Marine VHF Radio Call Sign Display — Transport Canada
Industry Canada Radiocommunication Regulations — Marine VHF · Federal — Canada
§The Law
Radiocommunication Act + Canada Shipping Act 2001 — Industry Canada Radiocommunication Regulations — Marine VHF
“Vessels equipped with VHF radiotelephone equipment may need their radio call sign or MMSI number available to the operator at the radio station. Commercial vessels generally display the call sign on the vessel exterior.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
If your vessel has a VHF radio, your call sign or MMSI number should be accessible at the radio — typically a label on the radio or beside it. Commercial vessels must also display the call sign on the hull. It is the radio equivalent of a licence plate.
Ready to Order?
Order source-checked marine & boating law markings — from $29.99. Ships 1-2 business days.
Specific Requirements
Call sign or MMSI at VHF radio station
Label on or immediately beside the VHF radio
Commercial vessels: call sign on vessel exterior
MMSI programmed into DSC — check annually
Ship Station Licence kept aboard with call sign listed
Display: vessel name and call sign on VHF face recommended
Order Proofed Markings
Professional-grade compliance markings. Ships in 1-2 business days. Outdoor vinyl options.
Boat Registration Numbers — PCL Decals
Marine Registration Complete Kit
Custom Boat Name Lettering
📚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
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)
Vessel Name & Port of Registry Markings — Canada Shipping Act
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91)
Pleasure Craft Licence Number Display — SOR/2010-91 (75mm min)
SOR/2010-91 + Canada Shipping Act 2001
Transport Canada Life-Saving Equipment Labels — Marine Safety
Order source-checked markings
Order Your Marine & Boating Law Compliance Marking
Fast turnaround production. Outdoor vinyl material. Ships Canada-wide.
Shop Vessel Radio ID LabelsOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- Radiocommunication Act + Canada Shipping Act 2001
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
What if Radiocommunication Act + 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.
- Free replacement decals when laws change
- 52× weekly statute scans all year
- Digital Compliance Vault for inspections
- Smart Decal QR verification
Compliance Certificate
Every order includes a printable Certificate of Material Compliance — ready for MTO, Transport Canada, or fire marshal inspection.
View sample certificate →