Age-Horsepower Restrictions

Young people under 16 years of age may not operate boats with certain sized motors unless they are directly supervised by a person who is 16 years of age or older. Both must be able to show proof of operator competency.

Young people under 16 years of age must not operate a personal watercraft (PWC) under any circumstances.

List of Age/Horsepower Restrictions:

Age Horsepower Restrictions
Under 12 with no direct supervision May operate a boat with up to 7.5kW (10hp)
12 to 16 with no direct supervision May operate a boat with up to 30kW (40hp)
Under 16 regardless of supervision May not operate a PWC
16 or older No horsepower restrictions

Restrictions do not currently apply to Nunavut or the Northwest Territories