Boat registration Ontario Transport Canada

Boat Licensing and Registration: What's the Difference?

When you own a boat in Ontario, whether you have purchased it brand new from a dealership or bought one on the secondary market from a broker or private seller, there are regulations that you need to follow so that you can legally put the boat in the water. There are regulations set forth by Transport Canada, the government department in charge of regulating vessels both commercial and recreational that you need to adhere to so you can get the proper documentation for your boat. In Ontario, there are licences available, and there are registry certificates available, and there are differences between the two that you need to note.  

Getting a Licence for Your Vessel (Pleasure craft license)

Any pleasure craft in Ontario needs to get a licence, unless you opt to go through the governmental process for registration or your vessel uses a motor that is less than ten horsepower. There is no fee to get a licence from Transport Canada, and there are forms you need to file with the agency so that you can obtain your licence.

Getting a Registration for Your Vessel

There are cases where you may want or need to get a registry certificate for your vessel instead, and this will help to spell out to you what is the difference between a licence and registration. With registration, you need to obtain registration if your vessel is used for commercial purposes or if you have a marine mortgage on the vessel. Also, there are fees associated with registering your vessel so that you can become part of the government registry. Registration also requires that your vessel bear exterior and interior markings to denote the name of the vessel, the port of registry, the registry number and the tonnage of your vessel.

 

 

Do I need to register my boat in Ontario?

Registration is optional for all pleasure craft.

Do I need to license my boat in Ontario (pleasure craft license)?

You must license your Licensed pleasure craft if it has a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more, unless it is registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels. 

You’re required to register a vessel in the Canadian Register of Vessels if it:

• is a commercial vessel with a gross tonnage of 15 or more and powered by motors totaling 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more
• will have a marine mortgage
• needs a reserved name
• will travel outside of Canada

Although there are costs involved, registration gives you some important benefits, which include a proof of ownership (legal title) for your boat, the right to fly the Canadian flag, a unique name, and official number for your boat, as well as the right to use your boat as security for a marine mortgage.

How do I register a boat in Ontario?

You must carry registration documents on board the vessel at all times, together with any other ownership documents, to help avoid delays clearing U.S. or Canada customs, or in case of a fine. 

This law does not apply if the boat is registered or licensed in accordance with the laws of another country and not principally maintained or operated in Canada, for a life raft or other survival craft that is part of the equipment of a ship, as well as for an amphibious vehicle for which a provincial automobile licence for highway travel is required.