Vessel Registration

The Vessel Registration program issues registration for commercial ships and pleasure crafts and manages the Canadian Register of Ships, which includes ship names, ownership details and records of all registered vessels for each port of registry in Canada.

Delivered by: Transport Canada (TC)

Financial Information

• There are fees to register ships. Contact the program for more information.

Related Information

Registration is mandatory for all commercial vessels, including commercial river rafts and vessels owned by federal, provincial or municipal governments, except the following:

• human-powered boats, such as canoes and kayaks
• small sailing vessels
• small vessels equipped with a motor of less than 10 horsepower (hp) (7.5 kilowatt (kW))

Registration is optional for all pleasure craft, but a registered pleasure craft cannot be licensed.

Contact Information

• General Inquiries: 1-877-242-8770
• TTY: 1-888-675-6863