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A pleasure craft (whether it’s a canoe, kayak, motorboat or sailboat) is a boat that is used exclusively for recreational boating. Getting your Pleasure Craft Operator Card allows you to legally operate a pleasure craft anywhere in Canada where motorized vessels are permitted. However, it does not allow you to use your vessel for commercial Read more ›
Canada recently transitioned to new life jacket labels, and many boaters are wondering which life jackets they can use for recreational boating activities. You may also be asking whether you can use your old life jacket, what the icons on the new labels mean, and whether the same boating safety equipment rules still apply. Here Read more ›
A boat’s name often reflects the entire journey that led to buying your own pleasure craft. Whether it represents a hard-earned retirement, a tribute to a loved one, or a symbol of freedom, putting that name on the hull is a special moment. In Canada, there are a few rules you need to follow for Read more ›
Since 1981, boats used in Canada have needed a Hull Identification Number (HIN), also called a Hull Serial Number. In 2026, Canada’s Minister of Transport made some changes to the Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) which impact the original (HIN) rules. For recreational boaters, this means better tracking of vessel ownership and better accountability in case Read more ›
As of December 31, 2025, Transport Canada implemented significant updates to the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) system. However, there have been no changes to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card requirements for Canadian boaters. Not sure what this means for your next boating trip? Keep reading to find out what each licence is for and what Read more ›
Planning a fishing trip in Ontario? If you plan on using a motorized boat, you’ll need to bring along both your boating and fishing licenses. Let us walk you through the process of obtaining these federal and provincial licenses, so that you can enjoy Ontario’s beautiful waterways legally as soon as the season opens. Read more ›
In most cases, boat registration in Canada is optional. However, most boaters will need to obtain another similar piece of documentation, a Pleasure Craft License (PCL). Let’s take a look at the details. The difference between a Pleasure Craft License and Vessel Registration Getting a Pleasure Craft License is one thing. Registering your boat is Read more ›
Wearing a life jacket is one of the most important elements of boating safety. But in Canada, there is no law that will force you to wear a life jacket while on a boat or near the water. Transport Canada only stipulates that: All boaters must have a life jacket nearby, within easy reach. For Read more ›
Here are some tips and best practices for anchoring your boat correctly so that you don’t damage your boat or accidentally find yourself in a dangerous situation. When should you use your anchor? There are a variety of situations in which you may need to anchor your boat. Let’s take a look at a few Read more ›
If you’re a boater, mariner, or involved in any type of waterway activities, you’ve probably heard of a Notice to Mariners (NOTMAR). But what exactly is a NOTMAR and what is its purpose? What is the purpose of a Notice to Mariners? The main purpose of a NOTMAR is to help ensure the safety of Read more ›
