If boating is one of your primary hobbies, there are not many destinations better than Ontario, Canada. With more than 250,000 lakes–roughly one-fifth of the entire world’s freshwater supply–the opportunities for boaters and outdoorsmen alike are nearly endless. If you are an Ontario resident, or if you have visited the area, you know that these pristine waters make for a great day on the lake. As you cruise along, however, with the sun in your face and the wind dancing on the waves, it is not unusual for something to fly off the deck of your boat, provided it is not secured. If you happen to lose the paper copy of your Pleasure Craft License (PCL), this can cause a bureaucratic headache, leaving you wondering how to replace a boating license in Ontario. Well, the good news is, there is no need for alarm and panic, as a private service such as ours can help.
If you have experience as a boater, you have probably worked with Transport Canada in the past. As this agency is in charge of issuing Pleasure Craft Licenses, Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOCs), and vessel registrations, most boaters will be acquainted with their documentation. As Transport Canada is tasked with managing all transportation matters on both sea and land, they have a sizable job, and maintaining an accurate licensing database is crucial. This agency also requires that you keep a copy of your PCL onboard at all times, so if you do not wish to be stranded at the dock, you are going to want to seek out a replacement copy as soon as possible.
Why is a Pleasure Craft License So Important?
If you own a recreational vessel in Canada, chances are good that you will require a Pleasure Craft License. To be more specific, this document is mandatory for all motorized boats with engines of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more. Any vessel can apply for a PCL, however, and many boat owners appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a license. As your PCL will give you a registration number to display on your boat’s exterior, it can help identify it in the event your boat goes missing or is stolen.
If your PCL has somehow gone lost or was accidentally destroyed, you can obtain a replacement or duplicate copy from Transport Canada. There are a couple of ways in which you can do this–you can send a written request to Transport Canada’s office in Ottawa, or you can work with an online service such as ours at the National Vessel Registry Center.
You Can Replace a Boating License in Ontario Online
To get a replacement for your PCL, simply select that option from the “License forms” section of our top navigation menu. From there, you will be brought to an easy-to-complete fillable form. With just a few details at the ready, you can complete this request in just minutes. To learn more about our services, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us via email.
