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Frequently Asked Questions

For Owners And Operators Of Small Non-Pleasure Human-Powered Vessels, Small Sailing Vessels, And All Motorized Vessels With 10 Horsepower (7.5 Kilowatt) Or Less

  1. What are human-powered vessels?
  2. Which vessels are not required to be registered?
  3. Why did Transport Canada update the registration policy for non-pleasure human-powered vessels?
  4. How long will the interim policy temporarily suspend registration for?
  5. Can I still register my vessel even if I am not required to do so?
  6. Is it safe if I choose not to register my vessel?
  7. How long is the registration valid for?
  8. What are the benefits of registering my vessel?
  9. What is the Canadian Register of Vessels used for?
  10. What are the requirements for registration?
  11. Should I wish to register my vessel or fleet of vessels, do I have to register each individually, or can I register them as a fleet?
  12. If I have a fleet of vessels, can only one number be assigned to them?
  13. Can I register a new vessel under an existing fleet of vessels?

Q1: What are human-powered vessels?

A1: A human-powered vessel is a vessel that is propelled by no other means of propulsion than human. Examples include canoes, kayaks, and dragon boats.

Q2: Which vessels are not required to be registered?

A2: Registration for all non-pleasure human-powered vessels (such as canoes and kayaks), small sailing vessels, and all motorized vessels with 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatt) or less, is temporarily suspended. This means that vessels that are solely used for pleasure are not required to register under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

This policy does not apply to commercial river-rafts, government vessels, and, in the future, those vessels deemed necessary by the Minister to be registered for reasons of safety. However, should the owners of a human-powered vessel, small sailing vessel, or motorized vessels with 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatt) or less wish to register their vessel, they are free to do so voluntarily. A new simplified registration process has been created for human-powered vessels for those who wish to register voluntarily.

Q3: Why did Transport Canada update the registration policy for non-pleasure human-powered vessels?

A3: Transport Canada adopted a vessel registration policy to ensure that registration is sensible, efficient, and fair for all Canadians.

Registration for all non-pleasure human-powered vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, small sailing vessels, and all motorized vessels with 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatt) or less is temporarily suspended. This means that vessels that are solely used for pleasure are not required to register under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

This policy does not apply to commercial river-rafts, government vessels, and, in the future, those vessels deemed necessary by the Minister to be registered for reasons of safety. However, should the owners of a human-powered vessel, small sailing vessel, or motorized vessels with 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatt) or less wish to register their vessel, they are free to do so voluntarily. A new simplified registration process has been created for human-powered vessels for those who wish to register voluntarily.


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Q4: How long will the interim policy temporarily suspend registration for?

A4: The interim policy will be in effect until Transport Canada completes the review of registration requirements, takes into consideration the comments received from those who have written to us, and takes the time to further consult with stakeholders to ensure a sensible, efficient, and fair registration system for all Canadians.

Should owners of a human-powered vessel, small sailing vessel, or a motorized vessel with 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatt) or less wish to register their vessel, they are still able to do so voluntarily. A new simplified registration process has been created for human-powered vessels for those who wish to register voluntarily.

Q5: Can I still register my vessel even if I am not required to do so?

A5: Yes, owners of small human-powered vessels, small sailing vessels, or motorized vessels with 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatt) or less can still register their vessel(s) if they choose to do so.

Q6: Is it safe if I choose not to register my vessel?

A6: The safety of vessel operators is Transport Canada's top priority.

Transport Canada adopted a registration policy for all non-pleasure human-powered vessels, small sailing vessels, and motorized vessels of 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower) or less, to ensure that registration is sensible, efficient, and fair for all Canadians. However, for those vessels that are not required to be registered, vessel owners and operators must still comply with construction, safety, and pollution prevention requirements set out in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

For more information about construction, safety and pollution prevention requirements outlined in the CSA 2001, please visit: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-10.15/index.html.


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Q7: How long is the registration valid for?

A7: A Certificate of Registry is valid for a period of five years.

The Office of Vessel Registration will notify the owner in writing 30 days prior to the expiry of the Certificate of Registry. The notification will provide the owner with the necessary documents for renewal. A fee of $50.00 is applicable for the renewal of registration.

Q8: What are the benefits of registering my vessel?

A8: There are many benefits to registering your vessel(s). For example, registered vessel owners:

  • can receive timely and important Transport Canada safety bulletins and safety guidance materials (e.g. Small Commercial Vessel Safety Guide);
  • contribute to statistics that can help Transport Canada gain a better understanding of safety risks on Canada's waters;
  • help improve Transport Canada's ability to consult on important regulatory safety initiatives; and
  • help Transport Canada better design, implement, and support important safety initiatives.

Q9: What is the Canadian Register of Vessels used for?

A9: The Canadian Register of Vessels is the official repository of information on all registered vessels in Canada. It contains information on each vessel, such as ownership and mortgage details, and vessel characteristics such as tonnage, construction material and type.


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Q10: What are the requirements for registration?

A10: To register, you must be a:

  • Canadian citizen;
  • permanent resident; or
  • corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province.

Q11: Should I wish to register my vessel or fleet of vessels, do I have to register each individually, or can I register them as a fleet?

A11: To register either one vessel or a fleet of vessels, owners must complete and submit the following:

  • For owners with only one vessel:
     
    • Complete Form 21 "Applicaton For The Registration Of A Human-Powered Vessel" [PDF Version];
       
    • Provide proof of ownership, if available, such as the Bill of Sale/receipt, a Builder's Certificate, or other documentation. If you are unable to provide an original document of title, please see the instructions on the Form 21 - Application;
       
    • A fee of $50.00 is applicable and can be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX. Cheques can be made payable to the RECEIVER GENERAL FOR CANADA.
       
  • For owners with a fleet of vessels:
     
    • Complete Form 21 "Application For The Registration Of A Human-Powered Vessel" [PDF Version];
       
    • Provide an Annex that lists the:
       
      • number of vessels to be registered;
      • length or approximate length of each vessel;
      • type of vessel; and
      • Hull Identification Number (HIN), if available.
        For example:
        • 20 canoes @ 8 metres; or
        • 10 kayaks @ 6 metres; or
        • 20 canoes @ 8 metres + HIN numbers.
           
    • Provide proof of ownership, if available, such as the Bill of Sale/receipt, a Builder's Certificate, or other documentation. If you are unable to provide an original document of title, please see the instructions on the Form 21 - Application;
       
    • In the event that a vessel that is owned by more than one person, Form 14 "Appointment of Authorized Representative" [PDF Version] must be completed. The owners must appoint one person as the authorized representative;
       
    • A flat fee of $50.00 is applicable and can be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX. Cheques can be made payable to the RECEIVER GENERAL FOR CANADA.

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Q12: If I have a fleet of vessels, can only one number be assigned to them?

A12: Yes, for owners with a fleet of vessels, one number will be assigned to the fleet. However, the owner is required to display the number, along with a suffix on each of the vessels.

For example:
C12345ON -1
C12345ON -2

Vessel owners are responsible for maintaining an inventory of their fleet.

Q13: Can I register a new vessel under an existing fleet of vessels?

A13: No. To register a new vessel, please complete a new Form 21 "Application For The Registration Of A Human-Powered Vessel" [PDF Version], along with the same procedures listed above in Answer 11.

Date modified:
2011-03-17