Licensing a pleasure craft: After you get your licence

Keep the correct documents onboard

Pleasure craft licence

You must keep a copy of your pleasure craft licence on board the vessel at all times.

Proof of ownership

Your pleasure craft licence is not proof of ownership of the vessel, so be sure to carry separate ownership documents with you.

Proof you’re competent to drive a boat with a motor

If you will be operating your pleasure craft, you need to show that you have a basic understanding of:

  • how to operate your boat safely
  • what to do in an emergency

Find out more about proof of competency for recreational boaters

Mark your vessel

Note: If you are a boat dealer and you have a demonstration pleasure craft licence, do not mark any vessel.

Mark the acknowledgment number or pleasure craft licence number:

  • on each side of the bow of the boat
  • in block characters:
    • 7.5 cm (3 inches) high or more
    • in a colour that contrasts with the background colour

Note: If you got your pleasure craft licence before 2010, you only need to renew if you are updating your address or the boat’s description. If you got your licence after 2010, it expires after 10 years.