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Transitional Period

There is a grace period under Part 13, Transitional of the Canada Shipping Act 2001, which affects small commercial vessels less than or equal to 15 gross tons:

Under Section 272(a) and (b)

Non-pleasure craft of less than or equal to 15 gross tons tonnage (GT), which meet the requirements of section 46 of the act and were licensed under section 108 of the CSA, and whose licences were issued by a customs office on behalf of Transport Canada, must be registered. Those vessels will, however, be deemed to be registered in the Small Vessel Register until one of two things happens:

  1. Upon a transfer of ownership wherein the new owner must apply for registration; or

  2. If there is no transfer of ownership, five years after Part 2 comes into force.

Non-pleasure craft of less than or equal to 15 GT, which meet the requirements of section 46 of the act and were licensed under section 108 of the CSA, and whose licences were issued by Transport Canada when Part 2 came into force, must be registered. Those vessels will, however, be deemed to be registered in the Small Vessel Register until one of two things happens:

  1. Upon expiry of the Small Commercial Vessel Licence (which is valid for a period of 5 years from the issue date); or

  2. Upon a transfer of ownership wherein the new owner must apply for registration.

Sample Small Commercial Vessel licence - PDF file
Sample Small Commercial Vessel licence
 [PDF file, 99 KB]

Date modified:
2010-01-14