Age and Horsepower Restrictions in Canada

According to the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), these age and horsepower restrictions apply to any person who operates a pleasure craft for recreational purposes in Canadian waters.

Persons under 16 years of age are prohibited from operating a pleasure craft that is above these specified horsepower limits.

Persons 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).
Persons at least 12 years of age but under 16 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 40 hp (30 kW).

Only persons 16 years of age or older may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision.
The above restrictions do not apply in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut

In addition to meeting the age and horsepower restrictions, operators also must meet these proof of competency requirements from the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.

All persons who operate a pleasure craft must carry proof of competency on board if the pleasure craft has any type of motor, including an electric trolling motor, and is used for recreational purposes. The only exception is persons operating a pleasure craft in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
Proof of competency shows that you have at least the basic level of boating knowledge that is necessary to operate a pleasure craft safely.
Proof of competency can be:

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card that you receive after passing a boating safety course approved by Transport Canada or…
Proof that you passed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999, or…
A certificate from the List of Certificates approved by Transport Canada or…
A completed safety checklist for a rented boat—good only while the boat is rented.