Marine VHF Radio Call Sign Display — Transport Canada
Industry Canada Radiocommunication Regulations — Marine VHF · Federal — Canada
§The Law
Radiocommunication Act + Canada Shipping Act 2001 — Industry Canada Radiocommunication Regulations — Marine VHF
“Vessels equipped with VHF radiotelephone equipment must have their radio call sign or MMSI number available to the operator at the radio station. Commercial vessels must display the call sign on the vessel exterior.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
If your vessel has a VHF radio, your call sign or MMSI number must be accessible at the radio — typically a label on the radio or beside it. Commercial vessels must also display the call sign on the hull. It is the radio equivalent of a licence plate.
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Specific Requirements
Call sign or MMSI at VHF radio station
Label on or immediately beside the VHF radio
Commercial vessels: call sign on vessel exterior
MMSI programmed into DSC — check annually
Ship Station Licence kept aboard with call sign listed
Display: vessel name and call sign on VHF face recommended
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Boat Registration Numbers — PCL Decals
Marine Registration Complete Kit
Boat Name & Port of Registry Lettering
📚Sources & Authority
Every claim on this page is backed by official government legislation and verified industry sources. Last verified: March 2026.
🏛 Official Government Sources
Pleasure Craft Licensing — Transport Canada
Transport Canada · March 2026
Official Transport Canada page for Pleasure Craft Licensing. Covers who needs a PCL, how to apply, number display requirements, and renewal.
Small Vessel Regulations — SOR/2010-91
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Small Vessel Regulations define marking requirements for pleasure craft including PCL number size (75mm minimum), placement (both sides of bow), and colour contrast.
Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Justice Laws Canada · March 2026
The Canada Shipping Act is the federal legislation governing all vessel registration, safety, and compliance in Canadian waters.
🏢 Industry Organizations
All sources are official government publications or recognized industry authorities. Links verified March 2026. If you find a broken link, let us know.
See Also — Related Regulations
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Shop Vessel Radio ID LabelsOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- Radiocommunication Act + Canada Shipping Act 2001
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Federal — Canada
- Category
- Marine & Boating Law
What if Radiocommunication Act + Canada Shipping Act 2001 changes next year?
Laws change. When they do, your decal becomes non-compliant overnight. Annual Compliance Plan monitors 150+ Canadian regulations weekly — the moment text changes, a replacement ships to you at $0.
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Compliance Certificate
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