While owning your own boat is a great privilege, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. It is up to you to keep your boat fueled up and well-maintained to ensure it is in good working order. You also need to keep an ample stock of life preservers onboard, along with an adequate first aid kit. There are also paperwork matters to consider–specifically, you will want to make sure you have valid, up-to-date documentation with Transport Canada. If your boat is primarily used for recreational purposes, this will mean obtaining a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) and renewing it when necessary. With a current PCL, you can enjoy Canada’s waters with your friends and family, all with the peace of mind of knowing you are operating in accordance with federal law. If you are new to boating, however, you may have questions like, where should the Pleasure Craft Licence number be displayed? And, how can you obtain a Pleasure Craft Licence online? Fortunately, at the National Vessel Registry Center, we have got you covered.
We get it–when you first purchased a boat, you were not exactly in it for the paperwork. We built our business with the avid Canadian boater in mind, and we do everything we can to help our customers spend less time working on forms with Transport Canada, and more time out on the water. By working with us, you can learn everything you need to know about PCLs, vessel registration, and much more. Read on to learn about where you need to display your PCL numbers on your boat.
What is a Pleasure Craft License? Where Should the Pleasure Craft Licence Number be Displayed?
Before you begin putting any sort of identification decals on your boat, you should probably determine whether or not you require a PCL first. A Pleasure Craft Licence, also known as a boat license, documents your vessel with Transport Canada and grants you a registration number. PCLs are for motorized recreational vessels, specifically those with engines of 10 or more horsepower, though all boats can apply for one. You should note, if your boat will be used for any sort of commercial activity, or if it is financed with a marine mortgage, you will need to enter it into Transport Canada’s Small Vessel Registry.
Once your PCL has been issued, you will need to place your registration number on both sides of your boat’s bow in a location that is well above the waterline. The letters used should be at least three inches in height and in contrasting colors from your boat’s paint job. To obtain a PCL, you will need to complete an application and provide proof of ownership to Transport Canada. You will also need to provide a full-size, side profile photograph of your vessel.
Get Your PCL Online
You can use our online forms to get your PCL online. Simply locate the correct application in our easy-to-read navigation menu, and you can submit your application in just minutes. If you have any questions, please contact us by email or phone today.
