Owning a boat is a very exciting matter. It represents, after all, a sort of freedom in terms of traversing the many oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas that are part of the Canadian waters. However, before you are able to enjoy these freedoms, it’s always a good idea to be sure you are operating in accordance with the national and regional regulations. Here’s how to get your vessel permit in Ontario.
Legally Operate Your Boat
Now, the permit that you need to get in order to make use of your boat will depend on the kind of boat that you are sailing. We are not talking about sailboats vs motorboats, but rather recreational and commercial.
Permit For Commercial Boats
So, what does it mean to have a commercial vessel in your hands? Your first instinct might be to assume this means a vessel that is operated for profit, and this is partially true. Yes, these will certainly be considered commercial boats, but the label will also apply for all sorts of non-recreational purposes. Research vessels, for example, as well as passenger barges, public freight vessels, oil recovery boats, and similar ships, will all need to operate under the commercial umbrella as well. The permit to operate these comes in the form of a certificate of registration, which needs to be granted by Transport Canada. In order to receive this, all you need to do is apply for registration by submitting the corresponding form and proof of ownership over the vessel. Once you submit the form, it will only be a brief matter of time before you receive your certificate.
Permit For Recreational Vessels
Now, when it comes to recreational vessels, the permit won’t come in the form of registration. Instead, recreational vessels, also known as pleasure craft, will call for a pleasure craft licence. This doesn’t mean that any recreational boat, no matter how small or simple, will have to be registered. In fact, Transport Canada has very specific guidelines dictating whether or not you need to get a licence. You only have to get the licence if the recreational boat in question is equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more. If your pleasure craft fits within these guidelines, you will have to apply for a licence. If not, you are allowed to operate your boat without the need for a permit as long as there are no specific regional or local guidelines. Be sure to check with local agencies just in case.
Apply For a Vessel Permit in Ontario
The thought of having to submit forms to a government agency might sound pretty tedious, but we at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. make everything a lot easier for you. Not only will you find all relevant forms here, including those needed to request a registration certificate or a pleasure craft licence, but you will also be able to submit them to Transport Canada through our platform. If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling +1 (800) 419-9569 or email us at info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.
