A birth date decides who needs Michigan's boating safety certificate on a motorboat. Born on or after which date?Answer: July 1, 1996. Source: MCL 324.80141(2)
A Michigan boater is convicted of reckless operation of a vessel for a second time. What must the court order?Answer: Completion of a marine safety educational program approved by the department. Source: MCL 324.80147(3)
A Michigan boater shows an electronic copy of the certificate on a phone. What does section 80141(4) say about the phone?Answer: Showing the copy is not presumed to be consent to a search of the device. Source: MCL 324.80141(4)
A Michigan peace officer who identifies himself or herself demands a boater's certificate. What may the boater show instead of the paper?Answer: An electronic copy in a format approved by the department. Source: MCL 324.80141(3)
A person rents a personal watercraft from a Michigan boat livery. When does the written rental agreement count as a boating safety certificate?Answer: Only on the dates shown on it, while operating the rented craft. Source: MCL 324.80201
Show all 96 questions (91 more)
Boating safety certificate, continued
Besides classroom teaching, which kind of boating safety course does section 80211 let the department or its agent offer?Answer: A video or home study course. Source: MCL 324.80211(2)
For a personal watercraft, Michigan's certificate rule reaches further back. It covers a person born after which date?Answer: December 31, 1978. Source: MCL 324.80215(3)
For how long is a Michigan boating safety certificate good, unless it is revoked?Answer: For the life of the person who earned it. Source: MCL 324.80212(3)
For whom may the director modify or suspend Michigan's boating safety certificate requirements in writing?Answer: Individuals engaged in an authorized marine event. Source: MCL 324.80214
Michigan's marine safety educational programs must tell boaters how and where to report what?Answer: A marine fuel spill. Source: MCL 324.80140(3)
On a conviction for reckless operation of a personal watercraft in Michigan, what must the court order?Answer: That the person complete a boating safety course. Source: MCL 324.80208(2)
Section 80140(2) has the department run a training program that ends in a boating safety certificate. For whom?Answer: Youthful boat operators. Source: MCL 324.80140(2)
Section 80141(2), Michigan's certificate rule by birth date, applies when a motorboat's motor or motors total more than what power?Answer: 6 horsepower. Source: MCL 324.80141(2)
What must a dealer tell each person who buys a personal watercraft in Michigan?Answer: The sources of boating safety courses in the area. Source: MCL 324.80217
What two things earn a Michigan boating safety certificate under section 80212?Answer: Completing a boating safety course and passing an examination prescribed by the department. Source: MCL 324.80212(1)
Which other document counts as a boating safety certificate in Part 802's definitions?Answer: A United States Coast Guard Auxiliary document for its boating safety course. Source: MCL 324.80201
Which topic must the department include in its marine safety educational programs under section 80140?Answer: Proper marine fueling techniques. Source: MCL 324.80140(3)
Who may not charge for boating safety instruction or for awarding certificates under section 80211?Answer: The department, another state agency, or a law enforcement agency. Source: MCL 324.80211(2)
Whose minimum course content must a Michigan boating safety course meet or exceed, besides being approved by the department?Answer: The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators'. Source: MCL 324.80201
Operators under 12 and under 16 9
A 14-year-old operates a personal watercraft alone in Michigan. How near must the parent or designated adult be?Answer: Not more than 100 feet away. Source: MCL 324.80215(4)
A child under 7 rides on a personal watercraft in Michigan. In whose company must the child be?Answer: A parent or guardian, or a designee of the parent or guardian. Source: MCL 324.80205(3)
A person under 12 wants to run a motorboat of more than 6 horsepower in Michigan. How old must the supervisor on board be?Answer: 16 or older. Source: MCL 324.80141(1)
Below what age does section 80141(1) add its supervision rule for motorboats over 6 horsepower?Answer: Under 12. Source: MCL 324.80141(1)
Section 80215(4)(a) lets a parent name a stand-in to ride along with a 15-year-old on a personal watercraft. What age must the stand-in have reached?Answer: 21 or older. Source: MCL 324.80215(4)
The supervisor of a Michigan operator under 12 was born in 1998. What must that supervisor hold?Answer: A boating safety certificate. Source: MCL 324.80141(1)
What is the most horsepower a supervised Michigan operator under 12 may have at the controls?Answer: 35 horsepower. Source: MCL 324.80141(1)
What is the youngest age at which a person may operate a personal watercraft in Michigan under section 80215(4)?Answer: 14. Source: MCL 324.80215(4)
Who else is covered when an underage person operates a personal watercraft against section 80215?Answer: The owner or person in charge who authorizes or knowingly permits it. Source: MCL 324.80215(5)
