Pleasure Craft Identification and Compliance Requirements

In accordance with the Small Vessel Regulations, every pleasure craft that is manufactured in Canada, or imported into Canada, after August 1, 1981 shall be permanently marked with a hull identification number. The HIN shall be located on the upper starboard quarter of the transom (or as close to that area as possible if marking it on the transom is not practical) and consists of 12 digits beginning with the Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC). No character of the HIN is to be less than 6 mm (¼ in) in height and width.

Example

ABC2AB41G203

MIC: ABC  Hull Number: 2AB41  Construction Start Date: G2  Model Year: 03

If a hull identification number can no longer be obtained from the manufacturer or if the pleasure craft is home-built, the owner should request an application package from Transport Canada by calling the Infoline toll free at 1-800-267-6687, to obtain a HIN.

In accordance with the Small Vessel Regulations, all vessels operated as pleasure craft, fitted with or capable of being fitted with engine(s) shall have affixed to it, in a conspicuous position plainly visible from the helm, a Safety Compliance Notice issued by Transport Canada. A Compliance Notice is defined as either:

• Capacity Label,
• Conformity Label, or
• Single Vessel Label.

Every newly built and/or imported pleasure craft, not exceeding 6 m (19 ft 8 in) in length, fitted with, or is capable of being fitted with engine power totaling 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more, shall have affixed to it, a capacity label attesting to the fact that the boat is built in accordance with the requirements of the Construction Standards for Small Vessels TP1332.

The Capacity Label will include the following information:

a) Name of manufacturer
b) Manufacturer's identification code, MIC
c) Model type or number, or both
d) Label number
e) Statement of compliance
f) Maximum recommended ratings for load, number of occupants and power.

In the case monohull vessels, load rating includes occupants and gear.  For other types of vessels, such as multihulls and inflatables, load rating includes occupants, gear, outboard motor and related equipment.

On every outboard powered-driven vessel Capacity Label, the following ratings are specified:

a) Recommended maximum load capacity for that vessel;
b) Recommended number of adult persons to be carried on the vessel;
c) Recommended maximum safe limit of engine power.

On every power-driven vessel other than outboard driven, the following ratings on the Capacity Label are specified:

a) Recommended maximum load for the boat;
b) Recommended number of adult persons to be carried on the boat.

Every newly built and/or imported pleasure craft that is fitted with, or capable of being fitted with an engine, which is not required to have a capacity label shall have affixed to it, a conformity label attesting to the fact that the vessel is built in accordance with the requirements of the Construction Standards for Small Vessels TP1332.

Note: Personal watercraft, built on or after January 01, 1997 shall have affixed a Conformity Label. A warning label provided by the manufacturer, indicating the importance to ventilate a personal watercraft engine compartment must also be prominently displayed. (See Construction Standards for Small Vessels TP1332, Section 3, page 5, paragraph 16.)

The Conformity Label will include the following information:

a) Name of Manufacturer
b) Manufacturer's identification code, MIC;
c) Model type or number, or both;
d) Label number;
e) Statement of compliance.

Note: If a Canadian manufacturer exports vessels to other countries, the exported vessels shall meet the construction requirements of the country of destination only. Canadian construction standards do not apply.

Every home-built boat and boat manufactured or imported by a company no longer able to supply a label, fitted with or capable to be fitted with engine(s) shall have affixed to it a Single Vessel Label. This label indicates this vessel shall meet the requirements of the Construction Standards for Small Vessels TP1332 as they read on the day the label was issued.

The Single Vessel Label for vessels exceeding 6 metres in length will include the following information:

a) Manufactured or Home-built;
b) Model type;
c) Label number;
d) Statement of requirement for compliance.

The Single Vessel Label for vessels not exceeding 6 metres in length will include the above information and the capacity ratings, similar to the Capacity label.

Example of Single Vessel Label for vessel exceeding 6 metres in length 

Example of Single Vessel Label for vessel not exceeding 6 metres in length