Maximum Capacity Plate Requirements — Canada Shipping Act
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Capacity Markings · Federal — Canada
§The Law
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Capacity Markings
“Vessels under six metres with a motor must carry a capacity plate showing the maximum number of persons, maximum weight of persons and gear, and the maximum engine power rating. The plate should be mounted prominently near the helm.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
Boats under 6 metres (about 20 feet) with an engine may need a maximum capacity plate bolted near the steering position. It shows how many people, how much weight, and how much horsepower the boat can safely handle. An overloaded boat is illegal and dangerous.
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Specific Requirements
Capacity plate required on motorized vessels under 6 m
Plate shows: max persons, max weight (persons + gear), max HP
Mounted near the helm — permanently fixed
Must conform to the Transport Canada capacity-plate format
Both metric and imperial values acceptable
Damaged or missing plate = non-conforming vessel
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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.
See Also — Related Regulations
SOR/2010-91 + Canada Shipping Act 2001
Transport Canada Life-Saving Equipment Labels — Marine Safety
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)
Pleasure Craft Licence Number Display — SOR/2010-91 (75mm min)
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)
Vessel Name & Port of Registry Markings — Canada Shipping Act
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Shop Vessel Capacity PlatesOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- Small Vessel Regulations (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 Small Vessel Regulations (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
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