Safety

Boating safety is a top priority for all CLYC members, especially for our parents who want their kids to enjoy Crystal Lake without endangering themselves or others. This section of the CLYC web is intended to be helpful in this regard; however, we can not guarantee that recent changes in the law are reflected here.

Boating Safety Certificates

In Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources administers boating safety laws, as described in the DNR's Michigan Boating Guide. In particular, the following Minimum Age for Motorboat Operators is of particular relevance to parents (and adults who wish to operate PWCs).

Boaters under 16 years of age must meet certain requirements before they can legally operate a boat with a motor larger than 6 horsepower. These requirements are:
Under 12 years of age -- must be directly supervised by someone 16 years old or older. The boat must not have a motor power totaling more than 35 horsepower.
12-16 years of age -- must possess a boating safety course certificate or be directly supervised by someone at least 16 years of age.
If a person is at least 14 years old or born after December 31, 1978, he or she must possess their boating safety certificate to operate a personal watercraft.
The boating safety certificate must be carried and presented upon the demand of a peace officer.

For kids 12-16 years of age to operate any motorboat, they must carry a Boating Safety Certificate issued in Michigan. To this end, the CLYC arranges each summer for the Benzie County Sheriff's Department to give the Michigan boating safety class and administer the exam at the CLYC clubhouse. Check the latest calendar for dates and times.

Members whose kids cannot attend these sessions should contact the Sheriff at 231-882-4484 for information about classes given at the Sheriff's Offices.

Operating a Personal Watercraft

Rules for PWCs appear to be a bit different, as stated in the DNR's Personal Watercraft Regulations.

In particular, the following regulations appear to be relevant for kids and all non-residents:

Age Requirement

A person shall not operate a personal watercraft if a child under 7 years of age is on board or towed unless with a parent or guardian or designee of parent or guardian.
A person under the age of 14 shall not operate a personal watercraft in this state.
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.

Out of State Residence Requirement

Beginning March 31, 2000, persons who are not residents of this state (Michigan) shall only operate a personal watercraft if they possess one of the following:

A boating safety certificate.
A certificate from their state that is substantially similar to the education and training for Michigan.
A certificate from a course approved by the national association of state boating law administrators education committee that shows completion of a boating or personal watercraft course.

Internet Safety Courses

General Boating Course: Test your nautical knowledge with our 55 question (50 general boating and 5 state-specific), General Boating Course. This test covers a broad range of topics that are appropriate for powerboaters and sailors. You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of this 55 question, NASBLA approved course.
Personal Watercraft Course: Test your knowledge of the rules-of-the-road with our 55 question (50 general boating and 5 state-specific) Personal Watercraft Course. This version of our online test covers the information found in the General Boating Course, but with an emphasis on the needs of the PWC operator.