Did you know that a Canada pleasure craft license gives you a variety of benefits? The number you are assigned as part of the process is an identifier that comes in quite handy in several situations you may encounter on the water. On top of that, registering your vessel allows you to display identifying information and wave the Canadian flag. Want to start taking advantage of these benefits? This guide will tell you how.
License or Registration?
The licensing process is different from the registration process. It’s important to know that all pleasure craft must have their boat licensed if it’s at least 10 horsepower. Likewise, if the vessel isn’t registered anywhere else, it must be done in Canada. Not every boat needs a registration number, but you have that option if you’d like to, and it offers additional benefits, including legal protections at international borders.
Boat Registration Numbers
Most boat registration numbers start with a letter C, followed by seven unique numbers that apply to your boat only. This makes it easy to identify the vessel and the number must be displayed on the exterior of your boat. Having a registration number makes it easier to find your boat in cases of emergency, loss, theft or damage. If you only license your boat, you won’t have the same identifying characters, so this is something to consider if you want the benefits that go with a registration number.
Naming Your Boat
Registering your boat with the Canadian Vessels Registry ensures that others can do a name search and won’t use the same one as you. It also makes it easy for you to search other boat names so you can find a unique one for your vessel. If you want to display the name of your boat, registering lets you do that. Additionally, if you don’t want to run the risk of sharing your boat’s name with anyone else, you can take advantage of this benefit when you put your boat in the registry.
Fees and Application Process of a Canada Pleasure Craft License
When you fill out a license or registration application, you will provide specific information about your boat. This will often include signatures from you and the former owner to prevent theft and fraud. You may also have to provide additional documentation, such as the bill of sale. Information you will need to include on your application are as follows:
- Tonnage
- Method of propulsion
- Purpose (commercial or recreational)
- Length
Updating Your Information
It’s also important to keep your boating license and/or registration up to date so it’s always current and valid. If you make changes to your vessel, you must make these updates within 30 days. Anytime you update your paperwork and receive the new documents, it’s vital to keep a copy on board in a safe place where the papers will remain dry.
If you have any questions or need guidance with a Canada pleasure craft license, we are here to help. Contact Canadian Vessel Registry today to get started on learning everything you need to know.
