It's the Law:
Before Going Out
Who May Operate a Boat
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 Environment 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)
Operating Provisions Until October 1, 2011
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:
- He or she 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.
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.
Safety Education Requirement
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.
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