Vessel Name & Port of Registry Markings — Canada Shipping Act
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Vessel Registration Markings · Federal — Canada
§The Law
Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) — Vessel Registration Markings
“A registered vessel generally display its name on both sides of its bow and on its stern. The port of registry should be marked on the stern below the vessel name. Characters should be clearly visible and legible.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
Registered (not just licensed) boats must show the vessel's name on both bow sides and the stern. Below the stern name goes the port of registry — typically the city where you registered (e.g., "Hamilton"). Licensed pleasure crafts are exempt from this name requirement.
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Specific Requirements
Vessel name on both sides of bow
Vessel name and port of registry on stern
Port of registry below vessel name on stern
Characters clearly legible from 30 m
Permanent marking — not temporary stickers
Registration certificate should be kept aboard
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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 Vessel Name & Port LetteringOr 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
Every order includes a printable Certificate of Material Compliance — ready for MTO, Transport Canada, or fire marshal inspection.
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