In Michigan, no one may operate a motor powered vessel over 6 hp if they are between the ages of 12 and 15, except if they successfully completed a state approved Boating Safety Course and have their Boating Safety Certificate onboard with them, or; if they are under the direct supervision of a responsible individual who themselves is at least 16 years of age. A Boating Safety Certificate is also required for all persons at least 14 years of age and born after December 31, 1978.
it’s pretty obvious to me. just read slowly and carefully.
Comment by Joe G — October 18, 2009 @ 9:42 am
A person between the ages of 12 and 15 must take a Boating Safety course before they can operate any motored vessel alone. This includes most outboard motors mounted on small fishing craft and Sea-Doo watercraft. You can contact the nearest Coast Guard office or the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to find an approved boating class near you and earn your Safety Certificate. You do not need the certificate if you are riding with a person at least 16 years old who has a certificate and is supervising the operation of the vessel. If you were born after 1978 you must have a certificate also.
Comment by Scorpian — October 20, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
Go slow or take a boating course…or go with someone at least 16 years old.
Comment by Andy — October 23, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
Children under 12 ( 0 to 11) CAN NOT operate a motorcraft in MI under any circumstances. Children from Children from 12 to 15 CAN operate a motorcraft in MI, IF:
a) They have completed a Boating Safety Course AND
b) Carry their Safe Boating Certificate on the boat with them
OR
a) They are under the supervision of someone who is 16 or older
EXCEPT anybody who turned 14 after 12-1-92 MUST have a Boating Safety Certificate whether they a re with someone 16 years old or not.
Okay, it made perfect sense to me, but they certainly could have made it a lot easier to read. The law must have come into effect in 1992, so that’s why all the confusing stuff about 14 year olds shows up.
Comment by John F — October 27, 2009 @ 4:14 am