What is the Definition of Pleasure Craft in Canada?

If you are looking for a new hobby that allows you to better enjoy the great Canadian outdoors, you might want to think about buying a boat. With a vessel all your own, you can take to any of Canada’s thousands of freshwater lakes whenever the urge should strike you. You can also head out on the coast and take your boat on the open ocean if that is more aligned with your seafaring aspirations. If you are new to boat ownership or are just kicking around the idea, you might be overwhelmed with the volume of options available on the market. Make no mistake about it, boats come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they can also be used for a wide variety of purposes. If you are looking to use your boat for purely leisurely means, you may want to acquaint yourself with the definition of pleasure craft, as well as the specific types of documentation these vessels will require from Transport Canada. Fortunately, at the National Vessel Registry Center, we can help you get what you need online.

While you might think of boating as a simple recreational activity, one that allows you to experience the freedom afforded by open water, it does come with a bit of paperwork from time to time. Transport Canada, which is the national agency tasked with managing the infrastructure of our waterways, issues licenses and registrations to boaters across the country. They do this, in part, to have a better sense of who and what is on our waterways, which can allow them to craft more thoughtful and relevant rules and regulations. As a responsible vessel owner, the onus will fall on you to stay current on your Transport Canada documentation, and for many boat owners, this can mean obtaining, renewing, or transferring a pleasure craft license (PCL). Read on to learn more.

How Does the Definition of Pleasure Craft Impact You?

You may be wondering, what constitutes a pleasure craft, and what type of boat requires a pleasure craft license. Well, generally speaking, any leisure vessel with an engine of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more will need to apply for a PCL. Once issued, a PCL will then be valid for a period of 10 years, at which point it can be renewed. Your PCL will provide your boat with a registration number, which must be displayed above the water line on both sides of your boat’s bow in characters of at least three inches in height. This number should also clearly contrast with the color of your boat.

Get Your PCL Online by Using Our Forms
You can use our web forms to apply for your PCL. You will just need a small collection of details about yourself and your boat. You will also need to provide proof of ownership and a photograph of your vessel. To learn more about how we can help you, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.