Owning your own boat can afford you a leisurely and relaxing pastime. Think about it: you are out on the water, either fishing or sightseeing, you have a cooler full of snacks and beverages, and you are surrounded by your friends and family. Not bad, right? Well, if this image has you considering buying a boat of your own, there is a general process you will want to follow. First, you are going to need to figure out which type of boat is right for you. This means doing a lot of research and getting to know the various models and makes. Next, you will need to find a seller and negotiate a fair price. Look, boats are expensive, so you may want to check out the secondary marketplace as well. Once you have finalized the deal on your new boat, you are nearly ready to head out to sea. First, though, you will probably need to complete some forms with Transport Canada, which often means getting a pleasure craft license (PCL). If you already have a PCL, but it is set to expire soon, you will want to complete a PCL renewal, which we can help you do online.
If you are new to boating, or just new to boat ownership, you should get familiar with Transport Canada. As the country’s main transportation agency concerning infrastructure on both land and sea, Transport Canada issues licenses and registrations to boat owners all over the country. As a responsible boat owner, it is your duty to stay current on all of your vessel’s documentation. While you have the option to visit Transport Canada’s website, find PDFs of the forms you need, print them out, ink them by hand, and mail them to the correct office in Ottawa, there is a simpler way. By working with us at the National Vessel Registry Center, you can complete your vessel documentation online, which can save you a considerable amount of time and energy. Read on to learn more about our services.
When Do You Need a PCL Renewal?
In Canada, any pleasure craft that features an engine of 10 or more horsepower (7.5 kW) requires a PCL. This document is obtained by completing an application, which will include proof of ownership and a full-size photograph of the vessel in question. Once issued, your PCL will provide your boat with a registration number, which must be displayed on the exterior of your boat’s bow (both sides) in characters of at least three inches in height. Your registration number should also clearly contrast with the color of your boat.
A PCL is valid for a period of 10 years, at which point you will need to apply for a renewal. You can use our web forms to complete this application with just a few clicks.
Get the Forms You Need on the Web
Whether you need a PCL, a renewal application, or a vessel registration, we have got you covered. We have fillable web forms for all of your Transport Canada documentation needs. To learn more, check out our useful Frequently Asked Questions page today.