Recreational boaters across Canada may soon face new safety requirements. Transport Canada has recently launched a public consultation on making the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or lifejackets mandatory for those aboard recreational boats. This could significantly change boating habits — and also has implications for how you manage your boat registration or pleasure…
The recent announcement by Transport Canada of a $6 billion investment into Canada’s trade and transportation infrastructure has broad implications — not just for freight and exports, but also for boat owners, commercial operators, and those holding a pleasure craft licence. This investment will reinforce port infrastructure across the country, which translates into improved efficiency,…
Transport Canada is tightening the enforcement of boat-safety and licensing requirements after recent concerns surfaced around unofficial tour-boats operating without proper certification. A report published June 23, 2025 by VOCM highlights this crackdown: vessels offering iceberg or whale-watching excursions — often privately operated and charging paying passengers — are under increased scrutiny. Our portal makes…
When the federal government announced new funding for the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program (ICBVP), it became clear that Transport Canada, along with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA, is making an important investment in the water safety, sovereignty, and community resilience of Indigenous and coastal peoples across Canada. Here at the National Vessel Registry…
If you own a small Canadian boat — or are thinking about registering one — you’ll want to pay close attention to recent changes announced by Transport Canada in Ship Safety Bulletin No. 17/2025. These updates affect how tonnage is measured for boats under 24 metres, and can have big implications for Canadian boat registration,…
The government registration of ships in Canada is fundamental to the enforcement of legal obligations imposed by laws, regulations, government policy, administrative action and functional regulations over vessels owned by public authorities. Government registration is also an affirmation of the ownership of a vessel by the government, and entitlement to reap the benefits of flying…
Canada’s coastlines are among its greatest treasures, and through the renewed Oceans Protection Plan, we’re seeing ambitious updates that strengthen marine safety, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., our mission is to support boaters by making it as smooth as possible to handle Transport Canada processes — like Canadian…
Canada’s coastlines are a national treasure, but abandoned boats pose serious environmental, safety, and navigational risks. Our team at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. recognizes how important it is that these derelict crafts are managed responsibly — and thanks to Transport Canada the Abandoned Boats Program is doing just that, restoring our shorelines and…
Recently, Transport Canada set out specific regulatory guidance for all boats (foreign and domestic) navigating in Canadian waters. When you are managing your boat documentation through our service at National Vessel Registry Center Corp., it’s essential not only to focus on registration and licencing but also to stay compliant with operational regulations. What Transport Canada…
Changing the name of a registered ship in Canada seems simple, but it is a legal and administrative process. Transport Canada governs this process under the Change of Vessel Name procedure. This procedure ensures that registered ships always have a consistent, traceable and complete set of records. It is important to understand this process for…