Life jackets 6
Besides the operator, who must make sure a child under 6 wears the device on a Michigan vessel?Answer: The parent or guardian who accompanies the child on board. Source: MCL 324.80142(2)
On a Michigan vessel, a child below what age in an open deck area must wear a personal flotation device?Answer: Less than 6 years. Source: MCL 324.80142(1)
Section 80142(3) takes one kind of boat for hire out of the wearing rule for children under 6. Which?Answer: Charter boats bearing a valid certificate of inspection. Source: MCL 324.80142(3)
What kind of flotation device does not satisfy Michigan's rule for a person being towed?Answer: An inflatable personal flotation device. Source: MCL 324.80152(1)
Which types of device does section 80142 require for a child under 6 in an open deck area?Answer: Type I or type II. Source: MCL 324.80142(1)
Who is excepted from Michigan's requirements to have a personal flotation device and a throwable device in a vessel?Answer: A person in a racing shell or rowing scull. Source: MCL 324.80164a
Speed, slow-no wake and distances 18
A local government asks for a lower limit on its waters. What maximum may the Michigan department then set under section 80146(3)?Answer: One not to exceed 40 miles per hour. Source: MCL 324.80146(3)
A person sits on the bow of a Michigan motorboat that was not made with bow seating. How fast may the boat go?Answer: No more than slow-no wake speed. Source: MCL 324.80148
Besides a rider on the bow, which circumstance holds a Michigan motorboat to slow-no wake speed under section 80148?Answer: A person or part of a person's body extends beyond the port or starboard walls of the hull. Source: MCL 324.80148
For how long may a Michigan court prohibit a person convicted of reckless operation from operating a vessel?Answer: Not more than 2 years. Source: MCL 324.80147(3)
For how long may a temporary reduced speed limit stay in effect under section 80146?Answer: Not more than 14 days. Source: MCL 324.80146(6)
How does Part 802 define slow-no wake speed?Answer: A very slow speed so that the resulting wake or wash is minimal. Source: MCL 324.80201
How far must a Michigan vessel at speed keep from a dock, a raft, a bathing area or a moored vessel under section 80149?Answer: 100 feet. Source: MCL 324.80149(1)
How is a restricted area closed to vessels marked under section 80150?Answer: By buoys, beacons or other distinguishing devices. Source: MCL 324.80150
In areas not marked by channels, canals, rivers or stream courses, in which direction must Michigan vessels operate so far as reasonably possible?Answer: Counter-clockwise. Source: MCL 324.80149(1)
In water less than how deep must a Michigan vessel within 100 feet of the shoreline hold to slow-no wake speed?Answer: 3 feet. Source: MCL 324.80146(9)
On which Michigan waters does the 55 mile per hour limit not apply, more than 1 mile from the shoreline?Answer: The Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair. Source: MCL 324.80146(2)
Section 80145 ties a Michigan vessel's speed to stopping. Within what must the operator be able to stop?Answer: The assured clear distance ahead. Source: MCL 324.80145
Section 80146(2) supplies a default top speed for boats where nothing stricter is posted. What is it?Answer: 55 miles per hour. Source: MCL 324.80146(2)
Section 80149 keeps Michigan vessels a set distance from docks, rafts and anchored boats. When may a vessel come closer?Answer: At slow-no wake speed, or when picking up or dropping off water skiers. Source: MCL 324.80149(1)
To whom does the bow-riding rule of section 80148 not apply?Answer: A person on board who is attempting to anchor, moor or dock the vessel. Source: MCL 324.80148
What does Michigan law call operating a vessel carelessly and heedlessly in disregard of the rights or safety of others?Answer: Reckless operation of a vessel. Source: MCL 324.80147(1)
While a Michigan vessel is under way, where may an occupant not sit, stand or walk?Answer: On any portion of the vessel not specially designed for that purpose. Source: MCL 324.80153
Who may establish restricted wake zones in Michigan during a declared state of emergency or disaster?Answer: The governor. Source: MCL 324.80146(8)
Towing skiers and divers' flags 11
A Michigan boat pulls a water skier. Whom does section 80152(1)(a) require aboard in addition to whoever steers?Answer: A person able to tell the operator the condition and needs of the person towed. Source: MCL 324.80152(1)
A Michigan ski school's vessel tows a student with no observer. What must the vessel be equipped with?Answer: A 170-degree wide-angle rearview mirror. Source: MCL 324.80152(5)
During which period may a Michigan vessel not tow a person on water skis?Answer: From 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise. Source: MCL 324.80151
How close to a buoyed diver's flag may a Michigan vessel be operated, unless it is tendering the dive?Answer: No closer than 200 feet. Source: MCL 324.80155
May a person being towed on water skis be guilty of reckless operation in Michigan?Answer: Yes; of reckless operation of the contrivance he or she controls. Source: MCL 324.80147(2)
