The rule in plain English
A Pleasure Craft Licence gives a recreational craft a unique identification number. Transport Canada says that number is displayed on both sides of the bow. It is not the same thing as proof of ownership or vessel registration.
For the display itself, use block characters that meet the minimum height and contrast requirements below. The published specification applies to the finished marking on the hull, so choose the final size and colour against the actual installation surface.
Published display specification
These are the measurable details stated in current Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Licensing guidance.
| Requirement | Published specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum character height | 7.5 cm (3 inches) |
| Character style | Block characters |
| Placement | Each side of the bow |
| Waterline | Above the waterline |
| Colour | Contrasts with the background colour |
Configure the marking against the hull
Measure the finished character height, not the overall sheet height. Select a character colour that remains visibly different from the hull colour, and plan one matching number set for each bow side above the waterline.
The linked product page carries the current size, colour, quantity, intake, proof, and checkout choices. Those live choices control the order; this guide does not duplicate a price table or variant matrix.
Common ways a configuration misses the specification
A configuration falls outside the published display specification when the finished characters are under 7.5 cm tall, only one bow side is marked, the marking sits below the waterline, the characters are not block style, or the selected colour does not contrast with the hull.
Decorative boat names and port markings are separate buyer intents. Do not use their typography or placement as the specification for a Pleasure Craft Licence number.
Pleasure Craft Licence versus vessel registration
A Pleasure Craft Licence is an identification document for the craft and is not proof of ownership. Vessel registration is a different federal record used in specific situations and has different name and port marking rules.
If you are unsure which document your boat carries, check the document itself or Transport Canada’s current licensing and registration guidance before ordering lettering.
Sources and citations
- TCTransport Canada — Marking your craft Exact placement, character style, minimum height, and colour specification.
- SORJustice Laws — Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) Current consolidated regulation and Pleasure Craft Licensing framework.
- TCTransport Canada — Three common boating documents Plain-language distinction between a PCL, operator card, and vessel registration.