Commercial fisheries licensing rules and policies reference document Pacific region
Vessel registration
All vessels that are to be used in commercial fishing must be registered as a commercial fishing vessel with Transport Canada and obtain a Vessel Registration Number (VRN) from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
For new commercial vessels
Vessels not previously registered with DFO, the following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Commercial Vessel Registration and the registration fee of $50.00.
- Proof of ownership; for vessels registered under the Canada Shipping Act, a copy of the Certificate of Registry or a registered Bill of Sale.
- An official marine survey report, dated after May 1, 1989 that has been conducted by a Marine Surveyor in accordance with the current DFO Guidelines for Vessel Measurement.
For previously registered commercial fishing vessels
Vessels previously registered with DFO that have been unlicensed for more than 15 days must submit the following:
- A completed Application for Commercial Vessel Registration. If a new VRN does not have to be issued or there are no vessel data changes, the $50.00 registration fee is not required.
- An official marine survey report, dated after May 1, 1989 that has been conducted by a Marine Surveyor in accordance with the current DFO Guidelines for Vessel Measurement must be on record or submitted along with the Application for Commercial Vessel Registration.
For previously registered commercial fishing vessels reporting data changes
- Vessels registered with DFO that have a change of vessel name, Transport Canada DOT number, vessel dimensions to be recorded or a change in activity (from fishing to transporting or transporting to fishing), must submit:
- A completed Application for Commercial Vessel Registration and the registration fee of $50.00
- For changes in vessel name and data (other than overall length) for vessels registered with DOT, a copy of the amended Certificate of Registry
- For changes in DOT number for vessels registered with Transport Canada, a Certificate of Registry.
Changes to overall length of a previously registered vessel will only be considered where a marine survey has been reviewed and accepted by the DFO and changes have been done in accordance with policies.
Vessel owners are expected to make every effort to meet the guidelines as set in the regulations.
The Application for Commercial Vessel Registration form is available.
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