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Michigan conservation officers and Michigan county sheriffs encourage all persons operating boats in Michigan to enroll in a boating safety course.

The following rules apply to boaters:

• A person who is 12 but less than 14 may operate a personal watercraft if he or she obtained a boating safety certificate before January 1, 1999.
• Persons born after December 31, 1978 shall not operate a personal watercraft unless they obtain a boating safety certificate.
• The operators of a personal watercraft must carry their boating safety certificate and display it upon the demand of a peace officer.

Search for a Boating Safety Class in your area.

Search for a Boating Safety Class in your area from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 18.
The Auxiliary teaches the Michigan DNR Boat Michigan approved basic boating safety course. We also offer an 8 hour About Boating Safety Class which is Michigan and NASBLA approved, and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon successful completion of either class students will be issued a boating safety certificate.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced courses for experienced boaters. Our classes are taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors committed to the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Find out more information about boating in Michigan.

The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities

Michigan now offers two online boating safety classes and Exam:
BoatEd.com and BoaterExam.com