Your Guide to How to Register a Boat in BC
If you're reading this, you already know that boating is a delightful activity, and it's more fun when you're prepared for your day on the water. Being prepared can include checking your boat for problems, ensuring you have the proper safety equipment, making sure your boat is insured, and talking to your passengers about rules and guidelines.
Additionally, you want to know you're in legal compliance before hitting the water. Then, you don't have to worry about a fine or other penalty ruining your day.
If you live in British Columbia, knowing how to register a boat in BC is vital to ensure you follow all the rules. By taking the time to register and prepare your boat correctly, you'll be ready for all your adventures on local waterways.
Here's what you need to know!
Why Register Your Boat in BC?
Boat registration is essential for two main reasons: legal requirements and benefits.
You need to ensure your boat is legally compliant, but you also want the benefits of being registered for safety if you need help.
However, registration isn't required for every vessel and watercraft in the BC area. It only applies to boats with motors over ten horsepower (7.5 kW) and commercial vessels.
What Are the Types of Boat Registration in BC?
There are two types of registration in BC. These are:
- The Pleasure Craft Licence, which is for recreational boats
- The Canadian Vessel Registry, which is for commercial vessels.
If your boat has a mortgage, even if used recreationally, you must also use the Canadian Vessel Registry option.
You must register your boat and add the registration number to your vessel in the designated spot so you don't violate the law.
If you aren't clear about how you'll use your boat, or if you may use it for both commercial and recreational purposes, it's essential to talk to the authorities at Transport Canada so they can help you register your boat correctly.
The Step-by-Step Process for How to Register a Boat in BC
You must take specific steps to register your recreational boat as a pleasure craft. The basic process involves the following:
- Download and complete the Pleasure Craft Licence application form.
- Collect the required documents, including proof of ownership and your ID.
- Submit the completed form and documents online or by mail.
- Wait for your licence to be processed and arrive (typically 4 to 6 weeks).
While it's not a complicated process, take your time filling out the application and providing any required documentation to avoid delaying your licence. Plan ahead so you have it in time to launch your boat for your next planned adventure on the water.
The Step-by-Step Process for Canadian Vessel Registry
Just like with a Pleasure Craft Licence, registering your commercial boat through the Canadian Vessel Registry requires a process. This process includes:
- Determine if your boat needs to be registered (through commercial use or a mortgage).
- Fill out the Application for Registry form.
- Gather all the required documents (proof of ownership, builder's certificate, tonnage measurement).
- Submit the documents and fees to Transport Canada.
- Wait while your registration application is processed (this can take a few weeks).
- Remember to keep your registration current to stay in legal compliance.
Transport Canada can answer your questions if you're unsure about the documentation or other requirements for registering your boat.
What are the Costs Associated with Registration?
Registration has costs, which you can find on the Transport Canada website. Understanding the costs is essential to preparing to purchase and register a boat.
If you're unprepared for the additional ownership costs, such as registration, you could be caught off guard after you bring your boat home. While the costs are not significant (starting at $110 depending on your boat and type of registration), do your research so you have these fees covered.
Renewing or Updating Boat Registration
Think of this licence like a licence plate for your boat.
Your Pleasure Craft Licence requires renewal every 10 years. You can renew it or update details such as owner information, boat changes, and address changes with Transport Canada.
Canadian Vessel Registration is different and is valid for five years. It's only valid once your vessel has been marked, and you could face fines for operating an unmarked or unlicensed vessel. You can renew your registration through Transport Canada or transfer your registration if you sell your boat to someone else.
Documents to Keep on Board
Whether you need a Pleasure Craft Licence or a Canadian Vessel Registration certificate, you must always keep a copy of your registration onboard your boat.
Like fire extinguishers and life jackets, it's non-negotiable. It's considered proof for law enforcement and shows them you've legally registered your vessel.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Along with understanding how to register a boat in BC, you must be aware of what can happen if you don't register it properly, update your licence when needed, or carry proof of registration.
The most common penalty for these activities is a fine, which can vary based on the offense and extenuating circumstances. Fines can range from $250 to $10,000.
Additionally, you could be detained, or your boat could be seized (and even forfeited) in some situations. It's not worth the risk, and you want to ensure your boat is always correctly registered.
How to Transfer Ownership of a Boat
If you plan to transfer ownership of a boat, you'll need the following:
- Proof of ownership (or a bill of sale).
- IDs for all parties to the transaction.
- A side-view full-color photograph of the vessel.
- An authorization letter if a third party applies for the licence (i.e., someone who's not the owner).
- Authorization to submit an application for a legal entity (if the vessel is under a business name).
Buying a boat that's already been registered requires that you transfer registration. If you're buying a new boat or building your own, you'll need to register it as new since there's nothing to transfer.
Where to Get Help
Getting help to register your boat correctly matters. The best place to get the information you need is the Transport Canada website.
The site's vessel licensing and registration page is the place to start when you have registration questions.
Navigate the Waters Safely with Boater Education
Ready to boat safely and legally in BC? Don't forget to take a boater education course. You'll learn about legal requirements, safety needs, and how to navigate the Canadian waters to enjoy your boating experience fully.
BOATERexam makes it easy to learn with our online course for Canadians. Plus, after completing the course and passing the exam, you'll receive your boater card so you can hit the waters legally and safely!
