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).

The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system that tracks vessel ownership and vessel characteristics like tonnage, construction material and type.

For general questions or if you can't submit and/or pay your application online, call:

Find out how to register or manage a marine mortgage.

A mortgage is a legal document. If you own a vessel, or own a share in a vessel, registered in the general part of the Canadian Register of Vessel (commonly known as the Large Vessel Register), you can use it as security for a loan or other valuable consideration.

If you're using your vessel as security and receiving a loan, you're called the "mortgagor". If you're taking the vessel as security (which usually means you're giving the loan), you are the "mortgagee".

For general questions or if you can't submit or pay your application online, call:

Once we've processed your request, we will send you a certificate of registry.

If you registered your vessel in the Small Vessel Register, your certificate will show your vessel’s official number which will begin with the letter “C” (eg, C00000BC).

If you register your vessel in the Large Vessel Register, your certificate will show your vessel's official number, official name and port of registry.

Transport Canada is phasing-in new digital certificates of registry, starting with those who applied through the Small Vessel Register.

Answer a few questions about your vessel, and you will be directed to the right application process.

Fees for the Small Vessel Register

Some sections of our application forms are complex. Instructions for those sections are provided below. You may not be required to fill out all sections depending on the service you're applying for.