Is boaters safety required in Michigan?

Asked by: Dave Decoteau

In Michigan, anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in order to operate a motorized vessel. Anyone born after December 31, 1978, require boater education in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

Who needs a boaters safety license in Michigan?

Do you need a Boating License in Michigan? Any motorized boat operator born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. In addition, boater education is also required for all PWC operators born after December 31, 1978.

What am I required to have on my 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.

How old do you have to be to not have boaters safety in Michigan?

Those at least 16 years of age and born after December 31,1978, may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Those born on or before December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.

What are the rules for driving a boat in Michigan?

Those less than 12 years of age:



May legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower, but no more than 35 horsepower, only if they: have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board and. are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.

Can you 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. But that’s where the leniency stops. Just as operating a motor vehicle under the influence is illegal, so is jumping behind the wheel of a boat.

Which of these vessels must be registered to operate legally on Michigan public waters?

In Michigan, you must have a Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are: Privately owned rowboats 16 feet or less in length. Privately owned non-motorized canoes or kayaks.

Can local police board your boat?

Any law enforcement agency within its own jurisdiction can board a boat when faced with “exigent circumstances,” such as someone clearly operating a vessel to endanger, boating under the influence, displaying gross negligence, and so on.

Do I need a horn on my boat in Michigan?

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES: To comply with Navigation Rules and for distress signaling purposes all boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile. Boats larger than 65.6 ft.

Can you drink on a kayak in Michigan?

Can You Drink Alcohol While Kayaking In Michigan? It is not illegal to drink from the water in Michigan. Both passengers and the operator of the vessel are allowed to come and go with a bottle or two open.

Do all boats have to be registered in Michigan?

All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a registration decal. Registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.

How late can you be on a boat in Michigan?

Personal watercraft laws in Michigan include: Operators must wear a lanyard-type engine cut-off on their vest. This shuts down the engine in the event the operator falls off. Operators can’t ride a personal watercraft after sunset and before 8 a.m.

What direction do you drive a boat around a lake?

Direction of travel in main body of lake (water-ski area) is counter clockwise. All boats off the lake at Sunset.

Which side do you pass an oncoming boat?

If you meet another boat head-on: Under the boating rules of the road, vessels approaching each other head-on are always supposed to pass each other port to port — or left to left, just like on the road.

What is the purpose of a buoy with an orange square?

Everyone must obey the safety marker. An Orange Square: a buoy with an orange square is an informational buoy. There could be information related to directions, nearby establishments, or possible changes in traffic patterns for those who spot an orange square.