Transport Canada: Regulations for Pleasure Crafts

Transport Canada: Regulations for Pleasure Crafts If you operate a pleasure craft in Canada, you need to learn what Transport Canada says about compliance. The governmental department manages transport in Canada covering the regulation of marine, air, rail, and road activities. It operates through the country’s Minister of Transport. Transport Canada: Pleasure Craft Rules To learn more about the legal operation of a pleasure craft in Canada, you need to refer to the rules outlined on the Transport Canada website. You must take this step first before you set foot in any boat or watercraft. Registration and Licensing According to Transport Canada, a pleasure craft, when operated primarily in Canada, which has a motor of 7.5 kW (or at least 10hp) must have a license. In addition, you must license tenders and dinghies that are carried on board or towed behind a larger vessel. The pleasure craft license (PCL) represents an endorsement that gives a boat owner a unique license number for 10 years. This endorsement is important, as it gives Search and Rescue personnel access to information about your boat in case of an emergency. Even if you own a pleasure craft that does not require licensing, you should still obtain the document. Obtaining a License The Office of Boating Safety for Transport Canada offers, through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System (PCELS), the opportunity to apply for a pleasure craft license. Using the PCELS systems allows you to do the following: Apply for a new pleasure craft license (PCL) Transfer a Canadian licensed pleasure craft in a new owner’s name Update contact information Submit modifications made to a boat Receive a second copy of the PCL When you complete the application online through Transport Canada and include the requested supporting documents, you will receive a confirmation number for your boat by email. This acknowledgment remains effective for 90 days from the issue date.