For more information on the boating laws in the state of Michigan visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/

Mandatory Education and Age Requirements:

• Motorboat Operation:
  • Youth 12 years of age and younger may not operate a powerboat with a motor greater than 35 horsepower (hp) under any circumstances. However, they may operate a boat powered with an engine 6 hp and greater but no more than 35 hp only if they are directly supervised onboard by a person at least 16 years of age. Boaters less than 12 may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 hp without restrictions.
  • Youth 12 to 15 years of age may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp only if they have a passed a boating safety course approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and carry with them their boating safety certificate, or are accompanied aboard by a person at least 16 years of age.
  • There are no restrictions for operators 16 year of age or older.

  Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation:

  • No one under the age of 12 may operate a PWC.
  • Youth 12 years of age but less than 14 may operate a PWC if they have received a boating safety certificate dated prior to January 1, 1999. If not, boaters of this age must meet all of the following conditions in order to operate:
    • The PWC is designed to carry at least two people and the youth operator is accompanied solely by their parent or legal guardian.
    • The youth operator and accompanying parent or guardian have taken and successfully completed a boating safety course and have in their possession boating safety certificates.
    • The PWC is equipped with an engine cut-off lanyard which is attached to the accompanying parent or legal guardian.
  • Operators 14 years of age or older, or persons born after December 31, 1978 may operate only if they have taken and successfully completed a boating safety course and have in their possession a boating safety certificate.
  • Persons born before December 31, 1978 may operate a PWC without restrictions.
• The BoatU.S. Online Boating Safety Course does not meet this state’s boating education requirements.

We provide this information as a service and strive to keep this website up to date. Please let us know of any inconsistencies by bringing them to our attention at once at onlinecourse@boatus.com. Resources for these pages include state statutes, state web pages and state approved boating guides. BoatU.S. is not responsible for any misinterpretation of the law or any change in the law that is not adequately reflected in these pages. Damages as a result of failing to abide by stated law shall not be the responsibility of BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Foundation or its employees.