Boating Safety Certificate
MICHIGAN BOATING SAFETY
CERTIFICATE
aka, "BOATING LICENSE"
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
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.
- 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.