F.A.Q.

Yes, there are different types of documentation that are reliant on the specific type of vessel in question. For commercial vessels, you have regular vessel documentation and small vessel documentation, depending, of course, on the size of the boat in question. If the vessel is not used for commercial purposes, then you don’t have to register it but you might want to get the corresponding pleasure craft license. Our team can help you with either application.

Exempt vessels, which aren’t required to get documentation, are those that are not used for commercial purposes. This applies to vessels of all sizes. A lot of people think that if a certain commercial vessel falls under a certain gross tonnage, then it doesn’t have to be registered. However, this isn’t quite right. There is a specific type of registration meant for small vessels, which you can find under the respective category here on the National Vessel Registry Center Corp website. If your vessel is used for leisure purposes, then it doesn’t have to be registered. In those cases, you can look instead into the pleasure craft licence process.

Net tonnage is a measure of a vessel’s volume, which should not be confused with the vessel’s weight, which may also be expressed in tons. While you should be able to access this data in the manufacturer’s information or through a gross tonnage calculator, you can also calculate an estimate yourself. A helpful rule of thumb is that most vessels that measure more than 25 feet in length will measure at least five net tons or more.

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.

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.

No, You Can Submit Them Online 

Our site was designed to make it possible for anyone to apply for the Transport Canada documentation of their choosing. 

Whether you want to apply for the general/”Large” vessel register, the Small Vessel Register, or for a pleasure craft licence, we have the form for you.

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.

For commercial vessels, the vessel name must be marked on each bow and the vessel name and port of the registry must be marked on the stern. If the vessel has a square bow, the name may be marked on a clearly visible exterior part of the bow. You may make the markings by any means and materials that result in durable markings. All must be at least 10 cm in height, made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals

Registered tonnage and official number:Both the official number and registered tonnage shown on the Certificate of Registry must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least 4 cm high on a clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. Place the abbreviation:“N.R.T.” before the registered tonnage

Tonnage is not about the weight. It is a measurement of the vessel’s internal volume. Tonnage refers to the overall volume of a vessel.

A Certificate of Registry is valid for three (3) years. A Certificate of Registry will be issued to the owner or the authorized representative 30 days before it expires. To ensure that your Certificate of Registry remains valid, you must report any change(s) to the information shown on the Certificate of Registry, including a change of address, in writing, within 30 days of having made the changes. If you do not, your registration may be suspended or canceled. Anyone operating a vessel with an invalid document violates the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and is liable to prosecution.

In Canada, all non-pleasure vessels powered by an engine of 10hp (7.5kw) or more and commercial river rafts must be registered with Transport Canada’s Canadian Register of Vessels or Small Vessel Register (Commercial).

You will be required to input your credit card information at the end of each form. If you are having difficulties with your credit card, a documentation processor will contact you.

No, we currently don’t offer a walk in service. You may however submit your registry application(s) using our secure online portal, or you may reach us at 1 (800) 419-9569

Upload Documents Through our “DOCUMENT UPLOAD” Page.

You can also fax us documents at (800) 419-9569.

Alternatively, you can also email us at submissions@canadianvesselregistry.ca

We do not have a “walk-in" office.” Do not mail your documentation to us. Instead, use one of the three options above.

Yes. File for “Priority Request.” 

Many of the Canadian vessel documentation forms at our site can be expedited. To do, click “Priority Request” towards the bottom of the form. For a fee, we will put your forms at the top of our queue. That way, you have a better chance of receiving your forms that much more quickly. 

Using this form at our site, you can change your mailing address, to update it for the vessel registry. There is other information that you may have to send along with this form.

Remember: you cannot update your address on your registration renewal. This is true whether your vessel is on the Large or Small Vessel Register. The same goes for the pleasure craft licence.

You Can Renew It 45 Days in Advance

That’s when Transport Canada will let you know that your documentation is set to expire. Canadian vessel documentation is valid for five years. You can renew your documentation through our site.

No, You Should Not 

Do not return your old certificate when renewing it. Keep it for your records, future reference, and so forth. 

What You Should Submit 

The proper forms and documentation, all of which you can do so through our site. For the applicable vessel documentation laws in Canada, see below: 

You Can Replace a Lost Certificate of Registry 

In fact, if you plan on using your vessel, you must do so be in compliance with the authorities. You need to carry a valid Certificate of Registry on board. You must get a new one if your certificate has been lost, or even stolen, destroyed, and mutilated. 

You can apply for a Replacement Canadian Certificate of Registry on our website.

Five Years 

A Canadian Certificate of Registry is valid for five years. 

45 days before expiration, Transport Canada will send you a notice so that you can renew ahead of time. 

Vessel owners can apply for an initial Canadian boat documentation on our website.