Boat operator age restrictions

Who may operate a boat with a motor?

In Michigan, there are age requirements to operate a motorboat and/or personal watercraft, which vary based on age and the type of vessel.

Operating a boat with a motor (excluding personal watercraft)

Less than 12 years of age:

• Up to 6 horsepower: May operate without restrictions.
• More than 6 horsepower, up to 35 horsepower: May operate only if they:
• Possess a valid boating safety certificate on board.
• Are directly supervised on board by someone at least 16 years old.
• More than 35 horsepower: May not operate under any circumstances.

Born on or after July 1, 1996:

• May operate a boat with a motor more than 6 horsepower only if they possess boating safety certificate.

Born before July 1, 1996:

• May operate a boat with a motor without restrictions.

Operating a personal watercraft (like a jet ski or wave runner)

Summary

• Minimum age to operate at all: 14 (with restrictions)
• Minimum age to operate independently: 16 (with certificate)
• No certificate required: Only if born on or before Dec. 31, 1978

Minimum Age Requirements for Operating a Personal Watercraft (like a jet ski or wave runner)

To legally operate a personal watercraft (e.g., jet ski or wave runner), age requirements vary:

Under 14 years old

• Not allowed to operate a personal watercraft under any circumstances.

14–15 years old

May operate only if they:

Hold a valid boating safety certificate, and

Are either:

• Accompanied on board by a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult (21+), or
• Operating within 100 feet of a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult (21+) while that person is also operating a personal watercraft.

16 years and older and (born after Dec. 31, 1978)

• May operate a personal watercraft with a boating safety certificate.

Born on or before Dec. 31, 1978

• May operate a personal watercraft without restriction.