There is good news from Transport Canada for the owners of small vessels. There was the expectation that such vessels as canoes, kayaks and very small motorized vessels would now be required to be registered with Transport Canada but now, The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, has announced important changes to Transport Canada’s small vessel registration requirements.

Owners of human-powered vessels, such as canoes, kayaks and small sailing vessels, as well as small vessels with motors less than 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower) will not have to register their craft with Transport Canada.  This seems like a sensible and boater-friendly decision.

“We do not believe Canadian boaters should face onerous regulations to go canoeing and kayaking, which is why registration requirements for all human-powered vessels, small sailing vessels and small motorized vessels will not be required,” said Minister Strahl.

This registration will continue to be required for commercial river rafts, government vessels and for any vessels where registration is necessary for safety reasons. If you are in the business of renting or supplying a fleet of small vessels, there may be a requirement to register however, for those vessels that still must be registered, Transport Canada is also introducing a new simplified process. For a vessel or a fleet of vessels, Transport Canada will now: 

•accept a single application form; and

•charge a $50 fee, valid for five years.

Owners registering a fleet of human-powered vessels must also provide:

•the number, length or approximate length, and type of vessels in the fleet, including the Hull Identification Number (HIN) if available.

Transport Canada must be informed:

•of a change in ownership of a vessel or fleet; and

•if the vessel or fleet has been disbanded.

“What doesn’t change are the safety requirements. Small vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, their owners and users must continue to adhere to all safety requirements under the Canada Shipping Act.” added Minister Strahl.

Owners of small vessels are still allowed to register these on a voluntary basis where safety or search and rescue benefits are a consideration. This would be a sensible decision for a big boat owner who has a dinghy or other vessel used for safety purposes onboard their larger boat.

Owners of human-powered vessels, such as canoes, kayaks and small sailing vessels, as well as small vessels with motors less than 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower) will not have to register their craft with Transport Canada.