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Do You Need a Boating License in Michigan?

Do you need a boating license in michigan

Michigan has 11,000 inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers, making boating one of the state’s favorite activities. Boating enthusiasts nationwide might wonder if you need a boating license in Michigan. Understanding the state’s boating requirements is essential for compliance and a safe experience. 

Michigan Boat License Requirements

Although you need a license to drive a car in Michigan, there is no comparable license requirement for boating under the state’s law. However, you may need a boating safety certificate to operate a vessel in Michigan’s waters, depending on how old you are. Furthermore, requirements for boating vary depending on the type of water vessel and engine.

Requirements for Motor Powered Vessels

Children under 12 years old may operate a boat with a motor of less than 6 horsepower without restrictions. If they have a boating safety certificate and are supervised by someone at least 16 years old, they can drive a boat with a motor of between 6 horsepower and 35 horsepower. No one under 12 can ever legally drive a boat with more than 35 horsepower.

Additionally, you’ll need a safety certificate if you were born on or after Juli 1, 1996. If you’re required to have a certificate, you must carry your boater education card to prove compliance and that you’ve completed the boating education course. 

Requirements for PWC

Individuals under the age of 14 are not allowed to operate a PWC. People who are 14 or 15 years old and have a boating safety certificate can operate a PWC only if an adult who is 21 or older rides with them or is less than 100 feet away.

PWC operators born after Desember 31, 1978, and who are at least 16 years old can drive a PWC if they have a safety certificate. People born on or before that date can drive a PWC without any restrictions.

How to Get a Boating License in Michigan

To obtain a boat license in Michigan, enroll in an approved safety course and pass to earn the certificate. You must obtain the Michigan Boater Education card as proof that you took and passed an approved course.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources requires boaters between the ages of 12 and 16 to have the state’s boating license on board when operating vessels without adult supervision.

Steps to Obtain Michigan Boating License

Here are the simple steps to obtain the license:

  1. Take a course and study the state’s safe boating course manual. The manual is free to access on various online platforms that offer the course. You can study it online or print it to read offline. Ensure the course is approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
  2. Take the Michigan boating exam. You need to achieve or exceed the set minimum score to pass. There is no time limit in the exam.
  3. After passing the Michigan boating exam, you’re required to take and pass the final exam. Book an appointment with the Department of Natural Resources District Office or your local county Sheriff’s office to take the exam. You’re required to pass this final exam to earn your Michigan Boating Safety Certificate. 

Please note that boating safety education is different from a boating license. 

A boater safety education course aims to train safe, responsible and knowledgeable boaters. The main topics covered include:

  • Navigation rules
  • General boating and water safety
  • Operation and fueling techniques
  • Environmental concerns 
  • Causes and prevention of crashes
  • Reporting Responsibility

Michigan sheriffs and conservation officers encourage all individuals operating boats in the state to enroll in a boating safety course. 

Important Regulations for Boaters in Michigan

Here are some other crucial things to know about boating in Michigan.

  • Restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs: Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
  • Speed limits: Speed limits are enforced to ensure safe navigation and prevent accidents. Boaters must always be cautious, especially in congested areas or near shorelines. 
  • Right of way: Boat operators must yield the right of way in specific situations to avoid accidents. 
  • Required equipment: Michigan law requires watercraft to have specific safety equipment, including sound signals, navigation lights, life jackets and distress signals. You must carry and maintain this safety equipment at all times. 
  • Navigation rules: All boaters must follow established rules to maintain water order and avoid collisions.

Additional PWC laws in Michigan include:

  • You cannot ride the vessel before 8 a.m. or after sunset.
  • You must wear a lanyard-type engine cut-off on your life vest.
  • You must maintain a distance of 200 feet or more in the Great Lakes.
  • You should not ride in depths of less than 2 feet unless riding slowly.
  • You cannot cross within 150 feet of the rear of another vehicle unless going slowly.

There are a few special regulations for canoes, kayaks and sailboats:

  • Canoes and kayaks: Paddlers of kayaks and canoes are subject to specific regulations, such as carrying life jackets and following navigation rules.
  • Sailboats: Operators of sailboats must understand sail-specific rules and safety practices. 

Benefits of Having a Michigan Boating License

The main benefit of taking the boating education course and obtaining the license is learning how to operate the boat safely and responsibly. You can take the course either online or offline. The online option gives you the convenience of learning from your home.

The benefits of having a boating license include: 

  • Insurance benefits: Some boating insurance firms offer discounts for boaters who have a boating license.
  • Increase your confidence: The knowledge you gain will boost your confidence. 
  • Become a responsible boater: The course provides the safe boating basics you need to be a responsible and safe boater.

Boating safety education can help reduce the risks of injuries and property damage associated with recreational boats and can save lives. Most reported boating fatalities involve boaters who have not taken a boating safety course.

Contact EZ Dock for Your Waterfront Solutions 

Understanding the boating requirements in Michigan will help you avoid penalties for violating rules and regulations. A boating safety education course gives you the skills to be a more responsible and safe boat operator.

If you’re looking for docking solutions, contact us. We create floating docks that can withstand harsh weather and are designed not to chip, warp, paint or peel. This means less maintenance for you and more time on the water. In addition, all our products are eco-friendly and built to last. Please contact us for more information

EZ Dock for Waterfront Solutions

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