the distance measured parallel to the waterline from the forward end of the foremost outside surface of the hull shell to the aft end of the aftermost outside surface of the hull shell; and
(b) in respect of a vessel referred to in Part 2, means 96% of the total length on a waterline at 85% of the least moulded depth measured from the top of the keel, or the length from the fore side of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on that waterline, if that is greater, except that, in vessels designed with a rake of keel, the waterline on which the length is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline. (longueur)

Minister means the Minister of Transport. (ministre)

power, in respect of an engine, means the power, in kilowatts, that the manufacturer declares has been determined in accordance with the version of International Standard ISO 8665, Small Craft — Marine Propulsion Engines and Systems — Power Measurements and Declarations, that is in effect when the engine is manufactured. (puissance)

TP 13430 means the Standard for the Tonnage Measurement of Vessels, published by the Department of Transport, as amended from time to time. (TP 13430)

SOR/2015-99, s. 2

 PART 1

Registration

Exempted Classes of Vessels

1.1 (1) The following classes of vessels are exempted from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1) of the Act:

(a) vessels that are equipped with one or more primary propulsion engines whose aggregate power is less than 7.5 kW;
(b) vessels that are 8.5 m or less in length and that are propelled by sail alone;
(c) human-powered vessels, other than vessels in respect of which the Special-purpose Vessels Regulations apply; and
(d) vessels that are operated by a recreational boating school for training and that

(i) are not required to hold a safety certificate under section 12 of the Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations, and
(ii) were licensed under section 202 of the Act immediately before being operated by the recreational boating school for training.




(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of vessels that carry more than 12 passengers.


SOR/2015-99, s. 3
SOR/2021-135, s. 35

 Authorization of the Minister to Exempt

1.2 The Minister may, by order, exempt vessels or classes of vessels from the registration requirement in subsection 46(1) of the Act for one year, on any terms and conditions that he or she considers appropriate, if he or she is of the opinion that the exemption is not likely to adversely affect marine safety, and he or she may amend or revoke the exemption.

SOR/2015-99, s. 3

Excluded Government Vessels

1.3 (1) Subsection 46(3) of the Act does not apply in respect of government vessels that

(a) are equipped with one or more primary propulsion engines whose aggregate power is less than 7.5 kW; or
(b) are 8.5 m or less in length and are propelled by sail alone.


(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of vessels that carry more than 12 passengers.


SOR/2015-99, s. 3

Notifying Chief Registrar

2 A notification required under section 58 of the Act shall be in writing.

Notice of Change in Ownership

3 (1) The Chief Registrar shall, under paragraph 60(3)(a) of the Act, give notice of a change in ownership of a Canadian vessel to the owners and registered mortgagees not less than 30 days before cancelling its registration under paragraph 60(2)(b) of the Act.
(2) Notice may be given to an individual

(a) personally, by leaving a copy of it

(i) with the individual, or
(ii) if the individual cannot conveniently be found, with someone who appears to be an adult member of the same household at the last known address or usual place of residence of the individual; or


(b) by sending a copy of it by ordinary mail, courier, fax or other electronic means to the last known address or usual place of residence of the individual.


(3) Notice may be served on a corporation by

(a) sending a copy of it by fax, ordinary mail or courier to the head office or place of business of the corporation or to the corporation’s agent;
(b) leaving a copy of it at the corporation’s head office or place of business with an officer or other individual who appears to be in control of or to manage the head office or place of business or with the corporation’s agent; or
(c) sending a copy of it by electronic means other than fax to an individual referred to in paragraph (b).


(4) Notice that is given by ordinary mail under paragraph (2)(b) or (3)(a) is deemed to be given on the fourth day after the day on which it was mailed.

Prescribed Period for Subsection 60(4) of the Act

4 For the purposes of subsection 60(4) of the Act, the prescribed period within which a person who acquires a vessel or a share in a vessel shall provide evidence that satisfies the Chief Registrar that the vessel is required or entitled to be registered under Part 2 of the Act is 30 days after the day on which the person acquires the vessel or the share.

