Boat Name Lettering Rules — Canadian Law
Canada Shipping Act 2001 · Federal — Canada
§The Law
Canada Shipping Act 2001 — Canada Shipping Act 2001
“Registered vessels generally display the vessel name in clearly visible characters. While no minimum size is mandated for names, they should be legible.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
Your boat name should be visible on the stern and bow. There is no strict size rule for names (unlike PCL numbers), but they should be readable.
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Specific Requirements
Name on stern required for registered vessels
Name on bow recommended
Legible size — typically 6-10cm for aesthetics
Any colour that contrasts with hull
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Boat Registration Numbers — PCL Decals
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📚Sources & Authority
Every claim on this page is backed by official government legislation and verified industry sources. Last verified: March 2026.
🏛 Official Government Sources
Pleasure Craft Licensing — Transport Canada
Transport Canada · March 2026
Official Transport Canada page for Pleasure Craft Licensing. Covers who needs a PCL, how to apply, number display requirements, and renewal.
Small Vessel Regulations — SOR/2010-91
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Small Vessel Regulations define marking requirements for pleasure craft including PCL number size (75mm minimum), placement (both sides of bow), and colour contrast.
Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Canada Shipping Act is the federal legislation governing all vessel registration, safety, and compliance in Canadian waters.
🏢 Industry Organizations
All sources are official government publications or recognized industry authorities. Links verified March 2026. If you find a broken link, let us know.
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Shop Marine Registration NumbersOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- Canada Shipping Act 2001
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
What if Canada Shipping Act 2001 changes next year?
Laws change. When they do, your decal becomes non-conforming overnight. Annual Compliance Plan monitors 150+ Canadian regulations weekly — the moment text changes, a replacement ships to you at $0.
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Compliance Certificate
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