Getting on the water and being the Captain of your own boat is one of Canada’s most exhilarating summer activities, especially as a young boater! Plus, teaching the kids how to drive the boat or personal watercraft (PWC) for the first time is pretty awesome.

The best part about boating in Canada is that people of all ages can get their Canadian boating license, including kids! However, there are three categories of age and horsepower restrictions for boaters, and these categories are based on the horsepower strength of the engine and the age of the young boater.

It’s a good thing — preventing a 6-year-old from operating a big, fast boat is definitely a good thing! So, before hitting the water, read our guide to horsepower and Canada boating age restrictions.

A man smiles at a smiling boy on a boat.

What Are the Three Categories for Canada Boating Age Restrictions?

So here’s how it works. The three categories include boaters who are:

  1. Under 12 years of age
  2. Between 12 – 15 years of age
  3. 16 years of age and older

Let’s dive into the details and get you prepared for this summer on the water!

Under 12 Years of Age

If you are younger than twelve years old, you may operate a boat without supervision if:

  • You have proof of competency
  • The engine is not more than 10 horsepower

It’s a great idea to teach these young boaters how to operate a small motorized boat in an open area. Be sure to use a kill switch cord in case of an accident, ensure everyone is wearing their lifejacket, and that all the boat safety gear is in the boat.

Illustration of age and horsepower restrictions for boaters ages 12 and under

12 to 15 Years of Age

If you are between the ages of twelve and fifteen, you may operate a boat without supervision if:

  • You have proof of competency
  • The engine is not more than 40 horsepower

Teaching a teenager to be the new Captain of the cottage boat is always exciting! Since the allowance for horsepower is much higher for these boaters, we suggest learning in a wide-open area of the lake where you can safely and responsibly maneuver the boat.

Don’t forget the life jackets!

Graphic showing Canada boating age restrictions for boaters aged 12 to 15.

16 Years of Age or Older

If you’re sixteen years old or older, you may operate any recreational boat without supervision, including a personal watercraft (PWC), so long as you have proof of competency.

When teaching a person in this age and horsepower category to drive the boat, and they already have some basic knowledge of boat operation, you can move into more advanced skills like docking, launching, and towing.

Illustration for age and horsepower restrictions for boaters aged 16 and older

Are There Any Age and Horsepower Restriction Exceptions?

What are the exceptions to the horsepower and Canada boating age restrictions? 

They do not apply so long as the boat operator:

  • Is carrying proof of competency on board and,
  • Is supervised by a person 16 years of age or older, who is also carrying proof of competency
Illustrations of age and horsepower restriction exceptions

Note: Boat operators under the age of sixteen may not operate a PWC under any circumstances, even if supervised.

Get Your Canada Boating License and Hit the Water (Safely) This Season

Now that you’re aware of the horsepower and Canada boating age restrictions, you’re one step closer to becoming a Captain and getting your Canadian Boating License!

Let BOATsmart! help you get on the water faster. Our online boating education course for Canadians is a fun way to learn critical boat safety essentials as required by Transport Canada. We also make it easy to take the final exam and get your boater card (otherwise known as your boating license).

Enjoy learning, and Happy Boating!

Originally published in July 2016. Content most recently reviewed and updated for recency and accuracy October 23, 2024.

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