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What is a pleasure craft in Canada?

As defined in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and Transport Canada regulations, a pleasure craft is any craft used for non-commercial and non-governmental purposes. It can be propelled by an engine, a sail, or by rowing. The definition includes:

Motor boats — pontoons, bass boats, rowboats, runabouts, speedboats, hydrojets, water ski boats, yachts. Sailboats — monohulls, catamarans, trimarans, keel sails, dinghies. Inflatables — Zodiac, Bombard, Brig, RIB, tenders. Human propulsion — kayaks, canoes, windsurfers (non-motorized).

PCOC
Licence required
9.9 kW
Registration required
$1M
RC marina (requirement)
80 mg
Blood alcohol threshold

Legal obligations for homeowners in Quebec

PCOC Card (Driver)

Mandatory for any engine > 7.5 kW (10 HP). Online exam, $50, valid for life. Must be made upon request by a peace officer or coast guard.

Boat registration

Mandatory for > 9.9 kW (13 HP) engine. Free pleasure craft license from Transport Canada. Number to be displayed on both sides of the case.

Safety Equipment

PFDs per person, horn, navigation lights, fire extinguisher, distress signals (> 6 m). Full list by length in the Nautical Guide.

Why insure your pleasure craft

Although there is no provincial law, insuring a pleasure craft is practically essential for four reasons:

1. Access to marinas and ramps — all marinas, pleasure ports, and boating clubs in Quebec require proof of liability insurance of at least $1M before granting a mooring or access to a ramp.
2. Financial protection — a single incident (collision, passenger injury, pollution) can cost over $500,000. Without insurance, your personal assets (home, savings) are at risk.
3. Coverage of assets — theft of the outboard motor, vandalism, fire, storm, damage from winter ice. An average vessel is worth $30,000-$80,000 — not a risk to take on alone.
4. Travel outside Quebec — Florida, Bahamas, New England: insurance is practically mandatory to cross the Canadian border or dock in a foreign port.

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Types of boats we insure

Frequently Asked Questions — Pleasure Craft

1. What is a pleasure craft in Canada?

According to Transport Canada, a pleasure craft is any boat used for non-commercial and non-governmental purposes, powered by a motor, sail, or paddled. This includes pontoons, sailboats, Zodiacs, fishing boats, yachts, motorized kayaks, jet skis, and tenders.

2. Is insurance mandatory for a pleasure craft in Quebec?

No under provincial law. However, every marina, yacht club, and most municipal docks require a minimum liability coverage of $1 million. Without insurance, you will not have access to any of these facilities.

3. What licences are required to operate a pleasure craft?

In Canada, the pleasure craft operator card (PCOC) has been mandatory since 2009 for any operator of a motorized boat (over 7.5 kW / 10 HP). The card can be obtained online (approximately $50) and is valid for life.

4. Do I need to register my pleasure craft?

Yes, for any boat with a motor over 9.9 kW (13 HP). The registration (pleasure craft licence) is free and is done through Transport Canada. For mortgaged (financed) boats or those used abroad, official registration (with IMO number) is recommended.

5. What is the difference between recreational and commercial?

Recreational = personal/family/guest use without exchange of money. Commercial = rental (charter), paid excursions, guided fishing, passenger transport. Insurance policies are radically different — a recreational policy does NOT cover commercial use.

6. Does drinking and driving apply to a boat?

Yes. The Canadian Criminal Code (sections 253-255) applies on the water just as it does on the road. Limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. An offense often voids the insurance policy in the event of a claim.

7. What safety equipment is mandatory?

According to length: one life jacket (PFD) per person on board, horn or whistle, navigation lights (after sunset), bailer or bilge pump, class BC fire extinguisher, distress signals (for boats > 6 m). Refer to the Boating Safety Guide.

8. Can I sail without training on my first boat?

Legally yes (once the PCOC is obtained). But in practice, marine insurers require for vessels over 30 ft additional training (Coastal Cruising, RYA, or equivalent documented experience). Without this, the premium is increased by 20-50%.

9. How do I insure an imported pleasure craft?

A boat imported from the United States or Europe must be compliant with Transport Canada standards (lights, electrical system, engine ventilation). Plan for a compliance inspection ($200-500) and translation of documents. Insurance is possible once compliance is certified.

10. Are kayaks and canoes pleasure craft?

Yes, in the legal sense — but they do not require a PCOC or registration (no motor). Insurance for a kayak is rarely required but recommended for high-end models ($3,000+). Some home insurance policies cover kayaks/canoes without a motor up to $2,000.

Why Assur360 for your boat

✓ AMF brokers + Insurance Chamber, 100% Quebec service
✓ 20+ specialized marine insurers
✓ All types covered (pleasure boat only)
✓ Service in French, without subcontracting
✓ 24/7 line at 1-866-357-4451
✓ 100,000+ Quebecers insured

Official Resources

For more information: Transport Canada — Pleasure Craft, Nautical Safety Guide, AMF, Insurance Bureau of Canada. Related pages: boat hub · instant quote · 2026 guide.

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