Evidence that a Vessel Is No Longer Registered in a Foreign State

5 The owner of a vessel previously registered in a foreign state but no longer registered in that state shall provide evidence in the form of an original or true copy of a written document, such as a deletion certificate or an abstract or transcript of registry, that establishes that the vessel is no longer registered in that state and that the foreign register records the vessel as being free and clear of all encumbrances.

PART 2

Tonnage

6 [Repealed, SOR/2015-99, s. 4]

 International Tonnage Certificates (1969)

7 Every Canadian vessel that navigates in any waters and is subject to the 1969 Convention shall hold and keep on board an International Tonnage Certificate (1969).

8 (1) An International Tonnage Certificate (1969) held by a vessel that is transferred from the register of a state that is party to the 1969 Convention to the Register remains valid until the earlier of

(a) the day on which a period of three months after the day on which the vessel is registered in Canada expires, and
(b) the day on which the Minister issues a new International Tonnage Certificate (1969) to the vessel.


(2) An International Tonnage Certificate (1969) held by a Canadian vessel ceases to be valid and shall be cancelled if an alteration resulting in an increase in the tonnage of the vessel, calculated in accordance with this Part, is made in

(a) the arrangement, construction, capacity or use of its spaces;
(b) the total number of passengers that it is permitted to carry, as indicated in its Passenger Ship Safety Certificate issued under section 7 of the Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations; or
(c) its assigned load line or permitted draught.


(3) An International Tonnage Certificate (1969) held by a Canadian vessel remains valid and shall not be cancelled, and a new certificate shall not be issued before 12 months after the day on which the current certificate is issued, if a decrease in the net tonnage of the vessel, calculated in accordance with this Part, results from an alteration in

(a) the arrangement, construction, capacity or use of its spaces;
(b) the total number of passengers that it is permitted to carry, as indicated in its Passenger Ship Safety Certificate issued under section 7 of the Vessel Safety Certificates Regulations; or
(c) the trade in which the vessel is engaged, if the alteration changes its assigned load line.


(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in respect of a vessel that

(a) is transferred to the flag of another state;
(b) undergoes substantial alterations, such as the removal of a superstructure, that require a change of its assigned load line; or
(c) is a passenger vessel that is engaged in the carriage of large numbers of unberthed passengers in a special trade such as the pilgrim trade.


(5) If an International Tonnage Certificate (1969) held by a Canadian vessel is cancelled because of a change in tonnage resulting from an alteration referred to in subsection (2) or (3), the tonnage corresponding to the new characteristics of the vessel shall be calculated in accordance with this Part and, subject to subsection (3), the Minister shall issue a new International Tonnage Certificate (1969) to the vessel in the form set out in Annex II of the 1969 Convention.


SOR/2021-135, s. 36

 Calculating Changes in Tonnage

9 If a Canadian vessel is altered in such a way that the tonnage set out on its certificate of registry may have changed, the vessel’s authorized representative shall ensure that any change in tonnage is calculated in accordance with the method that was used for calculating the tonnage set out on the certificate of registry.

DIVISION 1

Vessels 24 M in Length or More, Except Foreign Vessels

Application

10 This Division applies in respect of the following vessels if they are 24 m in length or more:

(a) a vessel in respect of which an application for the initial registration or listing under Part 2 of the Act has been made;
(b) a Canadian vessel that is altered in such a way that the tonnage set out on its certificate of registry is changed by more than 1% when tonnage is calculated in accordance with the method that was used for calculating the tonnage set out on the certificate of registry;
(c) a vessel in respect of which an application for the registration or listing under Part 2 of the Act has been made if the vessel had been registered or listed in Canada but no longer is when the application is made; and
(d) a Canadian vessel whose tonnage was calculated before October 17, 1994 and that engages on international voyages on or after that date.

Calculation of Tonnage

11 (1) An applicant for the registration of a vessel and the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel shall ensure that the vessel’s tonnage is calculated in accordance with

(a) Part 2 of TP 13430;
(b) directions of the Minister that adapt a calculation method set out in Part 2 of TP 13430 to that vessel, if the vessel has such novel construction features as to render its tonnage incalculable in accordance with Part 2 of TP 13430; or
(c) Annex I to the 1969 Convention.


