Maritime search and rescue

Owners and operators of pleasure craft are required to obtain certain documentation depending on the type and size of their boat and the power of the engine.

It is important to distinguish between the boat licence number (Pleasure Craft Licence), which is assigned to the boat itself for identification purposes, and the PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) that an operator carries to show proof of competency.

All vessels being mortgaged must apply for Ship Registration. A Pleasure Craft Licence is not required if the boat is registered.

The Safety Compliance Notice is a label affixed to a boat to indicate that it meets Canada's Construction Standards for Small Vessels and it may include maximum capacity and other important construction information.

Maritime Search and Rescue (24-hours)
1-800-563-2444
(709) 772-5151

http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ccg/sheet01.htm