Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding marine issues such as Vessel Registration, Safety and Security. It connects you as well to our partners' FAQ pages. Items on this page are listed in alphabetical order.

FAQ - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

FAQ - Maritime Radiocommunication

FAQ - Meteorological Service of Canada

FAQ - Small Vessels

FAQ - Small Vessel Compliance Program (Non-Pleasure Craft) (SVCP)

FAQ - Tides, Currents and Water Levels

FAQ - Training, Examination and Certification of Searfarers

FAQ - Weather Office

Vessel Registration Office (Transport Canada)

• FAQ - Registration of Small Commercial Vessels
• FAQ - Registration of Vessels

Safety & Security

• Where Can I find information about marine search and rescue?
• Where can I find the latest information about ship safety?
• Where can I find information about Lifejacket regulations?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

• FAQ - Importing Goods into Canada
• FAQ - Exporters

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Where can I find a listing of Canadian registered vessels?
You can find this information at Transport Canada Vessel Registration Query System, where you can search for a ship's official number or by name, or use the advanced search page which permits searching on a wider variety of attributes. You may also purchase The List of Ships, volume 1 and 2 from the Canadian Government Publishing web site.

Where Can I find information about marine search and rescue?
Through the Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for all marine search and rescue operations in Canadian waters. Click on the search and rescue operations link to find more information about this important marine service.

Where can I find the latest information about ship safety?
Consult the Ship Safety Bulletins web site. These bulletins are provided by the Marine Safety Directorate. For more information please call (613) 991–3135 or fax us at (613) 990–6191.

Where can I find information about Lifejacket regulations?
The law requires boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of an appropriate size for each person on board (except for any infant who weighs less than 9 kg or any person whose chest size exceeds 140 cm). For ample information, please consult the personal protection equipment site.