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Boating license requirements in Michigan
Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course.
Michigan boating laws & regulations
PFD requirements in Michigan:
All vessels must be equipped with a PFD for each person on board or being towed.
A vessel that is less than 16 feet long, or is a canoe or kayak, must have either a wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) or a throwable PFD (Type IV) for each person on board.
All children under 6 years of age must wear a USCG-approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel while underway.
The USCG requires that all vessels have at least one Type I, II or III PFD that is USCG-approved, wearable and of the proper size for each person on board or being towed. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
In addition to the above requirements, one USCG-approved throwable device must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer and be readily accessible.
Each person riding on a PWC or being towed behind a PWC or other vessel must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III personal flotation device. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed on PWC or while being towed behind PWC or other vessels.
All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible.
Michigan BUI regulations:
It’s against the law to operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Similar to Michigan driving laws, if the person who is operating the boat has a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .08, you are violating Michigan boating laws and can be found guilty of operating under the influence. For each subsequent offense, the penalty oftentimes becomes more severe.
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FAQ - Boating in Michigan
- Who is required to take the boating safety course in Michigan?
Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course.
- Who is exempt from needing the Michigan boating license ?
Those exempt are people born before June 30, 1996 as well as operators who have previously successfully completed a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Education Course from another state.
- What are the age restrictions regarding boating safety in Michigan?
Those less than 12 years of age:
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May legally operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower without restrictions.
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May legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower, but no more than 35 horsepower, only if they:
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have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board
and
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are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
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May not legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 horsepower legally under any conditions.
Those born on or after July 1, 1996, may legally operate a motorized boat over 6 horsepower only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it in their possession.
Those born before July 1, 1996, may legally operate a boat without restrictions.
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- Do I need to register my boat in Michigan?
Yes, the Michigan Secretary Of State requires registration for all vessels used on public waters.
- Is my boating license good in other States?
Every U.S. state that demands a boating license will accept Boating Education Licenses from other states that conform to NASBLA requirements as well.
You should follow your safety course in the State where you are resident.