Section 80155 describes the colors and stripe of the flag flown over a dive. Which description fits?Answer: Red, with a white stripe from one upper corner to a diagonal lower corner. Source: MCL 324.80155
What is the smallest size for a Michigan diver's flag?Answer: 14 inches by 16 inches. Source: MCL 324.80155
What must a person diving with a mechanical diving device place at or near the point of submergence in Michigan?Answer: A buoy or boat bearing the diver's flag. Source: MCL 324.80155
When may a Michigan diver's flag be in place?Answer: Only while actual diving operations are in progress. Source: MCL 324.80155
Which towing craft is excepted from Michigan's observer rule because the person being towed operates it?Answer: A motorboat less than 16 feet built so it cannot carry the operator. Source: MCL 324.80152(5)
Within what surface area of the flag must a Michigan diver stay?Answer: 100 feet. Source: MCL 324.80155
Personal watercraft 16
A Michigan personal watercraft crosses behind another vessel at speed. How far behind must it stay?Answer: At least 150 feet. Source: MCL 324.80205(6)
A Michigan personal watercraft exceeds a speed set under Part 801. What is the operator guilty of?Answer: Reckless operation of a personal watercraft. Source: MCL 324.80205(12)
A personal watercraft built for two carries three in Michigan. What is that evidence of?Answer: Reckless operation of a watercraft, prima facie. Source: MCL 324.80205(11)
For how long may a Michigan court prohibit a person from operating a personal watercraft after a reckless operation conviction?Answer: Not more than 2 years. Source: MCL 324.80208(2)
How far must a Michigan personal watercraft at speed keep from a dock, a raft, a swimming area or a person in the water?Answer: Not less than 100 feet. Source: MCL 324.80209(2)
How far must a Michigan personal watercraft keep from a submerged diver or a vessel engaged in underwater diving?Answer: Not less than 200 feet. Source: MCL 324.80209(3)
How may a personal watercraft cross the 200-foot shoreline band on a Great Lake in Michigan?Answer: At slow-no wake speed, perpendicular to the shoreline. Source: MCL 324.80209(1)
In water less than how deep may a Michigan personal watercraft run only at slow-no wake speed, or to dock or launch?Answer: 2 feet. Source: MCL 324.80205(7)
On a Great Lake under Michigan's jurisdiction, how far must a personal watercraft keep from the shoreline at speed?Answer: 200 feet. Source: MCL 324.80209(1)
Section 80205(5) keeps personal watercraft off Michigan waters for part of each day. From when until when?Answer: From sunset to 8 a.m. Source: MCL 324.80205(5)
Section 80205(9) gives three examples of a personal watercraft maneuver that endangers life, limb or property. Which is one of them?Answer: Waiting until the last possible moment before swerving to avoid a collision. Source: MCL 324.80205(9)
Section 80205(10) caps the riders on a personal watercraft. At what number?Answer: No more than it is designed to carry. Source: MCL 324.80205(10)
What kind of flotation device may nobody on board a Michigan personal watercraft rely on?Answer: An inflatable one. Source: MCL 324.80205(2)
Where are the riders positioned on a personal watercraft, as Part 802 defines it?Answer: On, rather than within, the confines of the hull. Source: MCL 324.80201
Where does the 100-foot rule of section 80209(2) not apply to a personal watercraft?Answer: In a navigable channel, canal, river or stream not otherwise posted. Source: MCL 324.80209(4)
Whose time for sunset does Michigan's personal watercraft section use?Answer: The National Weather Service's. Source: MCL 324.80205(5)
Casualties and peace officers 9
A Michigan casualty is reported to a city police officer. What must that officer do with the report?Answer: Report it without delay to the sheriff of the county where it occurred. Source: MCL 324.80135
A Michigan vessel bears a vessel safety check decal that is still in effect. When may a peace officer stop and inspect it?Answer: With a reasonable suspicion of a marine law violation or other criminal activity. Source: MCL 324.80166
A peace officer directs a moving vessel in Michigan. What must its operator do at once?Answer: Bring the vessel to a stop, or maneuver so the officer can come beside it. Source: MCL 324.80166
The operator in a Michigan casualty does not own the vessel. What must the operator give besides his or her own name, address and vessel identification?Answer: The name and address of the owner of the vessel. Source: MCL 324.80134
Section 80133 names one kind of help for an injured person after a Michigan casualty. Which?Answer: Transporting the injured person to a physician or surgeon. Source: MCL 324.80133
Section 80133(2) shields a person who gives aid in good faith at a Michigan boating casualty, without objection. When does the shield apply?Answer: When acting as an ordinary, reasonably prudent person would have acted. Source: MCL 324.80133
To whom must the operator report a collision or other casualty involving a vessel in Michigan?Answer: The nearest peace officer, state police post, or the county sheriff. Source: MCL 324.80135
Which document must a Michigan operator exhibit at the officer's request under section 80166?Answer: The certificate of number awarded for the vessel. Source: MCL 324.80166
