How long does it take to get a Michigan boating license?
The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
How many questions is the boating exam Michigan?
You need a grade of 80% or higher on the boating certification exam to pass. That means 48 correct answers out of 60.
Can a 13 year old drive a boat in Michigan?
Those 12 to 15 Years of Age
May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 horse power legally only if they: Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have on board their boating safety certificate or are accompanied on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
What do you need to get a boating license in Michigan?
Boating Safety (Education)
- Take a boating safety class at www.boatEd.com.
- Take and pass the final exam.
- Print out your permanent Michigan boating safety certificate once you have successfully completed the course and passed the exam.
Can a 14 year old drive a jet ski in Michigan?
Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) (ie. jet ski, wave runner). Operating or riding the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from their parent legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age.
How old do you have to be to get a boating license in Michigan?
16 years of age
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.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Michigan?
While passengers on a boat are legally allowed to drink, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous.
What’s a PWC boat?
The official definition of personal watercraft (PWC) varies from state to state, but they are generally recognized as a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power. The vessels are designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling.
Can you drive a boat with a suspended license in Michigan?
Not in Michigan, but if your auto license is suspended, restricted, or revoked, you can’t operate a boat either.
Do you need insurance on a boat in Michigan?
Boat insurance is not required in Michigan, but all motorized boats are required to be registered. However, if you have a boat loan, the lender may require you to carry boat insurance to protect their investment in your boat.
Do you need a license to drive a pontoon boat in 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.
What is an example of an acceptable visual distress signal?
USCG Approved Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals and Associated Devices include: Pyrotechnic red flares, hand held or aerial. Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand held or floating. Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.
Do you need to register a kayak in Michigan?
All motorized vessels need to be registered with the Michigan Department of State. This includes kayaks and canoes that have a trolling motor attached. All registrations are valid for three years and expire on March 31st. Motorized vessels that are 20 feet or longer also need to be titled.
Do you have to wear a lifejacket in a kayak in Michigan?
Do you need a life jacket to kayak in Michigan? Yes. All vessels must have one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device of Type I, II or III for each person on board. And all persons under 6 years of age, when in the open deck area, must wear a Type I or II PFD.
How old do you have to be to not wear a life jacket on a boat in Michigan?
6 years of age
Michigan life jacket laws:
Michigan law requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG-approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel while underway.
Can you drink while kayaking in Michigan?
Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water. Passengers—and the watercraft operator—can openly cruise around with a bottle or two. But that’s where the leniency stops. Just as operating a motor vehicle under the influence is illegal, so is jumping behind the wheel of a boat.
How much is a ticket for no life jacket in Michigan?
Marine Fines
| Description | Fee or Action |
|---|---|
| Description Fail to Provide PFD – No life jacket | Fee or Action $110.00 |
| Child under 6 years without Life Jacket | Fee or Action $110.00 |
| No Lights on Boat | Fee or Action $145.00 |
| Unregistered Watercraft – fail to display reg, numbers, decal | Fee or Action $120.00 |
Are Puddle Jumpers approved for boating?
Here’s the answer: Coast Guard approved puddle jumpers are approved for boating, being superb swimming aids. However, they should only be used in certain circumstances such as when swimming and anchored down and some state laws might prohibit their use whilst the boat is in motion.
What size boat do you not need a life jacket?
On all boats less than 4.8m (unless specified). Level 50S or greater at all times when: Boating between sunset and sunrise.
Do inflatable life jackets count?
A number of companies have been producing inflatable life jackets for some time and foredeck crews on ocean racing yachts have used inflatables for years. But they were not Coast Guard approved and could not count toward federal carriage requirements.
Do life jackets flip you on your back?
Standard Type lifejackets are approved for all vessels, except SOLAS vessels. They: turn you on your back to keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious.
What makes a life jacket serviceable?
PFD is free of rips, tears, and holes in the fabric. Seams, straps, and buckles should are in good condition. PFD is free of mildew odor and waterlogging. The buoyant material is not showing any sign of shrinkage.
Do seat cushions count as life jackets?
A Type IV throwable device can be a square style, or a ring buoy or horseshoe buoy mounted on deck. A Type IV is not for unconscious persons, non-swimmers or children. Although these devices are often referred to as seat cushions, you should never use it as such.
What is Type 2 life jacket?
A Type II PFD is an approved device designed to turn an unconscious person in the water from a face downward position to a vertical or slightly backward position, and to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
What does Type 3 PFD mean?
FLOTATION AID
A TYPE III PFD, or FLOTATION AID, is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This PFD type will not turn unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD.