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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). Students can earn their boater safety certificate by completing the traditional classroom, online or interactive course.

Boating safety card

Classroom-based course

Find a classroom-based boater safety education course by entering your zip code to search for classes near you.

Online

Online boater safety education includes electronic reading materials and videos. You can complete the approved online course from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace by registering through boat-ed.

Interactive (online)

Interactive online boater safety education keeps students engaged through a variety of multimedia elements, such as animations and videos that put students in virtual real-life scenarios. You can complete the approved online course from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace by registering through ilearntoboat.

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.

Additional information

Boat operator age restrictions - who may operate a boat?

Request a replacement boating safety certificate