Oars.....Great Question!

There is a restriction for boat operators under the age of 12. They can not operate a boat with greater than 10hp unless there is someone at least 18 who has a SBC/CPWO in the boat with them.

Sec. 15-140h. Operation of vessel by person less than twelve years of age.
No person less than twelve years of age shall operate a motor powered vessel exceeding ten horsepower unless accompanied on board by person at least eighteen years of age who has been issued a safe boating certificate.

Sec. 15-140e. Safe boating certificate.
(a) No resident of the state, person owning real property in the state or person owning a vessel in the state shall operate on the waters of the state a vessel which is required to be registered or numbered pursuant to this chapter unless such person has a valid vessel operator license issued by the United States Coast Guard or has obtained a safe boating certificate issued by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. No owner of a vessel shall knowingly authorize or permit a person who is less than sixteen years of age who is required by this section to obtain a safe boating certificate issued by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to operate such vessel on the waters of the state without a safe boating certificate, unless such person is under the direct onboard supervision of a person who is at least eighteen years of age who has been issued a safe boating certificate and who has held such certificate for at least two years. A safe boating certificate may be suspended or revoked, pursuant to section 15-133, 15-140l or 15-140n, and shall be valid for the life of the person to whom it is issued unless otherwise suspended or revoked.
(b) A safe boating certificate shall be issued under subsection (a) to any applicant regardless of age who provides proof that such applicant has:
(1) Successfully completed a course in safe boating operation approved by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, which courses may include those offered by the United States Power Squadrons, Coast Guard Auxiliary or other organizations, or
(2) successfully passed an equivalency examination testing knowledge of safe boating operation administered by the commissioner.

I thought you couldn't get a SBC or CPWO until you are 12. Are you sure the restriction isn't operation alone if over 12 and under 16?