Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/or Transfer of Port of Registry Facts

Owning a boat brings a unique sense of freedom and pride. Part of that pride comes from the boat’s name and its official home port. As time goes on, you might decide it’s time for a change. Perhaps you have a new name in mind that better reflects your boat’s character, or maybe your own home base has moved, and you want your boat’s Port of Registry to match. When these moments arise for owners of registered boats in Canada, a specific document is required to make it official: the Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/Or Transfer of Port of Registry.

This form is the key to formally updating your boat’s identity within the Canadian Ship Registry. The process might seem complex, but understanding when and how to use this form can make the experience much smoother. Whether you’re looking to bestow a new name upon your prized boat or switch its official Port of Registry, this document is your starting point. At our service, we provide a streamlined, online version of this form, simplifying the process of submitting your application to the government.

Who Needs to File This Form?

If you are the owner of a boat that is on the Canadian Ship Registry, this form is for you if you plan to make specific changes. It’s important to distinguish this from a pleasure craft licence, which is a different type of documentation for smaller boats. The Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/Or Transfer of Port of Registry is specifically for registered boats.

Changing Your Boat’s Name

A boat’s name often holds personal meaning. It could be a family name, a clever pun, or a word that captures the spirit of adventure. If you’ve decided to change your boat’s name, you can’t simply paint the new name on the hull and call it a day. For a registered boat, the name is part of its official record. Filing Form 13 is a mandatory step to legally recognize the new name. This ensures that all official documentation, from ownership records to safety certificates, reflects the correct name, preventing confusion and potential legal issues down the line.

Transferring Your Port of Registry

The Port of Registry is the official home port listed on your boat’s Certificate of Registry. It’s more than just a name on a document; it establishes your boat’s connection to a specific Canadian port. You might want to transfer your Port of Registry for several reasons. You may have moved to a different part of the country and want your boat’s registry to reflect your new local port. Or, you might simply have a personal connection to a different port and wish to make it your boat’s official home. To make this change, you will need to submit the Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/Or Transfer of Port of Registry. This form allows you to select a new port from the approved list and officially transfer your boat’s registration.

Available Ports of Registry in Canada

When you decide to transfer your boat’s Port of Registry, you have a wide selection of official ports across Canada to choose from. This choice allows you to align your boat’s official home with a location that is convenient or meaningful to you. The available ports are spread throughout the country’s provinces and territories, reflecting Canada’s extensive maritime heritage.

You can select a port that is geographically close to where you live or where you typically moor your boat. The options include major coastal cities, significant inland ports on the Great Lakes, and other key maritime locations. Below are some of the available options you can choose when completing your application.

• Charlottetown, PE
• Collingwood, ON
• Halifax, NS
• Hamilton, ON
• Kingston, ON
• Midland, ON
• Montreal, QC
• Ottawa, ON
• Picton, ON
• Port Hawkesbury, NS
• Quebec, QC
• Saint John, NB
• Sarnia, ON
• St. Catharines, ON
• St. John’s, NL
• Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• Sydney, NS
• Thunder Bay, ON
• Toronto, ON
• Vancouver, BC
• Victoria, BC
• Windsor, ON
• Winnipeg, MB
• Yarmouth, NS
• Yellowknife, NWT
• Iqaluit, NU

Choosing a new Port of Registry is a significant step, and the Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/Or Transfer of Port of Registry is the official document you’ll use to record this decision.

Rules for Changing a Registered Boat’s Name

Changing your boat’s name is an exciting prospect, but it involves more than just creative thinking. There are specific rules you must follow to ensure the new name is approved and officially recorded. These regulations are in place to maintain order and clarity within the Canadian Ship Registry. When you submit your application, you must provide up to three proposed names in order of preference.

Name Uniqueness and Approval

The most important rule is that your proposed name must be unique. It cannot be identical to the name of another boat already on the Canadian Ship Registry. The name also cannot be so similar to an existing name that it could cause confusion. This is why you are asked to provide multiple options. If your first choice is already taken, Transport Canada will move to your second, and then your third.

There are also certain restrictions on the types of names you can choose. Your proposed name cannot be a registered trademark unless you have written consent from the trademark owner. The name should not be misleading about the boat’s nature or identity. Furthermore, names that could be considered offensive or are otherwise objectionable will be rejected. Adhering to these guidelines and relevant Canadian maritime laws will greatly increase the chances of your chosen name being approved without delay. Once a new name is approved, you are required to mark it clearly on your boat according to regulations.

How We Help with Your Documentation Needs

Navigating government forms can be a time-consuming and sometimes confusing task. We aim to make this process easier for you. We provide simple, online versions of many of the forms you need for Canadian boat documentation, including the Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/Or Transfer of Port of Registry.

Our platform allows you to fill out and submit your application from any device, at any time. We’ve designed our forms to be easy to understand, helping you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections. While we provide the simplified forms for your convenience, it is important to note that you are responsible for providing the correct and complete information.

Beyond the Form 13 – Application for Change of Name And/Or Transfer of Port of Registry, we offer a wide range of other documentation forms. Whether you need to register a boat for the first time, renew your registration, transfer ownership, or obtain a pleasure craft licence, you can find the necessary forms on our site. Our goal is to be your trusted resource for accessing the documentation you need to keep your boating life in perfect order. Explore our site to see how we can assist you with all your boat documentation needs.