Canadian boaters can have their say on the proposed changes to the Small Vessel Regulations. The proposed changes to the Small Vessel Regulations for licensing a pleasure craft have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Canadian boaters have until July 12, 2023, to provide comments and feedback.

The Canada Gazette is the official publication of the Government of Canada, which covers new statutes, new and proposed regulations, and public notices.

A Pleasure Craft License is issued by Transport Canada and contains a unique license number used to identify a vessel. This number allows authorities and search and rescue personnel to access important information in an emergency, and the vessel license numbering also supports efforts to maintain compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

The Proposed Changes. The proposed amendments are intended to enhance the quality of data collected in the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System by:

  • Establishing a 5-year validity period for all pleasure craft licenses including those with lifetime licenses
  • Reducing the timeframe for license holders to provide a change of information (i.e. name or address) from 90 days to 30 days
  • Requiring the new owner of a pleasure craft to apply to transfer a pleasure craft license upon purchasing the pleasure craft
  • Expanding the Pleasure Craft Licensing requirements to include wind-powered pleasure craft above 6 meters in length (would not include human-powered craft such as kayaks, canoes, and dragon boats).
  • Providing the Minister of Transport with the ability to cancel a pleasure craft license for non-compliance or upon a license holder’s request

Additional Proposed Changes

  • Introducing a $24 fee for an initial (new), renewal, transfer, or a replacement pleasure craft license.
  • Formalizing the current practice for Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) holders to update their contact information within 30 days of the change

Providing Comments. Canadian boaters can provide comments by using the online commenting feature on the Canada Gazette website. Click on “Add a comment for the General Comment section.”