Do you need a license to drive a boat on Lake Michigan?
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.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Michigan without a license?
16 years
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 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.
Can a 15 year old drive a boat alone in Michigan?
Boating rules 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. At 16, a person can operate a boat of any speed without supervision.
How long is the Michigan boaters safety course?
about 3 hours
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.
How much is a Michigan boating license?
A. You can obtain your Michigan Boating Safety Certificate in 4 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $29.95 — free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the Michigan Boating Safety Course.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Michigan?
While passengers on a boat are legally allowed to drink, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous. First, drunk passengers who are loud or disorderly can distract the boat driver and cause an accident.
Is boating allowed in Michigan right now?
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. Michigan State Police Lt.
Can you drink on a boat in Michigan?
What Does Michigan Law Say About Drinking and Boating? It is illegal to operate a boat with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of . 08 or higher. This is the same legal standard that applies to motor vehicle drivers.
At what age can you get a boating license in Michigan?
16 years of age
Those at least 16 years of age and born after Dec. 31, 1978 may legally operate a PWC only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Those born on or before December 31, 1978 may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.
Does Michigan boaters license work in other states?
Is my state’s boater card accepted by other states? Yes. All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the your state’s Boater Education Card.
How do you get a boating license in Michigan?
Getting a Boat License in Michigan. If you are wondering how to get a boating license/certificate, you must enroll in and successfully complete a course from an approved boat education school. To do so, you must: Enroll in the approved school of your choice through the methods required by that program.
How do you renew a boat registration in Michigan?
To renew your registration with the MI Secretary of State, submit information about your boat AND the applicable renewal fees: Online using the ExpressSOS watercraft portal. In person at your local SOS office (bring your renewal notice with you). By mail, using the pre-addressed envelope included with your renewal notice.
What is a boat registration?
A boat registration number acts like a boat’s license plate. Each boat registered in the state is given a registration number to prove that your boat has been legally registered. A registration number allows port and government authorities to identify your vessel while in use.
Getting a Boat License in Michigan. If you are wondering how to get a boating license/certificate, you must enroll in and successfully complete a course from an approved boat education school. To do so, you must: Enroll in the approved school of your choice through the methods required by that program.
To renew your registration with the MI Secretary of State, submit information about your boat AND the applicable renewal fees: Online using the ExpressSOS watercraft portal. In person at your local SOS office (bring your renewal notice with you). By mail, using the pre-addressed envelope included with your renewal notice.
A boat registration number acts like a boat’s license plate. Each boat registered in the state is given a registration number to prove that your boat has been legally registered. A registration number allows port and government authorities to identify your vessel while in use.