Three inches.
Both bows.
Or no launch.
Transport Canada requires every motorised pleasure craft over 10 HP to display its Pleasure Craft Licence number on both sides of the bow. Minimum 76 mm in height. Block characters. Contrasting colour.
The law,
verbatim.
Transport Canada doesn't leave room for interpretation. Here's exactly what an inspector looks for during a Coast Guard boarding.
- § 16.1Numbers must be a minimum of 76 mm (3 inches) in height.
- § 16.2Block characters only — no script, italic, or decorative fonts.
- § 16.3Colour must contrast with the hull background.
- § 16.4Displayed on both sides of the bow, above the waterline.
- § 16.5Permanently affixed and clearly legible from 100 metres.
- § 16.6PCL number format: CA-XXXXXX-XX (or legacy ON#### for pre-2010 licences).
See your numbers
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Marine compliance,
cut to spec.
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Free design help included.
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What is a
compliance label number?
A compliance label number on a boat is the unique identifier assigned by Transport Canada when you license your pleasure craft. Formally called the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number, it follows the format CA-XXXXXXXX and must be permanently displayed on both sides of the bow above the waterline.
It serves three purposes: it links your vessel to Transport Canada's registry for safety recalls and stolen vessel tracking, it identifies you during Coast Guard boardings and marine emergencies, and it proves you've met the federal licensing requirement under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
Without a properly displayed compliance label number, your boat is not legally compliant for operation in Canadian waters.
Your compliance label number appears on your Pleasure Craft Licence document. If you've lost it, retrieve it through Transport Canada's Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System at 1-800-267-6687 with your hull identification number (HIN) and proof of ownership.
Your boat licence
is expiring.
Transport Canada killed lifetime PCLs. 2.5 million boats must renew. Wave 1 expires March 31, 2026.
PCL Renewal GuideFrequently asked
questions.
- Q. 01
What are the boat registration number requirements in Canada?
- Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91), all pleasure craft powered by a motor of 10 HP (7.5 kW) or greater must display their Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number on the bow of the vessel. Numbers must be a minimum of 3 inches (76mm) in height, in block characters, in a colour that contrasts with the hull, and displayed on both sides of the bow.
- Q. 02
Do I need registration numbers on my PWC (Sea-Doo/Jet Ski)?
- Yes. Personal watercraft (PWC) with motors over 10 HP require PCL numbers exactly as larger boats do. Our PWC-specific kits are sized for the curved surfaces of Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki Jet Ski hulls.
- Q. 03
What is the difference between a licensed and registered vessel in Canada?
- Pleasure Craft Licensing (PCL) is a free Transport Canada program for non-commercial boats. Registration is required for commercial vessels and vessels over 15 net tons. PCL numbers follow the format CA-XXXXXX-XX. Registered vessels receive a different format. Both require permanent, compliant hull markings — we produce both types.
- Q. 04
What material should I use for boat registration numbers?
- Marine environments demand vinyl rated for prolonged exposure to water, UV, and salt. We use premium cast marine vinyl rated for 5+ years on watercraft — resistant to salt water, fresh water, bilge chemicals, UV fading, and abrasion from docking.
- Q. 05
Where do I find my compliance label number for my boat?
- Your compliance label number (PCL number) is on your Pleasure Craft Licence document from Transport Canada. It follows the format CA-XXXXXXXX. If you have lost your licence, call Transport Canada at 1-800-267-6687 with your hull identification number (HIN) and proof of ownership.
- Q. 06
Can I use stickers instead of paint for my compliance label number?
- Yes. Transport Canada accepts vinyl decals as permanent markings, provided they meet the minimum 76mm (3-inch) height requirement, use block characters, and contrast with your hull colour. Marine-grade cast vinyl decals actually last longer than most paint.
- Q. 07
My boat licence was renewed and the number changed. Do I need new hull markings?
- Yes, immediately. Under SOR/2025-272 (the 2025 PCL renewal mandate), if your compliance label number changes during renewal, you must update your hull markings before operating the vessel.