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 14 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 14 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 14 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

On Line 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 Community Services Unit will be offering a proctored exam on the following dates.

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.

If you are interested in taking the proctored exam please call 616-632-6221 to register.

Boaters Safety Classes

Additional Boaters Safety Classes are provided by the Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron; for a complete listing of their classes, see their website.

Snowmobile Safety Classes

Instructor Terry Barton DNR certified, call to register 616-863-6322 Rockford Middle School between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

A person, who is at least 12 but less than 17 years of age, may operate a snowmobile if they have a valid snowmobile safety certificate in their possession. The safety certificate allows 12 but less than 17 years of age to cross roads, drive the snowmobile into a public parking area, including gas stations, and motel. This also includes operating on the plowed edge of county roads that have been open to snowmobiles by the county.

Persons that are 11 years of age are welcome to take the coarse if they will be turning 12 during the snowmobile season. Noting that the safety certificate does not become valid until their 12 birthday.

Those seeking the safety certificate must attend both nights.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Hunters Safety Classes

ORV Class