There may be a few reasons that lead to Changing the Name of a Boat in Canada. Maybe you just got bored of the previous name and want to rename it. Perhaps the name was a reference to someone who is no longer with you, or, perchance, you just want to “rebrand” your ship. Regardless of the cause, this article will tell you everything you need to know about changing the name of a boat in Canada.
Your Name Needs to be Unique
The first thing you need to know is that it is important to pick a name that is easy to pronounce and understand. In the case of an emergency having a name that is easily articulated can save some precious time. For instance, always choose a name from a language that is spoken where you live.
Furthermore, you need to pick a name that is not currently registered within Transport Canada. That is the reason why when filling up the form for changing the name of a boat, you will be asked to provide some options, in the case some of them are already taken. Keep in mind that the articles are not part of the name, so “Happy Ship” and “The Happy Ship”, for instance, would be considered the same name.
In addition to that, Transport Canada also recommends that the name should not sound like a distress signal used for marine emergencies and the use of marine acronyms.
Superstitions About Changing the Name
Generally, changing the name of a boat is considered bad luck, based on a myth that traces back to the Ancient Greek. When changing the name of a boat, it is said that you should use a femenine name, a name containing 7 letters or a name that includes the letter “A” seven times. If you are interested in the story, you can read some more about it here.
What Form Do I Need to Fill?
Now that you know some recommendations to pick your name, you should keep in mind that the form you need to fill is the Form 13, or the application for Change of Name of Vessel and/or Transfer of Port Registry.
You can either do this on the Transport Canada website, by downloading the proper form and sending it or by going back to the home page and just pressing the button “Change of Vessel Name and/or Transfer of Port of Registry” from the Registry Forms.
Remove the Traces from the Former Name
Once that one out of the three names you submitted is approved, you will now need to remove all the evidence from the previous name from your ship. This means that you will have to get rid of the name in all of the boat’s records as well as the boat’s old identity from keyrings, sails, or the hull – remove the lettering, decals – anything (the former logo) and everything that features the prior name.
Change Your Boat’s Name NOW
If you have decided the name you want to give to your vessel with our recommendations you are now in a good place: The Canadian Vessel Registry has got your back. Now is the time to go hands on deck, fill the form 13 from our site and let us do the rest! Changing the name of a Boat can be uncomplicated and fast!
