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SECURITY LEVELS

Boating Safety Certificate

Boat Licenses
MICHIGAN BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE
aka, "BOATING LICENSE"

The Charlevoix Flotilla offers in-person classes. 
Check our Event Calendar or Facebook for the most up-to-date schedule.

Online Class Information
Download the Michigan Safeboating Handbook

Who May Operate a Powerboat in Michigan?

  • Those born before July 1, 1996, may legally operate a motorized boat without restrictions.
  • Those born on or after July 1, 1996, may legally operate a motorized boat over 6 horsepower only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it in their possession.
  • Those less than 12 years of age:
    • May legally operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower without restrictions.
    • May legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower, but no more than 35 horsepower, only if they:
      • have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board and
      • are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
    • May not legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 horsepower legally under any conditions.
Who May Operate a PWC (Personal Watercraft) in Michigan?
  • Those born on or before December 31, 1978, may legally operate a PWC without restrictions.
  • Those at least 16 years of age and born after December 31, 1978, may legally operate a PWC only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate.
  • Those 14 and 15 years of age may legally operate a PWC if they have obtained a boating safety certificate and are:
    • Accompanied on board by their parent, legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age; or
    • Operating or riding the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from their parent legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age.
  • Those less than 14 years of age may not operate a PWC.