Transport Canada develops and maintains the standards, regulations, policies and guidelines for licensing a pleasure craft according to the requirements under the Small Vessel Regulations. A pleasure craft licence is issued by Transport Canada which includes a unique license number used to trace a vessel to its owner. This number allows police and search and rescue personnel to access essential information in an emergency. It also assists accountability and compliance with safety and environmental principles.
The department needs to amend the Small Vessel Regulations to enhance data quality and the way the services are delivered to pleasure craft licence holders.
Every pleasure craft in Canada is either registered or licenced. While there are benefits to registration of a vessel in the Canadian registrar of vessels, most owners choose to obtain a pleasure craft license instead. A pleasure craft license is a document with a unique number attached to a pleasure vessel. A pleasure craft licence must be renewed every ten years. The licence number recognizes the vessel and assists the Canadian Coast Guard or other emergency services in case of an accident. The owner should carry a copy of the pleasure craft license on board the vessel always.
Why is it Important to Get Renew Pleasure Craft License?
Failure to have an up to date pleasure craft license can result in the vessel owner getting a ticket and having to pay a fine. Every pleasure craft license has an expiration date. It should be renewed within 3 months of expiration. In addition, boat owners must update the license if they change their address, name, or details of the vessel.
To renew a pleasure craft license, a vessel owner should submit necessary documents to Transport Canada’s Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This can be done online or via mail.
How long is a Pleasure Craft License Legitimate for?
The pleasure craft licenses are valid for ten years. If there are changes to your name or address in that time, you must update your license.
How to Display the License Number on Pleasure Craft?
You must show your pleasure craft license number above the waterline on both sides of the bow, as far forward as practical, and where it is easy to see. The numbers should be in block letters, at least 7.5 cm (3”) high, and should contrast with the color of the background. You do not need a pleasure craft license if a boat is registered. You should carry a copy of your Pleasure Craft License on board always and display the pleasure craft license number on the bow of your boat above the waterline on sides in block characters.
How to Get a Pleasure Craft Licence Renewal?
A pleasure craft license can be obtained by applying to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre in Fredericton and can be moved to successive owners of the pleasure craft. It should be kept on board at all times. Rather than licensing their vessel, pleasure craft operators can register it with Transport Canada. But, a pleasure craft license does not prove ownership. When entering another country, ensure to have proof of ownership for your boat along with its pleasure craft license. Not having the proper documents on board can result in delays or trouble clearing customs, or even a fine. The information on license should be kept up to date. A pleasure craft might be operated without an accurate name or address on the license until the day on which the owner of the pleasure craft gets an updated license, up to a maximum of ninety days from the day of the change of name or address, if, in addition to the license, documents are carried on board confirming the new address or name and the date of the change.
