You can enjoy unmatched recreational fun on the water, and see hundreds of different plants and animals along the shorelines of Michigan’s four Great Lakes and 11,000 inland lakes and rivers. Michigan also has over 7,000 miles of canoeable streams, 13,000 miles of trout waters, and over 700 access sites, many of which are maintained by local governments or organizations in partnership with the DNR.

Who Needs to Take Boater Safety in Michigan: Michigan conservation officers and Michigan county sheriffs encourage all persons operating boats in Michigan to enroll in a boating safety course.The following rules apply to boaters: A person who is 12 but less than 14 may operate a personal watercraft if he or she obtained a boating safety certificate before January 1, 1999.Persons born after December 31, 1978 shall not operate a personal watercraft unless they obtain a boating safety certificate. The operators of a personal watercraft must carry their boating safety certificate and display it upon the demand of a peace officer. Search for a Boating Safety Class in your area.

Find out more information about boating in Michigan.
The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Michigan now offers two online boating safety classes and Exam:

BoatEd.com and BoaterExam.com

By operating a vessel on Michigan waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement official. Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)/Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUID) Sanctions: First conviction  May not operate a watercraft for six months to one year. Second conviction within seven years  May not operate a watercraft for one to two years. Third conviction within 10 years  Revocation of watercraft operating privileges. Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (OUIL)/Unlawful Bodily Alcohol Content (UBAC)/Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUID)/Combined OUIL/UBAC/ Combined OUIL/OUID Sanctions: First conviction  May not operate a watercraft for one to two years. Second conviction within seven years  May not operate a watercraft for two years. Third conviction within 10 years  Revocation of watercraft operating privileges. Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (OUIL)/Operating Under the Influence of Drugs (OUID) (causing injury— felony)/OUIL/OUID (causing death—felony) Sanctions:  Revocation of watercraft operating privileges.

Personal watercraft (PWC) are a popular form of recreation on Michigan’s lakes and rivers. To operate a PWC in Michigan, the following age requirements are in effect:  If you were born after Dec. 31, 1978, you must have a boating safety certification to operate a PWC.  You must be at least age 14 to operate a PWC.  No child under age 12 may operate a PWC. However, children ages 12 and 13 may operate a PWC if all of the following apply:  The child is accompanied solely by the parent or legal guardian.  Both the child and parent or guardian have a boating safety certificate.  The PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch that is attached to the parent or guardian.

All watercraft on Michigan waters, including privately owned lakes and waterways, must be registered except:
Watercraft 16 feet or less, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes. Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats, regardless of length.  Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.  For most watercraft, the registration fee is based on the length of the watercraft. All registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.