Small commercial vessel: check exemptions and submit the correct registration application
Separate commercial use from pleasure use, check power, length and passengers, then provide ownership, qualification and tonnage to the correct registry.
A pleasure craft licence does not replace commercial vessel registration. Carrying passengers may trigger additional safety requirements.
Define actual use
Describe payment, passengers, fishing, work, crewed rental or other activity. The same boat may enter a different regime when its use changes.
Check exemptions
Review propulsion, power, length and passenger count. Some small commercial vessels are exempt from mandatory registration but may be registered voluntarily.
Prepare documents
Gather proof of ownership, registry form, statement of qualification, bill of sale when needed, tonnage and appointment of an authorized representative if applicable.
Maintain the record
After registration, display and use required information, report ownership or vessel changes and track the applicable renewal.
Apply to register a vessel — Transport Canada