Before you get started, it's important to understand the 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).
The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system that tracks vessel ownership and vessel characteristics like tonnage, construction material and type.
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 15 or more and powered by motors that total 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more
- is a barge with a gross tonnage of 15 or more
- 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
- is a pleasure craft that is not already licensed
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.
Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) and Pleasure craft operator card (PCOC)
If you own a pleasure craft, you may want to consider applying for a Pleasure Craft Licence and Pleasure Craft Operator Card instead.
Pleasure Craft Licence
A Pleasure Craft Licence is like a car's licence plate. It's a document with a unique number. This number is displayed on both sides of the bow (front) of a pleasure craft. It's used to identify the vessel but isn't proof of ownership.
Your pleasure craft must be licensed if it's equipped, even temporarily, with one or more engines with a combined power is at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW). Alternatively, you can choose to register your pleasure craft instead, as described below.
Apply for or manage a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)
You must renew your Pleasure Craft Licence every 10 years.
If you operate a pleasure craft that hasn't been licensed or registered, you could be fined.
Pleasure craft operator card (PCOC)
In Canada, you need a pleasure craft operator card (PCOC) to operate a power-driven pleasure craft. A PCOC is like your driver's licence. It's proof that you understand the basic rules for safely operating a pleasure craft.
Obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
Your PCOC is valid for life.
Operating a pleasure craft without a PCOC could result in a fine.