Know the difference before you go boating!
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Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
This card is about the person driving the boat. A PCOC is like a driver’s licence for boating.
A PCOC:
- shows you passed a boating safety test
- demonstrates you understand basic safe boating practices
- is valid for life
- must be carried on board
Learn more: Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)
This is about the boat.
A PCL is like a licence plate for your boat. You need one if your boat has an engine with
10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more.
A PCL:
- gives your boat a unique identification number that must be shown on both sides of the bow
- helps search and rescue identify your boat
- is not proof that you own your boat
- is valid for 5 years
- must be carried on board
Learn more: Apply for or manage a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)
Vessel registration
This is also about the boat — but for specific situations.
Registration is valid for 5 years and is required if:
- your boat is used commercially (for example, carrying paying passengers)
- you need a marine mortgage
- you want to reserve a boat name
Learn more: Apply for or manage a vessel registration
Safe boating starts with knowing the rules
A simple guide to 3 common boating documents
(PDF, 1.1 MB)