Welcome Michigan Boaters!

This handbook is published by Boat Ed, the official provider of Michigan's boating safety course. Although this handbook is a convenient reference tool, students wanting to receive official Michigan boating safety certification would benefit from studying Boat Ed's comprehensive boat safety course.

All boating safety course material has been developed in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and is the same material used in their classroom courses. Take the official Michigan boating safety course.

In This Handbook

Boating Basics includes: vessel length and capacity, fueling, float plans, navigational rules, U.S. Aids to Navigation, weather and other boating emergencies, and personal watercraft (PWC) basics.

It's the Law includes: registration information, registration fees, display of numbers, legal operating age, required equipment, unlawful operation, boating while intoxicated, reporting accidents, enforcement, environmental restrictions, and laws governing PWCs and vessels towing skiers.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources enforcement officers patrol our waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the suggestions outlined in this handbook as well as the rules of common courtesy while operating your boat.

Get started!