Michigan Boating Regulations and Laws

The Michigan boating safety certificate (commonly known as a Michigan boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

Michigan law places certain restrictions on boat and personal watercraft (PWC) operators. These restrictions vary depending on the operator's age, the type of vessel being operated, and the horsepower of that vessel.

Even if not required by law to get the Michigan boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Michigan a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Michigan course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Michigan?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in the course material. In addition, be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements with the following resources:

• For state boating law information, call the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 517-373-1230 or visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
• For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's boating safety website.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

You can study over the Internet then take the Michigan online boating Pre-Certification Exam. Once you pass, you may print out a course certificate, which allows you to take the in-person exam without attending a classroom course.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You’re at the right place, because the Boat Michigan online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. All the required safe boating course material to get your course certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Michigan safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Michigan boater safety course certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Michigan boater's license;
• Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Michigan boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a Michigan boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater safety course certificate?

Those less than 12 years of age:

• May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) legally without restrictions.
• May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp legally only if they are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
• May not operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 hp legally under any conditions.

Those 12 to 15 years of age:

• May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 hp legally without restrictions.
• May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp legally only if they:
  • Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have on board their boating safety certificate or …
  • Are accompanied on board by a person at least 16 years of age.

Those 16 years of age or older may operate any boat on the waters of Michigan. Note: See Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) below.

Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Those less than 12 years of age may not legally operate a PWC.

Those 12 and 13 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if:

• They obtained a boating safety certificate prior to January 1, 1999, or …
• All of the following conditions are satisfied:
• The operator is accompanied solely by his or her parent or legal guardian and …
• Both the operator and the parent or legal guardian have obtained a boating safety certificate and …
• The PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch and the parent or legal guardian has the lanyard attached to his or her person, clothing, or PFD and …
• The PWC is designed to carry at least two persons.

Those 14 years of age or older:

• And born after December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate.
• And born on or before December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.

Operating Provisions Beginning on October 1, 2011

Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a PWC.

Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if:

• He or she is accompanied on board by his or her parent or legal guardian or by a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian or …
• He or she is operating or riding the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from his or her parent or legal guardian or from a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian.