Is it time to start exploring new hobbies and pastimes? Are you looking for a way to spend more time in the great Canadian outdoors, reconnecting with nature? If you have found yourself at this sort of crossroads, you may want to consider joining the world of boat ownership. When you have a vessel of your very own, you have the freedom to explore Canada’s many pristine waterways. Our great nation has no shortage of lakes for you to venture out on, with more than a quarter of a million freshwater lakes in Ontario alone. As you begin your boat ownership journey, your starting point should probably be to determine what type of boat is right for you. This largely comes down to how you will be using your vessel: are you interested in fishing? Will your family be looking to water ski? Once you have settled on the boat that is right for you, you will need to browse and scour online listings until you find the right model. Then, you and the seller can negotiate a fair price. With the boat then in your ownership, you will want to know the different types of boating licenses so that you can obtain the proper Transport Canada documentation.
One thing about boat ownership that many find appealing is that it has the potential to be a lifelong hobby. As your boating needs grow and evolve over the years, you may find yourself upgrading or downsizing your vessel from time to time. One thing that will remain a constant, however, is the need to maintain current documentation with Transport Canada. As the nation’s premier transportation agency, Transport Canada regulates matters of both land and sea. One of this agency’s key duties is to issue different types of boating licenses to vessel owners. By having a solid grasp of which license is right for you, you can quickly apply for or renew your license or registration using our streamlined, easy-to-complete forms.
Different Types of Boating Licenses: Vessel Registration
In Canada, there are a few different modes of vessel documentation that boat owners can obtain. Whether you will require a license or registration will primarily be based on what you plan to use your boat for. For instance, if your boat is being used for any sort of commercial purposes, such as operating sightseeing or fishing charters, you will need to obtain a vessel registration from Transport Canada. This is also true if you plan to operate your vessel on international waters under the Canadian flag, or if you will be financing your vessel with a marine mortgage, which is not uncommon.
To get your vessel registration, you will need to complete a couple of forms. First, you will need to fill out Form 1 – Application for Vessel Registration. Additionally, you will need to complete Form 3 – Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration. Transport Canada will also ask that you provide photographs of all four sides of your vessel, as well as a bill of sale to serve as proof of ownership. Once issued, your vessel registration will provide you with a completely unique name of your choice for your boat, as well as an official registration number.
Does Your Boat Require a Pleasure Craft License (PCL)?
If you are like most boaters in Canada, you will be using your vessel for purely recreational and leisure purposes. In this event, obtaining a pleasure craft license (PCL) will likely satisfy your Transport Canada documentation requirements. Technically, any motorized vessel with an engine of 10 or more horsepower (7.5 kW) will warrant a PCL. Any boat can request a PCL, though, and some people who own non-motorized boats like canoes or kayaks enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a pleasure craft license and registration number.
To get your PCL, you will need to complete an application with Transport Canada. You will also need to provide a photograph of your vessel in a side profile view. You will also want to provide proof of ownership, which is commonly accomplished with a bill of sale. You can use our web forms to apply for your PCL online–simply select the appropriate dropdown from our web navigation menu.
In Canada, there is also a document called a “boating license”, or, more officially, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This license shows that you have a basic competency for safely operating motorized vessels. A PCOC is acquired by the completion of an educational course and the passing of a subsequent exam.
Use Our Web Forms Today!
No matter what your Transport Canada documentation needs may be, we can help. At the National Vessel Registry Center, we have online forms that you can use to request your documents with just a few clicks. To learn more, take a minute or two to explore our website.
