It is illegal for anyone under the age of 12 to operate any motorized vessel (including PWC) in West Virginia.
Anyone aged 12 to 15 may operate a motorboat up to 10 horsepower on their own*. Anyone aged 12 to 15 may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft of 10 horsepower or more if accompanied on board by a person aged 18 or over*.
*Subject to mandatory boater education requirements.
