Minimum Age for Motorboat Operators

Boaters under 16 years of age must meet certain requirements before they can legally operate a boat with a motor larger than 6 horsepower:

These requirements are:

• Under 12 years of age - must be directly supervised by someone 16 years old or older. The Boat must not have a power motor totaling more than 35 horse power.
• 12-16 years of age - must possess a boating safety course certificate or be directly supervised by someone at least 16 years of age.
• The boating safety certificate must be carried and presented upon the demand of the peace officer.

Personal Watercraft Regulations

• A person under the age of 16 shall not operate a personal watercraft (Wave Runner and Jet Ski) in the state of Michigan.
• A person who is 12 or more and less than 16 years of age may use a personal watercraft on the waters of the state of Michigan if all of the following circumstances exist:
• The person is accompanied solely by the person's parent or legal guardian.
• Both the person and the parent or legal guardian have obtained a boating safety certificate.
• The personal watercraft is equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch and the parent of legal guardian has the lanyard attached to his or her person, clothing, or personal flotation device.
• The personal watercraft is designed to carry not less than 2 persons.
• Those 16 years of age or older:
• A person born after December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC only if he or she has obtained a boating safety certificate.
• Those born December 31, 1978, or earlier may operate a PWC without restrictions.

Boaters Safety Exams

Online Boaters Safety Exams can be taken at www.boated.com or thru the Michigan DNR website at www.mi.gov/dnr

After completion of the online boater’s safety exam the Kent County Sheriffs Department Marine Unit will be offering a proctored exam on the following dates. All classes will be held at 1:00pm. 

The proctored exam will be given at the Sheriff’s Office located at 701 Ball Ave NE. You must bring a copy of your online certificate (we keep this) and a pen or pencil. The exam is 50 questions, you must have 38 correct to pass. Registration is not required to take the proctored exam.

Boaters Safety Class