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…
Going on the water this winter? Boating safely always matters, but especially in winter, when temperatures drop. Transport Canada boating regulations and safety requirements play a significant role in how people continue to enjoy Canadian waters when the temperatures start to fall. As a portal for boat registration in Canada, we stay on top of…
Transporting goods, traveling between provinces, or enjoying time on the water is a central part of life for so many boat owners across the country. Recent developments from Transport Canada outline new funding and initiatives aimed toward reducing underwater noise from boats and improving marine ecosystems. A recent press release highlighted this commitment. These…
Bare-Boat Chartered Vessels in the Canadian context represent a type of vessel registration and operation. A vessel on a bare boat charter is placed under the supervision and control of an entity while the legal title remains that of the owner. The charterer is responsible for crewing, maintenance, and navigation. Bare-boat, or demise, charters are…
In a move underscoring the government’s commitment to safety on the water, Transport Canada recently issued Ship Safety Bulletin (SSB) No. 15/2025 concerning mandatory fatigue management training. This new requirement dictates that Canadian seafarers enrolling in certain Marine Emergency Duties (MED) courses must first complete an approved online course focused on managing fatigue at sea. …
A pleasure craft licence isn’t just another piece of paperwork — it plays a vital role in identifying your boat, keeping you compliant with Transport Canada regulations, and ensuring that search and rescue officials can find you in an emergency. Before setting off, owners of certain recreational boats must ensure that their watercraft are legally…
Many boaters find themselves wondering what applies to them: a Pleasure Craft Licence or a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Both have the word “pleasure craft” in them, but they serve very different purposes. Here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., our portal makes licencing a boat in BC easier than ever. We help boaters…
Buying a boat within Canada is an exciting proposition. You have to comply with certain legal requirements. The Small Vessel First Time Registration process is a very important item that helps people register their vessel under Canadian law and keeps people within the law. Not registering your small vessel may make you liable to penalties,…
Renaming a boat in Canada can feel like a symbolic new beginning—whether you’ve just purchased a used boat or you’re simply ready for a fresh start. However, changing your boat’s name is not just about picking something new to paint on the hull. This is how to change the name of a boat the right…
When buying or selling a boat in Canada, the bill of sale protects the buyer and seller.. It’s your legal proof of ownership and outlines the terms of the transaction. For Alberta boat owners, a complete and accurate Alberta bill of sale ensures the government recognizes the ownership transfer when registering or licensing the boat.…