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National Boating Safety School

Rules for Naming or Renaming a Boat in Canada

June 11, 2026

A boat’s name often reflects the entire journey that led to buying your own pleasure craft. Whether it represents a hard-earned retirement, a tribute to a loved one, or a symbol of freedom, putting that name on the hull is a special moment.

In Canada, there are a few rules you need to follow for naming (or renaming) your boat. Remember, boating is an enjoyable pastime, but it also requires a solid knowledge of all relevant laws and safety regulations.

 

Key Takeaways

  • You only need to follow boat naming rules if your boat is officially registered.
  • If you have simply licensed your boat (which is usually all that is required for recreational vessels) you do not need to follow naming rules.
  • For registered vessels, Transport Canada rules govern the terms you are allowed to use in your boat name, and also how and where you display the approved name on your vessel.
  • You must apply to the Small Vessel Registry to have your name approved and display it on your boat to complete your registration.
  • Renaming a vessel involves following a similar application process. 

 

Only Registered Boats Need to Follow the Naming Rules

The rules for naming or renaming your boat apply specifically to vessels that are registered, and not to boats that are simply licenced.

Boat registration is not required for recreational vessels, so may not need to follow any rules. However, some boat owners choose to register their boat (even if it is not required). If you are one of these, you’ll need to follow the associated rules. 

 

The 7 Rules for Naming a Registered Vessel

When you register your boat in the Small Vessel Register you have legal proof of ownership, which allows you to officially name your boat.

Here are the naming rules you need to follow:

1. Choose a unique name

A registered vessel must have a unique name. When you apply, you’ll need to provide 3 choices of name in order of preference. You can check if the name you want is already being used in the Vessel Registration Query System.

2. Don’t use a registered trademark

You can’t use a registered trademark in your boat’s name. A registered trademark is a legally protected word or phrase. For example, a brand name or a famous slogan cannot be part of your boat name.

3. The name can’t be confused with a distress signal

Don’t use distress signals for your boat name either. MAYDAY or other terms used when calling for help via VHF Radio are forbidden. When you call for help, you’ll need to give the name of your boat, which cannot be confused with the type of help you are asking for!

This could also get confusing when rendering assistance to other boaters. 

You are allowed to use terms from the NATO phonetic alphabet. But if your name is potentially confusing for search and rescue personnel, it could still be rejected by the registry. (This is one reason why you need to submit three possible names when applying.)

4. You can’t use vessel acronyms

It is forbidden to use vessel acronyms, such as SV for sailing vessel, or FV for fishing vessel.

5. Some words don’t count

If you want, you can include an article at the beginning of your boat name (such as the, a, le, la, l’, un, une) but it will not make a difference in the official registry.

For example, The Big Boat will be considered the same name as Big Boat for legal purposes. 

6. Famous people and locations need written authorization

You must have written authorization if you are using the name of a famous Canadian person or any city or town in Canada.

7. No profanities 

The registry will reject names that are profane or confusing. 

 

Rules for Displaying Your Boat’s Name

According to Transport Canada, a pleasure craft is not officially registered until it has been properly marked.

The following rules apply:

  • Write both the vessel name and its designated port of registry.
  • They must be marked on a clearly visible exterior part of the hull (typically the stern).
  • You can place them above, below, or to the side of the HIN area on the transom, but do not obstruct or cover the HIN.
  • The letters must be in a clearly legible font (Latin alphabet and Arabic or Roman numerals) and must be at least 10 centimeters in height.
  • Markings must not fade or easily rub off. Any attempt to alter or remove the name must cause noticeable damage to the surrounding hull area, so that it is easy to tell if it has been removed.

 

Renaming a Registered Vessel

If you own a registered vessel and wish to change its name, you just need to apply to the Vessel Registry to have the name changed. Write to [email protected] and ask for the right forms and instructions.

 

Learn All About Boating Regulations with Drive A Boat Canada

Do you know what you need to go boating legally? Many Canadian boaters are surprised to discover that there is a lot to learn before taking to the water. 

Thanks to Drive A Boat Canada’s easy, 100% online boating safety course, you can get familiar with the most important laws and regulations quickly and efficiently.

Here’s one rule that’s easy to explain: all motorized boat operators need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to drive their boat on Canadian waters. To get your card, just take our approved online boating course and pass the Transport Canada boating exam. Register today!