What Is a Pleasure Craft Licence Number?
A pleasure craft licence (PCL) number is issued by Transport Canada under the Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91). Every pleasure craft fitted with a motor of 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more should be licenced — this includes powerboats, sailboats with auxiliary motors, and personal watercraft (jet skis).
The licence number follows a specific format: a series of digits followed by letters (e.g., 12A3456BC). This number is your vessel's legal identification on Canadian waterways and should be displayed prominently. Licensing is done online through Transport Canada's portal; a Transport Canada fee applies, and new and transferred licences are valid for 5 years.
Where to Display the Number
Under the Small Vessel Regulations, your pleasure craft licence number should be displayed as follows:
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Additional Required Markings
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
Every pleasure craft manufactured after 1981 may need a Hull Identification Number permanently affixed by the manufacturer. This is a 12-character alphanumeric code located on the starboard (right) side of the transom. Do not remove, alter, or obscure the HIN.
Pleasure Craft Licence Card
You must carry your pleasure craft licence card (or a copy) on board at all times when operating the vessel. The card should be presented upon request by a peace officer, marine safety inspector, or RCMP marine unit.
Vessel Name (Optional)
A vessel name is not required for licenced pleasure craft, but is required for registered vessels (typically commercial or vessels over 15 gross tonnes). If you display a name, it does not replace the PCL number requirement.
Enforcement and Penalties
Transport Canada Marine Safety, the RCMP marine units, and provincial police marine divisions enforce pleasure craft licencing and display requirements across Canadian waterways.
Failure to display your licence number — or displaying it incorrectly — is an offence under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Penalties include fines and potential detention of the vessel. During boarding inspections, officers check for the PCL number, licence card, safety equipment, and operator competency proof.
In practice, an illegible or missing PCL number is one of the first things marine officers notice. Faded numbers from sun exposure are the most common violation — vinyl decals rated for marine use last significantly longer than painted numbers.
Common Display Mistakes
These are the most frequent pleasure craft number violations found during marine inspections:
- ✕Number placed on the stern instead of the bow — should be on the forward half
- ✕Numbers too small — minimum 75 mm (3 inches) in height
- ✕Faded or illegible numbers from UV exposure
- ✕Numbers covered by fenders, bumpers, or dock lines
- ✕Wrong format displayed (old or incorrect licence number)
- ✕Missing licence number entirely — common on newly purchased used boats
- ✕Non-contrasting colour (dark numbers on dark hull)
- ✕Number displayed on only one side — required on both sides of the bow
Related Marine Guides
Pre-Launch Display Checklist
Check these items before every launch:
- PCL number displayed on both sides of the bow
- Minimum 75 mm (3 inch) letter height
- Contrasting colour to the hull surface
- Numbers are clearly legible — not faded, peeling, or damaged
- Not obstructed by fenders, bumpers, ropes, or equipment
- Pleasure craft licence card on board
- HIN visible on starboard transom (not painted over or obscured)
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Get Marine-Grade Boat Number Decals
UV-resistant marine vinyl that will not fade, peel, or crack. Meets Transport Canada display requirements. Ships across Canada.