Whose duty is it to render reasonable assistance after a Michigan casualty, besides the operators involved?Answer: The operator of any other vessel, so far as it can be done without serious danger. Source: MCL 324.80133
Mufflers, buoys and beaches 8
A Michigan motorboat has more than 1 engine. How is the sound test run?Answer: With all motors or engines operating. Source: MCL 324.80156
Great Lakes waves wash over a public pier in Michigan. What share of the waves makes it unsafe to use under section 80198a?Answer: 1/3 of the waves. Source: MCL 324.80198a
How far beyond the buoyed area of a public bathing beach may a swimmer from that beach not go in Michigan?Answer: Within 100 feet beyond it. Source: MCL 324.80198b
Section 80156(1) gives a decibel figure for a muffled engine tested at rest under SAE J2005. What is it?Answer: 90 dB(A). Source: MCL 324.80156
To which lawfully placed buoys may a vessel be moored in Michigan?Answer: Mooring buoys only. Source: MCL 324.80162
What must a Michigan bathing beach kept mainly for public use have before people may swim from it?Answer: Buoys outlining a safe bathing or swimming area. Source: MCL 324.80198b
What sound level may a Michigan motorboat not exceed in the shoreline measurement?Answer: 75 dB(A). Source: MCL 324.80156
Who decides what marine safety equipment a Michigan vessel must carry, store, maintain and use?Answer: The department. Source: MCL 324.80143a
How this list was compiled: Written only from the Michigan Compiled Laws, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994): Part 801, Marine Safety (sections 324.80133, 324.80134, 324.80135, 324.80140, 324.80141, 324.80142, 324.80143a, 324.80145, 324.80146, 324.80147, 324.80148, 324.80149, 324.80150, 324.80151, 324.80152, 324.80153, 324.80155, 324.80156, 324.80162, 324.80164a, 324.80166, 324.80198a and 324.80198b) and Part 802, Personal Watercraft (sections 324.80201, 324.80205, 324.80208, 324.80209, 324.80211, 324.80212, 324.80214, 324.80215 and 324.80217), each read on the Michigan Legislature's site, https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-451-1994-III-4-5-801, on 2026-10-02. Each question names its section and links to it. That an examination exists is section 324.80212: the department issues a boating safety certificate to an individual who completes a boating safety course and passes an examination the department prescribes. No section read gives a number of questions or a pass mark, so none is stored here. The Michigan Administrative Code was not read and nothing is asked from it. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the statute text; nothing is copied from a boater handbook, a boating course, a course provider's study guide or another practice test.
How it works
This unofficial Michigan boaters safety study guide drills state law and nothing else: Part 801, Marine Safety, and Part 802, Personal Watercraft, with the section under each answer. Buoys, navigation rules and handling stay with the course. Read October 2026.
Read the full guide
July 1, 1996, 6 horsepower, 100 feet
Section 80141 asks anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, for a boating safety certificate on a motorboat over 6 horsepower; under 12, a supervisor of 16 rides along and 35 horsepower is the cap. Personal watercraft have their own line: born after December 31, 1978 (80215). Vessels at speed keep 100 feet from docks, rafts and anchored boats (80149).
The course and examination in the statute
Section 80212 issues the certificate after a boating safety course and an examination the department prescribes; it is valid for life unless revoked. The statute gives no question count or pass mark.
Two clocks: towing a skier stops 1 hour after sunset; a personal watercraft stops at sunset until 8 a.m.
Questions and answers
Who needs a boating safety certificate in Michigan?
A person born on or after July 1, 1996, to operate a motorboat of more than 6 horsepower (section 80141), and a person born after December 31, 1978, to operate a personal watercraft (section 80215).
Is there a Michigan boat safety study guide PDF?
No PDF file is offered here. After a round of ten answers the score card shows Print: it lists those questions, to trim or add to, and sends them to your browser's print dialog.
How many questions are on the Michigan boating safety exam, and what is the pass mark?
Parts 801 and 802 give neither number. Section 80212 only says the department prescribes the examination. This site, not the law, set Exam mode at 25 questions, and it draws no pass line.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Michigan?
Under 12, a person may run a motorboat over 6 horsepower only with a supervisor of 16 or older aboard and no more than 35 horsepower (80141). A personal watercraft takes an operator of at least 14, with conditions until 16 (80215).
Is this study guide from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources?
No. This page is unofficial and is not a government website; the department has not reviewed any of it. Every answer cites a section of the Michigan Compiled Laws that you can open.