Many prospective or new boat owners have come to us with the same questions about how to register a pleasure boat in Alberta. While this might seem like a reasonable thing to ask, they are actually asking the wrong questions. Here in Alberta, pleasure boats don’t have to be registered. However, it will definitely be important to get a pleasure craft license for them.
How to Register a Pleasure Boat in Alberta
In accordance with Transport Canada’s boating documentation guidelines, a pleasure craft license is a document that grants the boat in question a unique identifying number. This allows you to have a distinct number attached to your vessel in order to properly identify it in situations such as searches and rescues, and qualifying personnel will be able to find and access relevant information in a quick and prompt manner. Here’s how you can get one for your recreational boat.
Defining a Pleasure Boat
First of all, what exactly is a pleasure boat? This denomination refers to any vessel that isn’t used for commercial purposes, but the definition of “commercial” is often wider than a lot of people think. For example, research barges, passenger ferries, and similar vessels are considered commercial even if they aren’t explicitly operated for profit. Taking this into account, a pleasure craft refers specifically to boats that are owned and operated with sole personal recreational purposes, such as yachts, sailboats, and motorboats. Will every boat that fits within this definition have to be registered? Not necessarily. Only those equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more will have to get a license. Is that the case with your pleasure craft? Then let’s go over what you will have to do.
Getting Your Pleasure Craft Licence
So, if your pleasure craft’s motor exceeds the 10 horsepower guideline, you will want to look into getting the right license for it. This process is very simple, so don’t worry about it being complicated or convoluted. More than anything, you will need to submit the application form to Transport Canada. You will find the form here on our website, through which you will also be able to submit it. As part of this, you will simply have to provide concrete data about the boat you are getting the license for, including manufacturing information. Lastly, you will have to include proof of ownership (probably in the form of a bill of sale), as well as your contact information as the official owner of the boat.
National Vessel Registry Center Corp.
We are well aware that no one likes having to file paperwork, which is why we’ve made an effort to make it easier for everyone. Here on our website, you will be able to find all the forms you might need as part of the pleasure craft licensing process for your convenience. And not only will you be able to fill them out here, but you can also submit them. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling +1 (800) 419-9569 or email us at info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.