(2) An applicant for the listing of a vessel shall ensure that its tonnage is calculated in accordance with the method that was used to calculate its tonnage in the foreign state where the vessel’s registration is suspended in respect of the right to fly the flag of that state.

Certificates

12 On application by the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel that is subject to the 1969 Convention and whose tonnage is calculated in accordance with section 11, the Minister shall issue an International Tonnage Certificate (1969) to the vessel in the form set out in Annex II of the 1969 Convention.

13 If a Canadian vessel is subject to the 1969 Convention, the Minister may request a state that is party to the 1969 Convention to calculate the vessel’s tonnage in accordance with Annex I of the 1969 Convention and to issue an International Tonnage Certificate (1969) to the vessel in the form set out in Annex II of the 1969 Convention.

A Canadian Certificate of Registry (Certificate of Documentation) is Valid for 5 Years

You can only authenticate your certificate of registry once your vessel is marked. This certificate remains valid for a period of 5 years. Operating an unregistered or unlicensed vessel might attract a penalty. On the other hand, a pleasure craft license has a validity of 10 years. Renewals and applications for these can be managed on our website by eligible vessel owners.

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.

Government boat registration is a legal requirement for certain types of boats in Canada. This is done for many reasons, not the least of which is for safety, to provide an easier way to identify and track the boat, all while staying in compliance with regulations. 

Here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we make registration of a government boat easy for provincial and federal government entities only. 
How Do I Apply for a Government Boat Registration in Canada?
To apply for a government boat registration in Canada, follow these steps:

Gather the required documents.
Visit the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. website.
Fill out the online application form with accurate details about the boat, including its name, dimensions, and intended use.
Upload the necessary supporting documents.
Submit the application and pay the required fees.
Once processed, Transport Canada will issue a certificate of registry, which serves as official proof of registration.

What Information is Required for Boat Registration?
The information required for boat registration includes the boat’s name, port of registry, dimensions, tonnage, propulsion type, and construction details. Additionally, the owner’s name, address, and proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or builder’s certificate, must be provided. 

On the form, we’ve marked exactly what you do and don’t have to fill out. It’s one more way we can save you time. 
What’s the Easiest Way to Register a Government Boat?
The easiest way to register a government boat is by using the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. online portal. The platform guides users through each step of the registration process, ensuring that all required information and documents are submitted correctly. 

By providing a streamlined and user-friendly interface, the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. eliminates the need for complicated paperwork and reduces the likelihood of errors or delays. Additionally, the platform offers customer support to assist with any questions or concerns during the registration process.
How Long is a Government Boat’s Registration Valid For?
A government boat’s registration is typically valid for a period of five years. It is important to keep track of the expiration date and renew the registration before it lapses to avoid penalties or restrictions on the boat’s use. The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. makes it easy for boat owners to stay on top of renewal deadlines.
Can I Renew the Registration of a Government Boat?
Yes, the registration of a government boat can be renewed. The renewal process involves submitting a renewal application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. and paying the applicable fees. 

It is recommended to renew the registration well in advance of the expiration date to avoid any lapses in documentation. The platform simplifies the renewal process by providing easy access to the necessary forms and instructions.
Is Registering a Government Boat the Same as Getting a Pleasure Craft Licence for It?
No, registering a government boat is not the same as obtaining a pleasure craft licence. Registration is a federal requirement for certain types of boats, including government-owned boats, and provides proof of ownership and nationality. 

A pleasure craft licence, on the other hand, is typically required for smaller, non-commercial boats and is issued by the Canadian Coast Guard. 

Licensing does not provide proof of ownership and is generally used for identification purposes. Government boats are exempt from pleasure craft licencing requirements and must be registered instead.
What is a Pleasure Craft Licence Exactly?
A pleasure craft licence is a document issued by the Canadian Coast Guard for small, non-commercial boats used primarily for recreational purposes. It serves as an identification number for the boat and must be displayed on the boat’s exterior.

 A pleasure craft licence is not proof of ownership and does not provide the same legal protections as boat registration. It is required for all pleasure craft equipped with a motor of 10 horsepower or more, unless the boat is already registered.
How Do I Choose a Port of Registry for a Registered Government Boat?
The port of registry is the official home port of the boat and is included in the registration documents. When choosing a port of registry for a government boat, consider factors such as the boat’s primary operating location and the preferences of the owning agency. The port of registry does not need to be the physical location of the boat but should reflect its connection to Canada. 

