Transport Canada Vessel Marking Rules

Transport Canada Vessel Marking Rules

Official Transport Canada vessel marking rules explained for pleasure craft and commercial vessels.

The Core Regulations

Transport Canada defines exact marking rules for vessels. A Pleasure Craft must display its PCL number on both sides of the bow in block characters at least 75mm high. Registered Vessels (commercial/large vessels) must display their official Name and Port of Registry. Know the difference to stay compliant.

Why Compliance Matters

Failing to properly license your vessel or failing to display those numbers as per the Small Vessel Regulations is a citable offence under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. A fine for improperly displayed numbers can easily exceed $250. Don't let a missing decal ruin your weekend on the water.

Need Compliant Numbers? Stop painting your numbers on or using hardware store mailbox letters. Get marine-grade, pre-spaced, TC-Compliant Boat Registration Decals that apply perfectly in one step.

Boating the Niagara Region? Port Colborne, the Welland Canal recreational waterway, and Niagara-on-the-Lake are among Ontario's most underrated boating destinations. The Niagara Falls Guide covers local waterways, what to see, and where to launch.

Niagara Falls Guide →

Your Boat Registration Numbers — Are They Compliant?

Transport Canada requires every motorized pleasure craft to display its Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) number on both sides of the bow: minimum 75 mm (3 inches) tall, block letters, contrasting colour to the hull. Faded, missing, or undersized numbers are citable offences on any Ontario waterway.

Required under Transport Canada Small Vessel Regulations SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified: March 2026
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Complete Ontario Boating Guide — All Pages

Every ramp guide, regulation reference, and compliance resource on this site. Bookmark what you need before the season.

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Lake Erie Boat Ramps
Fort Erie · Port Colborne · Long Point · Nanticoke
⚓
Lake Ontario Boat Ramps
Toronto · Burlington · Whitby · Cobourg
🏔️
Georgian Bay Boat Ramps
Collingwood · Midland · Parry Sound · Owen Sound
🎣
Lake Simcoe Boat Ramps
Barrie · Orillia · Innisfil · Keswick
🌉
Niagara Region Ramps
Niagara River · Welland Canal · Lake Ontario
🚤
Niagara River Boat Launches
Queenston · Chippawa · Fort Erie
🏙️
Hamilton Boat Ramps
Hamilton Harbour · Burlington · Confederation Park
🌆
Toronto Boat Ramps
Humber Bay · Bluffer's Park · Colonel Sam Smith
🛶
Barrie Boat Ramps
Kempenfelt Bay · Lake Simcoe · Minet's Point
🏛️
Kingston Boat Ramps
Rideau Canal · St. Lawrence · Confederation Basin
🍁
Ottawa Boat Ramps
Ottawa River · Rideau River · Mooney's Bay
📍
Lake Erie — Ontario Side
Port Dover · Port Burwell · Turkey Point
🛶
Muskoka Boat Ramps
Lake Muskoka · Rosseau · Joseph · Huntsville
🪵
Kawartha Lakes Ramps
Sturgeon Lake · Pigeon Lake · Scugog · Lindsay
🌲
Haliburton Highlands
Drag Lake · Eagle Lake · Kashagawigamog
💧
Peterborough & Trent
Trent River · Stoney Lake · Otonabee
📋
Boat Registration Ontario
PCL number, display rules, Transport Canada
📖
Boat Registration Guide
Step-by-step PCL registration walkthrough
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Boat Number Decals — Ontario
PCL number size, placement, material requirements
⚖️
Ontario Boating Laws
PCOC, speed limits, safety equipment, alcohol rules
🚢
Transport Canada Vessel Marking
Official TC marking rules for pleasure craft
✍️
Vessel Name Requirements Canada
Registered vessel name display rules

Boat Registration Number Decals — Made in Canada

Pre-cut vinyl decals to display your PCL number correctly under Transport Canada regulations. 75 mm (3-inch) and 100 mm (4-inch) height options. Multiple colours for hull contrast. UV-rated for marine conditions — 7-year outdoor guarantee. Ships from Niagara, Ontario via Canada Post.

Compliant with Small Vessel Regulations SOR/2010-91 · Ships from Port Colborne, Ontario
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