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. Commercial vessels include:
Commercial fishing boats
Fish processing vessels
Freight ships
Industrial vessels
Mobile offshore drilling units
Oil recovery boats
Offshore supply vessels
Passenger boats
Passenger barges
Public freight vessels
Public tankships/barges
Public vessels
Research vessels
School ships
Tank barges
Tank ships
Towing vessels
If your boat can be categorised above, you will need to get Canadian vessel registration with Transport Canada.