The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. provides guidance on selecting an appropriate port of registry and ensures that the chosen port is included in the registration application.

Interested boat owners can use this link to change their boat name and Port of Registry. 
How Can the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. Help With Registering a Government Boat?
The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. simplifies the process of registering a government boat by providing a centralized platform for submitting applications and tracking their status. 

The platform offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring that all required information and documents are submitted correctly. Additionally, the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. provides customer support to assist with any questions or concerns during the registration process. 

By streamlining the process and reducing the likelihood of errors or delays, the platform makes it easier for government agencies to comply with Transport Canada regulations.
What Happens if I Don’t Register My Government Boat?
Failing to register a government boat that requires registration can result in fines, penalties, or restrictions on the boat’s use. Unregistered boats may also face challenges in proving ownership or obtaining insurance. Additionally, unregistered government boats may not be recognized under Canadian maritime law, which could limit their ability to operate in certain jurisdictions or travel internationally. Registering the boat ensures compliance with federal regulations and provides legal protections for the owning agency.
Can I Register a Used Boat?
Yes, used boats can be registered in Canada. The process is similar to registering a new boat, but additional documentation, such as a bill of sale from the previous owner, may be required to prove ownership.
What Happens if I Don’t Register My Boat?
Failing to register a boat that requires registration can result in fines, penalties, or restrictions on the boat’s use. Unregistered boats may also face challenges in proving ownership or obtaining insurance.
Can I Change the Details on My Boat Registration?
Yes, changes to boat registration details, such as ownership, boat name, or port of registry, can be made by submitting an amendment application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. 

Many of the changes you may wish to make can be done through the “Alterations” form. Supporting documents may be required depending on the nature of the change.
How Do I Renew My Boat Registration?
Boat registrations in Canada are valid for a specific period and must be renewed before expiration. The renewal process involves submitting a renewal application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. and paying the applicable fees. It is recommended to renew the registration well in advance to avoid lapses.
What is the Difference Between Boat Registration and Licensing?
Boat registration is a federal requirement for certain types of boats and provides proof of ownership and nationality. Licensing, on the other hand, is typically required for non-commercial boats. Licensing does not provide proof of ownership.
Where Can I Get Help with My Boat Registration?
For assistance with boat registration, visit the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. website. Our platform offers guidance, forms, and support to help boat owners navigate the registration process efficiently. 
What is the National Vessel Registry Center Corp.?
The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. is an online platform designed to simplify the process of registering and managing boat documentation in Canada. It provides a user-friendly interface for boat owners to complete government-required paperwork, including boat registration, transfers, and renewals. 

The service ensures compliance with Transport Canada regulations while saving time and effort for boat owners. By offering step-by-step guidance and support, the platform helps streamline the process of registering government boats and other boats.
Where Can I Get Help with My Government Boat Registration?
For assistance with government boat registration, visit the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. website. The platform offers guidance, forms, and support to help boat owners navigate the registration process efficiently. If further assistance is needed, customer support is available to address specific questions or concerns. 

The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. is committed to making the registration process as smooth and straightforward as possible for government agencies and other boat owners.
How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Registered Government Boat?
Transferring ownership of a registered government boat involves submitting a transfer application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. The application must include details about the new owner, as well as proof of the transfer, such as a bill of sale. 

