When you own a boat, the world is your oyster. You can untie from the dock at just a moment’s notice, head out on the water and fish, waterski, or sightsee as much as you want to. In Canada, especially, there is no shortage of bodies of water for you to explore with your own vessel. Outside of choosing which lake to launch your boat into, you will also have to think long and hard about what type of boat is right for you before making a purchase. This means scouring the web to get to know the various makes, models, and sizes that boats come in. With a little research, you can find the right boat that is tailored to your needs. Just as boats come in different shapes, though, so too can they be used for different activities. This will be something to keep in mind when it comes time to file vessel documentation forms with Transport Canada. If your boat needs to be registered with this government agency, you should know where to find vessel registration forms online.
If you have recently closed on the boat of your dreams, you know that buying a vessel is a major investment. Obviously, boats are expensive, both upfront and in terms of docking fees and maintenance costs. Owning a boat is also a considerable time commitment, as you will not only want to use it a lot but there will also be significant upkeep required. In exchange for the freedom that comes with owning a boat, there is also a decent amount of responsibility. Another practical matter you will need to handle is filing paperwork with Transport Canada. Whether you need a pleasure craft license (PCL) or a vessel registration, staying current on these forms is a must. Fortunately, a private service such as ours at the National Vessel Registry Center can help–read on to learn more.
Do You Need Vessel Registration Forms?
You might be wondering, do you need to register your vessel at all? Well, if you plan to use your boat for any sort of commercial means, or if it is financed with a marine mortgage, you will need to have it registered with Transport Canada. This will also be true if you have plans to travel internationally under the Canadian flag. Once registered, your boat will be given a completely unique name of your choosing, which will serve as its primary mode of identification.
You can register your vessel by filling out Form 1 – Application for Vessel Registration and completing Form 3 – Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration. You will also need to obtain a tonnage measurement and collect four photographs of your boat (one of each side).
Register Your Boat with Our Forms
You can use our streamlined web forms to register your boat online with just a few clicks. Select the vessel registration option from our navigation menu and you will be well on your way. If you would like to learn more, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
