Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by The Insurance Pros

🚤 Michigan Personal Watercraft (PWC) Laws & Age Rules for 2025

Family with life vests preparing to ride a personal watercraft on a Michigan lake near a dock, surrounded by trees and summer sky.If you or your teen plans to enjoy Michigan’s lakes and rivers on a Jet Ski or Sea-Doo this year, it’s important to understand the state’s updated personal watercraft (PWC) rules. Age restrictions, boater safety certificates, and supervision requirements all play a role in who can legally ride.

👶 Who is allowed to operate a personal watercraft in Michigan?

Michigan law outlines strict age-based rules for PWC operation. Here’s what’s required by the age group:

Under Age 12

  • ❌ May not legally operate a PWC under any circumstance.
  • ✅ May operate a motorboat of 6 HP or less without restrictions.
  • ⚠️ A motorboat between 6 and 35 HP may only be operated if:
    • They have a Michigan boating safety certificate, and
    • Are directly supervised by someone 16 years or older.

Ages 12–13

  • ✅ A person may operate a PWC only if all of the following conditions are met:
    • They have a boating safety certificate.
    • They are riding with a parent/legal guardian.
    • Both child and adult wear a lanyard-style ignition switch on their person, and
    • The PWC can accommodate a minimum of two riders.

Ages 14–15

  • ✅ May operate a PWC if they:
    • Hold a valid boating safety certificate, and
    • Are accompanied by or within 100 feet of a parent, guardian, or designated adult (21+).

Ages 16 and Older

  • ✅ Born after December 31, 1978: Must have a boating safety certificate to operate a PWC legally.
  • ✅ Born on or before December 31, 1978: May operate a PWC without restrictions.

📜 Boater Safety Certificate: Where to Register

Teens and adults needing a certificate can take the official Michigan Boater Safety Course online:

🔗 Register at Boat-Ed.com

⚠️ Michigan Personal Watercraft Safety Rules

In addition to age restrictions, all PWC operators in Michigan must follow these general rules:

  • 🔒 Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • 🚫 PWCs may not be operated between sunset and 8 a.m.
  • 📏 Maintain a safe distance (100 feet) from docks, swimmers, and anchored boats.
  • 🔄 PWCs must have a working lanyard-style ignition switch attached to the operator.

💡 Want to Protect Your Watercraft?

Not all policies cover your Jet Ski or Sea-Doo the same way. Read more about Michigan boat and PWC insurance here, or get a fast quote below.

 🚤 Get a Free Watercraft Insurance Quote