Boaters who wish to register their pleasure crafts can no longer do so over the counter at Service Canada locations.
As of Nov. 1, operators must complete an application form, provide proof of vessel ownership, and a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued ID to the pleasure craft licencing centre.
Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety have put together a pleasure craft licence application kit, which can be found online at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca, at Service Canada offices, or at Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety centres.
Boaters who purchased used pleasure crafts, such as boats or seadoos, have 90 days to transfer the licence into their name. They can operate their new boat with the existing licence on board during this time.
A pilot program started during the 2010 boating season allowed 35 boat dealers to issue new licence numbers on the spot. The feedback from the program has been "very positive," a press release noted, and Transport Canada is looking to expand the program to all dealers across Canada.
In the future, the program may also allow for any person to register online, outside of a dealer.
