In order to be able to operate your recreational vessel comfortably and in accordance with Canadian boating regulations, you will need to have a pleasure craft licence. So, if you’re unsure about how to get yours, allow us to guide you through it.
What is a Pleasure Craft Licence?
Here in Canada, a licence for pleasure craft is the document that allows recreational vessel owners to opt out of registration, which is mandatory for commercial boats but optional for leisure ones. The licence will hence serve as both the official proof of ownership over the vessel, as well as evidence that the boat is operating within Transport Canada’s guidelines for a boat of its type. Not every single recreational boat in Canada has to get the licence, though, so how do you know if you have to? Well, if you have a pleasure craft equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more that is maintained or operated in Canada, you will need to apply for a licence.
How to Apply For Your Licence?
So, if your boat meets that requirement, you’re probably wondering how to get the licence. Well, it’s pretty straightforward. All you need to do is submit the corresponding form to Transport Canada. Now, there are two ways for you to do this. On one hand, you can apply for the licence directly with Transport Canada, which might seem simple but can result in delays and returns. Because of this, you might want to try other options, such as our processing service. Here at the Canadian Vessel Registry Center, you will not just find all the forms you need. You will also be able to submit the forms through our processors to Transport Canada. They will, in turn, make sure that all the information provided is correct so that you don’t have to deal with delays.
Updating Your Licence Going Forward
This isn’t necessarily the end of the process. Of course, keeping this up to date once you get it will be very important in order to maintain its validity. Did you recently change your address or the vessel’s hailing port? Do you need to update one of the vessel’s specifications? Well, your pleasure craft’s license will need to be updated in order to reflect these changes. This is even easier than applying for the licence the first time around. All you need to do is head over to the updates form here on our website and submit the changes that need to be made.
Submit Licencing Forms to Transport Canada
Everyone knows that engaging with government agencies can often be quite frustrating, especially when it comes to transportation. Getting a licence for your pleasure craft, for example, or updating your documentation, can be very inconvenient processes, which is why we make an effort to make them easier for you. Here at the Canadian Vessel Registry Center, you will be able to find all the forms you might need in relation to your vessel. For more information about this process or to ask any questions about it, you can give us a call at +1 (800) 419-9569 or email us at info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.
