Great Lakes Vessel Marking Requirements
Regulation SOR/2010-91 · Federal — Canada
§The Law
SOR/2010-91 — Regulation SOR/2010-91
“Vessels operating on the Great Lakes must comply with Transport Canada marking requirements and are subject to both Canadian and US Coast Guard inspections near the border.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
On the Great Lakes, your boat may be boarded by both Canadian and US authorities. Canadian PCL numbers and US state registration numbers may both be required.
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Specific Requirements
Canadian PCL required for Canadian vessels
US numbers required if operating in US waters
Both sets of markings when crossing border
Placement follows primary flag state rules
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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
- SOR/2010-91
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
Source library
Confirm the current rule before relying on a marking
Our guides are a starting point for locating government sources connected to SOR/2010-91 markings. Requirements can depend on jurisdiction, vehicle or site details, and the date you act.
- Open the linked official source and check its current version.
- Confirm the rule applies to your exact vehicle, vessel, property, or operation.
- Verify wording, dimensions, placement, and effective dates before ordering.
Compliance Certificate
Every order includes a printable Certificate of Material Compliance — ready for MTO, Transport Canada, or fire marshal inspection.
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