What is Form 18 – Application for Bareboat Charter Registry?

A Guide on Documentation for Bareboat Charters in Canada

In some cases, a boat registered in one country may be leased to a company operating in another country for a specific period. When that arrangement involves a foreign-registered boat being placed into service under Canadian authority, Transport Canada requires Form 18 – Application for Bareboat Charter Registry for the registration process. This application serves…

The 2026 Expedited Reflagging Process for Canadian Boats Explained

The 2026 Expedited Reflagging Process for Canadian Boats Explained

Navigating the complexities of international waters just got significantly easier for Canadian boat owners. As of March 2026, Transport Canada has introduced MSOB 2026-001, a new directive aimed at simplifying the expedited reflagging process in Canada for boats returning to the Canadian boat registration. Whether you’re bringing a yacht back from a winter charter or…

Bare-Boat Charter Registry: Guide for Vessel Owners and Charterers

Bare-Boat Charter Registry: Guide for Vessel Owners and Charterers

The Bare-Boat Charter Registry is a unique type of registration entity to provide registration for a ship which is chartered out without crew, stores or management left on board by the owners. The charterer in this case takes over the full possession and concomitant liabilities of the ship during the period of the charter. Since…

New Ship Safety Bulletin May Affect Your Bareboat Charters in Canada

New Ship Safety Bulletin May Affect Your Bareboat Charters in Canada

For charterers involved in bareboat charters in Canada, Ship Safety Bulletin No. 20/2025 brings renewed attention to navigation bridge visibility, shifting practical and legal responsibilities in ways that directly affect day-to-day operations.  From how deck equipment is carried to how risk assessments are recorded, this bulletin reaches beyond commercial shipping and into the realities of…

Form 18 – Application for Bareboat Charter Registry: What to Know

What Are the Key Alberta Boating Regulations You Should Know?

Bareboat charters offer a flexible way for boat owners to lease their vessels while maintaining compliance with Transport Canada’s regulations. For Canadian boat owners considering this arrangement, understanding the legal requirements—particularly the Form 18 – Application for Bareboat Charter Registry—can make the difference. The Canadian Vessel Registry Center Corp. simplifies the documentation process, ensuring boat…

Bareboat Charters in Canada Made Easy

Bareboat Charters in Canada Made Easy

One of the primary objectives of bareboat charters in Canada is to maximize the vessel’s earning potential so that both the owner and the charterer can profit. A bareboat charter occurs when the owner rents his or her vessel to the charterer for a predetermined period of time. When the charterer assumes command, he or…