The platform simplifies the transfer process by providing easy access to the necessary forms and instructions. Once the transfer is processed, Transport Canada will issue a new certificate of registry reflecting the updated ownership information.
Can I Register a Government Boat Online?
Yes, government boats can be registered online through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. The platform provides a user-friendly interface for submitting applications, uploading documents, and paying fees. Online registration simplifies the process and reduces the likelihood of errors or delays. The platform also allows users to track the status of their application and receive notifications once the registration is complete.
What Are the Benefits of Registering a Government Boat?
Registering a government boat provides several benefits, including proof of ownership, legal recognition under Canadian maritime law, and the ability to travel internationally under the Canadian flag. Registration also ensures compliance with federal regulations and provides legal protections for the owning agency. Additionally, registered boats may have an easier time obtaining insurance and financing.
What Should I Do if I Lose My Government Boat’s Certificate of Registry?
If a government boat’s certificate of registry is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be requested through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. The platform provides easy access to the necessary forms and instructions for requesting a replacement. Once the request is processed, Transport Canada will issue a boat registration replacement. 
Can I Register a Government Boat That Was Previously Registered in Another Country?
Yes, a government boat that was previously registered in another country can be registered in Canada. The process involves submitting an application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. and providing proof of ownership, as well as documentation from the previous registry indicating that the boat’s registration has been closed. The platform provides guidance on the specific requirements for registering a foreign-built or previously registered boat.
Can I Register a Government Boat That Is Under Construction?
Yes, a government boat that is under construction can be registered in Canada. The process involves submitting an application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. and providing documentation from the builder, such as a builder’s certificate. 

Once the boat is completed, the registration can be finalized, and a certificate of registry will be issued.
What Are the Requirements for Naming a Government Boat?
The name of a government boat must be unique and not already in use by another registered boat. It must also comply with Transport Canada’s naming guidelines, which prohibit the use of offensive or misleading names. 

The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. provides guidance on selecting an appropriate name and ensures that the chosen name is included in the registration application.
How Do I Deregister a Government Boat?
Deregistering a government boat involves submitting a deregistration application through the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. The application must include details about the boat and the reason for deregistration. Once processed, Transport Canada will issue a confirmation of deregistration, and the boat will no longer be recognized under Canadian maritime law. Use this link for the deletion of a certificate. 
What Are the Benefits of Using the National Vessel Registry Center Corp.?
The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. offers several benefits, including a streamlined registration process, step-by-step guidance, and customer support. The platform simplifies the process of registering, renewing, and managing government boat documentation, ensuring compliance with Transport Canada regulations. 

By providing a centralized platform for submitting applications and tracking their status, the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. saves time and effort for boat owners.

Vessels here need specific Canadian vessel documentation in order to operate in national waters, similarly to how you need to have your car’s documents in order if you wish to drive it. However, not every vessel requires documentation. According to the regulations set forth by Transport Canada, commercial vessels need to be registered with them in order to be allowed to operate accordingly.

Are you in the market to purchase your very own vessel? Whether it is a small fishing boat, or a large-scale yacht, you are about to embark on an exciting new endeavor. When you own your own boat, you have the freedom and liberty to untie from the dock whenever you would like, allowing you to cruise Canadian waters with your family and friends. One particular hurdle to boat ownership, however, can be the costs involved. Dock fees, maintenance, and the cost of a boat itself can be prohibitive for many. Because of this, there is a thriving secondary market for boats, and a shrewd buyer can locate a great deal on a used vessel. Should you find yourself in such a position, you may be curious about how you can transfer a Pleasure Craft License (PCL).

After months of perusing paper and digital listings, you found the boat of your dreams. You were able to negotiate a fair price with the seller, and they are ready to hand over the keys. At this phase of your transaction, there will be some paperwork to complete. If the vessel in question has a Pleasure Craft License issued by Transport Canada, you will need to complete the process of transferring it into your possession. The good news is that a private service such as ours at the National Vessel Registry Center can help.
What Is a Pleasure Craft License?
At this juncture, you may find yourself wondering about whether or not your desired boat even requires a Pleasure Craft License. The simple answer is that if it has a motor, it most likely does. More officially, any motorized vessel with an output of 8.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more will require a PCL–this also extends to personal watercraft such as sea-doos. You can obtain your PCL from Transport Canada by submitting an application. Once issued, you will receive a registration number that should be prominently displayed on both sides of your boat’s bow. A PCL is valid for a period of 10 years, at which point it will need to be renewed.


Completing a Transfer of Pleasure Craft License
Once the transaction of your boat purchase has been completed, you will need to formally transfer the vessel’s PCL. To do this, the previous owner will need to sign over the license by filling out the necessary fields on the backside of the document. Additionally, you will need to assemble a bill of sale (to serve as proof of ownership), and copies of valid government identification for both the buyer and seller. Once you have packaged all of these items, you can submit them to Transport Canada via mail for processing.

