Pleasure Craft Licence Number Display — SOR/2010-91 (75mm min)
Vessel Registration and Licensing Regulations s.9 · Federal — Canada
§The Law
SOR/2010-91 s.9 — Vessel Registration and Licensing Regulations s.9
“The pleasure craft licence number must be marked on both sides of the bow of the pleasure craft in block letters at least 75 mm in height, in a colour that contrasts with the background.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
Your PCL number goes on both sides of the front of your boat (the bow) in plain capital letters at least 75 mm (3 inches) tall. Use a colour that shows up against your hull — white letters on a dark hull, dark letters on white. This is not optional.
Ready to Order?
Get compliant marine & boating law markings — from $29.99. Ships 1-2 business days.
Specific Requirements
75 mm (3") minimum character height
Both sides of the bow
Block letters — no script or decorative fonts
Contrasting colour to hull
Above the waterline
Must be legible from 30 m (100 ft)
Get Compliant — Order Today
Professional-grade compliance markings. Ships in 1-2 business days. 5+ year outdoor durability guaranteed.
Boat Registration Numbers — PCL Decals
Marine Registration Complete Kit
Boat Name & Port of Registry Lettering
📚Sources & Authority
Every claim on this page is backed by official government legislation and verified industry sources. Last verified: March 2026.
🏛 Official Government Sources
Pleasure Craft Licensing — Transport Canada
Transport Canada · March 2026
Official Transport Canada page for Pleasure Craft Licensing. Covers who needs a PCL, how to apply, number display requirements, and renewal.
Small Vessel Regulations — SOR/2010-91
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Small Vessel Regulations define marking requirements for pleasure craft including PCL number size (75mm minimum), placement (both sides of bow), and colour contrast.
Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Canada Shipping Act is the federal legislation governing all vessel registration, safety, and compliance in Canadian waters.
🏢 Industry Organizations
All sources are official government publications or recognized industry authorities. Links verified March 2026. If you find a broken link, let us know.
Get Compliant
Order Your Marine & Boating Law Compliance Marking
Fast turnaround production. 5+ year outdoor vinyl. Ships Canada-wide.
Shop Pleasure Craft Licence NumbersOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- SOR/2010-91 s.9
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
What if SOR/2010-91 s.9 changes next year?
Laws change. When they do, your decal becomes non-compliant overnight. Annual Compliance Plan monitors 150+ Canadian regulations weekly — the moment text changes, a replacement ships to you at $0.
- Free replacement decals when laws change
- 52× weekly statute scans all year
- Digital Compliance Vault for inspections
- Smart Decal QR verification
Compliance Certificate
Every order includes a printable Certificate of Material Compliance — ready for MTO, Transport Canada, or fire marshal inspection.
View sample certificate →