by Sam Engardio
Boat Season is here in Michigan!
We thought it would be nice to remind everyone about the “Mandatory Education and Age Requirements:
Motorboat Operations:
- Youth 12 years of age and younger may not operate a powerboat with a motor greater than 35 hp under any circumstances. However, they may operate a boat powered with an engine 6 hp and greater, but no more than 35 hp only if they are directly supervised onboard by a person at least 16 years of age. Boaters less than 12 may operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 hp without restrictions
- Youth 12 – 15 of age may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp only if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and carry with them their boating safety certificate, or are accompanied aboard by a person at least 16 years of age.
- There are no restrictions for operators 16 years of age or older
Personal Watercraft Operations:
- No one under the age of 12 may operate a PWC
- Youth 12 year of age and less than 14 may operate a PWC if they have received a boating safety certificate dated prior to January 1, 1999. If not, boaters of this age must meet all of the following conditions in order to operate:
- The PWC is designed to carry at least 2 people and the youth operator is accompanied solely by their parent or legal guardian
- The youth operator and accompanying parent or legal guardian have taken and successfully completed a boating safety course and have in their possession boating safety certificates
- The PWC is equipped with an Engine Cut Off Lanyard which is attached to the accompanying parent or legal guardian
- Operators 14 years of age or older, or persons born after December 31, 1978 may operate only if they have taken and successfully completed a boating safety course and have in their possession a boating safety certificate.
- Persons born before December 31, 1978 may operate a PWC without restrictions.
