2026 Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) - Canada

[Hello Below]

Not to be left out and a reminder that the rules for licensing your boat have changed in 2026. Never before did we have to renew the free licence; however, as of now a $24 fee will cover you for 5 years. The new expiry dates are determined based on your original licence issue date. Here is a link that amplifies the Transport Canada website.

New Transport Canada Boating Licence Changes

 

[marcham]

The 10 year expiry has been around for while .... just dropped from 10 to 5 years.

Also, by 2028 boats over 6 meters (even with no engine) will now have to be licensed (which is a good thing).... this should help with enforcement of licensing for derelict liveaboard boats that unfortunately often become abandoned. This will give police/coast guard a bit more teeth for boarding/inspecting vessels. I have no issue with liveboard (heck, I live onboard as much as I can in the summer), but the sunken / beached boats with no markings are a real problem in the PNW.

 

[Hello Below]

The 10 year expiry has been around for while .... just dropped from 10 to 5 years.

Also, by 2028 boats over 6 meters (even with no engine) will now have to be licensed (which is a good thing).... this should help with enforcement of licensing for derelict liveaboard boats that unfortunately often become abandoned. This will give police/coast guard a bit more teeth for boarding/inspecting vessels. I have no issue with liveboard (heck, I live onboard as much as I can in the summer), but the sunken / beached boats with no markings are a real problem in the PNW.

Yes you are correct. After looking, I see that my boat’s license was issued in 2022 and expires in 2032. And I will be out $24 every 5 years after that. IIRC there was no cost for the 10 year license in 2022.

 

[Stu Jackson]

IIRC there was no cost for the 10 year license in 2022.

That's correct. My pcl expires in 2027, I got it in late 2017...even I can do that math!

 

[SteveHughessails]

We went through a mandatory boat inspection last year pulling our Mac25. The RCMP volunteer asked us for our license number as she walked towards the bow. I said we are under 10Hp we don’t need a license. She was a little surprised but came back sharing confirmation we were ok. A discussion later, everyone was surprised the vessel did not need numbers. I said that’s how folks are getting away with abandonment.

I fully support this change too.

 

[Caboteur]

Starting december 31 2027, any sail-powered vessel of 6 meters or more will need a license in Canada. It will cost 24$ for four years.

 

[Hello Below]

It will cost 24$ for four years.

Where did you read that the PCL renewal is for 4 years rather than 5?

 

[Caboteur]

Where did you read that the PCL renewal is for 4 years rather than 5?

As a CanSail-NautiSavoir (replacement for CPS-ECP) member I received several pieces of documentation... I obviously got something mixed-up between the four & five year period.
The period is for five years. Sorry!
Pierre