Vessel Registration Number vs PCL Number — What Is the Difference?
Vessel Registration and Licensing Regulations — Full Comparison · Federal — Canada
§The Law
SOR/2010-91 + Canada Shipping Act 2001 — Vessel Registration and Licensing Regulations — Full Comparison
“Under the Vessel Registration and Licensing Regulations, a pleasure craft may be either licensed (PCL) or registered under the Canada Shipping Act. These are two distinct schemes with different markings, documentation, and obligations.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
Most Canadian boaters use a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) — a free federal licence number that goes on the bow. Full registration is a separate process under the Canada Shipping Act used for vessels involved in commerce, used as mortgage security, or over 15 gross tonnes. The markings and record-keeping requirements differ significantly.
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Specific Requirements
PCL: licence number on bow (75mm), certificate aboard
PCL: free, issued online, no physical inspection required
Registration: name on bow + stern, port of registry on stern
Registration: annual tonnage measurement, survey may be needed
Registration: registration number on main structural beam
Only one system applies — cannot be both licensed and registered
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Shop Boat Licence Number DecalsOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- SOR/2010-91 + Canada Shipping Act 2001
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
What if SOR/2010-91 + Canada Shipping Act 2001 changes next year?
Laws change. When they do, your decal becomes non-compliant 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
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Compliance Certificate
Every order includes a printable Certificate of Material Compliance — ready for MTO, Transport Canada, or fire marshal inspection.
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