If you’re new to boat ownership in Canada, it might be a lot to take in. Finding the proper Canadian vessel is a lot easier if you clearly know the kind of boat you want and the amenities you’ll need. Remember that there are many boats to choose from; for example, fishing is your passion, and a smaller fishing vessel may be more suitable than an ocean-going vessel.
A pontoon or a jet-ski will be the most excellent option if you’re seeking anything that can be towed behind your car and often used at your neighborhood lake. Defining any phrase related to boats and the sea may seem like stating the obvious, but it’s crucial to do so. It will give you an understanding of how each vessel type operates and help you better grasp what you’re looking at when you visit the shop or dealership where your new boat resides. Look at this list of necessities before buying a boat up north.
Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Residency
It is a common aspiration to own a Canadian vessel someday. Maybe you see yourself lazily watching the sun go down from a boat, or you fantasize about all the exciting new experiences you might have with a floating home as your base. The cost of boat ownership quickly becomes apparent, though. The initial investment is just the beginning; there are also ongoing expenses, such as dockage, repairs, gasoline, and, if you want to use the boat often, maybe even the cost of captain’s license courses.
Expect to spend many hours preparing for the written exam and several more hours taking the test itself; all of these are challenging. It’s good to know that there are strategies for minimizing these expenditures. Some people buy boats in Canada because they have relatives or friends who can assist them with the cost or offer a place to keep the vessel.
Valid Driver’s License
Think of all the white-hatted captains and Jaws; you have a visual representation of the social status and leisurely pursuits associated with boat ownership. A lot of thought and planning should go into purchasing a Canadian vessel if you’re serious about making that dream a reality. Remember that your boat is more than simply an asset when you buy it; it’s a huge responsibility. Some regulations must be followed to own, operate, and dock a boat legally.
Understanding the regulations and completing all documentation before making a purchase is essential. Both power-driven vessel licenses (PDVLs) and small vessel licenses (SVLs) are necessary to operate motorized boats in Canada. DVDs are for boats with more than ten horsepower, while SVLs cover vessels with less than 10. Both licenses require candidates to be at least 16 years old and to demonstrate competence in safe boating practices, first aid, and navigation.
Vessel Registration Number for a Canadian Vessel
Even though it seems to be a very straightforward process, purchasing a Canadian vessel is quite a bit more complex than it first appears. Because there is no central register of boats in Canada, anybody who wants to possess a boat legally must first get a permanent boat registration number from the federal government. As soon as the number is assigned to you, it is yours permanently, and you are free to put it on any boat you own.
The amount you will have to pay for this permanent boat registration number, also known as a “vessel registration,” may vary depending on the size of your boat and the location where you are registered. Insurance and safety inspections are not included in a vessel registration; you must purchase them individually to receive them.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Buying a boat in Canada is subject to several regulations and prerequisites. Social Insurance Number (SIN) applications are available at any Service Canada location and are the most critical identification required to buy a Canadian vessel. As an additional requirement, you must provide documentation of your citizenship or permanent resident status. Another requirement is proof of a job (or self-employment) in Canada for six months each year.
The previous owner’s bill of sale should contain the vessel’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you will need to get from Transport Canada if you want to purchase a pre-owned vessel. You and the seller must also have a notarized Bill of sale for the vessel notarized if you are buying it from someone outside of Canada.
To buy a boat in Canada, you have to apply for a Canadian title. This includes many steps and requires the assistance of an authorized broker. The National Vessel Registry Center is the only place to apply for a title. Contact them today at +1 (800) 419-9569 (Canada) to get started.
