What is the difference between a licensed boat and a registered boat?
The licensing and registration of boats are two different things. A licensed boat carries a small vessel license (13K, 14K etc.). It is required on any boat less than 15 gross tons (volume tonnage, not displacement or weight) or any vessel under 12 meters in length with an engine greater than 9.9 hp. This includes personal water craft. You can, at your option, license any vessel with an engine less than 9.9 hp. A registered boat carries a certificate of registry, or blue book. It is required on every commercial and pleasure craft over 15 gross tons (volume tonnage, not displacement or weight) or any vessel over 12 meters in length regardless of gross tonnage. The requirement for the registration of all vessels over 12 meters regardless of tonnage came into effect with the revised Canada Shipping Act. If your boat is greater than 12 meters in length you may need to convert it from a licensed to registered status to be compliant with the Canada Shipping Act. Licensing and Registration De
