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Age and Horsepower Restrictions

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.
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  • Topic 2 of 13
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