New for 2026 

Transport Canada has made recent changes to how they handle Pleasure Craft Licences. Effective for 2026:

  • all new, transferred and renewed Pleasure Craft Licences are valid for 5 years
  • licences without an expiry date now have an expiry date
  • a $24.41 fee to apply for a new, renewed, transferred or duplicate Pleasure Craft Licence
  • you must update your licence information within 30 days (there is no fee to update)
  • starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will need a Pleasure Craft Licence
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Pleasure Craft Licence 

Valid for 5 years

A Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is a document with a unique number. It must be displayed on both sides of the bow (front) of a pleasure craft. Like a car’s licence plate, it is used for identification but is not proof of ownership. It helps police and search and rescue find important information during emergencies.

In Canada, if you are using your pleasure craft for recreation, it needs a Pleasure Craft Licence if it meets both of the following criteria:

  • has one or more engines totalling at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW), even temporarily
  • is principally operated and maintained in Canadian waters

Your pleasure craft doesn’t need a licence if it is registered in Canada. It needs to be registered if you:

  • want a name for your pleasure craft
  • need to register a marine mortgage with Transport Canada

If you travel outside of Canada, most countries require your pleasure craft to be registered

You may be fined $250 if your pleasure craft doesn’t have a valid licence.

Pleasure Craft Operator Card

valid for life

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is like a driver’s licence for a car. You need one to operate a power-driven pleasure craft. It educates you on the basic boating safety rules.

pcocBoaters who do not already have one of the other documents accepted as proof of competency must obtain a PCOC.

You do this by passing a boating safety test; usually the test is taken at the end of a boating safety course. 

 All boating safety courses and tests leading to the issuance of a PCOC are delivered by course providers accredited by Transport Canada. You can view the list of accredited course providers online or call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 to request that the list be mailed to you.

 Your PCOC is valid for life. For lost or destroyed cards, you can request a replacement from your course provider. Course providers charge a fee for this service.