Age Restrictions for boaters in Ohio

For Powerboats greater than 10 HP

• According to Ohio laws, children under 12 years of age can operate any other type of powerboat greater than 10HP as long as they are under the direct visual and audible supervisor (18 or older) who is onboard AND as long as the child AND the supervising adult (if born on or after January 1, 1982) have education certificates.
• According to Ohio laws, children 12 years of age and over may operate any other type of powerboat greater than 10HP as long as they have an education certificate. Adult supervision on board is not required.

For Personal Watercraft

• According to Ohio laws, children under 12 years of age may not operate PWC, not even with an education certificate.
• According to Ohio laws, children 12 to 15 years of age can operate PWC as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult (18 or older) who is onboard AND as long as the child AND the supervising adult (if born on or after January 1, 1982) have education certificates.
• According to Ohio laws, children 16 years of age or older can operate Personal WaterCraft without a supervisor on board. As long as they have an education certificate.