Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)

What is a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)

A Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is a document with a unique number that must be displayed on a pleasure craft. It is used for identification but is not proof of ownership. It assists police and search and rescue in identifying pleasure craft in emergencies.

Do I need a Pleasure Craft Licence?

In Canada, if you're using your pleasure craft for recreation it requires a PCL if it meets 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

The pleasure craft does not need a licence if it is registered in Canada.

In summary, here in Saskatchewan, if you have a pleasure craft that is motorized, even if only some of the time, and it is 10 hp (7.5 kW) or greater, you do require a Pleasure Craft Licence unless the vessel is registered.

What boats need a licence?

Pleasure Craft that usually require a PCL

• Fishing boats
• Pontoon boats
• Jet skis / personal watercraft (Sea-Doo, Waverunner, etc.)
• Cabin Cruisers
• Sailboats with motors 10 hp+

Pleasure Craft that usually do NOT require a PCL

• Canoes and kayaks
• Rowboats without motors
• Paddleboards
• Registered vessels

How to get a Pleasure Craft Licence?

You can apply for your PCL online here.

In order to apply you will require:

• Signed and dated copy of proof of ownership (bill of sale, etc)
• Signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification (birth certificate, passport, driver's licence, etc) Provincial health card is not accepted
• Current full side-view colour photograph of the pleasure craft

What to do when you get your Pleasure Craft Licence

You must mark your pleasure craft with the licence number in block characters at least 75 mm high and in a colour that contrasts with the background.

The number must be displayed on each side of the bow or on a board permanently attached as close to the bow as practicable, and clearly visible from each side.

If your contact info changes you need to update your PCL within 30 days.

How much does a Pleasure Craft Licence Cost?

• A $24 service fee applies when you apply, renew, transfer, or replace a licence.
• There is no fee to simply update contact information if your name or address changes.

This fee will be adjusted each year for inflation and there are exemptions for people exercising constitutionally protected Indigenous rights.

What happens if I don't have a valid Pleasure Craft Licence?

If your pleasure craft requires a licence and you do not have a valid licence you may be fined $250.

When does my Pleasure Craft Licence Expire?

A new or transferred PCL is valid for 5 years before it must be renewed.

You can check your PCL expiry date using your licence # here

What if my Pleasure Craft Licence doesn't have an expiry date?

If you have an older licence without an expiry you can use the following table to look up your expiry date.

Common mistakes boaters make

• Not transferring the licence after buying a used boat
• Not updating their address information
• Not realizing their lifetime licence now expires
• Displaying their PCL numbers too small or in the wrong location

Pleasure Craft Licence vs Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)

A Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) are two different legal requirements in Canada, and they are often confused.

• Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL): Identifies the boat. It is like a licence plate for your vessel.
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC): Certifies the operator. It proves the person driving the boat has passed a boating safety course.

In many cases, a pleasure craft must have a valid PCL, and the person operating it must carry a valid PCOC.