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Pleasure Craft Licence Questions and Answers
This page provides answers to the most common questions received relating to pleasure craft licensing. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a new licence, how to transfer an existing licence as well as how to process a number of other transactions, visit our How-to page.
- What is a pleasure craft licence and why is it required?
- What kind of information does a pleasure craft licence include, and how is this information used?
- I've heard of pleasure craft "licence" and pleasure craft "operator card". Are they the same thing?
- What is the difference between a licence and registration, and which vessels need which document?
- I just bought a new boat, how do I license it?
- I just bought a used boat, how do I transfer the licence to my name?
- I am selling my boat, how do I transfer the licence?
- What documents can be used as valid pieces of identification?
- Are there any specifications on how I have to display the licence number on my boat?
- How much is a pleasure craft licence?
- What will be done with the information from my application?
- Why is Transport Canada transferring the service from Canada Border Services Agency to Service Canada?
- How will service be different for pleasure craft owners with Service Canada delivering the service rather than the Canada Border Services Agency?
- How will this new licensing system improve public safety and security?
General
- What is a pleasure craft licence and why is it required?
A pleasure craft licence is the number placed on the side of each recreational vessel as required under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act. The number is used to assist law enforcement and search and rescue organizations in identifying each individual pleasure craft.
- What kind of information does a pleasure craft licence include, and how is this information used?
The pleasure craft licence includes basic contact information regarding each pleasure craft owner. The number provided is used by law enforcement and search and rescue agencies to identify a pleasure craft, enforce pleasure craft regulations, and assist search and rescue organizations in identifying a pleasure craft that may be found adrift or overturned.
- I've heard of the pleasure craft "licence" and of the pleasure craft "operator card". Are they the same thing?
The pleasure craft operator card is sometimes referred to as a licence, but the two are not the same. The pleasure craft licence provides each vessel with a personal identification number. The pleasure craft operator card is a form of proof that pleasure craft operators need to carry to demonstrate their competency to operate a boat.
Additional information about the pleasure craft operator card
In addition to the card, which is the most common proof of competency, boaters can also demonstrate competency by having:
- proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999, or
- a completed rental boat safety checklist for boat renters.
For more information on operator competency requirements and how they apply to you, visit Boating Safety Course Providers.
- What is the difference between a licence and registration, and which vessels need which document?
Licence
A licence provides a number specific to each vessel that search and rescue personnel and other agencies can use to identify that vessel among others. The licence number has to be displayed on both sides of the bow of the vessel, above the water line; in block characters, not less than 7.5 cm (3 in) high; and in a colour that contrasts the colour of the bow.
The licence is mandatory for all pleasure crafts of 15 gross tons or under (12 metres or less) that are equipped with a motor of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more, including personal watercraft. These licences are issued by Service Canada.
Note: A pleasure craft licence is not required if a boat is registered.
The pleasure craft licence is free of charge and transferable to any subsequent owner of the vessel. The licence must be carried on board the vessel at all times. However, a licence is not a title document. Operators must also carry other documents (such as a document that establishes ownership or registration) in order to help avoid delays clearing US-Canada customs or in case of a fine.
Registration
Registration is basically a title system for the ownership of vessels. It also establishes the vessel's net and gross tonnage, an official number and a homeport. Registration provides certain benefits such as giving a vessel a unique name, and having the right to fly the Canadian flag. Registration also allows the owner to use the vessel as security for a marine mortgage.
Registration is mandatory for all vessels over 15 gross tons (over 12 metres), including:
- all pleasure crafts over 15 gross tons. Registration is provided by Transport Canada.
- all commercial vessels (non-pleasure craft) over 15 gross tons. Registration is provided by Transport Canada.
Owners of vessels not required by law to be registered may do so, on a voluntary basis. There are costs associated with registration, and the registration is good for as long as a person owns the vessel. Registration documents must be carried on board the vessel at all times, together with any other ownership documents, in order to help avoid delays clearing US-Canada customs or in case of a fine.
