How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Ontario?

In Canada, you need a license to operate a motorized boat for recreational purposes, even when the motor is not in use (e.g. while sailing). Although people of any age are allowed to obtain their boating license, the Canadian government has imposed certain restrictions on those under 16 years of age regarding the power and type of vessel they can operate. The following restrictions apply in Ontario and the rest of the provinces and territories in Canada, with the exception of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Age restrictions for boating in Ontario

The following restrictions apply to boaters under 16 years of age:

• Children under age 12 who aren’t being directly supervised by someone 16 or older can only operate a pleasure craft with 10 horsepower or less.
• Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16 who aren’t being directly supervised by someone 16 or older can only operate a pleasure craft with 40 horsepower or less.
• People under 16 are not permitted to operate a PWC, regardless of whether or not they are under supervision.

People who are 16 or older have no power restrictions.

Boat in full compliance with Canadian law

In addition to following the age restrictions listed above, boating in full compliance with Canadian law requires a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. To obtain the card, boaters must register for a Transport Canada-approved safety course and pass a boating exam online or in person.

The National Boating Safety School is Canada’s leading boating safety education provider. Register for our course and get your boating license today to enjoy the beautiful waters of Ontario!