Did you recently get your vessel on the Canada boat registry and want to make sure that it’s properly marked? Or, alternatively, did you get a pleasure craft licence and want to be in compliance with Transport Canada? Here at Vessel Placards, we offer plaques that fit the rules for registered vessels and pleasure craft alike.
Below are some of the rules regarding Canadian vessel documentation, which vessels must be documented and which must get a pleasure craft licence. No matter what your vessel requires, you can find the right placards right here.
Remember: There are Two Canadian Vessel Registers
When it comes to the Canadian vessel registry, one of the most important distinctions is between vessels registered on the Large Vessel Register and those on the Small Vessel Register. The difference between the two: if your vessel measures more than 15 gross tonnes in volume and has an engine of 7.5 kW/10 horsepower.
Large Vessel Register Marking
For vessels listed on the Large Vessel Register, the name of your vessel must be prominently displayed using readable letters from the Latin alphabet. Use Arabic or Roman numerals. These letters and numbers must be at least 10 centimeters, or about four inches, high.
Placement of the vessel name must be marked on the stern, as well as on both sides of the bow. The port of registry must also be marked in a similar manner on the stern, ensuring consistency across your vessel’s markings.
Official Number and NRT (“Net Registered Tonnage”)
The official number, often abbreviated as “O.N.,” should be marked on an interior structural part of the hull. This placement ensures that the number is both visible and protected from wear and tear, which can occur on the exterior of the boat. The net registered tonnage, abbreviated as “N.R.T.,” should also be placed inside the vessel.
Both the official number and net registered tonnage must be in block-type Arabic numerals that are at least four centimeters high. These specific requirements allow inspectors and officials to easily identify the vessel, providing a streamlined process for both vessel owners and authorities alike.
Small Vessel Register Marking
If your vessel is part of the Small Vessel Register, the rules differ somewhat. The official number should be displayed in block characters that are no less than 75 millimeters in height, providing ample size for clear visibility.
Moreover, the color of the numbers must contrast with the background color of the vessel to enhance legibility. This number should be placed on both sides of the bow, or, if that’s not possible, on a board that is permanently attached to the vessel as close to the bow as possible. It’s crucial that this number is clearly visible from both sides of the boat, ensuring that anyone can easily identify the vessel at a glance.
Pleasure Craft Marking
For pleasure craft owners, the name of the vessel and its port of registry must be displayed in readable letters of the Latin alphabet, using Roman or Arabic numerals.
These markings must be at least 10 centimeters, or roughly four inches, high, and they should be placed on the exterior of the hull. Much like with commercial vessels, the port of registry and vessel name must be clearly visible to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations.
Inside the hull of the pleasure craft, the official number and net registered tonnage must also be displayed. Again, these numbers must be in block-type Arabic numerals that are at least four centimeters in height.
The official number (O.N.) and net registered tonnage (N.R.T.) should be marked on an interior structural part of the vessel, ensuring they remain visible but protected from external elements. These markings allow for easy identification, providing peace of mind for vessel owners and regulators alike.
More Than Just Help With Canada Boat Registry Marking
We’re here to help you get your vessel compliant with all Canadian regulations. Whether you’re operating a large commercial ship, a small fishing boat, or a pleasure craft, proper vessel markings are an essential part of staying on the right side of the law.
We take pride in helping boaters navigate the complexities of vessel documentation, so you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful waters of Canada.
With the right placards, you can enjoy the freedom of the water, knowing that you’ve met all legal requirements.
That said, we don’t just provide placards that are in compliance with Canadian vessels. Additionally, we have United States Coast Guard documentation placards as well.
Of course, we also offer more than just placards. Glassware, t-shirts, and more – we can help you to get into compliance as well as to enjoy yourself on your vessel. To see how we can help, click here.
