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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:
- 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.
Hold a valid boating safety certificate, and
Are either:
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.