November 10, 2026

By John Gullick

Here are the top 10 questions that I most frequently receive:

Q – Where do I go to get a Pleasure Craft Licence (not to be confused with the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)) and/or transfer ownership of my vessel?

A – Transport Canada has contracted with Service Canada to manage the pleasure craft licensing system. You can go to any one of 320 Service Canada offices across the country or search Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing (PCEL) on the Transport Canada Marine web site or learn more here.

Q – What information do I need to licence my vessel?

A – You need a bill of sale. If the vessel already has a license, you will also need the Pleasure Craft Licence signed off by the original owner. Search the Transport Canada web site in the marine section and search Pleasure Craft License. You will find the required form(s) and easy to follow details.

Q – Do I need to carry the vessel licence on board my vessel?

A – Yes. The law requires that you carry a copy of the vessel licence on board your vessel. I suggest that you take a copy of the original, laminate it and keep it in a safe place on board. Keep the original in a safe location at home. Do not laminate it you have to be able to assign it to a new owner if you sell your vessel.

Q – Do I need a s Station Licence for my VHF radio?

A – If you are operating you VHF radio, including a hand-held, on a Canadian vessel in Canadian waters – No. If you travel into international waters, including US waters, the answer is – Yes.

Q – Where can I get a VHF Station License?

A – Contact any regional Industry Canada (now Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEDC)/Spectrum Management office in Canada. If your VHF has Digital Selective Calling (DSC) you will require a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) to activate the unit. You can also get your MMSI from ISEDC/Spectrum Management.

Q – Do I need an Operators Certificate to use a VHF radio?

A – Yes, anyone who operates a VHF (Very High Frequency), MF (Medium Frequency) or HF (High Frequency) radio using Marine frequencies, including a hand-held radio, requires a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) (ROC(M)). CanBoat / NautiSavoir manages the ROC(M) programme for ISEDC. This includes all training and testing. Find a course at CanBoat.ca

Q – Where can I get my recreational vessel Operator Competency Certificate or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)?

A – CanBaot / NautiSavoir offers online or classroom courses for boaters to obtain their PCOC. This course is Accredited by Transport Canada, and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and officially recognized by the US Coast Guard. As a non-profit organization our boating courses are available tax free and the fees collected are reinvited into developing our courses and community outreach programs. Once you sign up, you can also receive 15% off coupons to share with your friends and family.

Q – Is the PCOC the only certificate that I need to operate a powered pleasure craft in Canada?

A – Officially yes, but many organizations like CanBoat believe that most operators of recreational vessels need to know more. For example, how to leave and return to a dock under different wind conditions, how to anchor a vessel properly, how to travel through locks and canals, the use of environmentally friendly boating practices, how to trailer a vessel and the differences between canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, sailboats and all kinds of powered vessels.

Q – What kinds of Safety equipment am I required to carry on board? Do I need flares?

A – Different types of vessels and vessels of different lengths require different safety equipment. Depending on size, type and where you boat, you may or may not require flares for example. The Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide can help you determine what you need for your vessel. It is available on-line and downloadable.

Q – How do I know what type of Personal Flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket is best for me and my Children?

A – There are many different types of PFDs and lifejackets on the market today. Are different that lifejackets. To use inflatable PFDs for example, you must be at least 16 years of age and be wearing the inflatable. It is not legally recognized if it is not being worn. There are PFDs for paddle sports, operating a personal watercraft, high impact PFDs and specialty PFDS for children and infants. Make sure you have the right PFD or lifejacket for your type of boating and remember they only work when you are wearing them.

Do you have a question about boating? Submit your question to John Gullick HERE.

By John Gullick, currently CanBoat’s Manager of Government and Special Programs and has been an active recreational marine specialist and writer for over 50 years.

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All articles are free for use to promote boating and water safety. Credit must be provided to CanBoat / NautiSavoir and author John Gullick.