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The Western Canada Heritage Vessel Registry (WCHVR) is dedicated to recognizing and preserving historically significant vessels built in Western Canada. The Registry promotes high standards of preservation, raises public awareness of maritime heritage, and supports the sustainable conservation of our floating history.

From working boats to pleasure craft, it creates a permanent, publicly accessible record of notable vessels that have shaped life, industry, and transportation on our coast, helping to ensure that their stories remain available for research and learning for future generations.

Applications Opening Early 2026

Submission Form
Guidelines

Vessels

FAQs

No. Vessels are not transferred automatically; a new application must be submitted for consideration.

No. A new application is required. We encourage re-application once any concerns identified in the initial review have been addressed.

More info coming soon!

A fee will be required as part of the application process. The amount has not yet been finalized. Any fees approved by the WCHVR Governing Council must be paid before a vessel can be officially included in the Registry. 

Anyone may nominate a vessel for inclusion. However, if the nominator is not the legal owner, they must obtain the owner’s written permission and are responsible for paying any applicable application fee. 

More information about fees will be shared once the Governing Council has confirmed the fee structure.

Owners of vessels accepted into the Western Canada Heritage Vessel Registry will receive a range of recognitions and benefits, including: 

  • A distinctive medallion or plaque to mount on the vessel, identifying its registered status. 
  • An official certificate of registration. 
  • Eligibility to fly the Registry’s burgee  
  • A formal Statement of Significance, issued by the Governing Council, placing the vessel in accurate historical context. 
  • Inclusion of the vessel’s history in a publicly accessible online database and in the physical collection of the Maritime Museum of BC. 
  • Access to research resources on designers and builders of similar vessels. 
  • Opportunities to connect with other heritage vessel owners, clubs, and museums to share knowledge and experience. 
  • Additional benefits that may be introduced over time by the Governing Council to further support and protect designated vessels.

A vessel stays on the Western Canada Heritage Vessel Registry as long as it remains regularly afloat and meets the Registry’s criteria. 

A vessel may be suspended or removed from the Registry if it is no longer regularly afloat. If it becomes dry-berthed, it will be moved to the Dry-Berth Register. If the vessel is lost or no longer exists, it will be fully removed. 

A vessel may also be removed at the request of the legal owner or by majority decision of the WCHVR Governing Council. 

Suspended vessels can be reinstated once they return to being regularly afloat.

At this time, only vessels 6 metres or longer and capable of carrying at least one crew member are eligible for the Western Canada Heritage Vessel Registry. 

Smaller craft will become eligible once a formal small craft registry is developed in the future.

Eligible vessels must be substantially intact and not considered a wreck. Vessels may be either afloat or stored ashore (dry-berthed) at the time of application. They may also be in personal, commercial, or government use. 

Vessels that are lost or true wrecks are not eligible for the Registry. 

All accepted vessels will be classified according to UNESCO categories of respect for original fabric.