Researching a registered vessel: Get vessel history

Fees vary depending on when the vessel was registered.

For vessels registered from 1984 to now

Fee: $2 per printed page for any vessel research

We can provide you with historical data on registered, suspended, or closed vessels. This data is retrieved from the Ship Registration Computer System Database.

Contact the Vessel Registration office with the vessel’s official number and vessel name.

How long it may take to process your request

View the Vessel Registry service standards

For vessels registered from 1904 to 1984

Fees for research other than what is found in the Ship Registration Computer System Database:

  • $10 for each non-active vessel
  • $5 for each active vessel

For vessels registered from 1904 to 1984, we provide you with information on microfilm.

The last owner named on microfilm should be the owner shown in the Ship Registration Computer System Database, when the data was transferred from microfilm to our automated system.

Contact the Vessel Registration office with the vessel’s official number and vessel name.

How long it may take to process your request

View the Vessel Registry service standards

For vessels registered from 1787 to 1966

No fee

Search Library and Archives Canada’s Ship Registration Index Database

Contact us

Transport Canada
Vessel Registration (AMSED)
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0N8

Facsimile: 1-833-983-1377
Email: vr-ib@tc.gc.ca