The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system that tracks vessel ownership and vessel characteristics like tonnage, construction material and type.
Before you get started, it’s important to understand that the Canadian Register of Vessels is divided into 2 parts: the Small Vessel Register and the general part (commonly referred to as the Large Vessel Register).
Small Vessel Register
You’re required to register your vessel in the Small Vessel Register if your vessel is a:
- commercial (non-pleasure) vessel with a gross tonnage of 15 or less, and powered by a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more
- barge with a gross tonnage of 15 or less
- commercial river raft
If you want to name your vessel or register a mortgage, you must register it in the Large Vessel Register, even if it qualifies to be registered in the Small Vessel Register. If you travel internationally with your vessel, you may want to consider registering it in the Large Vessel Register.
Large Vessel Register
You’re required to register a vessel in the Large Vessel Register if your vessel:
- is a commercial vessel with a gross tonnage of more than 15 and powered by motors that total 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more
- is a barge with a gross tonnage of more than 15
- will have a marine mortgage registered with Transport Canada
- will have a reserved name
- is about to be built or is under construction in Canada
A certificate of registry is only valid once your vessel is marked.
Your certificate of registry is valid for 5 years.
If you operate an unregistered or unlicensed vessel, you could be fined.
If your pleasure craft doesn’t need to be registered, it may need a Pleasure Craft Licence.
Pleasure Craft Licence
In Canada, if you are using your vessel for recreational purposes, it needs a Pleasure Craft Licence if:
- it is equipped with one or more engines totaling at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW), even temporarily, and
- it is principally operated and maintained in Canadian waters
Read Apply for or manage a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) for more information.
A Pleasure Craft Licence is different from a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is like a driver’s licence for a car. You need one to operate a power-driven pleasure craft. It shows you understand the basic safety rules.