What You Need To Know About Boating Regulations In Michigan

Warmer weather is beginning to roll into Michigan and boating season is ready to bloom.

Michigan is a true heaven for boaters. We have at least 3,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline and more than 11,000 inland lakes so everyone is getting ready to fire up their engines, raise a sail, or grab a paddle and brave the waters.

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But, how much do you know about Michigan’s boating laws and regulations? Probably not that much. So here are the things you need to know.

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It is easily spelled out on the Call Sam.com website. Here is what they say.

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DO YOU NEED A LICENSE?

No. Unlike motor vehicle drivers, who must have a license issued by the Secretary of State, Michigan law does not require boat operators to have a license.

However, a boating safety certificate is required for boaters born after July 1, 1996.

In addition, boaters must comply with the following regulations:

Individuals born before July 1, 1996, may legally operate a boat without restrictions

Those born on or after July 1, 1996 must have a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat with a motor (or motors) greater than 6 hp

May operate a boat powered by a motor of 6 hp or less without restrictions

May operate a boat with a motor between 6 hp and 35 hp only if they are directly supervised by someone 16 or older and have a boating safety certificate in their possession

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DOES MY BOAT HAVE TO BE REGISTERED IN MICHIGAN?

YES it does. All motorized boats must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State and assigned an identification number. This number must be displayed on the boat so it is visible on both sides and above the water.

WHAT ABOUT LIFE JACKETS?

This is really about life and death, so YES life jackets are required. Having one USCG-approved (U.S. Coast Guard) Type I, II, or III PDF for each person on board is the law.

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I WANT TO PARTY. CAN I HAVE ALCHOL ON MY BOAT?

Michigan law says boat operators are subject to the same legal limit as motor vehicle drivers. It is illegal to drive a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.

However, there is a zero-tolerance policy for boat operators under 21.
It is illegal for boat operators of any age to have any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance in their system such as heroin, cocaine, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy) and psilocybin.

You can find more about the alcohol laws by CLICKING HERE!

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Here's wishing you a happy and safe boating season!

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