WHO MAY OPERATE A BOAT
Less than 12 years old:
No more than 6 hp unrestricted
6 to 35 hp if directly supervised by a person at least 16 years old on board
may not operate a boat over 35 hp legally

12 to 15 Years old:
No more than 6 hp unrestricted
Over 6 hp only if have their boater safety certificate on board or  are accompanied on board by a person at least 16 years old

16 years old or older:
May operate any boat on the waters of Michigan exceptions may include Personal Water Craft or vessels requirering a license.

WHO MAY OPERATE A PWC
CHANGES TO THE CURRENT LAW LINK

CURRENT AGES
Under 12 years old MAY NOT operate a PWC

12 and 13 year olds may operate a PWC if ALL of the following are met - The parent or legal guardian are on board AND both the operator AND parent or guardian have a their safety certificate on board AND the PWC has a lanyard style safety switch attached to the adult AND the PWC is designed for 2 or more passengers

Those 14 years old and older if born before December 31, 1978 may operate a PWC without restriction; those born after December 31, 1978 must have their safety certificate on board