Of course, there is also a simpler way. At the National Vessel Registry Center, we make it easy to transfer your PCL online. By using our simple web form, you can sign over a PCL and upload your supplemental items with our SSL-encrypted web portal. To learn more, take a moment to visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions page.

Are you thinking about purchasing a new boat? Whether you are upgrading from your current vessel or experiencing boat ownership for the first time, this can be cause for excitement. With your new boat, you will be able to take to the waters of Canada whenever you would like, free to untie from the dock with your friends and family to make lasting memories. Of course, there is a lot of preparation that needs to take place first: you will need to browse online and print listings, locate a seller, negotiate a price, and finalize the deal. From there, you will also need to complete a bit of paperwork, most likely in the form of obtaining a Pleasure Craft License (PCL). If you are new to boat ownership, however, you may be wondering how you obtain a PCL, or when does a Pleasure Craft Licence expire? By gaining a bit of knowledge about PCLs, you can spend less time on paperwork, and more time out on the water.

As you probably already know, boating comes with a high degree of responsibility. You owe it to both your passengers and the environment to operate your vessel in a safe and responsible way. While part of this is keeping your boat well-maintained and stocked with safety supplies, it also means maintaining the proper licensing with Transport Canada. As our nation’s premier transportation agency, Transport Canada maintains an accurate registry of all motorized boats on our waters. By doing your part to keep your boat license, you can aid this important agency and prevent your vessel from going missing or being stolen.
What Is a Pleasure Craft Licence? Do I Need One?
A Pleasure Craft License also called a boat license, registers your vessel with Transport Canada. A PCL is required for all boats with engines of 10 or more horsepower (7.5 kW), which includes personal watercraft such as jet skis. It is worth noting, though, that PCLs are available to all boaters who want them, and they do offer the peace of mind of giving your vessel an identification number. This number, once issued, must be applied to both sides of your boat’s exterior in contrasting alphanumeric digits. Your number should also be at least three inches in height and positioned well above the water line.
When Does a Pleasure Craft Licence Expire?
Once processed, your Pleasure Craft License will be valid for a period of 10 years. You will have the option to renew it at that point. Should you sell your boat, or if you are purchasing a previously owned vessel, it is possible to sign over a PCL to a different owner. You will need a bill of sale and a valid copy of your identification to complete this process.


Apply for a PCL Online Using Our Forms
Instead of filling out a paper application for a PCL with Transport Canada, why not work with us at the National Vessel Registry Center? We are a private service that offers easy-to-complete web forms for all of your vessel documentation needs. To learn more, visit our FAQ page, or contact us by email or phone.

When you pick up boating as a recreational pastime, you are essentially adopting a lifelong hobby, if you want it. People of all ages can find something enjoyable about a day on the lake, and as the years go by, you can make countless memories on the water with your friends, family, and loved ones. Of course, over the course of your career as a boat owner, it stands to reason that your maritime needs may evolve or change. You may need to process a bill of sale in Alberta for your vessel. The good news is you can do this online by using our easy-to-fill web forms.

Regardless of the specific circumstances that have you considering selling your current vessel, there are some paperwork matters that will need to be addressed at the time of sale.
Bill of Sale Alberta: When It May Be Necessary
Canada’s secondary boat market is always bustling, and this is especially true in Alberta. Boats tend to hold their value pretty well, so you can likely net a solid price on the sale of your boat.

In order to maximize your returns, you will want to market your vessel by placing it in digital and print marketplaces. This means taking high-resolution photographs of your vessel both inside and out and writing engaging copy that highlights the finer points of your boat. Once you have found a buyer and negotiated a price, there will then be a bit of Transport Canada paperwork to complete in order to finalize the transaction, and that is where we come in.
What is a Bill of Sale in Alberta Needed For?
A bill of sale is generally advised in any transaction relating to a boat, as they frequently involve sizable amounts of money changing hands. You can think of a bill of sale as a sort of receipt for the sale, and it should include the price of the boat, as well as some information about the buyer and seller. If a boat carries a pleasure craft license (PCL), a bill of sale is not necessarily required, though it is a good idea to prepare one anyways, as it will make it easier to transfer the license.

