LICENSING, REGISTRATION AND
IDENTIFICATION / MARKINGS
A pleasure craft licence is the set of identification numbers displayed on a boat. All pleasure craft
powered by an engine 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more must be licensed, unless they are
registered. It is no longer mandatory for pleasure craft over 15 gross tonnage to be registered.
Since April 1, 2006 Service Canada delivers Pleasure Craft Licensing at all of their offices across
Canada. The new system also allows Search and Rescue personnel to access the information
24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the event of an emergency. This could mean the difference
between life and death!
Refer to the blue pages in your telephone directory to obtain the telephone number for Service
Canada. If you wish to voluntarily register your vessel this is undertaken by the Office of Ship
Registration, Marine Safety, Department of Transport.
Your license number must be displayed above the water line, on both sides of the bow of your
vessel. The number must be in block letters, 7.5 centimetres in height that contrast with the
colour of your boat’s bow.
When you transfer ownership of your vessel, complete the information required and follow the
instructions on the reverse side of your Pleasure Craft License and give it to the new owner.
With the completed transfer form (reverse side of the Pleasure Craft License), the new owner
should contact the nearest Service Canada office for additional information.
‘Promoting Safe and Responsible Boating Throughout Canada’
‘Promouvoir la Sécurite Nautique et le sens de la Responsabilité à Travers le Canada’
www.csbc.ca