For more information on registration, please visit Transport Canada's Ship Registration Guide.
- I just bought a new boat, how do I license it?
To licence a new or previously unlicensed pleasure craft, you will need the following documents:
- a completed Application for Pleasure Craft Licence,
- proof of your ownership of the vessel, and
- a valid piece of personal identification.
If proof of ownership is not available, you need a Statutory Declaration Under Oath stating why the bill of sale or proof of ownership cannot be produced. You may use the sample declaration provided or another similar document as long as all of the information is included.
If you apply by mail, please include a signed photocopy of your identification. The photocopy will be returned to you along with your licence.
You can apply for a pleasure craft licence at any Service Canada Centre across the country. For the location nearest you, visit Services Where You Live or call 1 800 O-Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency no longer issues licences.
For more detailed information about licensing a pleasure craft, visit our How-to section.
- I just bought a used boat, how do I transfer the licence to my name?
To transfer a licence in your name you will need the following documents:
- Original pleasure craft licence with the transfer form, printed on the reverse side of the licence, signed by the original owner;
- Proof of ownership;
- Valid piece of personal identification; and
- A completed Application for Pleasure Craft Licence.
If the proof of ownership or the original pleasure craft licence is not available, you will also need a Statutory Declaration Under Oath stating why the proof of ownership and/or original pleasure craft licence cannot be produced. You can use the sample declaration provided or another similar document as long as all of the information is included.
If you apply by mail, please include a signed photocopy of your identification. The photocopy will be returned to you along with your licence.
You can apply for a pleasure craft licence at any Service Canada Centre across the country. For the location nearest you, visit Services Where You Live or call 1 800 O-Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency no longer issues licences.
For more detailed information about transferring a pleasure craft licence, visit our How-to section.
- I am selling my boat, how do I transfer the licence?
To transfer the licence into the name of another person, sign the transfer form printed on the reverse side of the pleasure craft licence. If you choose, you can also submit a signed written notice of the transfer specifying the licence number and the name and address of the new owner. Be sure to provide the new owner with a document that establishes their ownership.
You can apply for a pleasure craft licence at any Service Canada Centre across the country. For the location nearest you, visit Services Where You Live or call 1 800 O-Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency no longer issues licences.
For more detailed information about transferring a pleasure craft licence, visit our How-to section.
- What documents can be used as valid pieces of identification?
Documents which can be used as valid pieces of identification include:
- bill of sale
- invoice
- hand-written receipt
- signed letter of transfer
- will
- separation agreement
- divorce papers
- court decisions
- Are there any specifications on how I have to display the licence number on my boat?
Yes. The licence number must be displayed on both sides of the bow in block characters not less than 7.5 cm (3 in.) high and in a colour that contrasts the background.
- How much is a pleasure craft licence?
A pleasure craft licence is free.
- What will be done with the information from my application?
All information provided on licence applications will continue to be protected according to the appropriate privacy and access to information legislation.
Service Canada
- Why is Transport Canada transferring the service from the Canada Border Services Agency to Service Canada?
We recognize the great service that has been provided to Canadians by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) over many years. However, Service Canada, as a department committed to service delivery to Canadians, is in a position to provide more comprehensive service to Canadians with almost triple the number of service outlets presently available through the CBSA. Transport Canada and Service Canada will build upon the service provided by the CBSA, as well as the licence information it has gathered, to further enhance services to Canadians.
- How will service be different for pleasure craft owners with Service Canada delivering the service rather than the Canada Border Services Agency?
Pleasure craft owners will have access to almost triple the number of offices where they can apply for their pleasure craft licence. The system will be electronic and will eventually provide enhanced search capabilities for search and rescue and law enforcement agencies in emergencies.
- How will this new licensing system improve public safety and security?
With licence information being stored in a common reference tool and being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it will be possible for search and rescue and law enforcement agencies to have immediate access to boat information in an emergency. This information can help identify boats found adrift, overturned, or sunk. Currently, licence information is stored in paper format at different locations across the country and is only available during regular office hours.
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