There is no minimum age to drive a motorized boat in Canada. According to Transport Canada’s – Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), children under 12 years old are permitted to operate a pleasure craft if it has a motor of no more than 10 hp (7.5 kW).
It does not matter the length of the boat, as long as the motor is no more than 10 hp (7.5 kW) and the operator has their Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of competency, anybody regardless of their age can legally operate the boat in Canadian waters without supervision.
Below are the maximum horsepower motors a person can operate depending on their age and their level of supervision.
Age Restrictions for Boating in Canada
In Canada, the Transport Canada TP 14350E Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), set the age and horsepower restrictions that apply to all pleasure craft operators. These restrictions are outlined below.
- UNDER 12
Operators under 12 years of age who are not directly supervised by a person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than 10 hp (7.5 kW). - BETWEEN 12 AND 15
Operators who are 12, 13, 14, or 15 years of age who are not directly supervised by a certified person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than 40 hp (30 kW). - 16 OR OLDER
Operators that are 16 years of age or older can operate any pleasure craft regardless of horsepower.
Only operators that are 16 years of age or older may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision.
Note:
– Regardless of age, all pleasure craft operators require proof of competency to be carried on board.
– The above age restrictions do not apply in the Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
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How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski in Canada?
In Canada, the Transport Canada – TP 14350E Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), sets a minimum age of 16 years old to drive a jet ski (PWC) in Canada.
Age-Related Boating FAQ
What Is the Youngest Age You Can Drive a Boat in Canada?
In Canada, there is no minimum age to legally operate a boat. According to Transport Canada’s – Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), children under 12 years old can legally operate a pleasure craft if it has a motor of no more than 10 hp (7.5 kW).
Can a 12 Year Old Operate a Boat in Canada?
Yes, a 12-year-old can drive a boat in Canada.
As set out in Transport Canada’s – Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), a 12-year-old who is not directly supervised by a certified person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than 40 hp (30 kW).
Can a 13 Year Old Operate a Boat in Canada?
Yes, a 13-year-old can drive a boat in Canada.
As set out in Transport Canada’s – Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), a 13-year-old who is not directly supervised by a certified person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than 40 hp (30 kW).
Can a 14 Year Old Operate a Boat in Canada?
Yes, a 14-year-old can drive a boat in Canada.
As set out in Transport Canada’s – Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), a 14-year-old who is not directly supervised by a certified person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of no more than 40 hp (30 kW).
What Is the Minimum Boating Age in Canada?
In Canada, there is no minimum age to legally operate a boat. According to Transport Canada’s Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), children under 12 years old are permitted to operate a pleasure craft if it has a motor of no more than 10 hp (7.5 kW).
Who Can Drive a Boat in Canada?
There are no restrictions on who can drive a boat in Canada.
- There is no minimum age restriction – children under the age of 12 can operate a motorized boat up to 10 hp (7.5Kw).
- You do not have to be a resident of Canada to operate a boat in Canada.
How to Obtain a Canadian Boating License (PCOC)
In addition to following the age restrictions listed above, to legally operate a motorized boat in Canada you must also have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or equivalent proof of competency. This certification is obtained by enrolling in a boating safety course approved by Transport Canada and successfully passing an online boating exam.
MyBoatCard.com® is Canada’s leading boating license (PCOC) provider. Register for our course and get your boating license online today.
What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Canadian Boating License?
There is no minimum age to get a Canadian boating license, formally known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). As long as you can understand the boating safety course and pass the Transport Canada boating license exam – you can obtain your Canadian boating license (PCOC).
For example, if a 6-year-old can understand the boating safety course and pass the online Transport Canada exam – they can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Once a 6-year-old has obtained a PCOC – they can legally operate a boat that has less than 10hp (7.5kW) in Canadian waters unsupervised.
Do You Need a Boat License to Drive a Boat in Canada?
In Canada, all operators of all ages must have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (boating license), or other proof of competency on board to operate any type of pleasure craft equipped with a motor (even electric motor), including personal watercraft.
This includes all types of motorized boats, no matter their size or the horsepower of the engine (including small boats with electric trolling motors.) Failing to produce proof of competency to an enforcement officer in Canada may result in a fine of $250.
This regulation is set out in Section 4 of the Transport Canada Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulation (COPCRs). This regulation does not apply to operators in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Proof of competency can be any of the following:
- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), that you received after passing a boating safety course approved by Transport Canada;
- A certificate that states you have completed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999;
- A completed and signed boat rental safety checklist (applicable only for the rental period); or
- A specified marine certificate or equivalency recognized by Transport Canada.
If you have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card as proof of your competency, you must have the original card on board the vessel. Copies (other than a copy of your temporary PCOC) or electronic versions of the card will not be accepted as valid proof of competency.
If you lose or damage your boating license (PCOC) you will need to order a replacement card before you can legally operate a recreational vessel again. Also, if you change your name or address you will need to contact your PCOC provider to update it on the Transport Canada database.
Your boating license (PCOC) does not expire. It’s good for life.
Be Safe, Get Certified.
It is illegal to operate a powered boat in Canada without a boating license (or other proof of competency), and the fines for doing so can be significant. Additionally, obtaining a boating license is a good way to ensure that you are operating your boat safely and responsibly.
By completing a boating safety course and obtaining your boating license, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to operate a boat safely, protect yourself and others, and avoid costly fines. If you want to test your knowledge – why not try out the free boating license practice test.
With the convenience and affordability of MyBoatCard.com’s online course, there is no reason not to get your boating license today.
Join the over 2 million certified Canadians, and get your Canadian boating license today!