Registered vessels will require a Form 6 - Bill of Sale to be processed. Fortunately, we have web forms for this and a number of other Transport Canada documentation matters on our site.

Complete Your Forms Online
We can help you process your Transport Canada paperwork online. To learn more, take a look around our website, or visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions page.

The short answer is yes, if used for one of the commercial purposes outlined above, as well as other eligible ones, your vessel must have official documentation for a Canadian vessel with Transport Canada documentation. However, if you have a recreational vessel, then it doesn’t necessarily need to be registered. Instead, you can get a pleasure craft licence, which is a different process altogether. The forms for either process can be found here on our website.

You can forgo applying through Transport Canada to register your pleasure craft. That’s because you can also register a boat through the National Vessel Registry. Doing so will simplify the process and help you free up your time so you can focus on business obligations or family.

However, it still is important to understand why registering your boat is important although it is not mandatory. It still needs to be done, as it provides an extra measure of protection. Not only does registration help identify your boat during an emergency, it allows you to apply for a marine mortgage, if necessary. 
Why You Should Register a Boat
When you register a boat, it gives you more latitude to substantiate ownership, along with your bill of sale, and to navigate the waters without worry.

So, what is involved in the registration process and how is it different from licensing?


Registration versus Licensing
Licensing Your Pleasure Craft in Canada
Unlike a boat operator’s license that proves your operator status, or that you can operate your boat, a pleasure craft license represents an ID number that you place on your boat so search and rescue (SAR) personnel can find you in an emergency. 

While a pleasure craft license represents this I.D. number, a vessel registration shows that you have legal title, which backs up your proof of ownership (the bill of sale). The registration allows you to give your boat a unique name, an official number, and the right to use your boat as collateral for a marine mortgage.
Boat Licensing Requirements
Small Vessel Regulations in Canada require that boat owners of pleasure crafts of any size, equipped with motors of at least 10 horsepower or 7.5 KW, be licensed. You can get a boat license through the National Vessel Registry for 10 years and renew the license after that period. 

If your boat has already been licensed, make sure it has the correct name and current address. Any change or renewal of your name or address is not the same as renewing your license.
Registering a Boat through the National Vessel Registry
Registering a boat involves selecting 3 names for your boat to ensure the name’s uniqueness. The boat’s name must not sound similar or be the same as another boat’s name in the registry. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of naming the boat - to find your vessel in an emergency. 

Part of the process involves completing an application for registry, showing evidence of ownership and title, and providing a statement of qualification. You will also need to have the boat measured for tonnage. Naturally, you can simplify this protocol by using the National Vessel Registry to complete a boat registration process.

Indeed, it is helpful to know the steps of the process and stay on top of your legal obligations along these lines. Doing so will reduce any administrative difficulties in operating your boat and will help you navigate the waters with confidence.

As the owner of a Canadian pleasure craft, you must know the regulations governing Canadian waterways. Therefore, it is important for you to gear yourself with the right equipment and to understand the procedures and differences between licensing and registration. Knowing these details will ensure your and your passengers’ safety and the safe navigation of other boaters.
The Advantages Experienced When You Register a Boat
Each vessel registered in Canada possesses a unique identification number. The ship's tonnage, construction material, and type are displayed in the country’s registration database as well. As a registered boat owner, you are given the I.D. number and, again, can choose a unique name for your boat. 

You also can fly the Canadian flag or display it on your boat. Per the 2001 Canada Shipping Act, registering a boat is optional if you own a pleasure craft. Regardless of your boat’s length or tonnage, registration is optional.

Registration remains valid as long as you’re the owner of the vessel. Always carry your registration onboard as well as the ownership paperwork (bill of sale). Doing so is extremely helpful if you cross from and to Canada into and out of the U.S.

Again, if you register your boat through the National Registry Center online, you can save a great deal of time, as you can use the site’s forms to RUSH through your license or registration paperwork.

 It only takes minutes to complete an application and upload the necessary documents. Going through a secured and encrypted web portal saves you a good deal of money and time.
Register Your Pleasure Craft Today
Don’t delay the process if you wish to register a boat. Take the steps needed so you can operate your boat without delay. By going through the National Registry Center, you can simplify the process and ensure compliance.