There are a number of Registrations and Licences and Certifications that you need to properly and safely operate your boat. Here are the links that you need to follow and a bit of information about each of these things.

VHF Radio Certification

Many boats today have a Maritime Radio (VHF) instlalled in them. Not that long ago these were restricted to comercial vessels only. Over the past number of years recreational vessels have had these radios fitted as well and generally this makes the operation of a recreational vessel safer. You should be aware however that in Canada it is required that you have a certificate to operate this radio. It is considered operating to simply turn the radio on. The certification course is not difficult and gives the operator an excelent overview of the capabilities and us of these radios and will greatly enhance your probability of being rescued in the case of difficulties while on the water. Click the link below for a self study course that can provide the certification.

Course Calendar

Pleasure Craft Operater Certificate

The PCOC is required by all people who operate b)ats. This is not an option and fines will be imposed if your are found to be without one. This is a certification for the operator, not the boat. It is often mistakenly called a boating license. It is offered by a number of organizations. My recomendation is the one offered by CanBoat (Canadian Power and Sail Squadron). Click the link below.

https://www.cps-ecp.ca/ecommerce/course-calendar/?cps_show_course_details_id=350

Boat License

All vessels must be either licensed or registered. The license is free and can be obtained with the link below. For most non comercial purposes this is all you need. This will be sufficient if you even want to travel into the US. If you are a comercial operator or want to go to a country other then the US then you will need to go through the much more complex and expensive process of vessel Registration.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/vessel-licensing-registration/licensing-pleasure-craft/apply-manage-pleasure-craft-licence-pcl/apply-new-licence-manage-existing-licence

Vessel Registration

As noted above Vessel Registration is required if you are going to operate commercially or if you want to venture beyond the US. You will need a professional survey and a port of registry. The whole process could take 6 months to complete and might cost well north of $500 by the time you complete all the requirements. If the vesssel was previously registered in another country you will also have to prove that it has been removed from that countries registry.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/vessel-licensing-registration/apply-manage-vessel-registration

MMSI

Also key to safe and enjoyable operation of a recreational vessel is an MMSI number. This functions like a phone number for your vessel and is used especially in emergency situations if your navigation systems are set up correctly. To learn more about obtaining an MMSI here is the link.

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/licences-and-certificates/national-maritime-information-database

Notes

All of these can be a bit baffeling to the new boater and I am certainly willing to help you get started. Leave a comment if you would like to contact me about where you should start.