Registering a Boat in Ontario without Ownership: A Quick Guide

Coming into ownership of a boat does not always follow a traditional path. If you have somehow stumbled across or found a boat, you will want to learn about registering a boat in Ontario without ownership. Registering your boat is crucial to its legal operation, so if you find yourself in this rather unique circumstance, staying informed is a wise and practical maneuver. 

Identifying a Lost or Abandoned Vessel

Say one day you are out on the water exploring and something catches your eye. You get closer to the object, and much to your astonishment you have come across a discarded boat. Before you dive into restoring this vessel and making it your own, however, you will want to ensure that it does not belong to someone else.

The first thing you will want to do is look for any identification numbers on the side of the boat. You can then reference these numbers with Ontario’s boating registry, or with Transport Canada. If the boat is safe enough, you can also venture on board to scour the vessel for documentation. If you or an agency are able to identify the owner, you may be able to return the boat, or you can confirm that it is indeed abandoned.

Read more about registering a boat in Ontario without ownership at National Vessel Registry Center, Corp.