On this page
- Order transcripts online
- Request historical research for a vessel registered in the Large Vessel register
- Request historical research for a vessel registered in the Small Vessel register
- Search the query system for a registered vessel
- Other ways to submit or pay for your application
To order a transcript or request historical research of a vessel, you'll need the vessel's registration number.
Vessels registered in the Small Vessel Register have a registration number that begins with the letter "C" (example: C00000BC) and is marked on each side of the vessel's bow.
Vessels registered in the Large Vessel Register have a registration number that's only 6 digits with "O.N." before the official number displayed on a clearly visible interior structural part of the hull.
Order transcripts online
You can order and pay for transcripts online. You will need the official vessel number.
For vessels registered in the Large Vessel Register:
For vessels registered in the Small Vessel Register:
Request historical research for a vessel registered in the Large Vessel Register
For vessels registered from 1787 to 1966
For vessels registered from 1787 to 1966, you can search Library and Archives Canada's Ship Registration Index Database for free.
Information on vessels registered from 1904 to 1966 can be found in Library and Archives Canada's Ship Registration Index Database, or you may need to submit a request for historical research. We suggest that you do a search first.
For vessels registered from 1904 to 1984
For vessels registered from 1904 to 1984, we will provide you with information found on microfilm.
To submit your request:
- Make sure you have the official vessel number
- Submit and pay for your request
For vessels registered from 1984 to now
For vessels registered from 1984 to now, we can provide you with historical data on registered, suspended, or closed vessels.
To submit your request:
- Make sure you have the official vessel number
- Submit and pay for your request
Request historical research for a vessel registered in the Small Vessel Register
To submit your request:
- Make sure you have the official vessel number
- Submit and pay for your request
Search the query system for a registered vessel
You can search online to find general information on vessels registered in the Small Vessel Register and the Large Vessel Register.
Using the Vessel Registration Query System, you can search for vessels by:
- official number
- vessel name (if applicable)
- owner name
Vessels registered in the Small Vessel Register don't have vessel names.
Using the advanced search, you can search by any criteria entered in the registry.
Note: This system is for registered vessels only, NOT vessels licensed under the Pleasure Craft Licensing system.
Other ways to submit or pay for your application
If you can't submit and/or pay your application online, please contact us by email at vr-ib@tc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-242-8770.