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Boating safety certificate
Boaters born after June 30, 1996 and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boater education card (boating safety certificate). There are a few different ways to earn your boating safety certificate:
Online:
- Take a boating safety class at www.boatEd.com.
- Take and pass the final exam.
- Print out your permanent Michigan boating safety certificate once you have successfully completed the course and passed the exam.
Classroom-based course:
Find a classroom-based boater safety education course. You can enter your zip code to search for classes near you.
Other options:
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadron (also known as America's Boating Club) provide instruction to boaters at all levels (fundamental to advanced courses). Some classes will give you the knowledge you need to obtain a boating safety certificate and may be fee based.
Although there are some people who do not need to obtain a boating safety certificate to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft, Michigan conservation officers and county sheriffs encourage everyone operating a boat in Michigan to enroll in a course.