2018-May-05
Boat Registration Rules Changes Coming
Transport Canada is in the process of changing boat registration rules. The changes will come in force within weeks. The following details how the new rules work.
Every pleasure craft powered by one or more motors, adding up to 10 hp or more, must be licensed, and its unique licence number must be displayed on the bow of the boat. This unique identifier, and associated contact data are maintained in Transport Canada’s Pleasure Craft Licensing System. These regulations, which attached a 10 year renewal requirement to the license, came into force in April 2010.
Prior to this boats were licensed but there was no expiry date. So as long as the licensed owner remains the same and the boat remains unchanged and the contact details remain the same, there is no requirement to update the licence with Transport Canada. Once an update is made to these old licenses the 10 year update requirement will apply.
So as it stands now if you buy a new powered vessel you (or the vendor) must license it. If you buy a used boat you must license it. Both of these actions will generate a new license with an expiry of 10 years.
Updates to existing licenses are required if you make any change to the physical vessel ( such as changing the motor or the colour or basically anything that was recorded on the original license that now has changed ) or to your personal details (such as a name change through marriage or any change to contact details). If the original license was pre 2010 then the new license will be for 10 years. If the original license was issued April 2010 or later, the original expiry date will remain in force.
So how does the licensing system improve public safety and security?
Search and rescue and law enforcement officials have immediate access to the boat information stored in the common database, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This information can help quickly identify owners of boats in emergency situations.
To license a boat ( new license or renewal or update ) go to :
https://www.pcl-pep.snbservices.ca/1001/pubweb/default.aspx?lang=en-CA or you can apply via post. There is no fee to do this.
Please note that Transport Canada does not send renewal notifications – that is up to you to keep track of. There is no automatic penalty if you don’t license or update or renew your license but if you have an expired or inaccurate license you could get ticketed up to $250 if you get caught. Keep the documents with your boat.
For answers to all your pleasure craft licensing questions go to :
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-paperwork-paperwork_boat_licence-3211.htm#a1 Once you get your license you must display the licence number on both sides of the bow, above the waterline, in block characters that are at least 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high and in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the bow.
While the vast majority of vessels are licensed there is another option. You can register your boat with the Canadian Registry of Boats. There is a cost to do this but you may want to consider it if your boat goes into international waters. See the Q&A for more information.
