How old do you have to be to get your boaters permit in michigan?

Question

How old do you have to be to get your boaters permit in michigan?

Answer 1

In the State of Michigan, you do not need a permit. However, the following rules (laws) apply:

Those 16 years of age or older may operate any boat on the waters of Michigan.

Those less than 12 years of age:

May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) legally without restrictions.

May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp legally only if they are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.

May not operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 hp legally under any conditions.

Those 12 to 15 years of age:

May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 hp legally without restrictions.

May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp legally only if they: Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have on board their boating safety certificate or ...

Are accompanied on board by a person at least 16 years of age.

Those 16 years of age or older may operate any boat on the waters of Michigan.

So... if you are 16 or older... all you need is a boat!

(Course, the boat it self must be registered.)

Happy & Safe boating!

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Answer 2

This information may help. I suggest that if you are old enough you should take the course. There may also be an online course. Make sure it indicates Michigan DNR on the website and perhaps call the number to verify.

These websites contain additional information about boaters’ safety in Michigan. Please pass this information on to a boating friend and test their knowledge. Have a safe and happy boating season!

http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/recnsearch/  Boat and Hunters Safety course Locations

http://boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/checklist...  required safety equipment

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153...  Access Site Permits

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153...  safety signs

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153...  Personal Flotation Devices

http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/... Boating Education requirements by state. Michigan allows reciprocity for these certificates.