A: If you’re 21 or older , you don’t need a license in order to operate a boat in Michigan waters. A person younger than 21 may drive a boat, but only if he obtains a boating safety certificate and brings it onto the boat. Even kids under 12 can drive boats under 35 horsepower, but with more restrictions.
What are you required to have on a boat in Michigan?
All boats operating on Michigan waters must carry and, if required, have in operation, acceptable personal flotation devices (PFDs) , visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, sounding devices, backfire flame arrestor, ventilation systems, and navigation lights as required by federal law.
Do you need a license to drive a boat in Michigan?
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) .
Can a 12 year old drive a boat in Michigan?
A person under age 12 may operate a boat with a person onboard at least 16 years of age if the engine does not exceed 35 horsepower. From ages 12 to 15, a person can exceed the lower speed limits with a boating safety certificate on board or a person 16 or older.
Can a 16 year old drive a boat alone?
Persons 14 years old up to 16 years of age may operate if they are accompanied by an adult 18 or older or have a certificate of competency from a NASBLA approved boating education course and some form of ID. Minor 12-15 years must be state certified to operate over a ten horsepower boat without an adult on board.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Michigan?
Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water . Passengers—and the watercraft operator—can openly cruise around with a bottle or two. ... A blood-alcohol content of 0.10 percent or greater constitutes operating under the influence.
Is boating banned in Michigan?
Boating and kayaking are allowed under Gov. ... Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, officials with the governor’s office said Friday, overruling a state police lieutenant’s earlier statement that launching watercraft was barred under the governor’s edict.
Can a passenger Drink on a boat?
Passengers on a boat can drink alcohol (not the operator), and it is allowed in most states. ... However, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous since drunk passengers who are chaotic can distract the boat driver, causing any problems (accidents).
How long is the Michigan boaters safety course?
How long will it take to complete the course? Typically it takes about 3 hours to go through the online course, excluding any quizzes and/or exams and restudying that you may choose to do.
Can a 14 year old drive a boat alone in Michigan?
Personal Watercraft
Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate and... He or she is accompanied on board by his or her parent or legal guardian or by a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian or...
Do I need boater safety in Michigan?
Boating Safety (Education)
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) .
Can a 12 year old operate a boat?
Age and Operator Restrictions
Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more , including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.
Can a 14 year old drive a Seadoo?
Youths, aged 12 to under 16 years of age may only operate a boat with a motor up to 40 horsepower unsupervised. In order to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) commonly called a Jet Ski or Sea Doo, operators must be at least 16 years of age, and be certified with their PCOC.
Can a baby go on a boat?
Your baby should not ride on a boat – including rowboats, kayaks, motorboats, and sailboats – until he weighs at least 18 pounds and can wear a snug-fitting personal flotation device (PFD) , according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The average weight baby reaches 18 pounds at about 7 months for boys, and 9 months for girls.
What is the fine for an unregistered boat in Michigan?
| Description Fee or Action Points | No Lights on Boat Fee or Action $145.00 Points 0 | Unregistered Watercraft – fail to display reg, numbers, decal Fee or Action $120.00 Points 0 | Violation of 150′ Rule on PWC Fee or Action $195.00 Points 0 | Riding on Gunwale; Improper Standing/Seating Fee or Action $400.00 Points 0 |
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Can you boat at night in Michigan?
3. A person shall not operate a PWC on the waters of this state from sunset to 8:00 A.M local time . the wake of another vessel or turning unnecessarily close to another other vessel and/or swerving at the last moment to avoid a collision constitutes reckless operation of a vessel. of a vessel.
